9 Effective Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease Prevention

With the American population living longer and healthier lives due to advancements in health care, more and more people are living to an age where they develop the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Because Alzheimer’s disease can have such devastating consequences, there’s a lot of interest in how to prevent this chronic, progressive disease. Recent research shows there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting this progressive form of dementia. Here are some steps you can take to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Maintain a healthy heart

What does your heart have to do with your risk of contracting Alzheimer’s disease? Studies have shown that the same factors that increase your risk for heart disease also make you more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. Reducing blood lipid levels, controlling hypertension, and keeping diabetes under control can be important steps to take to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. By doing these things, you're also reducing your risk of a heart attack.

Maintain a healthy weight

Your weight is not only important for your overall health, it’s also a factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Get your weight under control if you want to preserve your brain function throughout life.

Cognitive training

A number of studies have shown that persons at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease can cut their risk by practicing cognitive training to sharpen their cognitive skills. Cognitive training has even been shown to reduce cognitive decline in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. . It seems to be true what they say about "use it or lose it". Keep your brain well exercised by pursuing creative and challenging activities.

Avoid alcohol

Alcohol in high doses can cause damage to brain cells. Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, preferably red wine, which has lots of heart healthy antioxidants.

Stop smoking.

Smokers have up to a five times faster rate of decline in mental function as they age when compared to nonsmokers. There appears to be little doubt that smoking has unhealthy effects on brain tissue. Plus, smoking is unhealthy for your heart and lungs.

Exercise

Not only does regular, aerobic exercise decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, it also slows cognitive decline in those who already have it. A brisk walk for 30-45 minutes three times a week should help to keep your brain cells healthy and serve as Alzheimer’s disease prevention.

Eat a healthy diet

Studies have shown consumption of a Mediterranean style diet with lots of omega 3 fatty acids from sources such as fish may reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Spare the red meat and go heavy on the fish and vegetables if you want to preserve your brain function.

Be social

Studies have shown that an active social network is excellent for Alzheimer’s disease prevention. When you actively interact with others on a social basis, you're stimulating your brain cells to function at peak capacity. You may also be encouraging formation of  new brain cell connections. Get out and interact with others by doing volunteer work, joining clubs, and attending social functions. It's a great way to keep your brain sharp.

Interacting With Animals

Interacting with animals have clear therapeutic benefits for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. I am sure that most of the benefits discussed below will be obvious to anyone who has ever kept a pet. I will discuss four specific benefits, but of course, there are many others.

Paro Therapeutic robot

Assisted living communities like some of Platinum Communities residences, such as Golden Harbor in Sheboygan have recently “adopted” PARO, “a lifelike, interactive robot baby harp seal designed to produce the documented benefits of animal therapy to patients in hospitals and extended-care facilities.”

If you’re concerned about your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, give some of these strategies to prevent Alzheimer’s disease a try.

Article Written By Steve Graham