7 strategies to prevent or delay the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s is the progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain.

There is a lot of discussion in the elderly care community these days regarding Alzheimer’s disease. With advances in medical technology, people are living longer than in past generations. It seems that many people are able to move physically better, but they have more challenges with mental health problems like Alzheimer’s.

According to WebMD, the biggest risk factor attributed to Alzheimer’s is aging. Statistics show that one in eight people aged 65 and over has it. Genetics can be a factor in determining whether you will develop Alzheimer’s, but not a certainty. A smaller subset of people can develop early-onset Alzheimer’s in their 40s or 50s and, although rare, at a younger age.

Unfortunately, at this time, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but that is not the end of the story. Due to the increasing number of people developing the disease, some researchers are shifting their focus to prevention rather than cure. We are learning more about the strategies that can be implemented to prevent or delay the symptoms of the disease. These strategies listed below are lifestyle choices to keep your mind strong and last longer.

To sleep – A good night’s sleep on a regular basis is essential for you to function at optimal capacity. There are divergent opinions on the number of hours it takes to get a good night’s sleep. The range I see most often is 7-9 hours a night.

Nutrition and hydration – Mild dehydration has been linked to decreased brain function, so be sure to stay hydrated. Eating a heart-healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats will also protect your brain. Other antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries, walnuts, red potatoes, green tea, and blueberries, can help flush toxins from your system to protect important cells.

Exercise – Studies show that physical exercise reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 50 percent. Fitness coaches recommend 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 5 times a week. This is not a hard and fast rule, do what you can when you can. The type and amount of exercise will vary based on your age, your current activity level, and your health. Take it in moderation. The idea is to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. Little things like taking your dog for a walk, parking at the end of a parking lot, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator will help you move in the right direction.

Mental stimulation – Keep those neurons firing and producing new cells by learning something new. Take a class to learn a new language or to learn to play a musical instrument. Play board games, solve a crossword, or go online to find a website that has brain games or exercises. There are also many brain game apps to choose from on smartphones.

Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements – Vitamins B12, D, folic acid, fish oil, and magnesium are believed to provide healthy benefits for the brain. Studies on herbal supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10, and turmeric, suggested that they may also provide benefits for preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s disease, but you should speak with your doctor before starting a regimen of herbal supplements.

Reduce stress – Chronic or severe stress has a damaging effect on the brain. It can shrink cells and prevent the growth of new cells in the memory area of ​​the brain called the hippocampus, which increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine, such as deep breathing, meditation, a walk in the park, or a relaxing bath.

Active social life – We, as human beings, are very social and we need interaction with each other. As we age, we can isolate ourselves for many reasons. Studies have shown that the more we interact with others, the better we perform on cognitive and memory tests. So stay connected! Talk to family and friends on the phone or social media. Join a group or association and meet new people. Get to know your neighbors.