Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological affliction that affects the part of the brain that has to do with memory and language. Use natural health to lower your risk.
About five million people have this disease in the U.S. with family and friends noticing gradual memory loss and personality changes of their loved ones. Current estimates are that half of those over 85 years old will have the problem. The worsening victims eventually forget names, don’t recognize loved ones, can’t do finances, and can become violent or roam away from safety.
Is it Alzheimer’s Disease or Something Else?
The overall term for memory loss is dementia with AD making up 75% of that classification. Only a physician can diagnose AD, but before that diagnosis the doctor will screen for other possible causes such as hearing problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, depression or a low thyroid. A firm diagnosis of AD is made after death.
Important Research Studies
Recent research studies suggest natural ways to do everything in your power to prevent AD.
A 2003 research study, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine at the Einstein College of Medicine (in partnership with Syracuse University), of 469 people over 75 years old found that at the end of the study, about five years, those who did the most leisure activities like reading, playing board games, playing musical instruments, and dancing had lower risks of dementia. Why? Scientists believe that challenging the brain stimulates new neuron connections.
A 2006 research study at Columbia University tracked 2200 people for four years and found that those following the Mediterranean diet cut their risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 40%. Why? The Mediterranean diet is heavy on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, red wine, and olive oil that researches think reduces bodily inflammation that could contribute to AD.
A 2007 research study reported in Neurology of 8085 adults over 65 who did not have dementia at the start of the study found that after four years 183 developed Alzheimer’s and 98 got another type of dementia. Those who ate omega-3 fish oil reduced risk of dementia by 35%. Why? Experts think omega-3 fish oil fights inflammation.
At Karolinska Institute in Sweden a 2005 research study of 1500 people studied for 21 years found that those who exercised at least twice a week in middle age were up to 60% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s as they aged and those benefitting the most had relatives who had Alzheimer’s. Why? The researchers think exercise may decrease risk by improving blood flow to the brain.
A 2008 study conducted by Kaiser Permanente and reported in the March 26, 2008 online Neurology studied abdominal fat (visceral fat that is wrapped around the organs) in 6583 people age 40 to 45 in northern California. After 36 years those who were obese and had a large belly were about 3.5 times more likely to show signs of dementia than those of average weight and gut size. Why? Previous studies have already noted that a big belly in midlife increases the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease in later life. Not surprisingly dementia is added to the list.
Use Research to Fight Alzheimer’s
Based on the above research it makes sense to start now to follow these natural health ideas to lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Keep an active body and mind; do crossword puzzles, learn a musical instrument, or play cards and exercise every day doing aerobics, strength-training and stretching.
Eat healthy. The Mediterranean diet is the best; lots of vegetables, fruits, olive oil, fish, whole grains, nuts, red wine (or grape juice), some low-fat yogurt and cheese.
Eat fatty fish like salmon or sardines and/or take omega-3 fish oil capsules.
Don’t be overweight. Being overweight or obese, especially visceral fat in the abdomen is the gateway to many chronic illnesses. Lose weight by eating correctly and exercising.
Alzheimer’s disease lasts an average of seven to ten years, and once you have it there is no cure. The above guidelines all contribute to a healthy lifestyle that will lower your risk of AD.
The copyright of the article Lower Your Risk for Alzheimer's Disease in Alzheimer's Disease is owned by Arlene Lengyel. Permission to republish Lower Your Risk for Alzheimer's Disease in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
