Healthy Lifestyle Choices Helps Lower Risk of Alzheimer's
As of June 2024, the United States has approximately 6.9 million people aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer's disease. If you are concerned about Alzheimer's or have a family history of the disease, the best place to start is with your provider for a medical checkup. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can increase your risk for the disease. Alzheimer's prevention research is constantly evolving, and breakthroughs are continually emerging; it pays to stay informed so you can talk with your doctor about the latest research and new medications available, especially when diagnosed in the early stages.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory and cognitive function. Symptoms of the disease are commonly categorized into three stages: early-stage, middle-stage, and late-stage. Early-stage symptoms include forgetting recent events, difficulty solving problems, difficulty with routine activities, poor judgment, and changes in mood or personality. In the middle stage, memory loss worsens, and a person often requires more help with daily activities like dressing and bathing; sleep patterns in this stage can change with the patient becoming more restless at night. Paranoia and hallucinations are also typical in this stage. In the late stage, the patient experiences severe memory loss and is unaware of their surroundings; they have trouble speaking, and mobility and physical attributes decline, along with difficulty swallowing and unhealthy weight loss. This progression of symptoms can vary widely with each patient, and the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better chance a provider can manage symptoms for an improved quality of life.
Evidence-based studies have shown that lifestyle changes which involve staying mentally active can lower disease risk. Cognitive activities like puzzles, reading, playing a musical instrument, or learning a new skill help stimulate the brain. Regular aerobic exercise and strength training are also believed to improve blood flow to the brain and encourage the growth of new brain cells. In addition, a Mediterranean diet that contains fruits, vegetables, whole grain nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil have been associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's. Experts also recommend prioritizing sleep with a goal of 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep habits have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline.
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