According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Currently, 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease, with the number expected to jump to 14 million by 2050.
So what can we do about it? Is Alzheimer’s disease preventable?
Unfortunately at this time, Alzheimer’s is the only disease in the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States that is not definitively preventable. It is believed that Alzheimer’s is the result of complex interaction between multiple risk factors, making it particularly difficult to pinpoint. Researchers work hard every day to learn more and develop new treatments to help slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s.
What we do know for certain is that there are several risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Some of these cannot be changed. Age, genetics, and family history, for example, are not within our control to change. But there are some factors that we can change. Take a look below at the following lifestyle changes that can directly reduce the risk of developing Alzhemier’s disease.
Take extra precautions to avoid brain injury.
Severe head injuries increase your chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, many people dismiss the necessary precautions as unimportant or inconvenient, even though they’ve proven highly effective at protecting the brain in the event of an accident. These precautions include wearing a bike helmet while riding your bike, a seatbelt while driving or riding in a car, and protective equipment while playing contact sports.
Eat nutritiously.
Brain healthy foods include green leafy vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, fish, and a single glass of red wine daily. For optimal brain health, limit consumption of red meat, butter, cheese, pastries, and fried foods.
Protect your heart.
Studies have shown that people with cardiovascular disease are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those with healthy hearts. High blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Controlling blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and managing stress will help protect your heart and your brain.
Exercise daily.
Not only does daily exercise decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but research shows that exercise is also linked to fewer “biomarkers” for Alzheimer’s disease Additionally, exercise helps to reduce symptoms of depression, another risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s.
Stay engaged.
Social interaction stimulates multiple neural networks and exercises the brain. Although most of us engage with others without thinking about it, these interactions require the brain to carry out several tasks, such as taking in information, analyzing it, assigning meaning to it, interpreting social cues, and a range of other tasks. Puzzles, creative hobbies, and other engaging pursuits also exercise the brain and can help lower the risk of developing Alzeheimer’s disease and slow cognitive decline.
If you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, there is still hope.
Even if you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the above lifestyle changes may work to slow your symptoms and optimize your brain functioning. Additionally, you may be able to gain access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies not yet available to the general public by participating in an Alzheimer’s clinical trial.
Alzheimer’s Clinical Research Study in San Diego
At Synergy Research Centers, we are currently enrolling for an Alzheimer’s clinical trial in San Diego. If you’re age 55 or older and have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you may be eligible to participate. As a participant, you will receive study-related medication and exams at no cost. You may also receive compensation for your time and travel expenses. For more information, or to determine your eligibility, please fill out our contact form or give us a call at 888-539-0282.