Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Risk

Since the causes and mode of progress of Alzheimer’s disease is still a riddle to experts in this field, some preventive measures at least may put a check on this distressing disorder. In course of random search, it was observed that people with a family history of Alzheimer’s are prone to become victims while studies have shown that the disease may set in as a person begins to age. So, if your family tree has several black spots indicating Alzheimer’s, you better be careful. Even without any family history, an aging individual should also take the following measures for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Lifestyle changes for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

Though difficult at the outset, lifestyle changes, change of outlook and active mental and physical routine are supposed to render help in prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. To begin with, let us see how mental stimulation may assist in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Health studies conducted on nuns revealed that those who participated regularly in intellectual pursuits were less likely to contact Alzheimer’s. Further studies also proved that a mere brainwave might not put a stringent check on Alzheimer’s altogether, but it certainly delayed the onset and the progression of the symptoms that are no less distressing. So, for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease one could just about read adventure stories, travel literature, sci-fi stories or do Crossword puzzles, play chess or scrabble.

Physical activity

Recent studies have shown that apart from mental stimulation, certain forms of physical activity may come of assistance for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Since the actual causes are unknown, it is believed that physical activity promotes increased blood flow, heart and lung capacity, etc and the combined effect should prevent Alzheimer’s disease. However, physical activity need not necessarily be rigorous. Regular daily walk or swim, if possible or a game of golf or better still, any outdoor activity with small children may delay the onset of the disease.

Social Interaction

As people age, they tend to avoid social activity, preferring a solitary existence. However, studies have shown that aversion to social interaction prevents release of certain hormones necessary to build up immunity in human being. So, maintaining a social network, visiting friends and relations, attending parties, etc may help in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Diet

Though no definite diet plan has yet been introduced for patients suffering fro Alzheimer’s, it is generally believed that diet recommended for cardiovascular diseases is also good for Alzheimer’s. Besides, experts studying in preventive medicine have indicated that antioxidants like vitamin C and E and fish oil play a fairly important role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. In any event, such diet will do more good than harm to any individual, especially when he or she is aging.

Please note that this article is for educational purposes only, consult your family doctor or a medical expert before ever trying any remedy or treatment for a disease such as alzheimers.

Tags: