The causes of Alzheimer's disease and its effects on life are still not exactly known and there is no way to prevent this disease. But by changing your lifestyle with a few steps, you can help delay this condition.
Here are some important points to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
Having a healthy diet
A study of Harvard University conducted on 13 thousand women aged 70 and older, has found that the deterioration in mental activities is slower in those eating vegetables, especially green leafy, such as spinach compared to those eating a small amount of vegetables.
Keeping the mind active
In many studies, people who have been mentally, physically and socially active and had different activities and hobbies throughout their life have been observed to have lower rates of dementia. Activities and hobbies include learning a foreign language, doing mental exercises, writing something enjoyable, reading books, playing musical instruments. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, mind-stimulating activities such as reading books, card and board games, and solving puzzles have been shown to minimize or prevent age-related memory loss.
Having quality sleeps
In a study published at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg University, less sleep or poor sleep has been observed to lead to beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain considered to be one of the causes of Alzheimer's disease, thus increasing the formation of plaques.
Exercising regularly
In a study at the University of Michigan, it has been stated that walking in nature improves short-term memory by 20 percent. Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that regular exercises done by 170 people over the age of 50 only for six months lead to improvements in mental and memory functions of these older adults.
Socializing
Many studies have shown that spending time with beloved people keeps the mind active and reduces stress levels.
Taking care of general health
Stopping smoking, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, watching the weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and taking supplements such as folic acid and fish oil to enhance the brain activity will help protect against Alzheimer’s.
References:
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/preventing-alzheimers-disease/search-alzheimers-prevention-strategies
- http://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia/alzheimers-and-dementia-prevention.htm
- Lautenschlager, Nicola T., et al. "Effect of physicalactivity on cognitivefunction in olderadults at risk for Alzheimer disease: a randomizedtrial." Jama 300.9 (2008): 1027-1037.