
There is currently
- researchers
- pharmaceutical companies
- foundations
- nonprofit organizations
Researchers are
- cognitive training
- physical exercise
- blood pressure management in those with hypertension
- diabetes and depression treatment
- social interaction
- sleep interventions
- vitamins like B12, D, and folic acid
There are many steps you can try taking that may lower your chance of AD. Consult your doctor before making any major lifestyle changes.
Eat a nutritious diet
Some evidence suggests a Mediterranean diet may decrease your chance of developing AD. A
A
- whole grains
- fruits and vegetables
- fish and shellfish
- nuts
- olive oil
- other healthy fats
Other
- blueberries
- blackberries
- raspberries
- strawberries
- cranberries
Other
Keep up your mental exercise
An active brain may reduce your chance of AD. Activities that help keep the brain active include:
- listening to the radio
- reading newspapers
- playing puzzle games
- visiting museums
Engaging in mental exercises seems to create or contribute to your “cognitive reserve.” In other words, you develop additional neurons and pathways in your brain. Why is this important?
Usually, your brain has one road to transport information from point A to point B. If there’s a roadblock or a dead end, the information won’t make it. People who develop new ways of thinking through mental exercises
To exercise your brain, try the following activities:
- Do crossword puzzles.
- Take up bridge.
- Learn a new language.
Increase your social engagement
Keeping up your engagement with others may help prevent AD or reduce your chance of it. A
Social activities help exercise your brain by engaging mental skills. These include active listening, verbal communication, and memory.
Aerobic exercise daily
When older adults with AD engage in aerobic exercise, it may improve their symptoms.
In a
Quit or reduce smoking
Smoking may increase your chance of AD and dementia. There is an
Lower homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid that’s a building block of protein. It naturally circulates in the blood. An
- AD
- vascular dementia
- cognitive impairment
Foods high in folate (folic acid) and other B vitamins, such as B6 and B12, seem to lower homocysteine levels. Whether increasing these B vitamins in one’s diet might offer a protective effect for AD is unknown right now.
Some good food
- romaine lettuce
- spinach
- asparagus
- broccoli
- mustard greens
- peanuts
- banana
- tomato juice
- papaya
Food
- chickpeas
- poultry
- banana
- spinach
- salmon
- fortified cereals
Food
- fish
- red meat
- fortified nutritional yeast and cereal
- poultry
- eggs
Here are some questions people often ask about AD.
What triggers Alzheimer’s?
Researchers do not know yet what causes AD or triggers the onset of symptoms. But AD tends to occur more often in people with a family history of AD, who are more than 65 years old, or who have cardiovascular disease.
Can Alzheimer’s be prevented if caught early?
Early diagnosis cannot reverse changes brought on by AD. However, early diagnosis may
Who is more likely to get Alzheimer’s?
You
Researchers don’t yet know how to prevent AD. There are many things you can do to lower your chance of developing the disease.
Staying mentally and physically active, eating a nutritious diet, and keeping an active social life all may help lower your chance of cognitive decline, including AD. These are all good ways to stay healthy in general. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any new lifestyle changes that you plan.