Can Alzheimer's Be Prevented?
Many people don't realize that there are important measures that should be taken to lower the risk of Alzheimer's, as well as to slow down the progression of the disease should it be diagnosed.
Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, often starting five, ten or even twenty years prior to when any symptoms appear. Someone gets diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia every three seconds, and Alzheimer's currently afflicts some 5.4 million Americans. That number is growing, with early onset dementia becoming known as the silent epidemic.
Knowing ways to help prevent and slow the onset of Alzheimer's may help save your life.
Regular Exercise
Aging adults at risk are encouraged to keep up a regular exercise routine. Dr. Clinton B. Wright, a professor at Florida's University of Miami led a research study, that found that this particular part of the population who pursue a consistent routine of "moderate to intense exercise" such as walking, jogging, swimming, running, aerobics and even dancing can "help [these seniors] keep their cognitive abilities longer [than those who don't.]"
Another way to lower the risk of Alzheimer's is to include a lot of fish in your diet. Canadian scientists from Quebec's Universite Laval have discovered that seafood consumption is one of those very important measures that could likely "reduce clinical manifestations of Alzheimer disease or dementia..."
This is especially true for people who carry the E4 version of the APOE gene...[which includes] about 15 percent of the population." A report on the Universite Laval study also "provides reassurance that seafood contamination with mercury is not related to increased brain pathology."
A Healthy Diet
Other foods besides fish that have proved effective in the fight against Alzheimer's include food rich in whole grains and fruits. Fats that are heart-healthy, like olive oil, are also on the list for lowering the risk of getting the disease.
On the other side of the coin, certain lifestyle aspects can increase the prospect of developing Alzheimer's. Among the more prevalent are stress inducers, known to specifically cause memory problems. A pertinent study conducted by researchers at New York's Albert Einstein College of Medicine indicated "strong evidence that perceived stress increases the likelihood that an older person will develop mild cognitive impairment."
Chasing Stress
This information comes from Dr. Richard Lipton, who is the study's senior author as well as a neurology professor at Einstein and the Montefiore Health System. He emphasizes, “Fortunately, perceived stress is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment, making it a potential target for treatment.”
For those who are already diagnosed, the options are abundant in order to keep this affliction from taking away all quality of life. According to a British study headed by Dr. Catherine Quinn of the University of Exeter, people afflicted with early Alzheimer's disease are better able to manage their condition when attending group sessions designed to demystify the disease.
Dr. Quinn stated that her team found that "empowering [patients] to manage their own symptoms..helped them feel more confident about managing everyday life with dementia."
Top Home Care
And finally, if diagnosed, make sure to find an excellent source for home care. A medical professional will make a big difference in the life of the Alzheimer's patient as well as in the lives of his or her loved ones. They are also a promising resource for promoting general peace of mind on all kinds of levels for all parties involved.
Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, often starting five, ten or even twenty years prior to when any symptoms appear. Someone gets diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia every three seconds, and Alzheimer's currently afflicts some 5.4 million Americans. That number is growing, with early onset dementia becoming known as the silent epidemic.
Knowing ways to help prevent and slow the onset of Alzheimer's may help save your life.
Regular Exercise
Aging adults at risk are encouraged to keep up a regular exercise routine. Dr. Clinton B. Wright, a professor at Florida's University of Miami led a research study, that found that this particular part of the population who pursue a consistent routine of "moderate to intense exercise" such as walking, jogging, swimming, running, aerobics and even dancing can "help [these seniors] keep their cognitive abilities longer [than those who don't.]"
Another way to lower the risk of Alzheimer's is to include a lot of fish in your diet. Canadian scientists from Quebec's Universite Laval have discovered that seafood consumption is one of those very important measures that could likely "reduce clinical manifestations of Alzheimer disease or dementia..."
This is especially true for people who carry the E4 version of the APOE gene...[which includes] about 15 percent of the population." A report on the Universite Laval study also "provides reassurance that seafood contamination with mercury is not related to increased brain pathology."
A Healthy Diet
Other foods besides fish that have proved effective in the fight against Alzheimer's include food rich in whole grains and fruits. Fats that are heart-healthy, like olive oil, are also on the list for lowering the risk of getting the disease.
On the other side of the coin, certain lifestyle aspects can increase the prospect of developing Alzheimer's. Among the more prevalent are stress inducers, known to specifically cause memory problems. A pertinent study conducted by researchers at New York's Albert Einstein College of Medicine indicated "strong evidence that perceived stress increases the likelihood that an older person will develop mild cognitive impairment."
Chasing Stress
This information comes from Dr. Richard Lipton, who is the study's senior author as well as a neurology professor at Einstein and the Montefiore Health System. He emphasizes, “Fortunately, perceived stress is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment, making it a potential target for treatment.”
For those who are already diagnosed, the options are abundant in order to keep this affliction from taking away all quality of life. According to a British study headed by Dr. Catherine Quinn of the University of Exeter, people afflicted with early Alzheimer's disease are better able to manage their condition when attending group sessions designed to demystify the disease.
Dr. Quinn stated that her team found that "empowering [patients] to manage their own symptoms..helped them feel more confident about managing everyday life with dementia."
Top Home Care
And finally, if diagnosed, make sure to find an excellent source for home care. A medical professional will make a big difference in the life of the Alzheimer's patient as well as in the lives of his or her loved ones. They are also a promising resource for promoting general peace of mind on all kinds of levels for all parties involved.
Freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist and always travels with her pillow. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.
