A Few Different Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease robs millions of people each year of their memories, their personalities, and the ability to complete daily activities. For the longest time, it was believed that nothing could be done to prevent this awful disease; that it was simply something that people had to look forward to when they reached their golden years. However, new research indicates that there is a number of ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
[widget id=”ad_unit-350545258″]Ad Widget: Generic – 468×60 Banner[/widget]
Diet Is Important
Perhaps the easiest way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease is to regulate one’s diet. A study published in the Archives of Neurology in 2002 indicated that participants, ranging in age from 65 to 102, who ate fish at least once each week, showed 36% less decline in cognitive functioning over the study’s three year period. Similar results have been found in other studies; all which indicate those who have a significant amount of fish, as well as Vitamin E, might be well on their way to prevent Alzheimer’s.
Another group of vitamins that appears to be important are the B-complex vitamins, specifically folic acid and vitamin B-12. A study from the National Institute on Aging indicates that mice fed a diet rich in these nutrients were able to repair damage to the DNA of nerve cells in the hippocampus, an area used extensively for memory and learning. Eating foods rich in these vitamins such as whole grains, yeast, meats, and low fat diary products may be a great way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Things to Avoid and Things to Do.
In the fight to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, there are a few things that are becoming more and more important to avoid. The first one should be avoided for a number of reasons, not just dealing with Alzheimer’s. Smoking is definitely something that if you worried about Alzheimer’s, you should avoid. A recent study reported in Stockholm, Sweden indicated that among people that have the genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease, smoking was significantly related to the onset of the disease.
Another thing to try to avoid if you want to prevent Alzheimer’s disease is even small amounts of mercury. This element, even in low quantities, can create neurofibrillar tangles that occur in Alzheimer’s and other mental degenerative diseases in the brain.
Of course, diet and the avoidance of certain things is not the only way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies indicate that the old adage of “use it or lose it” does have some merit. Whether or not you think you are in the first stages of Alzheimer’s disease, be sure to exercise your mind. Learn something new each day – do a crossword puzzle, read a challenging book, or learn a new recipe for dinner. Keeping your mind active and engaged is a great way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a crippling, depressive disease. It is a gradual process that slowly and permanently robs a person of everything that made them a unique individual, their memories, their loves, and even their personality. The ability to prevent Alzheimer’s disease is something that should be on the goal list of anyone who has the ability to make a difference.