How to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer's and Dementia

Keep your brain stimulated to, at the very least,
slow down dementia and Alzheimer's.

by Tiffany Matthews, a freelance health writer with 20 years medical experience. 

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are two entirely separate conditions. Many people develop dementia as part of the aging process. Alzheimer’s is thought to be the final stage of dementia, however, there is scientific proof that Alzheimer’s also comes in stages and there are a few different major symptoms that determine the outcome. For example, some people with Alzheimer’s have a more severe loss of memory while others become easily agitated and can be very mean.

The good news is that both dementia and Alzheimer’s can at the very least be slowed down. While there is no cure for either condition, making lifestyle changes can show great improvements and even prolong the conditions for people who have not developed many of the symptoms or are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms yet.

Protect Your Brain with Lifestyle Changes

Researchers around the world have been searching for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. In one study researchers discovered the following by making simple lifestyle changes a person could in fact prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s. The sooner you start the better chance you have of avoiding them or completely preventing both dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy diet
• Stress management
• Regular exercise
• Quality sleep
• Get a social life
• Mental stimulation

The more often you participate in the suggestions above the healthier your brain will remain and for longer periods of time. Brain health is very important and in addition to the suggestion above, consuming omega-3 either as a supplement or in your foods (both is ideal) you are providing your brain a greater advantage to fight dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

According to the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50 percent. Exercise has also been shown to slow the deterioration in people who have already started to develop symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

If your body has been inactive and you have been leading a sedentary lifestyle, before you start an exercise program of any kind it is best to consult your doctor so they can do a physical exam and make sure all is well before you start to exercise regularly.

Walking is the best exercise to start with, do not overdo it your body will let you know how fast and far to walk. You have to start out with a casual stroll through your neighborhood and build up to a mile or so a day. If you can use the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away than you normally would when you go out some place. Every little bit of exercise will help you.

Maintain or get involved in some social activities to stimulate your brain.

• Volunteer
• Take group classes 
• Join a club 
• Visit your local community center or senior center
• Connect with other people over the internet 
• Make a weekly plan to have lunch with a friend
• Get out of the house (go to the movies, the park, or to a museum) 

On the days you stay at home work on some puzzles, play a game on the computer or read. Anything that will keep your brain stimulated will do wonders for you.

Tiffany Matthews is a freelance health writer with 20 years of medical experience. She contributes health and medical articles to numerous publications and websites on a regular basis including Healthline.com.

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