Alzheimer's and Your Lifestyle

Evidence is mounting daily that your lifestyle contributes more to the diseases you develop than your genetics; Alzheimer’s is no exception. From an article in Nutrition Action steps to prevent heart disease and Alzheimer’s is proving to be one-in-the-same. Researcher Martha Clare Morris, the Chicago Health and Aging Project, says there is one difference between heart disease and Alzheimer’s, “Heart disease research is 30 years ahead of Alzheimer’s.”

Those who are involved in Alzheimer’s research say there is a fine line that seperates Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. The following are 10 steps to take that will lower your risk if not prevent Alzheimer’s.

Two or three servings of fatty fish each week:

     The polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids seem to protect both your heart and your brain.

Limit bad fats:

     Studies conducted by the Chicago Health and Aging Project showed that those consuming the most saturated fats (25 grams per day) doubled their risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Those with 1.8 grams of trans-fats in their daily diet also doubled their risk.

Eating leafy greens:

Eating vegetables has proven to keep your mind sharp, even more beneficial are the leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin E-rich foods:

Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains.

Keep your blood sugar down:

Many studies link diabetes and memory impairment.

Lose excess weight:

There are many reasons to lose weight, brain power is one more to add to the list.

Get moving:

Studies done with 16,000 women showed the difference between the least and most active to be the equivalent of two to three years of aging.

Keep a lid on blood pressure:

The link between Alzheimer’s and blood pressure is not clear but high blood pressure does raise your risk of mini-strokes which leads to cognitive decline. 

Use your head:

In other words, the more you do activities that require your brain the lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Don’t ignore depression:

Kristine Yaffe from the University of California says that “Evidence shows up over and over that depression is either a risk factor or precursor for dementia.”

For more information about Alzheimer’s go to www.alzheimers.org

Category: Nutrition