You can’t stop the aging process, but you can delay symptoms of aging, including Alzheimer’s disease in the beginning stages.
For now, you can keep wearing deodorant
Remember when people thought that Alzheimer’s disease was caused by aluminum in underarm deodorant? Well, thank goodness the Alzheimer’s Association has debunked that myth. But one thing we do know for certain: by leading a healthy lifestyle, you have the ability to prevent early onset dementia, and delay the symptoms of memory loss in the elderly.
Live healthy, live longer
Here are 12 practical healthy living tips that scientists believe help to prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease:
- Quit smoking. According to research, smoking cigarettes increases your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease, even more than lack of exercise.
- Lose Weight. People who gain substantial weight in their 40’s are more likely to suffer dementia earlier than their thinner peers are.
- Avoid type 2 Diabetes. Diabetics who fail to maintain their blood-sugar levels are more likely to experience Alzheimer’s disease symptoms than non-diabetics are.
- Don’t worry about it. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common psychological factors that contribute to the onset of dementia. If you suffer the loss of a loved one, or experience any other trauma, it’s crucial that you seek counseling.
- Work your body. Exercise is one of the greatest cures for Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published by The National Academy of Sciences.
- Work your noodle. The more you use your brain, the longer it stays in tip-top condition. According to a study by York University, bilingual individuals have greater control over the executive control center of the brain, the part responsible for time-awareness, formulation of plans, problem solving, and self-awareness. As a result, bilingual Alzheimer’s patients experience the first signs of dementia approximately 5 years later than non-bilingual adults.
- Get to know your neighbors. A study by Rush Medical School found that elderly people with the greatest “lifespace” fared better than most in regard to Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Basically, people go out for walks, mingle with others, and lead a healthy social life are 75% less likely to suffer from early onset dementia than those who remain indoors all day.
- Avoid high voltage. Although living by a low-voltage power line is not dangerous, a study conducted in Switzerland confirms that proximity to a 220-380 kV power line increases your chances of getting Alzheimer’s by over 200%.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association published a report proving that senior citizens who eat a diet of vitamin-enriched fruits and vegetables receive the most cognitive health benefits, compared to peers who don’t eat fresh plant-based foods every day.
- Increase Omega-3, but decrease Omega-6. Your brain loves Omega-3 fatty acids, and absorbs it better than other oils. Omega-3 oils from fish, flax seeds, and walnuts benefits brain health, while vegetable oils that contain Omega-6 have the opposite effect; studies by the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Diseases in San Francisco suggest that Omega-6 oils may affect incidences of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Protect your cranium. This seems like common sense, but in your old age, it is more important than ever to avoid falls that may lead to head injuries, which often lead to dementia in the elderly.
- Increase vitamin B12 intake. A high correlation exists between vitamin B12 deficiency and severe memory loss. Vitamin B12 is beneficial for nervous system health and cognitive integrity. To prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, the elderly should include vitamin B12 supplements in their daily regimen.
Related reading:
Raise your IQ with Sudoku- 10 Free Online Games for Brains
Ten Bites to Better Brain Power
Adult ADHD Could Lead to Dementia
Can Aerobics Cure Alzheimer’s Disease?
FDA Approves Brain Scan to Detect Alzheimer’s Disease
Feed your Brain Something You’ll never Forget
Sources:
Alzheimer’s Prevention – Lifestyle Changes That Protect the Brain – Health Tip – RealAge
Want to Avoid Alzheimer’s? Here’s How- FOX News
Is This Another Way to Avoid Alzheimer’s? Psychology Today
Alzheimer’s Association- Myths
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