There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are things you can do to prevent. With Alzheimer’s, two types of brain proteins, called tau tangles and beta-amyloid plaques, which goes out of control. According to Harvard Health, brain cells are destroyed by these proteins, which cause symptoms like confusion, memory loss and personality changes.
To reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, there are many preventive measures which can be taken.
According to Alzheimer’s society UK, the results of 11 studies revealed that, by 45% Alzheimer’s risk was reduced for middle-aged individuals, who regularly exercised. Older individuals have also been scientifically shown to benefit from exercise, this helps to improve memory and thinking.
During physical activity, a hormone called irisin releases and this was pointed out by a study which was published in Nature Metabolism. Researches said that this hormone has a positive effect on cognition and nerve inflammation in the brain.
Dr. Gad Marshall, director of clinical trials at Brigham & Women’s Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment said, the most convincing evidence is that, to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s or reduce the progression on individuals who have symptoms, exercise would really help.
He advised that three to four days per week, 30 minutes of moderately vigorous aerobic exercise is recommended.
In cigarettes, there are chemical toxins which increases the brain inflammation, which causes vascular bleeding and add stress to cells, which are all tied to Alzheimer’s disease development. Smoking may increase Alzheimer’s risk by 30% to 50%.
To help thwart Alzheimer’s or slow its progression, eating a Mediterranean diet would help.
Recently NIA-funded study published in the journal Neurology revealed that both the Mediterranean and MIND diets (Mediterranean- DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) helped to lower amyloid plaque levels in the brain and reduced the signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
The diets should consist foods like, beans, fish, whole grain, green leafy vegetables, nuts and olive oil.
The NIA and the Alzheimer’s Association points out that factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, which increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease as well as increases your Alzheimer’s risk.
Alzheimer’s Association says, to improve memory and think more smoothly, social connections may help by shore up nerve cell connections in the brain.
Marshall says, growing evidence suggests that quality sleep will help to prevent Alzheimer’s and is linked to grater amyloid clearance from the brain.
