Prevent Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease now affects more than 5 million Americans, and researchers project that number will triple to more than 15 million by 2050. Alzheimer's is feared more than any other disease by most people, as it hits at the core of our being, stealing treasured experiences and our most basic identity.
While there is a genetic link for a small subset of patients who develop Alzheimer’s disease, the vast majority are victims of poor lifestyle choices which are at the root of this condition. As medical science races to find a pharmaceutical cure, experts agree that there are a number of healthy changes which should be adopted to dramatically reduce the risk of falling victim to this insidious affliction.
Controlling the Risk Factors
Four key factors have been identified which directly affect the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease:
• Chronic stress throughout adult life quadruples incidence in later life.
• Obesity in midlife increases Alzheimer’s disease by 3 ½ times.
• Uncontrolled diabetes is related to a twofold increase in disease
• Smoking ups the risk factor by 79%
Each of these factors can and should be controlled to dramatically reduce or virtually eliminate the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Many of the top diseases which claim the lives of Americans today are caused by poor diet and lifestyle, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke.
Prevention is the key, as all of these diseases are much more difficult to treat once they’re diagnosed. Making relatively simple changes earlier in life can have a profound effect on development of Alzheimer’s disease and longevity.
Exercise Your Body and Brain
Physical activity is good for both the muscles and the brain. Exercise helps regulate blood sugar uptake to the cells and insulin sensitivity, and both when poorly controlled contribute to diabetes and Alzheimer’s risk.
Moderate cardio and resistance training on most days of the week helps build muscle mass and improves cognitive health. To exercise the brain, pick up a good book or challenge yourself by learning a new skill. Forcing the brain to build new memory pathways will assist short term memory and improve retention.
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