Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s grows increasingly common the older we get. Researchers and experts are still unsure as to what exactly causes Alzheimer’s but there are things you can do to lower your risk of developing the disease. One of the big ways you can lower your odds is by implementing a healthy Alzheimer’s prevention diet.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common neurological diseases across the United States, especially among the older population. It is a progressive disease where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a few years. One of the main symptoms of Alzheimer’s is memory loss.
In the early stages of the disease memory loss is mild but as the disease progresses, those who suffer from the disease lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. There is still much to learn about the disease as testing and research is still in the early stages. As it stands right now, there is no cure for the disease, only treatments to slow the symptoms.
Can You Reverse Alzheimer’s With Diet and Exercise?
There are areas around the world known as Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives. Some researchers believe that the dietary and lifestyle trends of these areas can help prevent Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases. It’s still not 100% known if there is a direct link between diet, exercise, and Alzheimer’s, but there’s enough to make researchers think something is there.
It should be noted that scientists aren’t quite sure why the Mediterranean diet and similar diets help the brain. Recent research shows that these diets influence higher cognitive function and slower cognitive decline. This contrasts with other diets, specifically the typical Western diet which increases cardiovascular disease risk and accelerated brain aging.
What Is One Food That Fights Alzheimer’s?
It is believed that the best treatment for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease uses a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. On the other hand, we know that poor lifestyle choices, such as a sediment lifestyle and a poor diet, play a role in cognitive decline. A healthy and balanced diet can help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s as you age. Here are some foods you should be trying to implement into your diet:
- Leafy greens
- Berries
- Nuts
- Fatty fish
- Spices
- Vegetables
- Seeds
Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean that you can’t eat any junk food or unhealthy foods. However, you should try to phase those types of foods out of your everyday diet. Try to limit your intake of these types of foods to once a week or even once per month.
Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented?
Not knowing what exactly causes Alzheimer’s can make it difficult to definitively say how to avoid the disease. However, researchers do believe that healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent cognitive decline. Here are some things that you can do to help prevent Alzheimer’s:
- Exercise - Experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate exercise three to four days per week.
- Alzheimer’s prevention diet - These diets include fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, and fish.
- Sleep properly - There are mounds of evidence that show improved sleep can help prevent Alzheimer’s.
- Stay active mentally - Learning new things can stimulate the brain, which can improve cognitive function.
- Stay social - Social contact is believed to help prevent Alzheimer’s.
- Moderate alcohol intake - One drink per day for women and one or two for men can reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s.
While it’s still not 100% proven that these lifestyle changes will prevent Alzheimer’s it is recommended that you live the healthiest life possible. We do know that healthy lifestyles can prevent other chronic problems.
What Is The Best Treatment For Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s can be very complex and often treated with multiple different drugs depending on the stage of the disease. There are several prescription drugs that are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here are some of the drugs that are commonly used and the benefits they provide:
- Aricept - Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine
- Exelon - Also prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine as well as butyrylcholine
- Namenda - Blocks the toxic effects associated with excess glutamate
- Namzaric - Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain
- Razadyne - Stimulates nicotinic receptors to release more acetylcholine in the brain
It should be noted that while these drugs have been approved by the FDA, they are not guaranteed cures to Alzheimer’s. More often than not, you will have to take multiple different drugs. The drugs are designed to slow the effects of Alzheimer’s and slow cognitive decline.
How Is Early Alzheimer’s Treated?
Alzheimer’s is most common in older adults but can also affect people in their 30s or 40s. When it occurs in someone this young it is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The number of people who suffer from this is small but it is not yet known what causes Alzheimer’s disease other than a noted family history of the disease. Here are some medications often used to help treat early-onset Alzheimer’s:
- Donepezil
- Rivastigmine
- Galantamine
- Memantine
Other treatments that may play a role in slowing the progress of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease include physical activity, cardiovascular and diabetes treatments, antioxidants, and cognitive training. A number of studies are ongoing in this area, and researchers are learning new things about Alzheimer’s disease every day.
How Can I Fight Alzheimer’s Naturally?
There are several ways that you can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease without taking prescribed or over the counter drugs. Most of the things you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s simply revolve around living a healthier lifestyle. Here are some of the things that you can do to help prevent the disease:
- Manage your blood pressure - Research has found a connection between Alzheimer’s and high blood pressure
- Keep a healthy weight - Obesity can increase your odds of developing Alzheimer’s
- Exercise - During exercise more blood flows to your brain, which makes your brain healthier
- Buckle up and drive safe - If you hurt your head in a car wreck or any other type of accident it could make Alzheimer’s more likely down the line
- Take Alzheimer’s prevention supplements
Following these tips will not only lower your chances of developing Alzheimer’s, but they can also help you live a longer, healthier life.
Supplements That Can Help
One supplement that can help prevent cognitive dissonance, as well as other aging side-effects, is spermidine. This is because spermidine helps induce something called autophagy. This is the body’s process of replacing old and potentially damaged cell parts with newer, healthier ones. Autophagy literally means ‘self-eat.’
This process helps keep you feeling and looking young while also dramatically lowering your chances of developing aging diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. While it is possible to get your recommended daily intake of spermidine through your diet, it’s recommended to take supplements so you ensure you get the right dose. Simply taking your supplements with your dinner is a great way to remember to take spermidine supplements every night.
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