Can Alzheimer's Disease Be Prevented?

Every year, the advent of September marks the beginning of the month-long Alzheimer’s disease awareness campaign. During this month, institutions and volunteers work towards their collective mission of creating a society where misinformation about the disease is effectively battled. Since Alzheimer’s can affect individuals in varying ways and degrees, it is important to known if one can take suitable measures and work towards preventing this disease.

Can Alzheimer’s Disease be prevented?

While there are no scientifically proven strategies of preventing the onset of the disease, several population-oriented studies and observations have shown that pursuing a healthy lifestyle can play a big role in reducing the risk of developing the disease. In fact, it often comes as a surprise to people that simple changes in your daily routine can go a long way in shielding you from this disease, and some preventive measures are as simple as—

1. Looking after your heart - Since cardiovascular diseases are observed to be prevalent in people who may eventually develop Alzheimer’s, one can adopt measures to improve their heart health and prevent the disease. Giving up smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, opting for regular check-ups can greatly minimize the possibility of getting Alzheimer’s.

2. Exercising Regularly - When done on a regular basis for roughly 30 minutes, aerobic exercises can go a long way in preventing, as well as slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s in people who may show symptoms, or have pre-existing conditions that make them vulnerable to the disease.

3. Sleeping well - A well-rested brain and an improved sleeping schedule can do wonders in preventing the disease! Getting enough sleep has been directly associated with reducing amyloid deposition in the brain. This prevents Alzheimer’s, for the disease crops from the accumulation of amyloid that triggers cell degeneration in the patient’s brain.

4. Adopting a Mediterranean Diet - Rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, whole grains, etc., a Mediterranean diet, even when followed partially, can be of immense help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s. In fact, it can contribute to improving cognition and overall brain functioning.

5. Keeping up with your body - The connection between your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels with that of developing Alzheimer’s is rather strong. It is essential that the numbers are always kept in check.

Generally speaking, the consequences of subscribing to a healthy lifestyle are many, and one must not look for reasons as grave as developing Alzheimer’s in order to put those running shoes to use!