In the 1980’s my grandfather succumbed to the devastating disease, Alzheimer’s. The once vigorous man, who loved to play jokes almost as much as he loved Cubs baseball, lived the last months of his life unable to even recognize his wife. In those days, not much was known about preventing this devastating disease, but now scientists have determined ways to help prevent the onset of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s.
First, make sure to keep exercising as you age. A study by the National Academy of Scientists showed that walking helps to build a part of the brain called the hippocampus. This area, which can shrink as human’s age, is responsible for helping turn short-term memory into long-term memory. The study shows that if this portion does not shrink, people can boost memory and keep dementia at bay.
Next, make sure to not smoke. Although most people understand that smoking hurts the lungs, many do not realize that it hurts the brain as well. A startling fact about smoking is that it doubles the chances someone could develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s, when they become older. Think of it this way…smoking limits oxygen to the brain, and it also exposes it to harsh chemicals, such as nicotine.
Another way to avoid the onset of Alzheimer’s is to have your cholesterol checked regularly. If you have high levels of LDL or “bad†cholesterol, you could be doing damage to your brain. Easy diet modifications, as well as medications prescribed by your doctor (if appropriate) can assist you in lowering this type of cholesterol.
Did you know that some cases of dementia are alcohol related? I am sure you have heard about the notion that drinking destroys brain cells. Well, it turns out that while having a sip or two of alcohol can have some benefits for the brain, heavy exposure to alcohol definitely harms your thinking process. By limiting the amount you drink, you can lower your risk even more.
Much of what I’ve read about staying sharp into old age concerns keeping your brain active as you grow older. Simple things like doing cross word puzzles, or more complex tasks like learning a new language, can do wonders to keep your brain agile. Some experts even suggest taking different routes to and from work every once in a while as a way to stimulate your brain. I guess you could say that if you keep learning, and exposing your brain to new things, it will thrive with the acquisition of this new knowledge.
Finally, addressing hearing loss may be one key in keeping dementia from affecting your life. Researchers aren’t sure exactly why, but if a person cannot hear properly, he or she may be more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s. Hearing aids can be expensive, but even devices such as the “hunter’s ear†can benefit a person with hearing loss.
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease; try these simple steps as a way to delay or even prevent its onset.
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