The mere thought of developing Alzheimer's or dementia gives you a thrill, especially when you have seen a loved one affected by the disease. While you have been told that there is no treatment and you can only hope for the best, the reality is far more different. Promising research studies indicate that there are simple activities that you can do to prevent Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
So, read ahead to know more about these simple lifestyle changes.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What Should You Know?
For starters, you should make it clear that dementia is an umbrella term.
What does that mean?
It is basically a ‘syndrome’ that involves the impairment of the cognitive function significant enough to interfere with the ability of a person to function independently (1). It can take many forms, each affecting a particular individual with a varying degree of severity.
In comparison, Alzheimer's is a progressive form of dementia that involves a slow decline in cognitive function, memory, and intellectual abilities (2). It is one of the big concerns of health authorities because of its substantial prevalence, affecting around 6.5 million people in the US (3).
The increasing age of our population indicates that unless we take decisive preventive actions, these numbers will only increase with time.
How to Prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia with Lifestyle Changes?
Research has shown that simple steps – diet modifications and exercise – can help you reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Let’s explore these incredible scientific findings together.
Diet Modifications
Not many know that eating a balanced and healthy diet is an incredible and effective way to prevent Alzheimer's (4). But it’s not about eating a single ingredient, a food, or a nutrient. It’s about following a balanced diet – a variety of foods in the right proportions – which can make a difference.
Physical Exercise
Like a healthy diet, physical activity also has a positive impact on the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease. A research study found that exercise reduces the potential biomarkers and helps reduce inflammatory substances, all related to the progression of the disease process (5).
Mental Stimulation
You should always engage in mental and social activities, which is an excellent way to provide mental stimulation. Research has shown that positive mental stimulation weaponizes your brain with the skills to cope with disease, stress, and deteriorating changes of dementia (6).
So, next time you find yourself puzzling over small things, do a crossword or a quiz to keep you mentally, socially, and cognitively active for the years to come.
The Bottom Line
Even though Alzheimer’s and dementia are acknowledged as life evils from which you cannot escape, research has provided promising results for people who follow a healthy routine, which involves a balanced diet, active lifestyle, and brainstorming activities.
Simple, right?
It's how you can prevent Alzheimer's and dementia with simple lifestyle changes.
References
1. Duong S, Patel T, Chang F. Dementia: What pharmacists need to know. Can Pharm J (Ott). 2017;150(2):118-29.
2. Breijyeh Z, Karaman R. Comprehensive Review on Alzheimer's Disease: Causes and Treatment. Molecules. 2020;25(24).
3. 2022 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2022;18(4):700-89.
4. Whalley LJ, Starr JM, Deary IJ. Diet and dementia. British Menopause Society Journal. 2004;10(3):113-7.
5. Frederiksen KS, Gjerum L, Waldemar G, Hasselbalch SG. Effects of Physical Exercise on Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2018;61:359-72.
6. Gottlieb S. Mental activity may help prevent dementia. Bmj. 2003;326(7404):1418.
