Alzheimer’s Cannot Be Cured But It Can Be Prevented

On the occasion of this World Alzheimer’s Day 2018, we have put together a guide that can help you with understanding the ins and outs of Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form of dementia. As the title above suggests, Alzheimer’s cannot be cured (unfortunately); however, there are several ways to ensure that you keep the disease at bay. Here’s a look at some of them. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease A condition that impairs your memory and other brain functions primarily due to aging, Alzheimer’saffecta huge chunk of the 65+ populace around the world. In most cases, it is characterized by the accumulation of tangles (tau) and plaques (amyloid-beta) proteins in the brain. Early signs of Alzheimer’sNeurological studies and medical experts reckon the following symptoms may point towards a potentially-serious condition like Alzheimer’s disease:

• Frequent loss of memory
• Loss of spontaneity
• Mood swings
• Inability to handle daily finances
• Confusion about locations
• A significant decline in your ability to perform routine tasks

How to prevent Alzheimer’s We all know how our everyday habits (the good ones) can contribute to the long-term well-being of our mind and body. On the other hand, bad habits and an erratic lifestyle can do more damage to you than you can imagine. Take a look at the following steps to keep yourself in good shape and steer clear of Alzheimer’s disease.

1. Never compromise on your sleep

Getting enough sleep and rest on a regular basis is closely linked to amyloid clearance from the brain. Ideally, a minimum of seven or eight hours of sleep every night is recommended for everyone. It is important to respect the body’s biological cycle and not force yourself into staying up unnecessarily or overexerting your body. De-stress from time to time and allow yourself the peace of mind that you need.

2. Sweat it out

Exercising regularly can not only help you stay fit and activebut also prevent Alzheimer’s – especially in the second half of your life. Working out doesn’t mean hitting the gym hard and lifting weights – you could indulge in physical activities that you personally enjoy. Consider partaking in the sports that you love playing (tennis, badminton, table tennis, squash, golf, etc.), make use of that bicycle every day, or go for a swim if you are a water baby. Aerobic exercises, yoga, dancing or functional training could also be alternatives to going to the gym. For the elderly, we recommend exercising at least thrice a week. Exercising increases and regulates the flow of blood to your brain, making your brain healthier.

3. Eat healthy

A diet that comprises of a good blend of fruits, veggies, whole grains, fish, eggs, olive oil, nuts, anddairy products can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, apart from loading your body with essential nutrients. Visit a doctor if you start seeing early signs of Alzheimer’s and figure out how you can craft a diet that works best for you. You could even consult a specialist to gauge if you need to consume supplements that could help ward Alzheimer’s off.

4. Keep your mind active

Music, reading, traveling, playing board games, solving puzzles and indulging in hobbies or activities that stimulate the mindare highly recommended for the elderly – especially those who start showing early signs of Alzheimer’s or any kind of memory-related problems. These activities will not only keep the mind fresh andfitbut also prove to be a constructive way of spending your free time every day!

5. Keep a tab on the numbers

Blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, andheart conditions are known tohave a direct impact on Alzheimer’s. Most people are not even aware that they might be suffering from any of these conditions. It is best to schedule frequent medical check-ups to diagnose any irregularities and take preventive or corrective measures.

6. Watch your weight

While it hasn’t been scientifically proved yet, some experts link obesity to Alzheimer’s disease. Why wait for something to happen before you take measures to control your weight? Being overweight comes with a whole lot of risks, so it is best to keep a check on the kilos before the problem becomes unmanageable. Avoid saturated fats, alcohol, added sugars, andred meat as far as possible.

7. Be socially active

As you start aging, you tend to become a couch potato. Remember the advice you gave your children or grandchildren? The same applies to you. Some researchers suggest that you are twice as likely to develop conditions like Alzheimer’s if you stay indoors and do not engage with the society frequently. “Greater social contact helps prevent Alzheimer’s,” says Dr. Gad Marshall, associate medical director of clinical trials at the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. We hope we have given you some insight into with some natural and preemptive steps. If you think we might have missed out on an important point or two, please leave a comment below!   To receive more engaging updates from us on a daily basis, subscribe to our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/2mxgGRk