There are things that you can start doing to lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Certain lifestyle habits can reduce your risk of cognitive decline and improve your overall health.
Alzheimer’s is a brain disease, which causes issues with thinking, memory, and behavior. It is responsible for causing dementia (a term describes the set of symptoms including trouble thinking, memory loss, and other related issues enough to reduce an individual’s ability to perform daily activities. It can affect the adult population of any age, but usually, affect people over 65 years old.
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Age is considered as the greatest risk factor for developing the brain disease. However, many health care specialists believe most people develop Alzheimer’s disease through interactions among genes and other related factors. Some individuals who are suffering from Alzheimer’s have a family history of illness, but a majority of people do not. Alzheimer’s disease medications are available to provide temporary relief; they improve cognitive function and quality of life. There is still no way to prevent or cure the disease. Scientists are making efforts to find an effective Alzheimer’s disease treatment as to delay its onset and prevent it from developing. If you notice any Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, it is very important to visit your health care specialist’s place to determine and treat the cause.
Risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s
There are many risk factors, including lifestyle, physiological, and environmental factors that can give rise to dementia. Some of these risk factors of Alzheimer’s are modifiable, while others are not. Here are some simple ways to deal with the modifiable factors and reduce the risk of dementia by following simple steps:
- Minimize the use of anticholinergic medications- Anticholinergic medications are known to inhibit parasympathetic nerve impulses. Being a part of the nervous system, parasympathetic nerve system, it works by managing the activities that take place while the body rests. The nerves in the system cause involuntary movement of muscles in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and other parts of the body.Some over the counter medications, allergy drugs, heart medications, antidepressants, and sleep medications are known to exert a powerful anticholinergic effect in the body. A recent study suggests that regular use of anticholinergics increases the risk of dementia due to which many health care specialists are giving advice to their patients about the dangers of these medications. If you currently use any anticholinergic drug, it’s advisable to consult your health care professional on how to reduce the dosage or change the medication.
- Adequate vitamin B intake- Vitamins such as B6, B12, and folate are helpful in reducing the levels of homocysteine (a molecule). The high level of homocysteine indicates the risk of heart problems, stroke, and vascular problems that may cause age-associated cognitive decline. Taking Vitamin B complex on a regular basis can reduce homocysteine and its damaging effects.
- Include physical exercise in daily routine- Physical and mental exercise plays a vital role in retaining the strength and vitality of your brain as you age. A human body requires workouts that build strength and keep the brain and body fit enough to function well. Physical exercise reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 50%.Experts recommend doing 150 minutes a week of strength training and cardio exercises. Examples of such exercises are jogging, swimming, tennis, and dancing. Regular strength training is helpful in maintaining muscle mass and preventing health conditions like osteoporosis. Regular physical activity is the best treatment for Alzheimer’s.
- Reduce alcohol and quit smoking- Alcohol consumption and smoking are the main factors responsible for causing many health issues. A recent study suggests that smokers are at 45% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s as compared to people who do not smoke.
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Individuals who drink alcohol in moderate amount are less likely to develop dementia. On the other hand, individuals who consume too much alcohol are at high risk of developing this brain disorder.
Follow these simple steps for a good Alzheimer’s disease care. All these parameters always are in check to prevent brain disorders.
