Alzheimer’s disease is common among the old generation. The disease causes the patient’s brain cells to die thus reducing brain functionality over time.
The reduction in brain cells affects how a person talks, acts, or behaves. But don’t give up yet.
Recent research shows they’re some measures one can take to reduce the risk of developing the disease. It also states how to slow the deterioration process for those who’ve been diagnosed.
It’s worth noting that Alzheimer’s is a complex ailment with several risk factors. some factors like age and genetics are beyond your control. However, these pillars for brain-healthy life are within your control.
1. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise reduces the risk of contracting Alzheimer’s disease by half. For those with the disease, it slows down the deterioration phase. It does so by stimulating your brain cells to make new or maintain the existing connections.
When exercising:
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity training every week. You can incorporate strength and cardio exercise by walking or swimming.
- Take balance and coordination exercises. Head injuries from accidental falls increase with age. All this increases your risk of developing dementia.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
Inflammation and insulin resistance affects the neurons which inhibit communication between your brain cells. At times, people refer to Alzheimer’s as the “diabetes” of the brain.,
Adjust your eating habits to reduce inflammation and protect your brain.
- Check on Excess Weight: extra weight is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. According to studies, people who are overweight in their middle life are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in their old age.
- Reduce sugar intake: refined carbs like white rice, pasta, and white flour leads to dramatic blood sugar spikes which inflame your brain.
- Boost Carnosine levels: taking beta-alanine supplements reduces protein glycation in your body. Glycation happens when the uptake of insulin by body muscles to convert glucose to energy is low which increases your body blood sugar.
3. Stimulate Your Mind
As you grow, it is important to challenge your brains and learn new things. It doesn’t matter whether you’re doing so to prevent or reduce the severity of Alzheimer’s disease.
Engage in activities that involve multiple tasks or one that requires interaction or communication in an office. You can set aside some time every day to stimulate your brain by learning a new thing, or enjoy strategy puzzles, riddles, and games.
4. Quality Sleep
Studies show a strong connection between poor sleep patterns and dementia. Do you know that the brain flushes out toxins when we’re sleeping?
Poor sleep patterns are also associated with the presence of beta-amyloid in your brain. If that’s the case, take a beta-alanine supplement to increase the production of the carnosine compound. Carnosine is known to reduce the production of beta-amyloid in your brain cells.
Conclusion
The risk of Alzheimer’s disease increases with age. While the symptoms may show at old age, the deterioration process starts early, often in middle. As such, don’t wait until you get old to take care of your brain.
Taking care of your brain allows it to stay working for long. It reduces the possibility of contracting Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If you have the disease, it delays the deterioration process. s