Lifestyle Habits To Help Reduce The Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the major concerns many of us have as we grow older. It affects more than 5 million Americans, which is likely to increase to nearly 14 million by 2050. Even the thought of developing the disease can be a frightening prospect, especially if you know someone, maybe even a close loved one, who has suffered from the disease. There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, however, you can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias through a combination of simple but effective lifestyle changes.

Healthy lifestyle habits may help ward off Alzheimer’s. Here are some important lifestyle changes you can make in the fight against Alzheimer’s:

Diet- Alzheimer’s is a complex disease that kills brain cells eventually and takes people’s lives. Proper nutrition is the key to boosting brain health. Select foods to eat carefully. Opt for plant-based foods commonly found in Mediterranean and vegetarian diets, which has been shown to help thwart Alzheimer’s or slow its progression. It is equally important for you to get a variety of crucial brain-boosting nutrients, including b-vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are important for keeping the brain in good shape.

It may be difficult for people to completely shift to a new diet, let alone adhere to it, but a recent study showed that even partial adherence to such a diet is quite effective.

Manage Stress– All of us aware that stress is detrimental to brain and heart health. Chronic stress can damage and shrinkage may occur in parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, and overall cognition. Adopting simple stress management tools can help, such as practice deep breathing, practice yoga, make time for leisure activities throughout the week, and very importantly, keep your sense of humor (which can help fight stress within your body).

Exercise– There’s solid evidence that physical exercise helps prevent the development of Alzheimer’s or slow the progression in people who have symptoms. Besides that, exercise is one of the most effective tools for reducing stress, managing physical well-being, and keeping the brain in good shape. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. Try walking or cycling to places whenever possible. Even taking a stroll to a nearby park can be beneficial. Remember a little exercise is better than none, so don’t hesitate to start small, and sooner rather than later you’ll find yourself wanting to do more once you realize how good it makes you feel.

Spiritual Fitness– Wellness goes beyond physical fitness. Spiritual fitness is just as important, which involves spending time with like-minded people, developing a sense of purpose to carry us through life, etc. which can be instrumental in preventing cognitive impairment. Having self-kindness, love and compassion toward others, and a deep connection with the surrounding world appears to be the overall goal of spiritual fitness, and cultivating these qualities can go a long way towards reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Other lifestyle habits to help ward off Alzheimer’s disease is to get enough quality sleep, stimulate your mind (learn new things to challenge your brain), and socialize as our brains thrive with social engagement.

Talk to your doctor before making any major lifestyle changes.

If you feel your loved one- who’s afflicted with Alzheimer’s- needs round-the-clock assistance, a senior living in Anthem facility might be a good option.

Contact Anthem Seniors at 602.909.9550 to book a suite today!