June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month. It is unfortunate that one in every three people over the age of 80 will eventually develop Alzheimer’s disease. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s there are certainly several preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk such as a proper diet, sleep, and exercise.
Studies have also proven that a diet rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, which we serve to our clients), Vitamin C and E (found in fruits and vegetables which we serve to our clients daily) could reduce the onset of Alzheimer’s by 40%.
Aside from nutrition, there are some other interesting ways to help prevent this disease that we would like to share. Some of them may even shock you!
- No Smoking Please! This is one that should go unspoken to anyone who wishes to lead a healthy lifestyle. You should however know that middle-aged people who smoke have a 157% greater risk of dementia later in life.
- Keep it moving! We’re not saying that you need to lift weights or run on the treadmill three times a week, but moderate aerobic exercise such as walking is proven to strengthen parts of the brain that are connected to multi-tasking and strategizing.
- Pour yourself a glass of red wine! Red, that is. It may indeed be true that a glass of cabernet a day, keeps the doctor away. Red wine contains Polyphenol, a compound that may reduce plaque formations that have been linked to memory loss/Alzheimer’s.
- You don’t need to give up your morning coffee! This is our personal favorite. According to The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, people who drink 3-5 cups of coffee reduce their risk by 65% You’re in the clear, caffeine lovers!
- Read! Puzzle! Play! Cognitive activites such as reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards, and the like are also known the lower the risk of alzheimer’s. Always continue to find ways to keep your brain active.
- Learn a second language! Si! You know that Spanish class you’ve been meaning to get around to taking? The Journal Neurology has proven that bilingualism strengthens cognitive abilities, and can even delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by an average of four years.
- Eat as the Mediterraneans do! We’ve already mentioned this before, but a diet rich in fish, fruits, veggies, fiber, and mono-unsaturated fats is known to benefit your cognitive health.
- Find your zen! High stress can be linked to the development of Alzheimer’s. Relieving yourself of mental stress and anxiety through activities such as yoga and meditation can work wonders for your mental well-being.
- Your physical/mental health and well-being is very important to us! As we continue to raise awareness to a variety of health conditions that our clients may face, please feel free to share with us any advice that you may have pertaining to Alzheimers and living healthfully in general.
