As people get older it’s not uncommon to hear that they are worried about developing Alzheimer’s disease. With as many as 5.5 million Americans over the age of 65 living with the disease, it’s easy to understand why folks would be worried as they approach this age. Scientists have conducted countless studies, and continue to do so of course, and while a cure hasn’t been found (yet) scientists have discovered a number of ways to reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’s or at least slow down the progression; and that’s what we’re here to talk to you about today, things you can be doing now to reduce your chances of being diagnosed with it, or at least slow progression down if you’ve already gotten the diagnosis. Let’s get started!
Increase Physical Activity
Making sure you’re staying active will benefit you immensely as you get older; benefits include reducing the risk of falls, maintaining mobility, and reducing chronic conditions such as depression and high blood pressure – all things we don’t want in our golden years. What studies have found is that physical activity hasn’t prevented Alzheimer’s, but those that stay physically active have a lower risk of cognitive decline in comparison to those that are not active. So basically what we’re getting at is that your future self will be thanking you later in life.
Get Social
Yeah, we can practically hear you groaning already, but humans are not made for total isolation. Now we aren’t saying your social calendar has to be booked, but we are suggesting you make things such as volunteering, taking a class, or even going to a museum or coffee shop once a week to just get out. Getting into the habit of being at least a little social will make it even easier as you get older.
(image via: adobe stock)
Eat Healthy
So we’re definitely seeing a trend here, everything we should already be doing benefits us in the long run. Crazy. Alzheimer’s is often referred to as the diabetes of the brain, and research has shown us there is a strong link there. So by adjusting your eating habits, you could be sparing yourself a number of diseases. Aside from eating a diet rich in protein and fresh fruits and vegetables, weight management, cutting down on sugar, cooking at home with fresh ingredients, and drinking less are also ways to prevent or slow the onset of both diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
Stay Mentally Stimulated
We aren’t saying you need to completely rid yourself of mindless Netflix binges, we’re simply suggesting you continue learning new things throughout your life and there are a ton of ways you can do this, you just have to find what interests you the most! Studying a new language, taking on a new hobby such as painting or cooking, playing strategy games, or even just kicking it up a notch during an activity you’re already great at, and challenging yourself a little more!
(image via: delish)