Minimizing Risks to Alzheimers

I read an interesting article exposing factors that we may be able to influence to minimize our risks of Alzheimer's disease; the complete article was published at: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_causes_risk_factors.asp#whatyoucando 
The first suggestion is to protect your head from head trauma: "There may be a strong link between serious head injury and future risk of Alzheimer’s, especially when trauma occurs repeatedly or involves loss of consciousness. Protect your brain by buckling your seat belt, wearing your helmet when participating in sports, and “fall-proofing” your home."

The second suggestion is to take care of your heart: "Growing evidence links brain health to heart health...The risk of developing Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia appears to be increased by many conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol."

The third suggestion offered is to take care of your body: "Other lines of evidence suggest that strategies for overall healthy aging may help keep your brain as well as your body fit. These strategies may even offer some protection against developing Alzheimer’s or related disorders. Try to keep your weight within recommended guidelines, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol, stay socially connected, and exercise both your body and mind."

So, let's break it down. Here are some practical steps we can take that may help us minimize our risks of Alzheimers.

1. Protect your head from trauma.
2. Eat healthy to protect your heart and avoid foods high in cholesterol and fat. Instead eat foods rich with antioxidant levels; like: spinach, raisins, blueberries, brussels sprouts, broccoli, blackberries, beets, red bell peppers, prunes, cherries, oranges, or corn. You might also try to take in more fish, like: halibut, salmon,or tuna. Nuts can be beneficial too: try eating more almonds, pecans, or walnuts. (For a fuller list, read: http://www.alz.org/we_can_help_adopt_a_brain_healthy_diet.asp)
3. Finally, as recommended above: "avoid tobacco and excess alcohol, stay socially connected, and exercise both your body and mind." Plan routine walks with friends or enjoy evening strolls with loved ones.

We can't always control our genetics or family history...but there are some things we can do that may help. Choose a few above and commit to embracing gradual life changes to help influence your overall health. Next week, we'll explore a little more about Parkinson's disease.

For more helpful hints on Alzheimers visit: http://www.alz.org