Alzheimer’s isn’t just a disease that occurs by chance of genetics. It’s actually caused by a combination of things such as your genetics….as you probably suspected and the lifestyle that you have along with environmental factors. The things that could lead to the cause of this disease will affect the brain over some time and what most people don’t realize is that Alzheimer’s disease cases caused by genetic shifts are actually less than 1%.
Another common misconception is that there isn’t anything that you can do aside from being aware of your family history and personal history. The good news is, that if you’re a senior, there are a variety of anti-alzheimer’s habits that you can start to develop and preventative tactics that you can begin incorporating into your daily routine to decrease the chance that you will develop Alzheimer’s.
Let’s explore some of the top anti-alzheimer’s habits.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease and What Triggers It?
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time.
In the early stages, people with Alzheimer’s may experience mild memory loss and confusion. As the disease progresses, they may have difficulty speaking, understanding, and writing. Ultimately, they may lose the ability to care for themselves.
There is no one cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, as we’ve mentioned, it is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. One of the most important risk factors for Alzheimer’s is age. The number of those affected by the disease doubles every five years after age 65. Other risk factors include family history, head injury, and cardiovascular disease. 1 in every 9 people 65 or older has Alzheimer’s and this is why it’s important for seniors to know more about it and how to prevent it and how to recognize it.
Getting Enough Sleep Matters
It’s no secret that getting enough sleep is important for our overall health and well-being. However, did you know that getting enough sleep can also help to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease?
One of the most important things we can do is to ensure we get enough quality sleep. Sleep plays a crucial role in our brain health, as it helps to clear out toxins that build up during the day. These toxins can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases.
There are a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting enough quality sleep:
- Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep
- Avoid watching television or using electronic devices in bed
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool to create an ideal sleep environment
If you’re struggling to get enough quality sleep, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits because this is essential for seniors as you should be aiming for anywhere between 6 and 8 hours every night.
Prevent and Manage High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Controlling your blood pressure can help to reduce your risk for this and other neurological diseases.
There are several things you can do to prevent and manage high blood pressure, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco use. If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to work with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Leafy Greens Were Important When You Were a Child and They’re Just as Important in Old Age
Leafy greens are an important part of a healthy diet for people of all ages, but they’re especially important for seniors, and seniors living in Florida have an advantage with a variety of farmer’s markets. Leafy greens help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and that’s a lesser-known fact about its advantages.
Dementia is a broad term used to describe symptoms of cognitive decline. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, there are things that can be done to prevent or delay the onset of these conditions. One of the most important things you can do is to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of leafy greens.
These vegetables are packed with nutrients that are essential for brain health, including vitamins A, C, and E, folate, and lutein. These nutrients help to protect the brain from damage and keep it healthy as we age. Leafy greens also contain antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation in the brain. Inflammation has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
There are many different types of leafy greens, so it’s easy to find ones that you enjoy eating. Some of the best leafy greens for preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia include spinach, kale, collards, and Swiss chard. Aim to eat at least 1-2 cups of leafy greens per day. You can add them to salads, soups, stews, or smoothies. Or try sautéing them with some garlic and olive oil as a side dish.
Eating plenty of leafy greens is just one part of living a healthy lifestyle that can help to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. Other important things include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, managing stress levels, and getting regular medical checkups. By making these lifestyle changes, you can give yourself the best possible chance of staying mentally sharp as you age.
Fish High in Omega 3 Fatty Acids Help Reduce Alzheimer’s
Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease as well. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health and have been shown to protect the brain from damage.
Many different types of fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Some of the best options include salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines. These fish are all packed with nutrients that are essential for brain health. If you’re not a fan of fish, you can also get omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds.
Eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids is just one of the many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s affects a large majority of the population and seniors along with any other age group should know the simple things that can be done to prevent it. By implementing a few changes in your diet and your daily routine, you can tap into a healthier life and an Alzheimer’s-free future.
