Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, which is characterized by progressive damage to nerve cells and their connections. It causes problems with memory, thinking processes, verbal communication and behavior. Symptoms start out slowly and worsen over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with common everyday tasks.

Alzheimer’s disease is not an immediate death sentence, a person may live anywhere from two to 20 years after diagnosis. Those years are fraught with uncertainty and most patients are in an increasingly dependent state.

Despite popular belief, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. Other factors include: gender and family history.

If you are at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, we suggest you try to incorporate certain lifestyle changes that will help you lower your probabilities.

Table of Contents

Lose Weight

Check with your doctor or calculate your ideal weight and BMI (body mass index). If you are overweight, then cut back on calories and move more. If you are at a healthy weight, then maintain that. Vigilance is key. There are many diet plans available that will help you achieve your health goals. Pick the one that is right for you and commit to it.

Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is taking the time to think about your food and really appreciate it. For example, eating more slowly, listening to your body and stopping when full, eating when actually hungry and eating food that is nutritionally healthy. Try eating more vegetables and fruits, whole grains and fatty fish and lean meats. Avoid processed foods that are loaded with extra sodium, fat and sugar. They have no redeeming qualities and will cause havoc in your body.

Check your Waist

Measure your waistline, use a tape measure around the narrowest portion of your waist (usually at the height of the navel and lowest rib). According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, waist measurements should be 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men.

Take Supplements

There are many supplements out there that can slow down cognitive decline. Make sure that whatever you take includes quality ingredients that have been clinically tested and that they pass quality controls. We recommend that you read more about supplements on Consumer Advisors.

Exercise

Regular exercise will do wonders for your body. Just 30 minutes a day of any type of physical activity will help you improve your health. Moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, swimming, biking, rowing) can also help reduce total body fat long-term. The important point to remember is to move everyday. It is easy to lead a sedentary life but your health will suffer.

Bottom Line

Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition to live with. Many older adults succumb to it but there are many steps you can do to help your chances of postponing and lessening its effects. Try to incorporate some, if not all of the ones we mentioned. Speak to your doctor to see what you can do and how to get your health in check.