Alzheimer’s: Learn how to slow down the thief who slowly steals our memories, identities, and lives.
Dr. Weston tells us that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is generally marked by progressive brain cell death. This brain cell death causes mental confusion, memory loss especially of recent events, times, places, and names, and behavior dysfunction. It is tragic and eventually fatal.
Here are some facts about Alzheimer’s:
- Alzheimer’s claims 1 out of 85 people, or 30 million victims world-wide.
- 1 in 8, or 5.4 million elderly Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s.
- It accounts for up to 80% of all dementia cases.
- It is the sixth leading cause of death.
- It is more common in females than males.
Science has not been so bold as to assign a definite cause of Alzheimer’s disease, though there are commonly accepted theories that include beta-amyloid tangles, and tau protein plaques. Interestingly though, there are a number of statistically significant associated conditions. High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease including post-stroke, type 2 diabetes, family history, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, smoking, obesity, sleep apnea, depression, concussions from head trauma, contact with industrial solvents, and metal toxicity all have a strong association.
There are no surgical or pharmaceutical cures for Alzheimer’s Disease to date, so attempts at preventing the mentioned associated conditions is important, as well as instituting the following practices:
1. Exercise
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily decreases Alzheimer’s incidence by 30 – 50%. So get up off the couch, and out of your chair.
2. Intellectual Activities
Mental stimulation is important, like reading, listening to music, playing an instrument, doing puzzles, and learning a new language. The brain is much like a muscle: use it or lose it.
3. Social Interaction
Join a club, attend church, volunteer, and participate in activities with family and friends.
4. Diet
Consume large amounts of unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and Omega 3-rich foods.
So, do you want a simple plan to try to avoid or slow Alzheimer’s disease? Take up dancing, play chess, learn Mandarin, or travel to interesting places.
