Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease which destroys memory and many other important mental functions.
Alzheimer and Causes
It is, also, the most common cause of dementia that is defined as a group of brain disorders that result in loss of social and intellectual skills. Scientists aren’t quite sure what causes Alzheimer’s disease which is why there’s no specific treatment that could stop it. Furthermore, scientists from different parts of the world are constantly working on studies and researches whose primary aim is to find out something new about this disease. Findings of these studies are used to modify treatments, prevent or delay its occurrence or slow down its progress. The most recent study identified nine risk factors for this disease.
Factors that put you at risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease
This particular study was conducted by team of researches led by Wei Xu from Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University in China.
For the purpose of this research, scientists systematically searched PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to July 2014. They analyzed more than 300 studies and references they included. In total, about 16,906 articles were identified of which 323 with 93 factors met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis.
The results of this study were published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Researchers discovered the following Alzheimer’s disease risk factors:
- Obesity
- Carotid artery narrowing
- Low educational attainment
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Frailty
- Smoking habits
- High levels of homocysteine (an amino acid)
- Type 2 diabetes.
The team of researchers pointed out that study is strictly observational but they also assume that findings could help medical professionals prescribe specific lifestyle changes to the Alzheimer’s disease patients. Scientists also discovered that some hormones, drugs for high blood pressure, vitamins etc. can help lowering the risk of this disease while homocysteine and depression are associated with heightened risk.
Alzheimer’s disease in numbers
- 1 in 3 senior citizens dies with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
- 1 in 9 Americans over 65 have Alzheimer’s
- 2 in 3 Alzheimer’s disease patients in the US are women
- 6 – Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the US, and also it is the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented or cured. North Dakota has a higher Alzheimer’s disease mortality rate than any other state in the US (54 deaths a year per 100,000 residents). On the other hand, the lowest mortality rate associated with Alzheimer’s disease is in Nevada (11 deaths a year per 100,000 residents)
- 44 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s or dementia
- 30% of people with Alzheimer’s also have heart disease
- 29% people with Alzheimer’s disease also have diabetes.
FACT: Alzheimer’s disease is most common in Western Europe with North America close behind. The disease is least prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Protecting cognitive health
Although Alzheimer’s disease can’t be prevented or cured, you can still make some lifestyle adjustments that would slow down its progress. Plus, protecting your cognitive health is of crucial importance for your overall health as well. Here are some things you can do:
- Exercise – physical activity is beneficial for your wellbeing and it can also help prevent cognitive decline. There’s a well-known Latin proverb which says Mens sana in corpore sano meaning “a sound mind in sound body”. The point of the proverb is to emphasize the importance of physical activity for all aspects of your life. Even taking a nice and easy walk for 30 minutes each day can be quite beneficial for you.
- Supplement – today, you can find a wide range of supplements formulated to improve memory, focus, and cognitive abilities. These supplements are made of natural ingredients whose benefits for brain health are well-documented. For example, Nerium EHT is an age-defying supplement that promotes better cognitive function and brain health, combats inflammation and oxidative stress, improves focus and concentration, and strengthens brain’s natural functions. Due to natural ingredients, brain supplements usually do not induce any side effects.
- Omega 3 fatty acids – are essential for optimal brain health and if you didn’t have the habit of eating seafood (or taking Omega 3 supplements) it’s good time for you to start doing so. Plus, your body needs Omega 3 fatty acids to remain healthy.
- Intellectual stimulation – in order to function properly, your brain needs to be challenged. There are various ways you can do it. For example, play Sudoku, crosswords or puzzles. You can also take up a new hobby, sign up for some class, travel, learn a new language; even reading is brain-healthy.
- Social engagement – socializing is quite important for your brain health. Depression, one of major risk factors of this disease, is associated with loneliness. Hanging out with friends and family is soul-enriching and it’s also beneficial for your brain.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease is a subject of a wide array of studies nowadays. Results of this study can be considered as a new breakthrough which can help doctors prescribe specific lifestyle changes to slow down progress of this disease. Hopefully, in the near future, we can expect more studies that would provide a new insight into this disease.
References
http://www.thesleuthjournal.com/relation-dementia-alzheimers-sleep/
Author Bio
Willo Conner – a freelancer, online article editor, eBook author for health and fitness. He has designed and taught health programs on the topics of health disorders, body image and self-acceptance, beauty tips for women, exercise for seniors. He writes for many online publications.