A recent study provides science based guidelines to prevent Alzheimer’s. An article published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry on July 20, 2020 discusses ten risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. The study suggests that eliminating these risk factors can prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.
The risk factors are:
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- High blood pressure
- Too little mental stimulation
- Stress
- Depression
- High homocysteine levels- damages the walls of the arteries leading to a narrowing of the arteries which restricts blood flow and can cause clots. Caused by poor diet, smoking, excess alcohol, diabetes, poor thyroid function and some medications.
- Head trauma
- Orthostatic hypotension- a type of low blood pressure that that occurs when standing after lying down and causes lightheadedness. It can be caused by dehydration, anemia, heart conditions, and certain medications.
- Reduced education
The good news is that most of these risk factors can be eliminated through lifestyle changes. So much is within our control to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s. Changes in diet and weight loss improve type 2 diabetes, reduce blood pressure and stop the damage from high homocysteine levels. Being a lifelong learner and taking on new challenges provides important mental stimulation. Exercise, meditation, yoga and acupuncture are excellent to alleviate stress and depression. If you have any questions about lifestyle changes you can make to prevent Alzheimer’s call 480-832-0966 to schedule an appointment.
Stay well,
Dr. D
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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