November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and in light of this, I thought I would share a few tips with you on how to keep your mind in top shape, so as to help you stave off this ailment.
Alzheimer’s is, as we have discussed in the past, a disease that affects the mind and gradually leads to mental deterioration and dementia. There is no cure at the moment for this debilitating condition, although all throughout this month, many individuals are raising money in the hopes that one can be found. Research has at least found possible treatment options, which will hopefully help to improve the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s.
It has become the fourth leading cause of death in adults and this statistic will probably only begin to move up in the future, as more and more of the population creeps over the age of 65.
The disease can take anywhere from three to 20 years to progress, but many succumb to the illness, on average, after eight years. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the biggest risk factor for the late onset of the disease — which occurs after the age of 65 — is age and family history. “The likelihood of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s approximately doubles every five years after age 65. By age 85, the risk reaches nearly 50 percent.”
There are a few ways that you can help reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s or delay the onset of the disease. First and foremost is to keep your mind working; keep your brain active all the time. Make it a habit to learn something new each and every day. Read books, pick up the newspaper, take a course, talk to people — whatever you enjoy doing, do it while using your mind. This will keep it active and functioning at its optimum capacity.
Make sure that you eat a well-balanced diet full of antioxidants, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, omega fatty acids, and legumes. Also ensure that you get enough minerals and vitamins in your system by taking a complete multivitamin supplement.
Get moving. Not only does your brain need to stay active, so do you. Exercise keeps you fit, it keeps your blood pumping, and it boosts your self-confidence as well, which is another essential aspect to keeping Alzheimer’s at bay.
Make it a point to meet with friends and family at least once a day. Get out and meet new people, play chess or cribbage, or have tea with friends, it doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you are out and socializing with other people.
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Tags: Alzheimers Disease, Antioxidants, exercise
