Reduce risk by: Changing to vegan or Mediterranean, limit added sugars, eat more fish, reduce dairy, milk, and cheese, avoid soft drinks, junk foods, artificial sweeteners, eat more nuts, fruits
High Blood Pressure – Increases AD risk
Reduce risk by: Seeing your doctor for treatment, watch your diet
Low Mental Stimulation – If you don’t use your mind you will lose your mind’s sharpness.
Reduce risk by: Staying mentally active, puzzles, playing instruments, taking classes, languages, dance lessons
Depression – Increases risk of dementia
Reduce risk by: Exercise, diet, stress management, sleep, avoidance of toxins, depression treatment, consult your doctor
Social Isolation – Loneliness causes increased stress which can cause increased inflammation and associated risk of dementia
Reduce risk by: Joining groups with shared interests: church, exercise, reading, volunteering
Mental Stress – Activates the brain’s alarm circuitry which increases inflammation, oxidative stress, depression, and dementia
Reduce risk by: Practicing forgiveness, meditation, spending time in nature, considering seeing a counselor
Sleep Deprivation – Without adequate sleep, brain function is impaired, and the brain cannot restore itself. Sleep is critical.
Reduce risk by: Establish a regular sleep routine, sleeping in a dark room, avoiding late night eating and more – (See https://blackdoctor.org/10-tips-for-a-better-nights-sleep/)
In summary, I hope you can see that there are many lifestyle choices that can help to avoid getting Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Dementia symptoms and Alzheimer’s disease do not inevitably come with getting older. Decide to take proactive steps to protect your brain. It is worth the effort for yourself and your loved ones. Trust me.
Hugs,
Amy