Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention-Our Best Bet is to Eat Right
Hope is all that we have really when it comes to Alzheimer’s Disease-hope that we don’t get it, hope that a cure is coming, hope that our loved ones who are afflicted are as safe and comfortable as possible. Recent findings, however, show that 1 in 8 of us will succumb to Alzheimer’s Disease, and though there have been great strides in Alzheimer’s research, there is still no definitive treatment or prevention program. So what can we do?
The best thing that we can do for ourselves is to be health conscious. The key right now to making our elder years as comfortable as possible is to keep our bodies (and minds) as healthy and sharp as possible. The most supported strategies for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease is exercise, diet and social interaction.
“Perhaps the best way to potentially cut the chance of developing Alzheimer’s is to exercise — regularly and with at least moderate intensity.” (Los Angeles Times, Alzheimer’s disease: The best bets for prevention, so far, July 26, 2010) Additionally, “Numerous population-based studies suggest that people who eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, red wine and omega-3 fatty acids — and low in saturated fats — have a reduced risk of dementia of any type.”
So, diet and exercise. Most of us can definitely do better when it comes to exercise, and yes, it’s easier said than done. One of the greatest fears for our aging, baby boomer population is dementia, particularly those who have seen first hand its cruel effects. Though getting started with a new lifestyle may be difficult, it proves beneficial in all aspects of our health.
This includes keeping our brains sharp as well, with activities both mental and social. Those seniors who are alone, having lost a spouse perhaps, are at great risk of decline and studies to prove that. Providing companion care and social outlets can reduce such decline.
Read more from “Alzheimer’s disease: The best bets for prevention so far” for research details so far related to these three aspects of preventative care. The sooner we start taking better care of ourselves, the better chance we may have of preventing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It certainly can’t hurt!
For senior home care available in the Minneapolis/St. Paul MN area, visit us at www.angelcaremn.com. We can provide the companion care and personal care needed to keep seniors as happy and healthy as possible in their homes.
