Dementia patients
Alzheimer is a progressive disease, illness or rather injury that damages your brain cells to an extent that they degenerate and eventually die. The most common form of Alzheimer’s is Dementia, found in elderly people. Dementia affects a person’s ability to think, function and behave in a normal way. Although the root cause to Alzheimer’s is still unknown, research says, there are two factors considered in Alzheimer’s disease, age and genetics. Alzheimer’s disease is evident in older people, aged between 60 onwards. As far as genes are concerned, there isn’t supportive research on Alzheimer’s gene mutation, yet there are evidences that it is transferred within the family and a rare form, known as the Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) or early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (EOFAD) even moves in the younger generation.
Scientists and researchers haven’t yet found a full-proof method or medication to prevent one from Alzheimer’s disease but they recommend certain measure that can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Here is what they suggest:
Eat Healthy
A healthy diet is essential to prevent yourself from all kinds of illness and diseases. If you have Alzheimer’s patients in the family, it is important to understand the type and quantity of food you eat. Mediterranean Diet is highly recommended to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. This diet includes eggs, poultry, dairy, whole grains, fish, nuts, vegetables, fruits and red meat. Try to avoid too much sugar and fat in your meals as they may increase the cholesterol level in your body.
Exercise
For those who can see signs of Alzheimer’s disease, 30 minutes of exercise, three to four times a day is highly effective. Regular Exercise will help in strengthening muscles, reduce weakness and ensure a faster metabolism.
Limit Alcohol
Alcohol consumption must be monitored in families with dementia running. While alcohol leads to many other diseases, the risk of dementia is also increased. Too much of alcohol lowers the Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) level in the body, which can also result in permanent memory loss. Heavy-drinkers are also found to suffer from alcohol-related dementia, known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS).
Smoking
Smoking has been a major concern in younger pupil and adults. Research says that chain-smoking not only leads to dementia and Alzheimer’s but also vascular dementia which damages the blood vessels and blocks the brain from getting oxygen and essential nutrients.
Mental activities
Along with physical exercises, activities that involve the brain are also helpful in improving one’s cognitive skills. These activities include word games, arts and crafts, chess, playing music and learning a new skill. Research also shares that social interaction and isolation have a deep association with dementia, therefore younger pupil with dementia and Alzheimer’s running in the family are suggested to keep themselves around people, more engaged social gathering and clubs so that they are happy and contented.
Head Injuries
Head injuries and trauma can also increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Pugilistica is a specific kind of dementia that is caused by repeated head injuries and traumas and mostly found common in boxers. Serious and repeated Head injuries can double and triple the risk of dementia even after several years.
Maintain your health
Be aware of your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugars levels. Keep your weight in control, neither overweight nor underweight. Have a complete checkup every 6 months and discuss with your general physician any signs and symptoms that you may identify as a concern.
Learn about the symptoms
Often memory loss and Alzheimer’s are intermixed. Early memory loss symptoms are many at times ignored or taken casually. Memory slips or forgetting things may be normal but signs of frequent memory loss, changes in mood or personality, getting lost on locations/maps or simply having trouble in comprehending daily chores must be considered as areas of concern. Learn about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease to take preventive action on time and handle the situation with maturity.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s is uncontrollable and scientists have their heads down to find out more on its root-cause and prevention. The unfortunate part is that once this disease hits your brain cells, the damage cannot be reversed. By the time we have medications that can completely prevent us from this deadly disease, the least we can do is avoid any such activity or habit that may possibly increase the chance of it.
To learn more, you may also check out these Top Dementia Guidebooks.