According to the website of Alzheimer organization, 3 million people would be affected directly or indirectly by this neurodegenerative disease. There are 225,000 new cases each year. It is the 4th leading cause of death, so it is important to adopt habits to prevent it.
Many talk of ways to slow down their progress, but there is still too little advice on how to prevent it from happening. There are habits to establish to prevent triggering. The cognitive decline makes the patient suffer as well as his entourage helping or not.
Alzheimer's, a disease that wreaks havoc
Dementia is one of the most noticeable symptoms in people with Alzheimer's. Although the neurodegenerative disorder is not only characterized by this cognitive disorder, it is the most disabling for the patient. The memory is the first to be touched, leading first to forget recent events, appointments that can bring the person in a state of confusion. As the evolution of Alzheimer's disease progresses, other fields of memory are affected such as semantic memory, working memory. At a final stage, it becomes difficult for the person to learn, to use their immediate memory and to orient themselves in time and space. Disorders of language, visual recognition and task performance are added as the disease spreads to the patient's brain.
Several factors can stimulate the risk of dementia in the patient with Alzheimer's as pointed out by our colleagues at Figaro Santé. We are talking about :
- An altered thyroid function
- The Depression
- Low physical activity
- Diabetes
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Family history related to Alzheimer's disease
If you are concerned about these factors, it is important to adopt habits to avoid neurodegenerative disease and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Here they are.
9 natural habits to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease
1. Stop smoking
Several researchers have explained that smoking has an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease due to the oxidative stress and inflammation inherent in tobacco. According to this study, there is an obvious correlation between this bad habit and this neurodegenerative disease. If you want to stop smoking, consult a doctor.
2. Exercise
Regular physical activity is, from all points of view, a healthy habit for the whole metabolism. This boosts oxygen delivery to the brain and helps prevent many diseases. This scientific experiment has proven the positive effects of aerobics on Alzheimer's disease.
3. A diet rich in vitamin B
To prevent Alzheimer's disease, it is important to incorporate foods rich in vitamin B. Fat fish, eggs, as many products to focus on your menus. This is scientifically proven: regular consumption of vitamin B keeps the risk of developing the disease. Involved: the thiamine that converts sugar into energy for the proper functioning of the brain.
4. Consume more vitamin D
It is a fundamental vitamin for cognitive and mental function. It is produced when the body is exposed to sunlight but can also be synthesized when taking certain foods. Sardines, dark chocolate, wild salmon, so many good things to prioritize in your diet. Scientists confirm this: Vitamin D consumption decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. A good walk in the regular sun is a good habit that can benefit our overall health.
5. Train your brain
Sudoku, arrow words, games involving memory, are all ways to prevent Alzheimer's disease. This study explains that games that involve memory and concentration delay illness. Training your brain on a regular basis helps protect against the dementia inherent in the disease.
6. Prevent injuries
Head injuries cause symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer's disease. Some head trauma may develop later. It is important to treat them well to avoid Alzheimer's disease. This scientific study proves that there is a correlation between a head injury and neurodegenerative disease.
7. Control your alcohol consumption
Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to Alzheimer's disease. If you wish to stop alcohol, seek the help of a doctor.
8. Make regular medical checks
The best way to prevent an illness is to have regular medical follow-ups. Once a year, testing for all risk factors such as diabetes, lack of vitamins B and D, or thyroid disorders is advisable to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
9. Do not isolate yourself
Social isolation is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Continue to have social, family and professional relationships to avoid contracting this disease. This helps to avoid depression, which is one of the risk factors, and also to keep your mind sharp and to always work on your cognitive abilities.
