As we age, we may become concerned about dementia or more specifically, Alzheimer’s Disease, one type of dementia. So what can we do to help our brain stay alert and prevents different types of dementia. Below are some suggestions:
Medical Issues
True prevention is maintaining a lifestyle that keeps medical issues from happening to us. It may be too late to change some of the risks we have, but here are the major medical issues that contribute to dementia:
- Cardiovascular disease — Strokes can cause dementia; atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the blood vessels) can cause blockages in the brain; inflammation, caused by smoking, brain damage, or hypertension, can limit the supply of oxygen to the brain. These blockages can all lead to cognitive decline or dementia.
- Diabetes – Having diabetes doubles your chances of getting Alzheimer’s Disease.
Lifestyle Factors
- Diet – Your risk of getting Alzheimer’s is significantly higher if you eat:
- Processed foods
- Lots of sugar
- Lots of grains, starches, and other high glycemic foods
- Stress – Stress does damage the brain. Over time, it atrophies our hippocampus and our memories. Stress not only ages our brain but shortens our life.
- Sleep – Sleep is the only way to restore our brain 100%. When we don’t sleep as much as our bodies require, it diminishes functions within the body and brain, such as:
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Decreased cognitive function which includes impairments to learning, memory, speed, and verbal tasks
- Significant reductions in overall health including these symptoms:
- Immune function decline
- Cancer
- Reduced mineral density
- Hypertension
- Weight gain
- Smoking – Anything that decreases oxygen to the brain affects cognitive function. Smoking increases your risk of Alzheimer’s by 45% and 14% of all Alzheimer’s is directly attributed to smoking.
- Exercise (Or lack of)—Lack of exercise is a major cause of all chronic diseases
So, give your brain a break and try to control those lifestyle factors that affect your cognition. I know I’m going to keep on controlling my lifestyle.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Mike
References:
Mitchell, W. (2015). The Unbreakable Brain (1st ed.). Primal Health, LP.