ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Preventive measures

Take Care of your Brain

The brain is the vital organ that controls everything we think and do every day. We have to take care of it just like the rest of our body. We now know that to stay healthy it is important to make good lifestyle choices.

To date, it is difficult to say with any certainty that Alzheimer’s disease is preventable. However, some avenues of research are showing encouraging results. Here are a few examples:

Challenge your Brain

Some studies have shown that it is possible to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by practising activities that stimulate the brain, such as:

• jPlaying chess
• Learning a new language
• Doing crossword puzzles
• Changing the way we perform familiar tasks

Be Socially Active

Social interaction appears to have a “protective” effect against Alzheimer’s disease. It is therefore important not to isolate yourself and to maintain old friendships and develop new ones.

Protect your Head

Research shows that people who have suffered brain injuries, especially repeated concussions, are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Although we are all at risk for head injuries, young people tend to suffer more head traumas. Therefore, it is important to protect your head, no matter your age, for lifelong brain health.

Make Healthy Food Choices

Scientific findings indicate that long-term healthy dietary choices help to maintain brain function, slow memory decline, and reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Be Physically Active

Research indicates that even moderate physical activity promotes brain health by stimulating the flow of blood to the brain, which nourishes the cells with nutrients and oxygen, and may even encourage the development of new cells.

For people with Alzheimer’s disease, physical activity improves strength, endurance, cardiovascular health, sleep and blood circulation, but it also provides other benefits:

• It helps to maintain motor skills
• It provides a sense of meaning and purpose
• It has a calming effect
• It maintains energy, flexibility and balance
• It reduces the risk of serious injury resulting from a fall

Note: In the United States, at the Mayo Clinic’s Alzheimer Center, physical exercise is strongly recommended for people with the disease.

At the Oxford Dementia Centre, in Great Britain, patients with the disease take part in a rigorous exercise regimen. Researchers believe that physical activity may help to stimulate brains damaged by the disease.

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