There are only two risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease that we cannot control; genetics and ageing. However, other risk factors might be reduced by making the right lifestyle choices for your body and brain.
While there’s no way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, a healthy brain may withstand illness a little longer, experts say. Maintain a healthy brain with these simple lifestyle choices:
1. Diet. A healthy diet is important for your overall body health, and especially a healthy brain. Eating nutritious food long-term also helps maintain brain function and slow memory decline.
2. Mental exercise. It’s important that you exercise your brain and body on a daily basis. Growing evidence suggests that regular mental stimulation may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by enhancing the mind’s resistance to damage. Try puzzles, or learning a new hobby like playing a musical instrument. Anything you enjoy that engages your brain can help create new mental pathways or develop infrequently used ones.
3. Physical exercise. What’s good for your heart is also good for your brain. Exercise is great as it gets the blood moving and keeps the heart and brain health through constant nourishment from increased circulation. If possible, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five times a week.
4. Quit smoking. Smoking is dangerous to your health and your brain is no exception. Recreational drug use and excessive alcohol consumption are also best avoided.
5. Manage stress. It’s very important to fix any underlying problems that are causing stress, as stress increases blood pressure and makes the heart beat faster. It also releases the stress hormone cortisol, prolonged levels of which can have a negative effect on the body. Relax your body and mind by managing stress. Try physical activities or breathing exercises for example.
