How to Stop Alzheimer’s Before It Starts: 10 Things You Need to Immediately Start Doing

Dementia is a term that describes a wide range of brain disorders that can cause memory loss, speech and thinking difficulties and behavioral changes. Dementia is usually caused by Alzheimer’s disease, but Parkinson’s, thyroid gland problems, depression, vitamin deficiencies, head trauma or depression might be the cause as well. If you leave the root problem unresolved, dementia can progress further and worse the symptoms. However, some of the causes are very treatable, which is why it’s important to learn the early symptoms of dementia and visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Risk factors of dementia

There are numerous lifestyle, physiological and environmental factors which can contribute towards dementia. Some of them can be modified, but others are not modifiable. Continue reading below to see the top 10 tips you need to follow to prevent dementia:

1. Minimize the use of anticholinergic drugs

These drugs inhibit parasympathetic nerve impulses. The parasympathetic nerve system manages activities in the body while it rests such as involuntary movement of muscles in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and other body parts. Allergy meds, antidepressants, sleeping pills and heart meds can have an anticholinergic effect on the body which increases the risk of dementia. This is the reason why many experts suggest limitations if using these drugs, so always consult your doctor before starting with the treatment.

2. Vitamin D

Both animal and human studies have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and dementia, so make sure you’re getting enough of it. Besides plenty of sun exposure, you should take vitamin D supplements in order to prevent dementia.

3. Fish oil

Fish oil contains Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one of the main fats in the oil. According to some studies, there is a link between low DHA levels and cognitive impairment, which means that not enough DHA in the body increases the risk of dementia. To prevent the progression of the symptoms, we suggest taking fish oil on a daily basis, but consult with your doctor first in order to prevent problems caused by improper supplementation.

4. Vitamin B complex

Vitamins B6 and B12 as well as folate can reduce the levels of homocysteine in your blood. High levels of homocysteine have been related to heart disease, heart attack and stroke and have also been found responsible for age-related cognitive decline. Take a B complex supplement which contains 500 mg. of vitamin B12 every day in order to prevent health problems.

5. Regular physical activity

Exercising regularly is not only important for your physical health – it is responsible for your mental health as well. Try exercising for at least 30 minutes a day for best results.

6. Challenge your brain

According to a recent study, bilingual people show dementia symptoms 5 years later compared to the elderly who only speak one language. Other studies have shown that crossword puzzles can delay memory decline for 2.5 years, so keep your brain challenged with puzzles in order to keep it sharp and prevent neurodegenerative disorders.

7. Quit smoking and drinking

Smoking and alcohol consumption increase the risk of numerous diseases including dementia. Recent studies have shown that smokers have a 45% higher risk of Alzheimer’s compared to non-smokers, while people who drink alcohol moderately have a lower risk of dementia. People who don’t drink alcohol have a higher risk than moderate drinkers, while alcoholics are at highest risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This shows that a drink or two per day is nice, but bigger amounts should be avoided.

8. Watch out for head trauma

Head injuries are one of the major risk factors for dementia, which is why you should always wear a helmet when biking or skiing.

9. Stay socially connected

Isolating yourself from social interaction will only bring loneliness and depression. Make sure you hang out with your friends and combine social interactions with physical activity for best results.

10. Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose levels and weight normal

Keeping these parameters in the optimal range is a sure way to prevent numerous diseases including dementia.

Besides these tips, we also recommend eating a healthy diet as well as plenty of nuts and seeds to prevent the disease.

 

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