How to Prevent Alzheimer's

Paying attention to your lifestyle now can do a lot to minimize the chances of having to deal with senile dementia in old age. Here are some steps you can take.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. ***Work that Brain***
   
   A daily crossword puzzle can be like pushups for the brain, keeping the synapses active and helping stave off diseases like Alzheimer's. People who do four crossword puzzles or more a week are much less likely to develop dementia than those who do only one.
   
   Other good mental workouts are puzzles like Sudoku, or reading a challenging book.

2. ***Work that Bod***
   
   Regular exercise is good for just about everything in life, so it's no surprise that it can help in forestalling mental decline. Those who exercise regularly can lower their risk of Alzheimer's by as much as 50%.

3. ***Watch What You Eat***
   
   What's good for your heart is also good for your brain. You know the mantra by now: lots of colorful veggies, fish, an occasional glass of red wine, and keep away from too much fats, sweets and junk food.

4. ***Get Out More***
   
   Social interaction is also a wonderful exercise that contributes to a brain that works better, longer. So visit friends, join a club, volunteer, or do anything else that gets you out and about, and mixing with others.

5. ***Speak to Your Doctor***
   
   Our understanding of Alzheimer's is increasing, as is the range of prevention and treatment options. There are some interesting drugs in the pipeline that may one day make a big difference in dealing with senility. Develop an open and ongoing dialog with your doctor, and let him/her know that you want to stay informed on new developments.

Tips & Warnings

• There's some evidence that tumeric, a spice commonly used in curry, can act to protect nerve cells in the brain. A little vindaloo now and then certainly can't hurt.

Resources

• Alzheimer's Foundation Four Pillars of Prevention
• Professional Research Service for Additional Health Information

[jujudy]

on 9/12/2009 Your advice is right on target with the information presented at a meeting I attended recently. The speaker was a highly credentialed geriatric neuro-psychiatrist. This psychiatrist placed exercise, walking vigorously in particular, as the number one best way to prevent Alzheimer's and dementia. Diet and brain gymnastics are also important, as you point out. 5*s

[Intelmit]

on 5/30/2008 Quite an informative and good article.thanx