Live It Out: Four Ways That May Help Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s (8 pg)

Of the top 10 causes of death, Alzheimer’s is the only disease that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. That should provide plenty of motivation to lower your risk for dementia by following these four simple recommendations.

  1. Keep Moving
  2. Physical activity such as walking or swimming increases the supply of oxygen to the cells.
    As a result, many experts believe getting plenty of physical exercise may lessen the risk of Alzheimer’s. Please be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

  3. Eat Smart
  4. The foods you eat are another important consideration. Consider following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, for example. It’s designed to reduce heart disease, which has been linked to an increased risk for dementia. Here’s DASH in a nutshell:

    • Eat foods that are low in saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol.
    • Consume plenty of whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts.
    • Avoid or decrease the amount of red meat, sweets, sugared beverages and sodium.
  5. Engage Your Brain
  6. Intellectual activity can help strengthen the connection between nerve cells in the brain. So keep reading—the more complex the material, the better. Play games like chess, checkers, bridge or other card games. Work a crossword puzzle. Take a class or learn a new hobby. Pick up the basics of a new language or start playing the piano. The possibilities for exercising your brain are endless.

  7. Stay Connected to People
  8. An active social life is another way to lower the risk of dementia. It can be as simple as seeing your family and friends on a regular basis. Social activities are also a great way to participate in brain-healthy activities. By joining a walking club or a dance class, for example, you’re meeting new people as well as benefitting from physical exercise. Join a book club and you’re also giving your brain a workout.

Source: Alzheimer’s Association

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