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Is Alzheimer's Disease Preventable?

The American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) finds no factors that totally prevent Alzheimer's disease. (Reference 1). The two main risk factors for Alzheimer's are age and genetics; they apply to everyone. There are many ongoing research studies trying to find factors that may prevent Alzheimer's. Some completed studies' outcomes do show contributing factors for developing the disease. Knowing and dealing with these factors may help prevent Alzheimer's.

  1. Cardiovascular Disease

    • Cardiovascular disease may contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Eat healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat foods made from whole grains, such as oatmeal, tortillas, whole wheat bread and bulgur. Along with regular aerobic exercise, these foods prevent cardiovascular disease and may therefore help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Quitting smoking provides better circulation in the body, a factor critical to having a healthy heart.

    Diabetes

    • The Fisher's Center for Research Alzheimer's Foundation cites two recent studies that provide more information regarding a possible link between Type-2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. (Reference 2) To avoid getting diabetes and cardiovascular disease, eat poultry without the skin and fish instead of red meats such as beef and pork. Avoid eating foods high in saturated fats such as processed meats like hot dogs, sausage, bologna and bacon, as they are a main contributory factor to the development of diabetes.

    Increasing Brain Activity

    • According to studies conducted at Columbia University, increasing brain activity may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. (Reference 3) Brain stimulating activities include reading, playing games, learning another language, learning how to play a musical instrument, doing crossword puzzles and visiting historical sites or museums where a person learns about different subjects.

    Social Activities

    • The same study at Columbia University found that certain social activities that may also help prevent Alzheimer's disease. They include going to movies, restaurants or sporting events; visiting friends or relatives; being visited by or visiting relatives or friends; playing cards, games or bingo with other people; going to classes; going to a club or center; and going to church, synagogue or temple.

    Free Radicals and Diets High in Antioxidants

    • The American Health Assistance Foundations lists free radicals as a possible contributory factor to the onset of Alzheimer's. "Free radicals are unstable molecules that sometimes result from chemical reactions within cells. These molecules seek stability by attacking other molecules, which can harm cells and tissue and may contribute to the neuronal brain cell damage caused by Alzheimer's." (Reference 1) Foods high in antioxidants help prevent free radicals from forming. Eat foods such as berries, broccoli, tomatoes, red grapes, garlic, carrots, soy products, and foods made from whole grains to help form more antioxidants. Tea also contains high antioxidants.

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