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How is Alzheimer's Prevented?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia affecting millions of people. The two largest known contributing factors for developing Alzheimer's are advanced age and genetic makeup. Beyond this, little is known about how and why it develops. A lot is being done to discover potential ways to treat and prevent Alzheimer's disease to enhance the lives of future generations.

  1. Exercise

    • It is believed one potential cause of Alzheimer's disease is contracting another disease that damages the vascular system, such as diabetes and heart disease. In an attempt to ward off these conditions, frequent exercise is suggested. But exercise is also thought to directly prevent Alzheimer's. A study of 1,700 people older than age 65 was conducted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health over a six-year period. It showed people who exercised at least 15 minutes three times a week were at a 35 percent to 40 percent lower chance of developing Alzheimer's than those who exercised less.

    Diet

    • According to the National Institute on Aging, several studies have been conducted to see the relation between diet and aging. In relation to Alzheimer's disease, these studies point to the same conclusion: Eat healthy foods. Diets rich in dark leafy vegetables, antioxidants found in fruits and fiber-rich whole grains result in heightened cognitive abilities for a lifetime.

    Lifelong Education

    • It has long been speculated that keeping your mind sharp will ward off dementia. Studies indicate the greatest benefit for those looking to prevent Alzheimer's can be seen in people who actively learn new things throughout their lives. Those people who seek to increase their knowledge daily have shown a 47 percent lower chance of developing Alzheimer's than the average population.

    Social Interaction

    • A Chicago Health and Aging Project study shows maintaining strong friendships into old age is pivotal in preventing Alzheimer's. During the study, hundreds of nursing home patients were observed and analyzed. The results showed people who engaged frequently in social events were at a heightened level of cognitive function once the study commenced.

    Emerging Research

    • In the future, scientists hope to better understand the exact cause of Alzheimer's. It is their hope once a cause is clear, a vaccine can be developed to prevent the disease. But as promising vaccines are being tested on animal subjects, a new type of treatment might be effective in reversing Alzheimer's. An article published in the Feb. 9, 2009, edition of Science Daily reports animal subjects responded well to a natural protein injection. This injection repaired cell damage and prevented further damage to animals with the disease. So if prevention fails, there is hope in the future for a cure.

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