How to Reverse Brain Shrinkage in Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that often results in dementia, a broad term for symptoms related to a decline in cognitive ability. Physically, Alzheimer's disease causes brain cells to shrink or disappear. These cells are replaced by plaque, dense spots on the brain. Recent studies have found that there are ways to reverse the brain shrinkage caused by Alzheimer's.

Instructions

• 1

  Do some form of aerobic exercise every day. Aerobic exercise counteracts brain shrinkage by expanding the hippocampus, a section of the brain that plays a large role in short term memory and spatial relations. In Alzheimer's disease, the hippocampus is the first region of the brain to suffer shrinkage. Exercise also stimulate growth proteins which encourages the growth of new brain cells.

• 2

  Exercise your brain. Learn new skills, do word puzzles and engage in any activity that requires you to think. By challenging your brain, you cause new dendrites to grow. Which means more points of contact in the brain and better brain function.

• 3

  Remain socially active. Studies have found that elderly people who interact with others, outside of their immediate family, have less plaque in their brains than those who are less social.

• 4

  Practice stress management. Participate in yoga, or other forms of relaxation to reduce the amount of plaque in your brain and reverse the brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's disease.