How to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known. Age, family history, genetics, general health, head injury and environmental factors may all play a role in its development. However, diet and lifestyle choices can slow its progress.

Instructions

Prevent Alzheimer's Disease Through Diet

• 1

  Maintain a healthy diet low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. Include dark-skinned fruits, leafy green vegetables, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, E, B6 and B12, niacin and beta-carotene. Find a list of foods broken down by nutrient at The World's Healthiest Foods website.

• 2

  Include spices and herbs like curcumin, ginseng, rosemary, thyme, dill, fennel, spearmint and cilantro.

• 3

  Take memory-enhancing herbs such as ginkgo biloba, which can be found in green tea and supplements.

• 4

  Drink tea. Studies have shown that both green and black tea have similar effects of Alzheimer's drugs by inhibiting the activity of enzymes associated with the disease.

• 5

  Prevent high blood pressure often associated with Alzheimer's disease through exercise and low-fat, low-sodium diets.

• 6

  Maintain a high level of good HDL cholesterol at 60 to 75. Some studies suggest keeping good cholesterol levels within this recommended range could cut Alzheimer's risk in half. Medication can reduce cholesterol levels by as much as 70 percent.

Prevent Alzheimer's Disease Through Lifestyle

• 7

  Continue to exercise after age 65 with yoga, swimming, gardening, tai chi and walking.

• 8

  Work, socialize, develop new hobbies or devote time to old ones, complete projects around the house, keep up with chores and stay in touch with friends and family

• 9

  Stay mentally active through crossword puzzles, reading, board games, computer games and playing cards.

• 10

  Get enough sleep.

• 11

  Avoid second-hand smoke. New studies show that it causes blood vessel damage, including thickened and narrowed carotid arteries, which can impede blood flow to the brain.