September 21st is the 10th year anniversary for World Alzheimer’s Day. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Currently 5.7 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease and a new person is diagnosed every 65 seconds.
Raising awareness around Alzheimer’s is important so that people can both understand this disease and take steps towards preventing it. Alzheimer’s is hereditary but there are things that can be done to reduce your risk. Here are some tips on how to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
- Keep blood sugars and weight in check to avoid diabetes. Diabetes is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s so keeping up with a healthy diet and taking medications if you do have diabetes is important.
- Stay cognitively active by reading and learning new things. Brain health and activity can be a great way to stay sharp.
- Get regular physical exercise. A sedentary lifestyle puts you at higher risk of diabetes. Find a fun workout program, take part in group sports such as bowling or join a gym that you love to help you stay active.
- Maintaining a healthy weight will help to avoid obesity and heart disease. Cardiovascular disease has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s so be sure to eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat foods with vitamin C or taking supplements.
- Maintain an active social life. Find a new hobby group to join or social activities to be a part of.
