The rate of Alzheimer’s disease is increasing in the United States, with experts expecting a tripling of the numbers by 2050. Every 66 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease and two-thirds of these people are women. Is this disease preventable? Many researchers say it is! Drug companies haven’t been very successful at finding a cure, but lifestyle interventions, including diet, exercise, and stress management can make a difference!
Interestingly, older folks in communities who regularly exercise, have strong family and community ties, and follow diets similar to the Mediterranean diet demonstrate very low percentages of dementia. The Mediterranean diet is high in vegetables, beans, fruit, olive oil, and nuts, and lower in meat and dairy.
Many people think there is nothing they can do to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and that they are destined to get it if their parent has it. But research actually shows that an individual’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s increased six-fold if their spouse has it. This points to lifestyle as a major culprit! These lifestyle factors can include unhealthy food choices, lack of physical activity, smoking, high stress, lack of connectedness or community, and poor sleeping patterns.
Don’t wait until you are older to start practicing healthy habits that may prevent Alzheimer’s later. You have the power to prevent and alter the course of many diseases with simple daily habits! When it comes to optimizing brain health, make it a point to eat fresh plant-based foods, obtain restorative sleep, exercise regularly, practice gratitude and stress management techniques, and try to learn something new each day. Consider starting with one change, such as making exercise a part of your daily routine. Even small, consistent changes can bring about amazing, positive changes in the brain!