My dad his mother and his sister all had some level of Alzheimer’s. Doesn’t sound to promising for me, right? Well I’m not going down without a fight-there are actually a few things that could help fight this disease or at the very least keep it at bay for a few more years. Here are a few easy life changes to get you started.
Exercise-I feel like this one is obvious, we’ve been told by medical professionals for years that exercise helps prevent everything from diabetes to Alzheimer’s. I don’t think you need to make it harder than it is-go for a walk. Walking is easy, no equipment needed and if you grab a friend it makes it that much better. Regular physical activity not only improves cardiovascular health but also boosts brain function.
Healthy Diet-This one gets a little trickier for me….because which diet to follow you ask? I think is comes down to common sense, less processed food, more real food. Fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds and fish. Lots of water and green tea and less alcohol. Cutting back on sugar is probably not a bad idea either. A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can support brain health and reduce inflammation.
Mental Stimulation-Keeping the mind active is vital. The brain is a muscle and needs to be worked out. Puzzles, reading, learning a new skill-anything from knitting to playing chess, maybe try to learn a new language. Engaging in mentally challenging activities can help build cognitive reserve and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Socially Active-Stay engaged with others. Go to church, join a workout group(this also takes care of the exercise portion) volunteer for an organization. Just get out of the house and be around people. I truly believe that my dad declined faster because he withdrew from social outings. Social interaction is crucial for mental health and can give a sense of purpose and belonging.
While there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s yet, making these small lifestyle changes can impact the onset and progression of this disease. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. There are things you can do to have a better quality of life.