Holistic Approaches to Protecting the Brain from Alzheimer's Disease
Is Alzheimer's Disease hardwired into the brain's destiny as we age?
It's a terrifying thought. Many people believe it's true. Hope lies with the ongoing research to help us understand the root causes and progression of Alzheimer's and the factors that may protect the brain from this devastating illness.
Alzheimer's Facts
“Nearly twice as many women have Alzheimer’s Disease as men. Alzheimer’s Disease also worsens more quickly in women than it does in men.”
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting a person's memory, thinking, and behavior to the point where they don't recognize themselves and their loved ones.
Approximately 5.5 million people age 65 and older have Alzheimer's Disease. Nearly 200,000 people under age 65 have "younger-onset" AD.
Scientists believe the disease process begins when protein deposits build up in brain tissue and damage nerve cells. This can evolve over 10-20 years before symptoms are noticed.
Symptoms
Symptoms start slowly and worsen over time, ultimately interfering with independent living and quality of life. Signs to look for include:
Persistent forgetting of recently learned information and important dates or events
Difficulty planning, problem solving, completing familiar tasks, and understanding time
Difficulty processing visual images, object distance and contrast
Trouble maintaining a conversation
Social withdrawal and depression
Changes in mood and personality, usually becoming anxious, suspicious, or confused
While family history can increase your risk, many factors influence the onset and progression of AD. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as outlined below, can help alter your brain's destiny.
The Brain-Body Health Connection
Several illnesses are linked to an increased risk for AD, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
To protect your mind from cognitive decline, exercise daily, eat more whole foods, learn new skills, meditate, read regularly, and get quality sleep each night.
Smart Food for Healthy Aging
Choosing fresh, nutrient rich foods is vital for brain health (and the body, too!). Select organic foods to decrease exposure to toxins that exist in conventional farming. Limit your intake of caffeine, sugar, alcohol, refined grains, and packaged foods to ensure optimal health benefits from your food.
Manage Stress
Stress elevates hormones in the body that increase inflammation which, over time, interferes with optimal functioning and contributes to illness. Relax with yoga, mindful walking, or guided imagery to help keep these hormones in balance.
Get Your ZZs
We need just as much sleep in our elder years as in our 30s and 40s. What does change is the brain's ability to maintain continuity and quality of sleep, particularly deep sleep. Maintaining healthy sleep habits throughout your adult life can make it easier to maintain sleep quality as you age.
A Personalized Approach, Naturally
Prevention is important, but once signs of cognitive decline are noticed, you need expert guidance. Though more long-term studies are needed, initial research shows that a personalized approach incorporating natural medicines plus lifestyle change can reverse cognitive decline for some people.
For expert guidance in developing a personalized prevention or early intervention program, consult with a specialist in natural medicine treatments for Alzheimer's Disease such as a Naturopathic Doctor like myself or a Functional Medicine practitioner.