7 ways to cut your risk of Alzheimer's disease

7 ways to cut your risk of Alzheimer's disease

Protect your long-term health by taking care of yourself today.
Updated:
2009-10-14 13:21
Published:
2006-06-30 00:00
By 
Kat Tancock

Tips 1-3

One in every 20 Canadians over the age of 65 is affected by Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer Society of Canada -- and one in four Canadians over the age of 85. And while "the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's is aging," says Jack Diamond, scientific director of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, there's a number of lifestyle-related factors that can affect your chances of developing the degenerative disease. According to one BBC News story, Alzheimer's may start developing 20 or 30 years before the first symptoms appear, so it's vital to maintain a healthy lifestyle today. Here are seven ways to reduce your risk. 

1. Don't smoke
"It turns out that all the things that are bad for your heart are also bad for your brain," says Dr. Sandra E. Black, professor of neurology at the University of Toronto. And that includes smoking, which contributes to high blood pressure (see #5 below) and hardening of the arteries, thereby reducing optimal blood flow through the body -- and the brain. (Trying to quit smoking? Read our guide.)

2. Up the antioxidants
A number of studies have linked high consumption of antioxidants with lower rates of dementia. Good food sources of antioxidants include green tea, blueberries and other berries, and red wine -- just make sure not to drink too much wine, as its benefits will be outweighed by the adverse effects of too much alcohol consumption.

3. Exercise
Your brain depends on a steady supply of oxygen from the blood, and exercising regularly helps your body keep things moving. Not only does physical activity help keep your brain healthy, but it staves off two of the major risk factors for Alzheimer's disease -- high blood pressure and diabetes. (Read about more benefits of exercise.)

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  • Nigel Winterbottom wrote:

    Aug 13, 2008

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    Smoking reduces the risk of Alzheimers. It may not be politically convenient to say this but nevertheless the truth should never be a casualty of political correctness. Don't believe me, then look at the studies. I'm not suggesting that anyone should start smoking to ward off alzheimers, just injecting some facts into the discussion.
  • Susan Berg wrote:

    Aug 20, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    Kate you are right on with these tips. Now how do we get people to adhere to them? by Susan Berg author of "Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals" http://www.alzheimersideas,com http://.dementiaviews.blogspot.com
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