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Is Alzheimer's disease an inevitable part of aging?

Posted: March 17, 2017, 9:43AM

NO!  We all forget things occasionally but not everyone develops Alzheimer's disease or a dementia that affects our thinking abilities.  Millions of people reach their 70s, 80s, and even their 90s with memories and cognition intact.

According to an Alzheimer's Association survey, 59% of people surveyed believed that Alzheimer's is a typical part of aging (wrong!).  Other misconceptions include the belief that you have to have a family history to be at risk for Alzheimer's (Also wrong!).

Can we reduce the risk of dementia?  Profession Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia at NHS England, spoke at the Alzheimer's Research UK Conference in March, 2016 and emphasized the potential healthy lifestyle to lower the risk of dementia.

Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director, Health & Wellbeing at Public Health England states, "Developing dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing.  Making better choices today can have a huge influence on our health and can reduce our risk of living with dementia later down the line.  This includes things like eating well, moving more, quitting smoking and drinking less."

PHYSICAL EXERCISE - Research shows that higher exercise levels can reduce dementia risk.  Physically active people tend to have better cognitive function and memory, and physical activity can trigger the growth of new nerve cells and promote nerve growth.  Even 15 minutes of regular exercise three times a week can help maintain brain health.

LIFT SOME WEIGHTS - Lifting even light weights can increase cognitive function and increase the levels of growth factors in the brain which help nourish and protect nerve cells.

KEEP LEARNING - Challenging the brain can increase the number of brain cells and the number of connections between those cells.  Expand on what you already do - learn a new language, for example. 

REDUCE STRESS - Meditation or taking some 'down' time can reduce harmful stress hormones.  Chronic stress floods our brains with the stress hormone cortisol which can lead to impaired memory.

Take care of your body!  Exercise your mind and your muscles.  Eat a healthy diet.  We are living longer - live healthy!

[Source:  Mind Over Matter, Women's Brain Health Initiative, 2017, "Dementia is Not Inevitable"]

 

 

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