Alzheimer's Disease: Symptoms and Prevention

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE NOT JUST A NORMAL PART OF AGING An estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and every70 type of dementia. In fact, have Alzheimer's disease. Despite the prevalence of this disease, Alzheimer's does not necessarily go hand in hand with natural aging. Boosting your heart health, eating well, challenging your brain, and keeping friends close can all help you flex your mental muscles well onds, someone else will be diagnosed with this common of individuals age 85 and older into your golden years. PREVALENCE One in eight people age 65 and older (13%) has Alzheimer's disease. Of those with Alzheimers, an estimated 4% are under age 65, 6% are age 65 to 74, 44% are age 75 to 84, and 46% are age 85 or older. Nearly half of people age 85 and older (45%) have Alzheimer's disease. <65 65-74 75-84 85+ Older African-Americans and Hispanics are about twice and one-and-a-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's disease as older whites. As projected life expectancies rise, by 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease is expected to triple to an estimated 11-16 million. Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's disease are women. RISK FACTORS Age. Advanced age is the most important known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Genes. Genetic mutations on chromosomes 1, 14, and 21 are linked with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, which affects those aged 60 and younger. Genetic mutations on chromosome 10 may also increase risk of developing late- onset Alzheimer's disease. Carrying one form of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene increases the risk of Alzheimer's. Family history of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Gender. Significantly more women than men have Alzheimer's disease (see above). Chronic high blood pressure and obesity. History of head trauma, especially injuries that cause unconsciousness lasting longer than 30 minutes. PREVENTION Although there is no proven way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, you can take certain immediate steps that will benefit your overall health well into the future. Because Alzheimer's disease may begin to develop before the onset of symptoms, ask your doctor about incorporating these practices into your daily routine today: EAT WELL Consume a low-fat diet. Eat less red meat and more whole grains. Eat cold-water rich in omega-3 fatty acids, at least 2 to 3 times per week. An NIH panel concluded that some data suggests that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help prevent cognitive decline. (like tuna, salmon, and mackerel) Reduce your intake of linoleic acid found in margarine, butter, and dairy products. Increase antioxidants like carotenoids by eating plenty of darkly colored fruits and vegetables, including spinach, kale, papaya, apricols, and sweet potatoes. EXERCISE Regular exercise has known benefits for heart health and may also help prevent cognitive decline. There's also some evidence that exerc improve mood in those with Alzheimer's. may help The Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation reported on a study that shows middle-age people who exercise at least twice a week could reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by as much as 50% as they age. Every heartbeat pumps about 20-25% of your blood to your head, where brain cells use at least 20% of the food and oxygen your blood carries. Being physically active means better heart-and brain-health. STAY MENTALLY AND SOCIALLY ENGAGED Older adults who stay mentally active may be at lower risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. "Use it or lose it!" Put your brain to work by: o Reading newspapers, books, and magazines. o Learning a new language. Playing cards and board games. Completing crossword puzzles. Joining a club for your favorite hobby. REFERENCES http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-lact-sheet http://www.alz tdn.org/AboutAlzheimers/ www.nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimersdisease/treatments/quiz/ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers- di sease/DS00161/DSECTION=litestyle-and-home-remedies http://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHO001767/ http://www.alzheimersprevention.org/ http://www.helpguide.org/elder/alzheimers_prevention_slowing_down_treat ment.htm http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/tclalzheimers-disease prevention http://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_prevention_and_risk.asp http://www.alz.org/downloads/facts_figures_2012.pdf http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-disease/ANO1710 INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY: Home Helpers" Home Helpers www.homehelpersdelval.com Making Life Easier