According to some experts, Alzheimer’s Disease is not an inevitable part of aging, but a preventable condition, since only one in a hundred cases of the condition are actually genetic in nature.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that can creep up on you and the very first or early signs of the disease could be mistaken for stress or aging in the regular course.
In fact is has been seen that the first cognitive difficulties may begin to manifest themselves as many as 8 years prior to a clinical diagnosis for AD being made.
These very early signs of Alzheimer’sdisease could subtle problems with paying attention, planning, abstract thinking, mental flexibility, feelings of apathy and so on.
Problems rating to memory of meanings and of concept relationships may also be noted early on.
It is recommended that following these 10 steps can help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
1. Controlling the homocysteine level – homocysteine is an amino acid that should be below 7 ideally. Proper intake of B vitamins, fish, milk, eggs, green veggies, beans, seeds and nuts will keep levels low.
2. A daily multivitamin and mineral supplement could help keep the levels of homocysteine low.
3. Make sure there are enough antioxidants consumed by eating bright colored food such as berries, carrots, tomatoes, turmeric, broccoli and so on.
5. Keep sugars and refined foods at bay. A low glycemic index diet is recommended as being good for the brain as well.
6. Give up smoking – there are literally hundreds of reasons for doing this; keeping your brain in good health is just one more.
7. Though the jury is divided on this one, some experts recommend lowering levels of coffee intake (though there is some contrary evidence to suggest that coffee is good for the brain). Also limit alcohol intake.
8. Keep stress in check – stress hormones can actually damage the brain.
9. Keep active, mentally, physically and socially. Using your mind and brain keeps both in good working order. Also being socially active having close personal relationships is seen to keep cognitive decline at bay.
10. Take the Cognitive Function Test that is designed for individuals between 50 and 70 years of age. It is a five part, fifteen minute test that may be useful in giving you some idea about mental abilities though this is not supposed to be for diagnostic purposes.
