Avoiding Alzheimer's Disease

The highest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is age. Risk increases as people grow older. About 1% of people who are over 60 years of age can have Alzheimer's disease, but cases will double every five years at the age between 65 and 85. If under the assumption that the age onset can be deferred for 5 years, the number of cases will be halved. This is the basis for lowering the risk of having the disease in order to attain the goal of a hypothetical "Alzheimer free" society.

Over the years many epidemiological, brain perfusion studies and animal experiments have shown that highly educated have a lesser chance to have Alzheimer's disease. In fact, education and busy use of brain cannot change the brain structure, but may strengthen the brain to prevent brain degeneration. Even if Alzheimer's disease is contracted, the symptoms of dementia will not occur right away.

The most effective approaches to keep the brain active are reading, playing card games, doing cross word puzzles and visiting friends and relatives. Watching TV, listening to the radio, and other recreational activities are also good choices. Continue learning after retirement is the best defense for elders against the disease, whether it is continued education, on-line learning, development of new interests or participation in community activities.

Exercise is the real deal in keeping young. Experiments on animals showed that aerobic exercise can increase brain capillaries and nerve cells and reduce brain amyloid levels. Exercise can also prevent chronic diseases such as blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, depression, etc.

Scientists have long noted that by cutting down food intake in rats by 30%, they not only live 30% longer, their spatial memory is larger with stronger learning ability. Survey also found that the diet containing more unsaturated fatty acids of fish or low-fat can lower the chance of Alzheimer's disease. According to a Columbia University study in 2006, tracking 2,258 residents age 77 in average, those who were on Mediterranean diet (i.e., more fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, olive oil, fish, wine, a small amount of meat and poultry) have a lower chance (40% less) for Alzheimer's disease than those who were not. The importance of low calorie diet is so obvious.

Therefore everyone, young or old, should develop learning habits, keep in touch with friends, and participate more in recreational activities. Try to walk at least 40 minutes a day. Stay light on diet with more emphasis on fruits and vegetables. You can cut down the chance of getting the Alzheimer's disease. You will be healthy and have a more pleasant life.