Healthy Aging and Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is an illness that affects the whole family, and it is utterly devastating. The person you once knew might be completely different or they may look you over with glassy eyes, struggling to remember what used to be so familiar to them. However, it’s time to take action in our own lives and use these lifelong tips to lead a healthier, happier life, while avoiding Alzheimer’s disease entirely. According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada there are seven risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease: diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, depression, cognitive inactivity or low education, and physical inactivity.
After knowing these seven key risk factors, it’s time to analyze the risks and discuss what can be done to reduce them.
Obesity and Lack of Physical Exercise
Obesity and neglecting physical activity are risk factors for high blood pressure, as well as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Alcohol can also be contributed to Alzheimer’s disease; as moderate drinkers have the lowest risk of developing dementia in their later years, while heavy drinkers have the highest risk. This is why it’s important to eat healthy, incorporate physical activity into your routine, and drink in moderation. Your body and mind will thank you later!
Smoking
In this day and age, the harmful effects of smoking are known, and smoking is a habit that is cringed at by health professionals. Unfortunately, along with many other health risks, smokers also have a 45% higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The hopeful part of this is that if you quit smoking, you will reduce your risks. Therefore, if you stop smoking now, you don’t have to become a statistic—and you can avoid Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by quitting.
High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure and are in your midlife, then you’re more likely to develop dementia than people with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure also causes problems with the heart, arteries, and blood circulation, so you are also at-risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, by being physically active and changing your diet, you will reduce the risks.
These tips are meant to be informative, please see a medical care professional for expert advice.
These tips are all quite simple, if you lead a healthy, active lifestyle, you will greatly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. For more information about Closing the Gap Healthcare or any questions you might have concerning Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Contact Us today!