A scary prognosis looms for many of us
Declines in brain health and function are of monumental concern for Baby Boomers and older adults. That’s not surprising, as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the number one dementia affecting this population, its causes are still unknown, it is irreversible and progressively devastating.
AD afflicts nearly 26 million people worldwide. According to the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging (NIA), the disease strikes mainly after the age of 65—making Boomers and older adults its prime targets.
AD slowly destroys brain health, with declines in memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily life. Plaques and tangles in the brain are two of the main hallmarks of AD; the third is the loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain.
Clues are appearing
But scientists are chipping away at the mysteries of AD to support brain health in aging. For example, many cases of AD are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. And researchers believe that typical age-related brain changes may contribute to AD damage, including atrophy (shrinking) of certain parts of the brain, inflammation, and destructive molecules called free radicals, according to NIA.
Tip the risks in your favor
Here are some of the lifestyle changes that may help prevent or delay AD, from information available at the Dana Foundation, sponsoring organization of Brain Awareness Week, April 16 – 22, 2015:
• Stay physically active. Some researchers believe that physical activity, through its ability to help stave off heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, and to enhance brain size and nerve size growth, is the greatest modifiable risk factor for AD.
• Eat a healthy diet. Recent research reveals the Mediterranean and DASH diets are beneficial in supporting age-related brain health. These diets emphasize fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats.
• Avoid chronic stress and depression; maintain a purpose in life. Chronic stress and depression may cause changes in the brain, leaving it more susceptible to destruction such as AD.
• Stop smoking. Along with other detrimental effects, smoking promotes AD risk factors, including high blood pressure, vascular disease, and diabetes.
• Avoid head injury. Wear a helmet when bike riding and avoid heavily congested roads, as significant head trauma is associated with dementias.
Read about other fitness issues for Baby Boomers and older adults in my free e-book.