Alzheimer's Risk Factors

Health and Wellness - Aging

By: hummingbirdee     26-Feb-2012

Introduction:

Approximately 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, the number one form of dementia. When a person has this disorder, they suffer from memory loss. As it progresses, other intellectual and social skills decline. It was once believed that genes were the most important factor as to why a person would develop the disorder. Research has shown that there are other Alzheimer's risk factors that are proving to be more important.

Obesity

One of the top Alzheimer's risk factors is obesity, which is a big problem in America. Cells in the brain can break down when the making of insulin in the body is impaired. Obesity leads to the risk of getting diabetes. A diabetic has more than twice the chance of developing Alzheimer's disease. Those who want protection watch their weight. They also keep inflammation in their body under control as well as keeping their cholesterol and blood pressure levels down.

Eating Too Many Carbohydrates

Another one of the Alzheimer's risk factors is eating too many carbohydrates. When we eat too many carbohydrates, insulin levels in the body go up. When we restrict the number of carbohydrates that we eat, it helps our mental abilities. It is recommended to eat a diet high in protein as well as eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have antioxidants which is good for brain health.

Too Much Stress

Another one of the primary risk factors of Alzheimer's is stress. We have too much of it in our lives. Stress causes gray matter in the brain to shrink. This leads to cognitive impairment and memory loss. One great thing about the brain is that it can recover from stressful events. If stress is dealt with in a healthy way, the gray matter can grow back.

Lack of Brain Exercise

If a person wants to protect themselves from having Alzheimer's, then exercising the brain is recommended. Learning new things helps to decrease the break down of synapses in the brain. People who continue to educate themselves seem to develop Alzheimer's disease less frequently than those who do not. Exercising the body also helps to protect a person from getting this disorder. Those who socialize with friends and are involved in their faith are also helped.

Getting Older

There is not much a person can do about getting older, but aging is one of the risk factors of Alzheimer's. The chance of getting the disorder rises as we get older. By the time the age of 85 is reached, there is a 50 percent chance of having Alzheimer's disease. That is why lifestyle changes are so important in midlife. It can reduce the possibility of developing this terrible disorder.





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