Reduce Alzheimers Risk With Lifestyle Changes

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects around 500,000 people in the UK and by the age of 80 approximately one in five people are affected.

It is a debilitating disease beginning with memory loss, mood swings, and with problems finding the correct words. Confusion, frustration, anger and fear are just some of the emotions Alzheimers sufferers fell as they lose their confidence and interest in life.

Now, US researchers believe that preventing Alzheimers from developing could be the key to fighting this debilitating disease.

Prevention is the key to Alzheimers

American doctors from the Mayo Clinic in Florida claim that preventing harmful plaques from forming on the brains of AD sufferers could be easier and more effective than treating the disease once it is established.

The brain plaques, known as beta-amyloid plaques, are found in abnormal amounts on the brains of sufferers and previous studies have linked one type of plaque, Abeta42, to the development of Alzheimer's disease. While linked to AD, it is important to keep in mind that preventing the development in plaque may not completely eliminate your risk of AD, as there are additional risk factors.

The researchers arrived at this conclusion after looking at several mice studies that found that targeting Abeta42 in young mice prevented plaque formation. However, targeting Abeta42 in older mice did not clear away any of the harmful plaque, which had already built up over time.

The doctors concluded that: The results suggest that it may be easier to prevent Abeta deposition than to alter Abeta once deposited.

As there is no current cure for AD, this news has the potential to have a big impact on Alzheimers in the future. So what are some other ways you can help prevent Alzheimers?

Steps you can take to improve your memory

New research presented at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology's Annual Meeting found that older people may improve their memory by making simple lifestyle changes including mental exercises, physical fitness, healthy eating and stress reduction.

The study conducted at the University of California was the first to test the impact of combining memory exercises and stress reduction with a healthy diet and physical exercise.

Over 14 days, the people in the first group followed a memory improvement plan which included:

* Memory Training Brainteasers, crossword puzzles and memory exercises, which emphasised verbal skills. These were conducted throughout the day to stimulate the brain.

* Healthy Diet Participants ate five meals daily, which included a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fats, low-glycaemic index carbohydrates (e.g., whole grains) and antioxidants. Eating five small meals throughout the day prevents dips in blood glucose levels and glucose is the primary energy source for the brain.

* Physical Fitness Brisk daily walks and stretches were done daily to promote physical fitness, which has been found to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

* Stress Reduction Participants used stretching and relaxation exercises to manage stress. Stress causes the body to release cortisol, which plays an important role in memory preservation. Cortisol has been found to shrink the memory centres in the brain.

However, those in the control group did not make any of the above lifestyle changes.

The researchers found that the participants following the memory improvement plan recorded a 5 percent decrease in brain metabolism in the dorsal lateral prefrontal region of the brain. This region is directly linked to working memory and other cognitive functions which suggests that they were using their brain more efficiently. Furthermore, these subjects reported improved memory, and demonstrated better performance on a cognitive measure controlled by this same brain region.

'Most people do not realise that they are in control of their memory as they get older,' declared lead researcher Dr. Gary Small, 'But this research demonstrates that it is possible, in just 14 days, to make simple lifestyle changes that will not only improve memory and brain function, but also will improve overall health and wellness.'

This study further emphasises the benefits of exercise, eating a healthy diet and other lifestyle changes like mental exercises. So why not try adding a few mental activities to your day. Crossword puzzles, reading, writing, and playing board games can be a fun way to preserve your treasured memories.