Alzheimer’s Prevention Tools

Alzheimer’s Disease carries a number of risk factors, and some of them are things a person can manage with lifestyle changes. These include habits and activities that fail to control blood pressure in the normal range, such as lack of exercise or a poor diet. Some other diseases, such as diabetes, either directly or indirectly contribute to a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

When doctors discuss preventing Alzheimer’s, they’re generally referring to these controllable risk factors. However, managing risk is only an effective method prior to the onset of later stages of Alzheimer’s. Once cognitive impairment reaches more advanced levels, it’s too late. If a patient has been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, it’s still possible changes to address risk factors may offer benefits. The mild stage would include minor problems with cognitive factors, such as memory and thinking skills.

According to clinical research, diets that yield overall health benefits, such as the Mediterranean diet, are useful in addressing Alzheimer’s risk. Researchers have also developed and tested a variant of the Mediterranean diet called the DASH, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, that is specifically targeted towards keeping blood pressure out of the above normal range. General research into the diet reveals those who adhere to it have lower cardiovascular risks, and also better chances to avoid diabetes. By improving overall health, those at risk for possible Alzheimer’s can lower that risk.