The Truth Behind Alzheimer's Disease

Because the aging process begins the moment you're born, some complications can accompany this process.

Among those, is Alzheimer's. However, there are steps everyone should take to decrease the chances of developing them including Alzheimer's in order to attain healthy longevity. Alzheimer's disease is terrible since you loose control over your life, but there are things you can do to prevent its onset. Contrary to common beliefs, Alzheimer's disease is not an inevitable accompaniment of aging.

RISK FACTORS

There are few interesting theories about the cause of Alzheimer's disease, but there are no absolute risk factors. However,statistic show that age, family history and genetics can give us some explanations. For example, half of the current residents of nursing homes in US have Alzheimer's disease.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms are impaired learning, lack of reasoning power, inability to retain new information, trouble performing complex tasks and lack of orientation. Often, Alzheimer's is confused with other conditions that mimic it, like depression, subdural hematoma, multiple small strokes, brain tumors, hypothyroidism, alcohol abuse, poly-pharmacy, malnutrition and other underlying diseases that can produce behavioral changes mimicking Alzheimer's.

So it is not an easy task to identify Alzheimer's with certainty. Usually, specialists proceed by eliminating other possibilities first and the process can be complex. Despite the absence of cure or treatment for Alzheimer's, every patient should be given a good multivitamin, Ginkgo biloba, tacrine and donepezil. These agents can result in improving memory in older people.

PREVENTION

Let's concentrate now on how to reduce chances of getting Alzheimer's.

First, regular mental and physical activity contribute to increase the number of connections needed for normal mental function.

Second, the more schooling you have, the greater are your chances against Alzheimer's. Like physical exercise, ongoing intellectual challenges stimulate the formation of nerve connections.

Third, stress does probably play a role in the development of Alzheimer's. It is important then to reduce your level of stress as much as possible.

Fourth, there is and important correlation between consumption of total fat and incidence of Alzheimer's. You should eat more fish instead because of the protective effect of

Omega-3.
If you don't eat enough seafood, you can obtain Omega-3 fatty acids in capsule form. Several other foods like artichokes, sardines and lettuce are also "brain builders".

Fifth, studies have showed that the intake of aspirin and vitamin E may delay the onset of Alzheimer's.

Finally, estrogen replacement therapy for women of seventy years of age and older could be beneficial.

Also, stop smoking because it doubles the risk of getting Alzheimer's The first priority is your health. Take action and get the products you need to reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer's.