Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. In this article, we will discuss five ways to prevent Alzheimer’s, according to Dr. Sanjay Gupta. We will look at the importance of eating the right foods, exercising regularly, staying socially active, and managing stress. We will also discuss the importance of getting enough sleep. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and maintain a healthy brain.
5 Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s, Says Dr. Sanjay Gupta — Eat This Not That
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects millions of people around the world. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a renowned neurosurgeon and CNN’s chief medical correspondent, has outlined five key steps to help prevent Alzheimer’s.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Dr. Gupta recommends eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. He also suggests avoiding processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy brain. Dr. Gupta recommends getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. This can include walking, jogging, swimming, or any other form of physical activity.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy brain. Dr. Gupta recommends getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night. He also suggests avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
4. Manage Stress
Stress can have a negative impact on your brain health. Dr. Gupta recommends finding ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or talking to a therapist. He also suggests avoiding stressful situations when possible.
5. Stay Connected
Staying connected with friends and family is important for maintaining a healthy brain. Dr. Gupta recommends spending time with loved ones, engaging in meaningful conversations, and participating in activities that bring joy.
By following these five steps, you can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and maintain a healthy brain. Remember to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.
Brain health is one of the hottest topics in the medical world, and for good reason: As more of the population ages, more people are developing dementia, a category of progressive brain disorders that includes Alzheimer’s disease. Neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta is on a personal mission to promote brain health—as he writes in the book Keep Sharp, his grandfather died from Alzheimer’s disease—and he has isolated five science-backed ways to reduce your risk of the same fate. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Regular exercise is the most important thing you can do for brain health, says Gupta. “Exercise, both aerobic and nonaerobic (strength training), is not only good for the body; it’s even better for the brain,” he writes in Keep Sharp. “Using sugar to fuel your muscles instead of sitting idle in your blood helps prevent dramatic glucose and insulin fluctuations … that increase the risk for dementia. Exercise also helps lower inflammation, and that is critical in preventing dementia.”
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Gupta writes that what’s “good for the heart is good for the brain” and “clean living can slash your risk of developing a serious mind-destroying disorder, including Alzheimer’s disease, even if you carry genetic risk factors.” He recommends consuming less red meat and processed foods and more fruits and vegetables. And one brain food in particular: “Berries, in terms of what they can do for the brain and some of these certain chemicals that they release, are probably going to be one of your best foods,” said Gupta.
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Rid your daily routine of foods with added sugar. “Many well-designed studies have found that people with high blood sugar had a faster rate of cognitive decline than those with normal blood sugar,” Gupta writes.
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“We’re learning that the brain is constantly going through this ‘rinse cycle’ at night,” said Gupta. During that time, the brain takes the experiences you had throughout the day and consolidates them into memory, clearing away debris like plaques and toxins which can lead to dementia. Aim for seven to nine hours a night. If you’re dreaming in the morning before you wake up, it’s a good sign your brain has been through the self-cleaning cycle.
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“We know that social interaction is so critically important,” said Gupta. “We are social creatures. We know that there are certain neurochemicals that are released when we actually can touch and look someone directly in the eye.” Social interaction is a major predictor of neurogenesis, or the creation of new brain cells, which reduces the risk of dementia. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.