Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that affects millions of people around the world. While there is no known cure, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease. A recent study has found that doing one particular thing every day can increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. In this article, we’ll discuss what that is and what you can do to reduce your risk. We’ll also provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid to help keep your brain healthy.
Doing This Every Day Raises Your Alzheimer’s Risk, Study Says — Eat This Not That
A new study has found that eating certain foods every day can increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in the journal Neurology, looked at the diets of more than 1,200 people over the age of 65 and found that those who ate a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who ate a healthier diet.
The study found that those who ate a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who ate a healthier diet. The researchers also found that those who ate a diet high in trans fats were more than three times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
The study’s authors suggest that eating a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by increasing inflammation in the brain. They also suggest that eating a diet high in trans fats can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by increasing the production of amyloid beta, a protein that is associated with the development of Alzheimer’s.
So what should you eat instead? The study’s authors suggest eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts. They also suggest limiting your intake of processed foods, red meat, and sugary drinks.
Eating a healthy diet is just one way to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Other lifestyle factors such as getting regular exercise, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can also help reduce your risk. So if you want to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, make sure to eat a healthy diet and take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Many of us have known someone affected by the brain disorder known as Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, that number is growing. By the year 2025, Alzheimer’s cases are projected to rise more than 12% in the United States. That’s because the No. 1 risk factor for Alzheimer’s is aging, and many Americans are simply living longer. The disease is progressive and currently has no cure. But it’s important to recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or people close to you, so its progression can be slowed if possible. 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.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a group of conditions that involve changes to memory, thinking, and judgment that ultimately interfere with a person’s ability to function. About 5.8 million people are living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. today.
Most cases are diagnosed in people older than 65, and Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. Alzheimer’s currently has no cure. But a drug called aducanumab (brand name Aduhelm) may slow cognitive decline.
That’s why it’s important to be alert to early signs of Alzheimer’s, so its progress can be slowed if possible.
“Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease,” says the National Institute on Aging.
Not all memory problems are indicative of Alzheimer’s. Some forgetfulness is normal with aging. But memory trouble with these characteristics may be cause for concern:
- Forgetting recently learned information or events, such as a conversation that occurred minutes or hours earlier
- Forgetting important dates
- Asking the same questions repeatedly
- Increasingly relying on memory aids (like notes) and family members
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The kind of forgetfulness that may signify Alzheimer’s is more severe or frequent than forgetfulness that may happen with normal aging. It’s normal to occasionally forget where you put your keys. But if you often have trouble retracing your steps to find them, it could be a sign of dementia.
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Experts say other warning signs of Alzheimer’s can include:
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Confusion about time or place
- Problems with balance or coordination
- Social withdrawal or changes in mood or personality
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According to a study published last July in the journal Neurology, mentally stimulating activities that involve seeking or processing information (such as reading, writing letters, playing cards or board games, and doing puzzles) may delay the onset of dementia in older people.
Scientists tracked 1,903 people (average age 80) for up to 22 years. Over time, 457 developed Alzheimer’s. That occurred on average at age 94 for people who did the most brain-stimulating activities later in life, compared to age 89 for who did the fewest. “It’s never too late to start doing the kinds of inexpensive, accessible activities” mentioned in the study, the scientists wrote, “even in your 80s.” And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.