Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that affects the brain and can cause memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with everyday tasks. While there is no single test that can definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s, there are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of the disease. In this article, we will discuss one sure sign that you may have Alzheimer’s: what you eat. We will look at the types of foods that should be avoided and the types of foods that should be eaten in order to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
The One Sure Sign You May Have Alzheimer’s — Eat This Not That
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, and it is estimated that 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease. While there is no single test that can definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s, there are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of the disease.
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is changes in eating habits. People with Alzheimer’s may forget to eat, or they may forget how to prepare meals. They may also forget to eat certain foods, or they may forget to eat at regular times. Eating the wrong foods can also be a sign of Alzheimer’s, as people with the disease may not be able to recognize healthy foods.
If you or a loved one is exhibiting changes in eating habits, it is important to talk to a doctor. Eating the wrong foods can lead to malnutrition, which can worsen the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Eating the right foods, however, can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve overall health.
So what should you eat if you or a loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s? Here are some tips for eating the right foods:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Choose foods that are high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, spinach, and dark chocolate.
- Avoid processed foods, which can be high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
- Limit your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Eating the right foods can help to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and improve overall health. If you or a loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s, talk to a doctor about the best diet for you.
Many of our lives have been touched by someone with Alzheimer’s disease, and unfortunately, that number is growing. By 2025, the rate of Alzheimer’s in America is projected to rise by 12.5%. That’s because a large segment of the population is getting older, and the No. 1 risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s is simply aging. This may not be something you want to think about, but it’s important to be alert to potential early symptoms so progression of the disease can be slowed if possible. Dementia presents differently in different people, but this is the closest to a sure sign that you might have Alzheimer’s. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You May Have 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. Although Alzheimer’s currently has no cure, a drug called aducanumab (brand name Aduhelm) may slow cognitive decline.
“Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease,” the National Institute on Aging says.
It’s a specific kind of memory trouble whose signs may include:
- Forgetting recently learned information
- Forgetting recent 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
The kind of forgetfulness that may signify Alzheimer’s is more severe or frequent than forgetfulness that may happen with normal aging. For example: 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.
Other warning signs of Alzheimer’s can include:
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure
- Confusion about time or place
- Problems with balance or coordination
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from social activities or work
- Changes in mood or personality
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, experts say it’s important to seek a thorough medical evaluation. This may warrant a trip to a specialist, such as a geriatrician or a neurologist.
Not all memory loss is due to dementia; it can have treatable causes, such as insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression. The only way to know for certain is to get any concerns checked out. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.