In 1983, President Reagan declared November Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, something that is still recognized today. With over five million people currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, it’s crucial to spread awareness on the debilitating disorder that currently does not have a cure.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that damages memory, thinking, and daily behavior. A person suffering from Alzheimer’s experiences memory loss, problem-solving issues, time and place confusion, and will often misplace belongings. Alzheimer’s progressively becomes worse until it hinders a person from completing everyday tasks. Once symptoms are noticeable, an Alzheimer’s sufferer tends to live about eight years. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death across America.
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
Research is moving the world closer to finally finding a cure and ending Alzheimer’s. In the meantime, it’s important to keep your memory sharp and sustain healthy habits that can keep Alzheimer’s away.
Exercise Regularly
Staying active and sticking to a regular workout routine can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50%. For those who have already been diagnosed, exercise can still delay cognitive deterioration.
Tips to Try
- Get involved in different strength, cardio, and balance classes at a gym
- Walk as much as possible during the day
- Take up swimming and biking when you can
- Add two to three strength sessions to your weekly workouts
Stay Social
Being a social butterfly can improve your chances of stopping Alzheimer’s and dementia from developing. Regular face-to-face contact with people helps our brains think more clearly and reduce stress.
Tips to Try
- Volunteer in local organizations to meet new people
- Join a social club
- Reach out to your neighbors
- Adventure to social places like a festival, mall, park, or museum
Eat Healthy
It should come as no surprise that sustaining a nutritional diet can keep your brain in tip-top shape. Alzheimer’s is sometimes referred to as “diabetes of the brain,” meaning there is a link between metabolic conditions and the signal processing systems. On the positive side, simple eating adjustments improve your brain’s functionality and protect it from issues later down the road.
Tips to Try
- Take vitamin supplements
- Start drinking tea
- Cook at home more often
- Implement a Mediterranean diet
Get Enough Sleep
There tends to be a connection between Alzheimer’s disease and sleep disorders. Many studies point to poor sleep causing disruptions in memory formation. A good night’s sleep is needed for washing away brain toxins and giving people a clear mind.
Tips to Try
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- Get screened for sleep apnea
- Follow a relaxing bedtime routine
- Refrain from late-day naps
The Truth About Finding a Cure
Researchers have been working long and hard to find the right treatment for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. While comprehensive progress has been made, there is still not a clear solution for the disorder.
In order to reach the right treatment for this debilitating disorder, researchers rely on clinical trials and studies. Without the commitment of valued volunteers and study participants, researchers would never be able to find the best treatment to alleviate Alzheimer’s completely.
To learn more about our current trial on Alzheimer’s disease and how you can contribute to our research efforts, click here.
