Learn About Alzheimer’s & Ways to Lower Your Risk

Published by Claudia Giunta. 

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia that continues to be a significant health concern for older generations worldwide. While there is no cure at this time, increasing evidence suggests that specific lifestyle choices can help lower your risk of developing the disease. 

Overall health awareness has significantly increased over the last few decades. Americans are living longer than past generations with better quality medicine, healthcare resources, and technology. That being said, certain health issues are still at play and the search for cures continues. As the number of older adults and life spans increase, research suggests that the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease will increase as well. The number of people living with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond the age of 65. 

Read on to understand the basics of Alzheimer’s and explore proactive measures to lower your risk. Not only will these choices help prevent Alzheimer’s, but they can also help prevent many other diseases and health problems. 

Nova Vita Solutions

Maintaining brain health is crucial for overall well-being and cognitive function. Nova Vita has the resources for you to adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, regular exercise routines, mental stimulation, and emotional well-being. Our 3D Body Scanner can assist in determining overall health and risk for chronic diseases which is enhanced when paired with our weight management programs or hormone replacement programs. NAD+ Infusion studies have shown the ability to repair DNA and improve cognitive function and optimize all cells in the body. Additionally our other IV infusions replenish your necessary nutrients to build and maintain a healthy body. Nova Vita will help you lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and improve your overall life quality. 

What is Alzheimer’s? 

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Typically, the disease begins with mild memory loss and over time leads to the gradual deterioration of memory, cognitive function, and the ability to perform daily tasks. This form of severe memory loss is not a normal part of aging. It predominantly affects older adults and, while scientists don’t know the cause, a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may contribute to the development. When the disease is caught and treated early on, the risk of severe symptoms is reduced. 

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates 6.7 million people have Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. In Texas alone, approximately 400,000 people 65 and older live with the disease. While people under the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s disease, it is uncommon. 

What are the Risk Factors?

• Age:

  Getting older comes with memory loss; age is one of the most significant risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s. The likelihood of developing the disease increases substantially after the age of 65. 

• Genetics: If you had a close relative who had Alzheimer’s you may have a higher risk of developing the disease.

• Lifestyle Choices: Certain lifestyle choices such as a poor diet, smoking, lack of sleep, and lack of mental stimulation may contribute to an increased risk. 

• Cardiovascular Health: Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can impact your brain health and contribute to Alzheimer’s. 
• Head Injuries: If you have a history of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that caused loss of consciousness and severe brain damage, there may be a heightened risk of Alzheimer's.

How to Lower Your Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

While certain risk factors such as age and genetics are beyond your control, embracing a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s. 

Keep Blood Pressure Low

Focusing on lowering your blood pressure no matter your age will help improve brain health and cognitive function. According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. You can prevent high blood pressure (also called hypertension) by making healthy choices and managing any other health issues you have. 

To help prevent and manage high blood pressure consider the following: 

• Eat a healthy diet and avoid high-cholesterol foods
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be physically active
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Refrain from smoking
• Get enough sleep

Visit Nova Vita Wellness Centers and take advantage of our 3D body scanners and weight management programs. Additionally, our lab panels will help detect low nutrient levels. Our medical experts will then formulate a wellness plan personalized to you and your health needs.

Manage Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugar (glucose) levels can lead to diabetes and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Cardiovascular health issues may lead to the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

To help regulate your blood sugar levels be mindful of your diet and exercise. Limit the amount of simple carbohydrates you eat because your body breaks down carbs into sugars. Additionally, eating more fiber and staying hydrated will help regulate your blood sugar levels. 

Other tips to regulate your blood sugar include the following:

• Implement portion control
• Manage your stress levels
• Get enough quality sleep
• Eat foods rich in chromium and magnesium
• Maintain a moderate weight

Stay Mentally and Socially Active

Exercising your brain improves mental health, relieves stress, and keeps your brain stimulated. Activities that may keep you stimulated include crossword puzzles, board games, card games, or other brain riddles and teasers. Reading and writing in a journal can also help stimulate your cognitive function.

It’s also important to maintain social connections. Research has shown that social interactions can help prevent depression and increase happiness, both of which increase longevity. Staying social may include inviting a friend out to dinner, calling a family member, and scheduling weekly walks with a neighbor. Staying social and actively using your brain will overall improve your quality of life and strengthen your brain’s performance. 

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight will help manage a variety of health issues. Being overweight can lead to health risks such as cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke), Type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, and some cancers. Your healthy weight will depend on a variety of factors and Nova Vita can help determine your ideal weight and how to best maintain it. Important factors for keeping a healthy weight include good nutrition and physical activity. Consider using a 3D body scan at Nova Vita to determine your body fat. 

Stay Physically Active

It’s no secret that staying physically active has many health benefits including improved sleep, reduced risk of depression, and more energy. Those “feel-good” hormones you get from exercising also reduce stress hormones, while increasing blood flow to the brain.

If you haven’t exercised in a while or find exercising boring, consider starting slowly with a simple walk. You can try working up to 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week through low-impact exercise. To best make exercise a habit, choose an activity that’s fun for you. 

Refrain From/Quit Smoking

According to the World Health Organization, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year. Research shows that stopping smoking reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Talk to your primary care physician about different ways to stop smoking. Consider workshops, classes, and support programs to help you be tobacco-free and improve your brain’s functions.  

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol interferes with how the brain communicates, looks, and functions. Heavy drinking can also lead to a damaged liver, heart, and pancreas. The CDC recommends that men limit their alcohol to two drinks or less in a day and women one drink or less.

If you are a typical drinker and looking for ways to reduce your alcohol intake, consider trying fun mocktail recipes or water infusions. Instead of a hangover and weakened immune system, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and even hydrated. If you have a problem with alcohol abuse, it’s important to contact your doctor and get help right away. 

A Holistic Approach to Brain Health

Alzheimer’s disease remains a complex and incurable disease, however, adopting proactive and healthy lifestyle choices can contribute to lowering your risk. By staying informed, talking to your doctor, making healthy decisions, and taking advantage of health-conscious resources you’re well on your way towards maintaining cognitive well-being. It’s never too early to start making positive changes that benefit your brain and overall health. Contact Nova Vita today and get started on your journey!