The word “Alzheimer’s” sparks fear in the mind of more and more these days. With baby boomers entering the group, the aging population is increasing in percentage dramatically.
In a recent article in the New York Times, a reporter said the aging population in New York City had risen thirty percent. It may be much higher in states that are popular retirement havens like Florida and Arizona.
The fact is the number with the disease is expected to reach 7.5 million by the year 2025. You can read more about the statistics here, in the article, The Frightening Future of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Several promising research studies are in progress now that may provide treatment or a cure over the next several years. At the very least scientists are finding more clues to its cause and its early diagnosis. News like that makes it even more important today to do all we can to prevent the disease.
That is the reason I wrote the book Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Useful Guide.
There are steps to take, whether young or old, that can help. There are many different studies that support many of the recommendations. Some, like Coconut Oil, may not yet have large studies supporting their use, but some have had surprising success.
Shouldn’t we try?
The question I’m always asking is, “Why not?” If eating certain foods or exercising might help slow or stop the disease, isn’t it worth the effort?
Of course, medical condition and doctors recommendations come first. If you are allergic to some foods, if you have certain diseases, perhaps some of the suggestions will not work for you. That is why it is important to keep in touch with your doctor about changes in your exercise and diet. With that caveat, the suggestions in the book are often suggested for your whole body health.
The book contains chapters on foods, exercise, brain training, and more. The reason its beneficial is included as well. It’s easy to read and even easier to follow.
The important thing is to start now, no matter what your age. Even if you are in your 70’s or 80’s, there are suggestions that have been shown effective.
It all comes down to exercising, keeping active, physically and mentally, and eating foods that are good for brain health.
Please do all you can so you are not affected by Alzheimer’s disease. It may lower the numbers who get the disease. It may give you a better quality of life for longer than you expect. It may buy time until there is a treatment or a cure.
June 11, 2015
Every effort possible should go into preventing Alzheimer’s. I read an article about the benefits of sunlight to people who suffer from Alzheimer’s. In a nut shell, they took suffers out into the sun for a few hours a day and they started to make huge improvements. Worth a try. Why should people be kept indoors anyway! Pinned.
June 12, 2015
Thank you Giovanna. That is remarkable about the sun. I’ve recently read vitamin D helps, along those same lines. People do seem to stay inside way too much as they get older, especially with the disease. Even when you think how uplifting the fresh air can be, it is something to encourage!