Alzheimer's - Are You At Risk?

The good news is that we now know there's a lotcontinue to investigate the complex tissue and cell
you can do to helpkeep your brain healthier as youdegradation of Alzheimer's disease using new tools.
age. These steps might also reducethe risk ofNeurochemists have been able to map the metabolic
Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.pathways of cholesterol in the brain to generate
Like other parts of your body, your brain may losesome promising research.
some agility as you get older.These observations support a relationship between
It can deteriorate even more if you don't take carelipid metabolism in the brain and Alzheimer's. There is
of it. Science is unlocking many of the mysteries ofno solid irrefutable links to this hypothesis, but these
the brain, but we don't have all the answers yet. Youfindings may lead to more work that will confirm the
can do everything "right" and still not preventlink.
Alzheimer's disease.Four leading scientists presented results from their
1)Certain Foods May Reduce Riskongoing research that offered a direct link to lipid
Start by changing bad eating habits. Treat yourself tometabolism in the microstructures of the brain.
a nutritious breakfast that provides energy andAlternative treatments of Alzheimer's that are in the
long-term vibrant health. Trade bad calories for goodnews like ginkgo biloba was not cited as a helpful
nutrient rich foods that contribute to a healthy brain.nutritional supplement. Blood pressure medications and
Increase the consumption of foods that containanti-cholesterol methods look more promising.
omega-3. This ingredient provides more of the3) Increase Physical Activity
essential nutrients and protection against disease thanIncrease your level of physical activity. Make exercise
other foods. The antioxidants found in super foodsa part of your daily life. Exercise will help control your
are a class of vitamins, minerals and enzymes thatweight and lower your risk of health problems.
help eliminate chemically active oxygen moleculesSubstitute a walk after dinner rather than watching
thought to contribute to aging and chronic ailmentstelevision or playing video games.
such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's.At least 30 minutes of physical activity a day is
The greater the variety of fresh whole foods yourequired to produce optimum benefits. The activity
eat, the more essential nutrients you'll get and thedoes not have to be done all at once. Simple ways
healthier you're likely to be. There are some fast,to become more physically active include walking to
easy, and delicious ways to enjoy a full variety ofthe store or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
foods that contribute to your overall health.Parking farther away from the front door of your
2)Reduce Consumption of Saturated Fat, Trans fatoffice will provide some physical activity on a daily
and Cholesterolbasis.
Scientific evidence shows that consumption ofAlzheimer's affects the individual as well as their
saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol raisesfamilies. There are some 4.5 million Americans stricken
low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad cholesterol,"with this disease. Alzheimer's disease accounts for
levels, which increases the risk of coronary heartabout 75% of all cases of dementia. There is no
disease (CHD) may also have a link to the neuralknown way to prevent the disease but a healthy
degeneration found in Alzheimer patients.lifestyle can be the first step in reducing your risk.
Researchers, including cell biologists and biochemists