| There is a misconception, particularly in the United | | | | is the point at which they become abnormal for you. |
| States, that Alzheimer's disease is a normal part of | | | | Avoiding Alzheimer's is not as easy as one would |
| aging. Because of this misconception, the disease is | | | | hope, because no one knows what causes it or who |
| accepted as something you will definitely face as you | | | | is likely to get it. But there are things you can do to |
| age, and you might as well get used to the idea. | | | | help reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer's. |
| The fact is, Alzheimer's is not unavoidable, and it is | | | | Exercise, according to a 5-year study in Canada, cuts |
| not just a normal part of aging. Alzheimer's disease is | | | | the risk not only of Alzheimer's but of other forms |
| just that-a disease. No one knows what causes it or | | | | of mental decline and dementia, particularly in women. |
| who will be affected by it, but we do know what it | | | | The more you exercise, the more your brain is |
| is, and we know ways to reduce our risk. | | | | sheltered from the risks of Alzheimer's. |
| We do not have to live in fear of developing | | | | According to the study, those who exercised the |
| Alzheimer's disease. | | | | most were half as likely as inactive people to develop |
| First, we should know exactly what Alzheimer's | | | | Alzheimer's disease and 40% less likely to suffer |
| disease is. It's a progressive, degenerative disease | | | | other forms of mental decline and dementia. |
| affecting the brain. Cells in the brain shrink, or | | | | But even low levels of activity decreased risk for |
| disappear altogether, and are replaced with plaque. | | | | mental decline, dementia and Alzheimer's. |
| Thread-like structures of plaque choke off healthy | | | | Doctors believe that medications designed to lower |
| brain cells. | | | | blood cholesterol may protect against the |
| All of this causes the brain to cease functioning | | | | development of Alzheimer's. One natural supplement |
| correctly, which results in loss of mental and physical | | | | used for cholesterol, red yeast extract, is a natural |
| abilities and changes in behavior. | | | | statin, the very substance doctors believe can |
| You're probably very familiar with the advanced | | | | reduce chances of Alzheimer's. |
| symptoms of Alzheimer's, including loss of memory | | | | Folic acid and vitamins C and E are believed to help |
| and inability to function on one's own. | | | | prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer's, as well, and |
| You may not be aware of some of the warning | | | | are very good for overall health. The antioxidant |
| signs of Alzheimer's, including: | | | | properties of these vitamins help prevent neuron |
| -Memory loss | | | | damage in the brain and reduce the risks of mental |
| -Difficulty in performing routine tasks like balancing a | | | | decline. |
| checkbook | | | | One of the best things you can do to prevent |
| -Forgetting simple words more often than before | | | | Alzheimer's is to keep your brain active. Read, take |
| -Difficulty being understood when you speak | | | | courses, play games, do crossword puzzles, and have |
| -Misplacing items, i.e. putting the phone in the | | | | intellectual conversations. Keep your brain active, |
| refrigerator | | | | keep developing new connections in your brain. |
| -Mental confusion, such as getting lost on your own | | | | There are no guarantees against Alzheimer's, but |
| street | | | | there are steps you can take, naturally, to protect |
| Many of these are things we all do occasionally; of | | | | your brain, and your mind, against this horrible illness. |
| course the point at which they become warning signs | | | | |