So far, research has not found a definitive way to prevent or even delay the disease.
Strategies that appear helpful include regular exercise, managing your blood pressure, and keeping your brain cognitively engaged.
Spotting it early can help you take steps to slow the progression of the disease.
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However, regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment as people age.
Mild cognitive impairment is also often aprecursor to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Less active people are more likely to develop Alzheimers disease.
In other words, not exercising wipes out any genetic benefits you might have.
Past studies have found a link between high blood pressure and dementia.
In one clinical trial, lowering blood pressure did not significantly impact dementia risk.
One study found that cognitive training focused on improving processing speed was associated with decreased dementia ten years later.
Regular daily activities that utilize cognitive skills also appear to be beneficial.
This training helped older adults with practical skills, such as remembering to take their medications.
Diet
Some evidence suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may prevent Alzheimer’s.
The diet may also help slow the progression of the illness.
It also includes moderate amounts of dairy and eggs.
Sleep has an important impact on normal memory functioning throughout life.
Do Supplements Help?
While it is an understandably upsettingdiagnosis, early detection may help people better manage the progression of the disease.
Participating in clinical trials is also an option for some individuals.
Takeaways
It is important to remember that each preventative method may help some individuals more than others.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alzheimer’s disease.
Leshner AI, Landis S, Stroud C, Downey A, eds.
National Academies Press; 2017. doi:10.17226/24782
National Institute on Aging.What is mild cognitive impairment?
2017;56(1):297-303. doi:10.3233/JAD-160424
National Institute on Aging.High blood pressure is linked to cognitive decline.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) study.
National Institute on Aging.Assessing risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Rasmussen J, Langerman H.Alzheimer’s disease - Why we need early diagnosis.Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis.
