Alzheimer’s: 12 points to watch out for to prevent the disease

Age, heredity and gender are important risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. But unfortunately, we can’t do anything against them. On the other hand, 40% of cases of dementia would be linked to elements of the way of life… and therefore modifiable.

Dementia: the greatest fear of aging

Professor Jonathan Schott, chief medical officer of the British association Alzheimer’s Research UK, explained to the british press : “Dementia is now the most feared consequence of aging and so people want to know what they are doing about their risk.”

“Some people are (genetically) destined to develop dementia, but we now know that up to 40% of dementia risk is potentially modifiable. And we are now developing a rational evidence base of at least 12 potentially editable”adds the specialist.

Based on this observation, the organization has developed a checklist of points to monitor to reduce the risk of developing cognitive disorders as you age.

What are the 12 points that reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?

To fight against the appearance of neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease,organization listed 12 changeable items to pay attention to in daily life:

• Sleep at least seven hours a night : Many studies have shown that lack of sleep increases the risk of cognitive impairment. Some data suggest that sleep deprivation would promote the accumulation of amyloid β peptide and tau protein, elements involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, in the brain.
• Exercise the brain regularly : doing crosswords, learning to play an instrument or a new language… activities based on thinking and learning help keep the brain healthy.
• Take care of your mental well-being : stress and anxiety promote the onset of dementia. It is therefore important to combat these difficulties. Meditation, yoga or simply taking time to do a favorite activity (reading, sewing, etc.) helps reduce stress.
• Stay socially active : Many studies have shown that social isolation increases the risk of developing cognitive disorders as people age.
• Take care of your hearing.
• Have a balanced diet : having a diet rich in bad fats, sugar and salt increases the risk of developing diseases, including neurodegenerative ones.
• Stay physically active : it is recommended to have at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity endurance activity per week to stay mentally and mentally fit.
• Stop smoking.
• Drink responsibly : it is advisable to take care not to drink more than 10 glasses of alcohol per week and not to exceed two glasses per day.
• Maintain a healthy level of cholesterol.
• Make sure you have a healthy blood pressure.
• Better manage your diabetes : Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing a neurodegenerative disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease.