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Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. The tendency to confuse the two terms, Alzheimer's and dementia — or to combine them — can lead to confusion. Alzheimer's and dementia are not the same thing. Dementia is a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities. Alzheimer's disease, named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, is an irreversible brain disease that, over time, destroys memory and thinking skills. Symptoms typically appear in individuals around age 60, characterized by memory problems in the very early stages. Other symptoms include language deterioration, confusion, restlessness, forgetfulness, and mood swings. These early symptoms of Alzheimer's resemble the signs of natural aging, and can be overlooked.
Alzheimer's is not a normal part of the aging process. However, the greatest known risk factor is increasing age. While Alzheimer's disease generally affects individuals over 65 years old, up to five percent of people develop early onset Alzheimer's, which can appear as early as the 40s or 50s. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, which means that the disease progresses — or worsens — over time, eventually destroying cognition. Early-onset Alzheimer's is a rare form of the disease. Typically, people who develop the disease have late-onset Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's Research
Alzheimer's progression can be slowed but the disease cannot be cured. Current treatment focuses on slowing the disease's progression and managing the patient's behavioral problems.
Scientists continue to research the causes of Alzheimer's disease, which are not fully known. However research suggests that Alzheimer's develops due to a series of events in the brain over an extended period of time. Causes may include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Each person differs in genetic make-up and lifestyle; so changes to any of these factors will vary depending on each unique individual. What scientists are trying to understand is why Alzheimer's mainly affects older adults. Research helps to reveal how age-related changes in the brain may harm neurons and contribute to damage, possibly leading to Alzheimer's disease.
Beyond genetics, scientists are increasingly looking to environmental and lifestyle factors that may contribute to Alzheimer's. Research suggests that brain health and heart health are connected. Since your brain is nourished by your body's networks of blood vessels, keeping fit and heart-healthy can increase your chances of delaying or preventing cognitive decline later in life. Scientists continue to examine the relationship between developing Alzheimer's and conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels, including: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Click start above to discover steps you can take for a healthy brain.
Nutrition-wise, that is. A brain-healthy diet includes omega-3s – a family of fats that maintains brain health. Unfortunately, our body is inefficient at making omega-3s, so we need to rely on food sources. You can stock up on your omega-3 acids by eating salmon, mackerel, trout, and tuna. Research suggests that omega-3s help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and appear to protect brain cells. mariuszpierog, CC BY 2.0Most of us think of keeping fit below the waist. But your brain, like other parts of your body, requires stimulation as well. If neglected, your brain can deteriorate with age, potentially leading to dementia and Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
While you can't completely prevent Alzheimer's, you can take steps to prevent or delay cognitive decline, starting with diet and exercise. Research suggests that diet and exercise, social engagement, and mentally-stimulating activities may help people stay healthy as they age, reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
(Photo Credit: Nevit Dilmen, CResearch suggests that low levels of education are related to the development of Alzheimer’s later in life. Possibly, this could be the result of less life-long mental stimulation. This doesn't mean that educated people won't get Alzheimer's. But educated individuals may have the capability to prolong the effects of cognitive decline. Learning doesn't have to come only from the classroom, though. Learning - and maintaining an active curiosity - can take on many forms in addition to book learning. Mental games, crossword puzzles, attending plays and lectures, gardening, traveling, learning to play a musical instrument or speak a foreign language can all contribute to keeping your brain active and helping to decrease your risk of mental decline.
Kim Love, CC BY-SA 2.0Physical activity is good for your heart and your mind. Growing research shows that regular, aerobic activity — not necessarily strenuous – can boost brain function. According to Gary Small, M.D., director of the University of California at Los Angeles, “as little as 10 minutes of exercise a day may lower your risk of Alzheimer’s.” And according to a study published in the "Journal of Gerontology," researchers found more evidence to keep active and fit. According to the study led by Dr. Stanley Colcombe, physical activity raises blood flow to the brain. And a fit heart feeds your brain with what it needs to stay sharp. The increased blood flow can trigger neurochemical changes that increase the production of new brain cells and decrease your risk of dementia. All the more reason to lace up your running shoes.
Peter van der Sluijs, CC BY-SACreating heart-healthy eating patterns may impact your brain health. Studies suggest that a diet rich in leafy greens and dark-skinned fruits and vegetables – including kale, spinach, prunes, raisins, and blueberries – may protect the brain from the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Recent findings led by researchers at the University of Navarra in Spain, provided the first long-term trial to look at the impact of the Mediterranean diet on brain power. Results suggested that following a Mediterranean diet resulted in less cognitive decline as opposed to following a low-fat diet. A Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan which combines elements of Mediterranean-style cooking, characterized by the use of virgin olive oil as the main culinary fat. Additional brain-boosting foods include: high consumption of fruits, nuts (almonds and walnuts), vegetables, moderate to high portions of fish and seafood, and whole grains. Mike, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0In addition to mental and physical activity, maintaining social interaction may keep your brain healthy, too. Humans don’t thrive in isolation, and neither do our brains. Research shows that a combination of physical, mental, and social activity help prevent dementia. And more socially engaged individuals tend to have lower risk for developing dementia. Make your social life a priority. Technology makes it increasingly easier to reach out over the phone, via email and Skype, or through social media. For in-person activities, get to know your neighbors, schedule weekly dates with friends for movies, walks in the park, museum outings, or a simple coffee shop chat. Volunteer opportunities and community groups also offer great ways to remain socially connected while stimulating your mind.
Lynda Sanchez, CC BY-SA 2.0Sometimes diet and exercise alone aren’t enough. You might want to consider taking a daily fish-oil supplement to boost your omega-3 benefits. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you. While you cannot change risk factors for dementia, you can take steps through diet, exercise, and social activity to help protect your brain.
What other steps can you take to help protect your brain? Avoid smoking and heavy drinking — two of the most preventable risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Smoking increases the odds for people over 65 by nearly 79 percent. And, according to research from Miami’s Mt. Sinai Medical Center, heavy drinkers and smokers develop Alzheimer’s years earlier than those who do not drink or smoke heavily.
Petr Kratochvil
