REDUCING YOUR ALZHEIMER’S RISK WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN SHARP

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour. It is the most common cause of dementia, a term that describes a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. In Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal protein deposits, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, accumulate in the brain, gradually losing neurons and communicating between brain cells. As the disease advances, this results in memory loss, confusion, language difficulties, and challenges in performing familiar tasks.

The disease is usually found troubling older people, but the brain disorder can affect individuals of any age group. Unfortunately, no definite cause or treatment to completely eradicate the symptoms of the disease has been found. But medications and proper care can help to lower the damaging effects and manage routine activities easily.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

Memory Loss is one of the initial and prime symptoms of the disease. The affected individual cannot remember names, incidents, and conversations they had in the past. Suppose the condition is not treated on time. In that case, the symptoms may worsen, and the individual may also be unable to recall directions to home or other regular places and other damaging symptoms.

Repetitive Statement– People with Alzheimer’s often repeat words and sentences continuously. They get confused about their conversation; they repeat sentences and words continuously to stay assured. One should get professional medical help for proper medications and treatment in case of such symptoms.

Forget Directions– Forgetting the directions to home or places the individual visits daily is one of the severe stages of the symptoms. It becomes difficult for the affected individual to perform routine functions and stay dependent on others to go outside the house. It is also advisable not to let people suffering from memory disorder walk out of the house or anywhere alone. Such people are also unable to recall the names of their family members.

Issues during Conversation– People who have Alzheimer’s disease are also unable to have a proper conversation. They find it difficult to recall words to abbreviate a situation. They aren’t able to express their thoughts and views during a conversation.

Issues in Multitasking– People with Alzheimer’s are unable to multitask things. Such people can’t handle more than one task at a time. It disturbs them.

Changes in Behaviour– People who have Alzheimer’s have a massive change in their behaviour due to the memory issue. Symptoms such as loss of interest in participating in activities, less interest in socialising, anger, depression and many such behavioural changes can be observed.

Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

Age– Increasing age is one of the most significant risk factors for memory disorder. As the patient ages, the disease worsens if not treated at the right time. The individual may have to face severe stages of the disease.

Family History– Family history of the disease is also one of the risk factors for the disease. People with a family history of memory issues may have at least a 1% chance of getting affected by the disorder. The chances grow more if the disease has affected the individual’s immediate family members, such as parents or siblings.

Lifestyle Patterns– Improper and unhealthy lifestyle habits also play a significant role in developing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s in an individual. Unhealthy habits such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, and other similar habits raise the chances of the disease damaging the brain’s functioning.

Mild Cognitive Impairment- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition affecting memory and thinking, can increase the risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s.

Cardiovascular Factors– Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.

Lifestyle Factors– Lack of regular exercise, smoking, a poor diet, and minimal mental and social engagement may contribute to risk.

Head Trauma– A history of severe head injuries, particularly repeated ones, may elevate the risk.

Lifestyle Modifications to Keep the Brain Sharp

There is no definite cure for memory disease, but Alzheimer’s disease medication can help lower the damaging symptoms. Mentioned below are some of the lifestyle modifications that also help to control the damage caused due to the disease:

Create a Supportive Environment– Try to maintain a supportive and caring environment around the patient. It will help the affected feel safe and avoid stress and confusion. Try to keep the patient’s wallet, keys, cards, and other essentials in the same place to make it easy for the affected to find things. Make supportive modifications on the individual’s phone to allow the patient to use the gadget quickly.

Checklist– Keeping track of the activities to be performed and ticking off the completed activities can help the patient. Such practices work in Alzheimer’s disease treatment for the patient. It creates a sense of confidence in the patient and acts as a brain exercise for the affected.

Less Furniture– People with an Alzheimer’s patient in the house should try to avoid as much furniture as possible. It is advised to eliminate unnecessary chairs, tables, or rugs. Removing mirrors from the patient’s reach is also advised, as images on the mirror can disturb or scare the patient.

Mental Stimulation- Challenge your brain with activities such as puzzles, games, reading, learning a new instrument or language, and engaging in creative pursuits.

Healthy Diet- Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.

Stress Management- Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness to reduce chronic stress.

Adequate Sleep- Prioritise quality sleep to allow the brain to consolidate memories and perform essential maintenance functions.

Social Engagement- Stay socially active by participating in social gatherings, clubs, volunteering, and maintaining connections with friends and family.