Alzheimer’s - A Common disease among Older. The thought of losing our mind as we grow older is terrifying, made worse by the fact that there appeared to be little we could do about it.
But, we could do to slow or avoid Alzheimer’s the most form of dementia.
KNOW THE EARLY SIGNS: Memory problems are not the first clue. You may notice a decline in depth perception, for example you reach to pick up a glass of water and miss it. Or you misjudge the distance in walking across a street. Doing a jigsaw puzzle or reading a map may also be confusing. Losing your sense of smell can also be an early clue, as well as asking the same question repeatedly or misplacing belongings in odd places, like putting keys in the fridge. Beware of memory problems as the earlier the signs are spotted, the more successful lifestyle changes and medications are likely to be.
68% of Alzheimer’s disease patients are women, possibly as midway through life they lose the protection of the hormone oestrogen which boosts memory. Unexplained weight loss age 60 or so may be a sign of Alzheimer’s. A study showed that women with disease started losing weight at least 10 years before dementia was diagnosed. Among women of equal weight, those who went on to develop dementia slowly became thinner over three decades and, when diagnosed, weighed an average 12lb less that women who were free of Alzheimer’s. Talk to your doctor about unexplained weight loss after 60.
Your brain starts to shrink when you reach 30 or 40 so it takes longer to learn, Lack of sleep is toxic to brain cells. When you are under stress, your body pours out hormones called corticosteroids, which can save you in crisis. But persistent stress reactions triggered by everyday events like work frustration, traffic and financial worries can be dangerous. Over time, it can destroy brain cells and suppress the growth of new ones, actually shrinking your brain.
Simple steps to prevent Alzheimer’s
1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Sleep has surprising powers to protect your brain against memory loss and Alzheimer’s. Take naps and seek treatment for sleep disorders.
2. Increase the brain through the act of learning. Try studying, learning new things or broadening your circle of friends for stimulation.
3. Say yes to Coffee – Coffee acts as a tonic for the ageing brain. It is anti-inflammatory, cuts the risks of stroke, depression and diabetes, and all promoters of dementia. It is also high in antioxidants and caffeine which stop neuronal death and lessen diabetes, high blood pressure and strokes that bring on dementia. For most people, a moderate daily intake of coffee, two to four cups, won’t hurt and may help.
4. Drink wine- A daily glass of wine help delay dementia. Research says that alcohol is an anti-inflammatory and raises good cholesterol which helps ward off dementia. High antioxidants in red wine give it additional anti-dementia clout. Such antioxidants act as artery relaxants and increases blood flow which encourages cognitive functioning.
5. Deal with stress- The chronic stress can increase older person’s vulnerability to memory decline and dementia. Seek professional advice, Anti-depressants, counselling, relaxation techniques and other forms of therapy may head off stress-related memory loss if treated early.
6. Take care your teeth: Bad gums may poison your brain. People with tooth and gum disease tend to score lower in memory and cognition tests, according to US dental researches who found that infection responsible for gum disease gives off inflammatory by products that travel to areas of the brain involved in memory loss.
Consequently, brushing, flossing and preventing gum disease may help keep your gums and teeth healthy but also your memory sharper. Older people with the most severe gingivitis- inflamed gums-were two to three times more likely to show signs of impaired memory and cognition than with the least.
7. Vinegar in everything: There is plenty of evidence that vinegar sinks risk factors that may lead to memory decline, namely high blood sugar, insulin, resistance, diabetes and pre-diabetes and weight gain.
Researches in phoenix, Arizona, have noted in studies of humans and animals that the acidic stuff packs potent glucose-lowering effects. Studies have also found it can curb appetite and food intake, helping prevent weight gain and obesity, which are associated with diabetes, accelerated dementia and memory loss. Pour on the vinegar add it to salad dressings, eat it by the spoonful, even mix it into a glass of drinking water. Any type of vinegar works.
8. Have your eyes checked: If you preserve good or excellent vision as you age, your chances of developing dementia drop by an astonishing 63%. And if it’s poor, just visiting an optician for an eye test and possible treatment at least once in alter life cuts your dementia is not clear but impaired vision makes it difficult to participate in mental and physical activities such as reading and exercising as well as social activities, all believed to delay cognitive decline. Be aware that you eyes reflect and influence how your brain is functioning especially as you age. Don’t tolerate poor vision as often it can be corrected.
9. Eat Curry:
Mediterranean diet: Diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fish, fruits, nuts, legumes, and olive oil cut your chances of Alzheimer’s by nearly half. Rather than depending on just one food or a few nutrients, it is a rich menu of many complex brain benefactors, including an array of antioxidants, which shield brain cells from oxidative damage. Studies consistently find that what Greeks and Italians eat is truly brain food. The Mediterranean diet, no matter where you live, can help save your brain from memory deterioration and dementia.
Dr. Kousar Jahan Ara Begum
Prof. Of Economics,
B E S College, Jayanagar IV Block,
Bangalore - 11
