Alzheimer’s is a disease characterized in the brain by the evidence of tangled fibers and protein clumps. Alzheimer’s disease appears to affect people who are generally older. For a long time, Alzheimer’s was lumped together with other more common forms of dementia or senility.
The most common form that most of us are familiar with affects people over 65. SDAT is an abbreviation for Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type. If you see the initials SDAT, it refers to this form of the disease.
Following the discovery of Alzheimer’s by Dr. Alois Alzheimer came the subsequent realization that there was no immediate cure. The next question was whether or not it was possible to prevent the disease from starting in the first place to where we are now, with modern medicine giving us tips that may improve brain health.
These recommendations are often said to prevent Alzheimer’s but may only improve general brain function. There is no proof that any preventative measure or routine has ever stopped the onset of Alzheimer’s.
To determine whether or not it was preventable, they felt they needed to find out how high the risk factor was when genetics played a role. To date, the best information has come from the study of identical twins with the same genes but who have lived life in different fashions. The results demonstrated that while one twin may develop Alzheimer’s disease, the other didn’t necessarily get it.
In other cases, while both twins got Alzheimer’s, it was not to the same degree. It showed that other factors played a role besides a genetic influence. It opened the possibility that there may be factors that could lower the risk of getting the disease.
One noted connection is the link between those who have suffered severe head trauma and the existence of Alzheimer’s. It is a disease that attacks the nerve cells in the brain. Any severe head injury might open up the brain to this vulnerability. It’s vital to protect the brain. Wear a helmet when doing any high-risk activity.
To prevent Alzheimer’s disease, they say you should stimulate the brain. By challenging ourselves to learn new things. Perhaps, playing a musical instrument, learning a new language or activity, doing crossword puzzles, or playing numerical games and reading and researching new subjects. These activities encourage the growth of neural pathways and thus keep our brain growing and healthy.
Stimulation can also come from staying socially active, interacting with others in an enjoyable environment. Besides encouraging good mental health, this can help to promote good emotional health. Include activities that reduce stress. It is essential in fighting any disease.
Given the nature of Alzheimer’s disease, the best preventative measures may involve living an active and healthy life. Good health will help both the person with Alzheimer’s and the caregivers. The best we can do now is make good choices in what we eat and keep our bodies physically active. It may take some learning, and for many of us, it means lifestyle changes.
Exercise to increase your strength, endurance, and blood flow. Eat only whole foods, which means preparing food the old way. Buy fresh food and prepare your food from scratch, i.e., no commercially made frozen meals. Use organic food whenever you can. Avoid everything with added chemicals. It will keep our body’s healing mechanism at its optimum and go a long way in preventing other health issues.
Alzheimer’s disease is hard to handle on its own. It includes any form of dementia and senility. Adding any other health issues will make it harder for the person with Alzheimer’s and the caregiver. Eliminate or manage any pre-existing conditions before things get complicated because other health problems will develop during this disease.