Maybe. The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s is aging. As Americans live longer, that means more people are likely to develop the disease. Less than one percent of people with Alzheimer’s have a genetic mutation that leads to the development of the disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the best prevention for Alzheimer’s and some other forms of dementia is likely healthy aging ““ staying physically, emotionally and mentally healthy as the years go by.
Their strategies for reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s disease:
- Keep your heart healthy. Some studies show that as many as 80 percent of people who die with Alzheimer’s also have significant heart disease. The same problems that increase your risk for heart disease ““ high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes ““ also increase your risk for Alzheimer’s. Research suggests vascular disease may play an important role in the development of Alzheimer’s, so keeping your veins healthy by keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels where they should be may go a long way toward reducing the risk for Alzheimer’s.
- Eat smart and exercise. Physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It also keeps blood flowing to the brain. A heart-healthy diet ““ high in fruits, vegetables and fiber and low in sodium and saturated fat ““ also helps. Two approaches shown to help prevent heart disease may also help prevent Alzheimer’s ““ the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) and Mediterranean diets.
- Stay socially and intellectually active. Strong social connections and mental stimulation both seem to preserve brain health, though experts aren’t sure why, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s possible there’s some mechanism through which intellectual and social stimulation strengthen the connections between brain cells.
- Protect your head. Literally. There’s a strong connection between serious head injury and dementia. So wear protective headgear during physical activity, wear your seatbelt and take steps to reduce your risk of falling at home and at work.
