![\"4](\"https:\/\/s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/img.prod.aplaceformom.com\/main\/uploads\/sa-blog\/2015\/08\/4-Ways-to-Prevent-Alzheimers-350x350.png\")
<\/h1>\n<\/h1>\nAlzheimer\u2019s disease affects more than 5.1 million Americans<\/em>, a number that continues to grow as the overall population ages. And while millions of dollars go into research ever year, it\u2019s not yet completely clear what causes this progressive disease that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, causing memory loss, affected thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes.\u00a0<\/span> While results are not completely definitive, autopsy research has shown that as many as 80%<\/strong> of Alzheimer victims also showed signs of cardiovascular disease<\/em>. However, while some brains did show plaques and tangles, they showed no cardiovascular disease and no known dementia while the person was living. This suggests that possibly the presence of both diseases could be responsible for the outward signs of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. The relationship between the two diseases is not fully understood, but these initial results show yet another reason to keep your heart healthy, a clean diet, and plenty of exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n Related articles:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Exercise seems to be great for all sorts of aspects of an adult\u2019s life, including the brain. Some studies show that exercise can help increase blood and oxygen flow to the brain, benefiting brain cells. So get with your doctor, create an attainable exercise plan if you don\u2019t already have one, and work out consistently to make your body and your brain happy.<\/span><\/p>\n Related articles:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Aging can sometimes be a bit isolating, but some studies show that keeping up your social connections can help slow a cognitive decline. Why researchers are not completely sure what causes this connection, it\u2019s another good reason to pick up the phone and make plans to meet with your family members or friends for some coffee, a walk, or a board game. Keeping your neurons firing through active conversation can help keep your connections flowing properly.<\/span><\/p>\n Related articles:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Some research shows that exercising your brain can be just as important as exercising the rest of your body. There are many simple and fun ways to do so, including crossword puzzles and Sudoku games, both of which can be purchased cheaply at your local drugstore in the books section.\u00a0 You can also participate in online \u201ccourses\u201d that include brain-teasing games, like those at L<\/span>umosity.com<\/span>, for a small fee. Learning new skills and hobbies \u2013 or even playing card games that utilize math skills \u2013 at your local senior center or library can also keep your brain flexible and strong.<\/span><\/p>\n Related articles:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Researchers will continue to work hard to find the root cause of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, especially as the population of seniors grows. Statistics show that by 2030, more than 20% of the population will be over the age of 65. These habits benefit not only your brain but your overall body, and are an easy way to make the most of your golden years.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 4 Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s Alzheimer\u2019s disease affects more than 5.1 million Americans, a number that continues to grow as the overall population ages. And while millions of dollars go into research ever year, it\u2019s not yet completely clear what causes this progressive disease that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, causing memory loss, affected thinking and language skills, and behavioral […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2201,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,200],"tags":[330,44],"class_list":{"0":"post-6516","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-alzheimers-care","7":"category-families-caregivers","8":"tag-alzheimers-care-2","9":"tag-senior-fitness"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Alzheimer\u2019s disease researchers face substantial challenges when looking for causes and connections in victims. For any kind of truly conclusive results, a study would have to have an extremely large group of participants, include tracking over decades, and possibly even require that some participants restrict certain beneficial activities (like healthy eating or regular exercise) for comparison with other participants. Much of today\u2019s research comes from autopsy research, which is one of the most effective ways to explore the plaques and tangles that form in the brain, potentially causing dementia.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>There are, however, several habits a person can put into practice in hopes of giving him or herself a better chance at avoiding Alzheimer\u2019s disease. While none of these ideas have been the \u201csilver bullet\u201d of explanation and prevention, all also benefit a person\u2019s overall health and wellbeing regardless.<\/span><\/p>\n1. Keep your heart healthy.<\/h2>\n
\n
2. Get moving.<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
3. Stay connected.<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
4. Keep your mind nimble.<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n