Alzheimer's disease
Preventing Alzheimer's disease
As the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is still unknown, there's no way to prevent the condition. However, there are steps you can take that may help to delay the onset of dementia.
Reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease has been linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia .
You may be able to reduceyour risk of developing these conditions as well as other serious problems, such as strokes and heart attacks by taking steps to improve your cardiovascular health, including:
- stopping smoking
- not drinking large amounts of alcohol
- eating a healthy, balanced diet , including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day
- exercising for at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) every week bydoing moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as cycling or fast walking) this will improve both your physical and mental health
- make sure your blood pressure is checked and controlled through regular health tests
- if you have diabetes , make sure you keep to the diet and takeyour medication
You can also ask your local memory clinic about projects taking place.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has advised that there isn't evidence to support the use of the following to prevent dementia:
- statins
- hormone replacement therapy when chemicals are taken to replace those that your body no longer produces
- vitamin E found in a variety of foods, such as olive oil, nuts and seeds
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Mar 2016
Introduction
Alzheimer's is a disease which causes patients to be affected by memory loss. Memory loss if a neurological disorder, which affects many functions of the brain as well as memory recollection.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
The symptoms of Alzheimer's gradually worsen with the passage of time. At times, at the onset of the disease they can be mistaken for other ageing related conditions. Alzheimer's is treated according to the severity of the symptoms.
Causes of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is caused by parts of the brain shrinking (atrophy), which affects the structure and function of particular brain areas. The causes of this disease have as of yet not been elucidated.
Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease
It's best to see your GP if you're worried about your memory or think you may have dementia. A timely diagnosis gives you the best chance to adjust, prepare and plan for the future.
Treating Alzheimer's disease
There's currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, although medication is available that can temporarily reduce some symptoms or slow down the progression of the condition in some people.
Preventing Alzheimer's disease
As the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is still unknown, there's no way to prevent the condition. However, there are steps you can take that may help to delay the onset of dementia.
Patient story: "His behaviour began to be odd at times."
Stan Lintern has had Alzheimer's disease for 10 years. He is cared for by his wife Denise, who helped to set up the Maidstone branch of the Alzheimer's Society.
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