The Baby Boom Generation is aging and the number of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other dementia disorders is expected to rise to between 11 and 16 million people by the year 2050. The number has doubled since 1980 and has already affected over 5 million Americans.
This anticipated increase of the disease may exceed the medical community's ability to cover the additional costs of care needed for those affected. This shows the need for innovative research and new treatments.
Did you know that:
Smoking after age 65 increases your chances of developing Alzheimer's by 79%?
Obesity in midlife makes you 3 times more likely to have Alzheimer's?
Diabetes makes you twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's?
Genetics account for only about 25% of Alzheimer's cases?
Chronic stress may quadruple your risk?
The Alzheimer's Association has identified 10 early warning signs that should prompt families to seek diagnosis and treatment. Early detection helps increase the chances for getting medical care that can relieve symptoms and provide for a longer period of independence.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
1. Memory loss disrupts daily life and is a sign that usually includes forgetting information, dates and events.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems when a person can no longer keep track of monthly bills or follow a simple plan.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home or work when it becomes a struggle to complete daily tasks, unable to find a familiar location or forgetting simple tasks.
4. Confusion with time or place when one begins to lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time.
5. Difficulty understanding visual images and spatial relationships when it becomes difficult to read, judge distances, distinguish colors or relate to one's image in a mirror.
6. Problems with words in speaking or writing difficulty in following a conversation or joining in.
7. Misplacing items and inability to retrace steps when the person begins to place objects in unusual places or accuses others of stealing.
8. Diminished judgment suddenly having poor judgment with money.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities suddenly giving up hobbies, social activities, work projects and sports.
10. Changes in mood and personality sudden displays of confusion, suspicion, depression, fear and anxiety.
In the meantime, there are preventative measures that can be taken to delay or prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
10 Prevention Steps For Alzheimer's Disease
1. Follow a Mediterranean diet avoid trans fats and red meat as much as possible. Eat foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, whole grains, and nuts.
2. Maintain consistent levels of insulin and blood sugar avoid packaged, refined, and processed foods. Avoid products that are high in white flour and sugar.
3. Daily fruit and veggies eat daily servings of berries and green leafy vegetables.
4. Drink tea daily drinking 2-4 cups of green, white, and oolong teas have proven benefits to brain-health.
5. Supplement your diet taking vitamins, herbs, and amino acids may provide additional brain protection. Folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and fish oils are believed to preserve and improve memory.
6. Plenty of exercise at least 30 minutes five times per week. Simply taking a brisk walk can increase the cardiovascular exercise needed.
7. Keep the mind active read, solve puzzles, & brain teasers. Look for activities that exercise the brain.
8. Regular rest and sleep Going to bed and getting up at the same time. Dim the lights and have comfortable temperature in the room.
9. Avoid stress and learn to relax turn off your stress with quiet, deep, abdominal breathing. Regular meditation, prayer or reflection may help prevent the damaging effects of stress.
10. Detox Toxic overload may be causing some of the symptoms. At the minimum, take a hair test to check for toxic metals. Avoid a toxic environment such as living near a freeway or using industrial chemicals.
Don't delay, start today, as it is never too late to begin a new habit for your health!
Howard
has a keen interest in alternative and integrative health methods.
His research has revealed that a person's eating habits and lifestyle
can have a dramatic affect on their health. Howard has extensive
background in video production and has conducted numerous video
interviews with professionals in the alternative health field.
THANK YOU - I am an RN and have had 2 parents with dementia. Was relieved to find that only 25% is genetics. I have written a series of stories about living with parents who have dementia - my Dementia Story of Love series which would go hand in hand with the facts in this piece. Thanks you again, Marijo
Great information Howard on a very tragic subject. I have worked with dementia sufferers and those who have traumatic brain injuries --- not exactly the same but I can see the similarities. Thanks again for sharing.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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