Learn About Brain Health
Ways to Reduce Your Risk
Even though there is no cure or proven way to prevent Alzheimer’s, (or similar memory problems) living a healthy lifestyle might help reduce the risk of getting these diseases. Check out the different ways below. Is there a way for you to get started on reducing your risk?
Control Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can harm your heart, blood vessels and brain. It makes you more likely to have a stroke or memory problems. Taking medicine and making healthy choices, like exercising and not smoking, can help lower your blood pressure and keep your brain healthy.
Manage Your Blood Sugar
High blood sugar, or glucose, can cause diabetes and increase your chances of heart disease, stroke, and memory issues. You can manage your blood sugar by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and checking your blood sugar levels.
Keep a Healthy Weight
Being too heavy can lead to health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Staying active and choosing healthy foods can help you keep a good weight.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eat a mix of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and seafood, and healthy fats like olive oil. Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products, and try to limit fats and sugars.
Stay Active Exercise has many benefits. It can help prevent weight gain, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
Keep Your Mind Busy
Doing activities like reading, playing games, crafting, learning new skills, working, volunteering, and socializing can help keep your mind active and healthy.
Stay Connected with People
Spending time with family and friends and joining social activities can prevent loneliness, which can lead to memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease.
Take Care of Hearing Problems
Hearing loss can affect your memory and make it hard to talk to others. Protect your ears from loud sounds and use hearing aids if needed.
Take Care of Your Health
Get regular health check-ups, manage health issues like depression or high cholesterol, and stay in touch with your doctor.
Get Good Sleep
Sleep is important for your mind and body. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor.
Prevent Head Injuries
Avoid falls and head injuries by fall-proofing your home and wearing shoes with non-slip soles. Wear seatbelts and helmets to protect your head from injuries.
Drink Less Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can cause falls and worsen health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. Men should not have more than two drinks a day, and women should have only one.
Stop Smoking
Quitting smoking at any age can improve your health and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and lung disease.
To learn more, visit https://www.alzheimers.gov/can-i-prevent-dementia