Dr. Jennifer Closshey explains how lifestyle changes can improve brain health.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in 10 Americans age 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. Another 200,000 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
With our aging population, the United States is facing a substantial increase in Alzheimer’s diagnoses. With 10% of the aging population succumbing to this disease, we could all face a situation where our families are affected by this debilitating brain condition.
The good news is that current research shows positive benefits can come from making good lifestyle choices — if we start early enough.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease, or AD, is a brain disease that gradually robs the patient of memory, especially recent memories. It usually begins with forgetfulness or mild confusion and, as the disease progresses, brain changes occur that result in increased difficulty with remembering, decision making, judgment, thinking and reasoning, as well as planning and performing routine tasks.
Personality changes typically occur including depression, social withdrawal, mood swings, distrust of others, irritability, changes in sleep habits, loss of inhibitions, wandering and delusions, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your loved one may suddenly believe that someone is stealing from them, for example.
What causes AD?
Most scientists believe AD is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time. Only 5% of the population have known genetic linkage, and not everyone with this genetic makeup develops AD, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Clearly, genetics do not account for the 10% of aged Americans with AD. Lifestyle and environmental factors play a much bigger part.
Exercise and brain health
According to AA researchers, exercise helps protect brain function by protecting against both dementia and Alzheimer’s. A recent study published by AA showed that maintaining a daily aerobic exercise program can decrease the risk of brain disease by over 50%, for example.
Combine a diet of increased fruits and veggies with daily physical activity to help both the heart and brain. A side benefit is that a better diet and a regular exercise plan also helps control blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Consider group exercise, as socially stimulating activities have been linked to a reduction in AD. Join a walking group, a local Y with activity-appropriate exercise groups, or start your own specialty exercise group. Just find an activity you like, get started and stick with it. Your brain will thank you in the years to come.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health and YMCA yoga instructor in Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.
