The experts at www.healthyaging.net say that a truly healthy person will be not only physically fit, but in great mental, social and financial shape as well. The Healthy Aging web site is another resource for preventing Alzheimer’s

Geared specifically toward seniors, the web site lists realistic ways to strengthen these four key areas of life.  While you may not yet be a senior, you want to get there with all your faculties working, so it’s worthwhile to read this article.

Mental fitness
It pays for all of us to stay mentally sharp.  That’ does not mean we need to be smarter than we are, just keeping the brain cells that we have working hard.

Researchers at Rush University’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center found that seniors who stayed mentally active by reading, doing crossword puzzles and learning new information by taking classes were more than twice as likely to stay free from Alzheimer’s disease in comparison to less mentally active people.  Other studies produced similar results.  Using your brain to learn new information and to solve problems, not only helps to maintain existing brain circuits but may create new ones.  This could prevent Alzheimer’s disease from ever developing.  So exercise your brain today.  You may be helping to keep Alzheimer’s at bay.

Physical fitness
We’ve written many articles on how to stay physically fit.  Just remember, it’s never too late to start.

It’s important to increase physical endurance.  The more endurance you have, the less likely you will be to end up in a nursing home, having someone else tend to you.

Social Health
We human beings are wired to be social.  Connections with family, friends and associates is important for all of us.

Supplements
While not yet proven scients are studying whether certain nutrients acquired as a supplement can help proect against Alzheimer’s.  They can’t hurt you.  So consider folic acid.  It shows promise because elevated homocysteine levels can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.  In one study, a daily dose of 800 mcg of folic acid a day lowered homocysteine levels and significantly improved memory and cognitive function.

Some research has suggested that ginkgo biloba, a popular memory-enhancing herb, may be helpful in delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s.  While not proven, this supplement can’t hurt you.

Online Resources:

• http://www.alzheimersprevention.org
• http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADPrevented/
• http://www.helpguide.org/elder/alzheimers_prevention_slowing_down_treatment.htm

Popularity: 1% [?]