Good news for people who feel a hint of anxiety every time they forget where they put their keys. More than 50 percent of Alzheimer's cases may be preventable.
In fact, research suggests that there are seven key lifestyle changes people could make to help protect themselves from the memory-stealing disease.
The Super 7
More research is needed to confirm whether there is a causal link between these seven key risk factors and Alzheimer's. But there are plenty of other good health reasons to make the following changes:
In fact, research suggests that there are seven key lifestyle changes people could make to help protect themselves from the memory-stealing disease.
The Super 7
More research is needed to confirm whether there is a causal link between these seven key risk factors and Alzheimer's. But there are plenty of other good health reasons to make the following changes:
- Get moving. Inactivity is linked to greater Alzheimer's risk, so go for a walk every day. Walking every day can keep your brain from shrinking, too.
- Don't smoke. Or quit if you do. Smoking may up the likelihood of Alzheimer's.
- Eat more watermelon. Why? A compound in this juicy summer fruit can help lower your blood pressure by as much as nine points! And low blood pressure at middle age may help protect against Alzheimer's.
- Go to bed. Getting a good night's sleep can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. And new research suggests that developing type 2 diabetes may up your chances of getting Alzheimer's.
- Walk outside. People who exercise outside -- versus at the gym or inside the home -- have less depression. And that's good news for the brain, because depression may up the risk of Alzheimer's.
- Take a class. Higher education is linked to lower rates of Alzheimer's.
- Drop a few. Becoming obese at middle age may be connected to higher Alzheimer's risk. Need help getting started?
