What Can You Do to Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?

02 Aug What Can You Do to Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Their research shows that by 2050 that number will grow to 14 million.

While scientists and researchers are diligently seeking a cure, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s yet although there is medication to help manage the disease. With no cure available right now, it may seem like there is nothing you can do to prevent this disease from impacting you, but there is.  In addition to regular cognitive screening there are lifestyle changes you can make today:

STOP SMOKING. There is plenty of evidence to prove that cigarette smoking is detrimental to our health. Yet, in 2017 it was reported that 34.3 million Americans smokes. Kicking the habit now will help you regain your cognitive function, or keep smoking and your brain will become another burn out.

Break up with sugar. Sugar and refined carbohydrates wreak havoc on our bodies by sending our insulin levels on a roller coaster ride. Studies also show that a diet packed with refined carbs increases your chances for dementia.

Let the sun shine in. Getting a daily dose of sunshine – Dr. Rappe, DC recommends to soak up the sun for at least 10 minutes a day.  This will not only improve your energy and boost your Vitamin D levels, but it is key to a good nights sleep.

Getting quality Zs. Sleep is vital to our physical and mental health, and deep sleep is when our body can detox and repair. A regular sleep schedule is one of your most important tools in achieving optimum health.

Break a sweat. Exercise has many cognitive benefits, helps us to regulate our body temperature, and releases toxins from the body. Getting in a good sweat every day is a great way to help prevent Alzheimer’s.

Flex your smarts. The American Alzheimer’s Association reports that formal education at any age helps decrease cognitive decline and dementia. Consider taking a class at your local community college or online, you’ll make some new friends too!

Lead with your heart and your head will follow. Studies show that heart health is linked to brain function. So, if you are at risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes your cognitive health is taking a beating on the daily.

Now you know a few easy steps you can take to up your prevention game. It may seem a bit overwhelming, but if you can commit to making small changes in the beginning you will set yourself on a path to success for your larger health goals. If you’re the type of person who wants to jump right in and go cold turkey on your risky lifestyle, good for you! Thrive Functional Wellness Center works with clients in all phases of their health journey and many of our clients say that without the support and guidance of our certified functional medicine team, they would have given up.  There is a lot to learn, and we are here to help educate you and help you achieve optimum health.

Thrive Functional Wellness Center
78-474 Highway 111, Unit C, La Quinta, CA 92253 | 760-777-4177

Important Information: Dr. Rappe, D.C. is a certified functional medicine practitioner and is not a medical doctor. The information presented and/or supplements prescribed is not intended to take the place of your primary care physician’s advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Discuss our information with your own primary care physician to determine what is right for you. All information obtained in our office, from our website, social media pages, private member groups, health coaching services or other communications is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice from your primary care physician or treatment for specific medical conditions. 

References:
www.mercola.com
www.alz.org