Alzheimer’s disease is a complex disorder for which there is currently no known prevention or cure. However, research suggests that lifestyle choices can support healthy brain aging and reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk. Healthy habits, like exercising and eating a nutrient-rich diet, can improve and maintain overall health.
Who Is More at Risk for Alzheimer’s?
Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, however studies show that some people could be at higher risk for Alzheimer’s.
Women
Women are disproportionately affected by the disease, comprising approximately two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients themselves and also serving as the majority of caregivers for people living with the disease.
African Americans & Hispanics
African Americans and Hispanics with certain psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, apathy/indifference, and irritability have a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment, often a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
People With Other Medical Conditions
Other medical conditions, some treatable such as depression, sleep disturbances like apnea, and traumatic brain injury have been shown to influence the risk of cognitive decline.
Nutrition & Lifestyle for Alzheimer’s
Some research has generated hope that one day it might be possible to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, delay its symptoms, or even prevent it from occurring at all. Although research supports the benefit of some interventions—such as physical activity and cardiovascular risk reduction—nothing at this time has definitively been shown to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
Healthy Lifestyle Actions You Can Take Right Now
- Eat a varied, nutritious, and low-glycemic diet.
- Get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
- Keep your mind active.
- Get enough good quality sleep, as recommended for your age group.
More Ways to Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk
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Quit Smoking.
Drink responsibly.
Monitor blood pressure.
Maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Protect from hearing loss.
Support sleep health.
Find community.
Can Non-Drug Interventions Really Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s?
Watch this episode of Zoom in on Dementia and Alzheimer’s to learn more about non-drug-related risk reduction options.