Keep Your Mind and Body Active to Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer’s
More women than men will
eventually develop Alzheimer’s
disease. This mind-robbing disorder
strikes with greater frequency as people age.
Approximately 3 percent of people ages 65
to 74 suffer from Alzheimer’s, while almost
50 percent of those age 85 and older have
the disease. The fact that women tend to
live longer than men may explain the higher
incidence of Alzheimer’s in women.
New research has identified lifestyle habits as possible risk factors for Alzheimer’s dementia. This could lead to risk reduction through lifestyle modification.
Challenging Your Mind
“The general rule ‘use it or lose it’ may well apply to the brain,” said David S. Richards, MD, internal medicine specialist with Excela Health Diagnostic Associates of Latrobe and Greensburg. “Activities such as reading, working crosswords or puzzles and even learning a new language all may be helpful.”In adulthood, keep seeking new mental challenges. And don’t let your mind retire when you do. In one study, older adults who spent the most time on mentally challenging activities had about half the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as those who seldom engaged in such activities.
Boost your brainpower with activities that make you think, experience new things and get involved with others. Some examples:
- Visiting museums or cultural events
- Playing cards or board games
- Dancing
- Joining a club
The key is to choose any mentally stimulating activity you enjoy — and to do it often. Take a course in a subject that intrigues you, or learn how to play a musical instrument. Consider cultivating a new hobby, such as woodworking or painting. Or join a book-discussion group.
“Other lifestyle changes that I suggest include social engagement in the community, consumption of fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and even moderate alcohol consumption,” added Dr. Richards.
