Although they are still far from finding a therapeutic solution, doctors and researchers who have been studying Alzheimer's disease for years have recently discovered some ways to prevent this common form of dementia.
Scientific tests at hand, reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease:
- Speak a second language . Several studies have shown that speaking two languages (bilingualism) strengthens a person's cognitive abilities and delays the onset of Alzheimer's disease for at least 4 years (NB: it is an average figure).
- Use the brain . According to various studies, elderly people who frequently read books and newspapers and enjoy crossword puzzles, puzzle games and board games (for example playing cards) reduce the personal risk of getting Alzheimer's by almost 50%.
- Stick to a Mediterranean-type diet . A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains and monounsaturated fats reduces the risk of cognitive decline by 48%, a condition that usually precedes Alzheimer's disease.
- Drink a glass of red wine from time to time . The polyphenols contained in red wine limit the formation, among the nerve cells of the brain, of amyloid plaques, typical abnormalities of Alzheimer's disease.
- Drinking coffee . It has been established that drinking at least 3 cups of coffee a day reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease by 65%. However, drinking lots of coffee can be contraindicated for certain individuals and in the presence of certain health conditions.
- Keep your blood pressure under control . Maintaining low blood pressure delays the onset of Alzheimer's disease and, in the sick, slows the progression of the disease.
- Increase omega-3 intake . The omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish (salmon, anchovies, etc.) and in nuts slow down the cognitive decline, typical of old age, and reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer's.
- No smoking . Those who smoke a lot from a young age increase their personal risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by a good 157%.
- Keep moving . Several researches have shown that exercise improves a person's cognitive abilities.
- Treat stress, which life situations can induce . A stressful life promotes the onset of Alzheimer's disease and the severity of its symptoms. Experts advise activities such as yoga and meditation to slow down cognitive decline, hence also the onset of Alzheimer's.
