Identify Alzheimers

As there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, it is essential to use a proper treatment plan in order to prevent the onset of this disorder. While there have been a number of studies conducted as to whether such factors as diet can decrease the incidence of Alzheimer’s, the results have been contradictory. Since this research has being conducted fairly recently and is still ongoing, the jury is still out on how much of an effect diet, pharmaceuticals, cardiovascular risk, and intellectual activities can have on increasing or decreasing the development of the disease.

The Mediterranean diet has often been touted as reducing the risk and improving the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. This diet includes such foods as bread, grains, olive oil, fish, fruit or vegetables, and wine, which are rich in vitamins such as C, B12, and folic acid. Several studies have shown that this diet reduces the risk of the disease, while others have not shown a significant effect on the onset or progression of Alzheimer’s. Curry, which contains curcumin, has prevented brain damage in experiments using mice; however, trials to test this compound have not been implemented with human subjects.

Risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure are associated with higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Long-term use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, such as those used in the treatment of chronic inflammation, are also linked to a reduced likelihood of developing the disorder. It was long believed that hormone replacement therapy for women prevented the onset of dementia, but a 2007 study debunked these claims due to inconsistent evidence that ginkgo has any positive effect whatsoever on improving mental impairment.

Like the muscles of the body, if you do not use the brain then it will eventually deteriorate due to lack of use. The brain is the same way and activities such as playing chess, regular social interaction, or taking classes at an adult community college can improve the function of this organ and improve memory. Some studies have shown that increased intellectual activity can improve function in all areas of life and prevent the destruction of gray matter. Another interesting fact is that the ability to speak more than one language fluently results in a later onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Other studies have shown an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s when exposed to the intake of metals such as aluminum, mercury, or certain chemical solvents in laboratory and construction environments. Many of these studies have been widely debunked, and normal exposure to aluminum and mercury has not been shown to cause any negative health effects. Research in these fields is still being conducted to discover additional potential causes of the disease. For those working near strong magnetic fields, such as in a laboratory environment, there has also been shown an increased risk of developing the Alzheimer’s disease.

With modern medicine lacking so much information about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, it is difficult to promote a specific plan of prevention. Conducting intellectual activities on a regular basis and eating a healthy diet, even if they do not prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, will certainly benefit those who follow through with such programs.