Top Ten Ways to Avoid Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death. The biggest risk factors are gender (much more common in women) and genetics but how we live our lives also matters. While we can’t cure Alzheimer’s, we may be able to avoid it or slow it down through the below lifestyle factors:

1. Stay Active. Move naturally, no need for marathons, but get 10k steps and some type strength training and flexibility in daily life.

2. Stay Connected. With family, friends, community. Socially isolation is the equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.

3. Learn New Things. Challenge and activate your mind through formal education or community courses. Use your computer, tablet, TV. Learn a new hobby.

4. Get Enough Sleep. Sometimes our trouble with memory is caused by us not getting enough sleep. Depression/anxiety, sleep apnea, and restless leg can all contribute to sleep issues.

5. Eat and Drink Well. Choose heart-healthy, not processed, foods. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store. How much you eat also matters. Obesity is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Drink more water than soda and limit alcohol to 1 glass/day for women and 2 for men. Drinking. 3-5 drinks per day increases your risk for Alzheimer’s, accidents, and other diseases.

6. Prevent Falls. Traumatic brain injuries increase your risk for Alzheimer’s so wear helmets.

7. Stop Smoking. Within 1-2 years of quitting smoking, your Alzheimer’s risk goes down .

8. Keep Annual Doctor’s Visits. Scheduleannual wellness visits including memory assessments begging at age 62.

9. Know your Numbers. Chronic illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease increase your risk of Alzheimer’s. Watch your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

**Content provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is derived from information from Dr. Melissa Batchelor, Director of George Washington University's Center for Aging. It is not to be considered medical advice.**