Alzheimer's: A Disease of the Brain

Alzheimer's Disease is a much dreaded and irreversible condition of the brain. The progressive brain disease slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and at its most severe destroys the ability to even carry out simple tasks.

According to the National Institute of Health, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in older people, but it is not a normal part of aging. The symptoms of AD first appear after the age of 60 in most people who have the condition.

Alzheimer's was named after a German doctor named Alois Alzheimer, who discovered abnormal brain tissue in the brain of a woman with unusual mental illness in 1906. What starts the AD process is unknown, but the damage to the brain starts as early as 10 to 20 years before signs of forgetfulness appear.

The question in many people's minds is whether Alzheimer's can be prevented. There is no known cure for AD but researchers hope to eventually be able to delay onset of this dreaded disease.

Alzheimer's is a complex disease which may be affected by a number of factors. According to NIH, the risk factors appear to be genetics, environment, age, life history and current lifestyle. Some factors, like genetics, age and life history cannot be changed. However current environment and current lifestyle are factors that we have some control over.

Since scientists have not conclusively determined what causes Alzheimer's, it is difficult to state how to prevent it. According to the NIH, recent research suggests that good health habits may help to prevent several serious diseases, including brain disease.

The National Institute of Health mentions physical activity and proper nutrition as lifestyle habits that we do have control over for overall good health and possible disease prevention. Research mentioned on the NIH website includes a study in which older adults who exercise at least 15 minutes, three or more times a week had a lower incidence of AD than the people who exercised less.

The NIH states that a number of studies indicate that there may be a relationship between nutrition and prevention of a number of diseases. Some promising research seems to focus on the benefits of antioxidants to prevent inflammation throughout the body. Studies have shown that cognitive function may be improved with dietary supplementing with cranberries, strawberries and blueberries.

Healthy lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise, are related to overall good health and well being. Since healthy habits may help to keep the brain healthy, as well as the entire body, it seems wise to adopt healthy habits for overall good healthy. A lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutrition plan that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables may have protective benefits for the body and the brain.

Information in this article is not intended as medial advice. If you have question and concerns about a medical condition please consult a physician.

Resources: National Institute of Health

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