Dementia is an incredibly challenging disease for both the individual affected and their loved ones. There are various types of dementia, including Parkinson’s, Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, Huntington’s, and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, but Alzheimer’s is the most well-known and common (1). As of 2015, there were 48.5 million people living with dementia worldwide, and this number is projected to double every 20 years (3). Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. and currently affects 5.7 million Americans (4).
Alzheimer’s is a gradual process, involving a decline in cognitive and behavioral function that interferes with day-to-day life (2). Warning signs include a reduced ability to remember information, personality changes, and difficulty speaking, writing, and reading (2). The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles every decade after the age of 60, with women being more susceptible due to their longer life expectancy (5).
Alzheimer’s prevention can be achieved through lifestyle changes. Regulating blood sugar levels, incorporating healthy fats, exercising, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, taking supplements, and keeping the mind active can all contribute to preventing and even reversing memory loss (12) (13) (14).
Recent research has shown that Alzheimer’s disease is strongly linked to insulin signaling and cardiovascular health, making lifestyle changes critical for prevention (6) (9). Genetics also play a role, but not everyone with a genetic risk develops the disease (5). The right lifestyle changes early on can give the best chance at a healthy future for both individuals and their loved ones.
