Regardless of who you are, the answer to the question above is always yes.
One of the most damaging misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease is that it is an inevitable part of aging that we are powerless to change. But growing evidence suggests that your lifestyle choices influence your risk of developing the disease. That news empowers everyone.
Many factors determine our chances of getting Alzheimer’s. Some are impossible to alter. The likelihood of developing it increases as we age, but we can’t change our age. The same goes for genes and family history: Our genetic makeup and DNA are not modifiable.
Lifestyle habits, however, are 100 percent in our control, enabling us to directly impact our chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Diet, exercise, social activity, sleep, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and overall health all play a role — whether good or bad depends on the choices you make.
November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to take stock and commit to making changes, if necessary, to reduce your risk and protect your brain health.
One of the best things you can do is regularly challenge your mind by learning new things. Taking up new hobbies, playing new sports or games, or participating in different activities are great ways to strengthen your brain, with the added benefit of social interaction. Even something as simple as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand stimulates the brain by forcing it to think outside its normal routine.
Review your diet, because what you put in your body affects your mind. Generally, “heart healthy” foods are “brain healthy,” so limit intake of red meats, fried and processed foods, salt and sugar. Aim for a low-fat diet high in fruits and veggies like strawberries, blueberries and broccoli.
Incorporating exercise into your lifestyle increases circulation to the brain and can also help improve mood and overall well-being. That doesn’t mean you have to live at the gym, lifting weights, or run several miles a day. Just walking briskly increases blood flow to the brain and can enhance cognitive function. Movement enhances circulation, so incorporate physical activity into your lifestyle whenever and however you can.
Pay attention to other facets of your health as well, because they influence what happens in your head. Insomnia or sleep apnea can have serious physical effects and negatively affect memory and thinking. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and obesity can all impact cognitive health. Be vigilant about visiting the doctor, and act quickly to address these or other health concerns. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are extremely harmful to the brain and your overall health, and should be avoided.
Finally, maintain an active social life. Social interaction is crucial for brain health, cognitive stimulation and mood. Whether it’s spending quality time with family or friends, engaging with community organizations or taking part in group activities, try to stay connected.
The AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center, in Amityville, offers free, daily activity programs such as creative arts, music, brain games, and movement and rhythm, which help you exercise your mind and socialize with others. Visit afalongisland.org or call (631) 223-4000 to learn more.
If you’re already taking these steps, keep it up. If not, try to incorporate them into your lifestyle. Even if you can’t do everything, be sure to do something.
While we don’t yet know the cause or have the cure for Alzheimer’s, we do know that our choices influence our chances of getting it. That knowledge is a tool of empowerment. Use it to reduce your risk.
Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., of Merrick, is president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
