As we age, the fear of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's or a form of dementia starts to become more real. What if there is a way to reduce the chance of getting Alzheimer's or dementia? Do you want to know how to possibly remove Alzheimer's or a dementia diagnosis in your life? I know I do. I've attached a very helpful and simple infographic that you can use as a guide, "6 Lifestyle Changes to help prevent Alzheimer's or Dementia Diagnosis."
Unfortunately at this time, there is no known cure for Alzheimer's or any form of dementia. Although, there are lifestyle techniques recommended that we can control to hep prevent it. Trusted researchers uncovered by simply changing a persons lifestyle, cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases were less likely. Lifestyle changes including, healthier diets and regular physical exercise to help preserve cognitive abilities longer. However, there are other risk factors that are out of our control like genetics, aging or an accident that caused brain trauma.
Neurologists believe by understanding the amyloid plaque growth process in a brain when a person is in their 40's could be crucial to impacting Alzheimer's disease from progressing. If it can be found early enough they might be able to disrupt the stubborn plaque from developing before it hardens and sets in place. This can be done on patients in their 40's by using a PET scan. Once the PET scan is completed, researchers will locate, identify and study the amount of amyloid plaque in the patient’s brain to determine next steps.
According to a recent research study published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology by two phenomenal authors, Marta Cortes-Canteli, PhDa, and Costantino Iadecola, MD the brain and heart are vitally interconnected by neurovascular pathways. The authors concluded if more efforts were directed at investigating the relationships between cardiovascular diseases and brain pathologies, we could learn more about the impact of cardiac function relating to plaques and tangles on neurodegenerative pathologies causing underlying cognitive impairment(s) like Alzheimer's Disease.
Highlights of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Aging research study:
1. AD is the major cause of age-related dementia and the fifth leading cause of death worldwide.
2. Alterations in cerebral and systemic vessels and in the heart often coexist with AD pathology.
3. The resulting cerebrovascular insufficiency may contribute to the onset and progression of cognitive dysfunction.
4. Control of vascular risk factors may mitigate the impact of AD and related dementias.
Laura Cassell, CDP
Care Manager and Dementia Practitioner
Pearl Care Solutions & Senior Care Authority-Gulf Coast
laurav@seniorcareauthority.com
References:
1. Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Aging Marta Cortes-Canteli, Costantino Iadecola
J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020 Mar, 75 (8) 942-951
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