Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented? Understanding the Role of Lifestyle and Brain Health

Dr. Anirudh Vilas Kulkarni, Senior Consultant – Interventional Neurology, KIMS Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru

Although the disease is typically linked to older people, some new findings show that several factors that affect the brain’s health can occur during childhood. Research is yet to provide a definite solution to the problem of Alzheimer’s but the scientists think that some good habits might help lower the risk of dementia.

Alzheimer’s is the most widespread form of dementia and gradually deprives people of their memory, ability to think, behave adequately and carry out normal daily routines. Age and hereditary factors are important risk factors but not the only ones. Health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia, as well as such destructive habits as smoking, inactivity, and high consumption of alcohol have a negative impact on long-term brain health.

Keep the Brain and Body Active

The performance of physical activity contributes significantly to the good health of the body and mind. The efficiency of physical exercise is manifested in the enhanced blood circulation and cardiovascular system, thus being capable of eliminating some factors which infect the cognitive decline of the brain. To perform physical exercises, an individual should choose what suits him or her best, from walking or riding a bicycle to swimming in a swimming pool or doing yoga.

The possibilities to stimulate the functions of the brain are of equal importance. Regardless of the kind of exercise, reading books, learning new skills, solving puzzles, playing music or engaging socially are very beneficial and entertaining for the brain.

What We Eat Matters

A balanced diet can help in the process of healthy aging too. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, legumes, nuts and good fats, while avoiding processed food, added sugar, and unhealthy fats, helps with cardiovascular and metabolism health, both of which are associated with brain well-being.

The Mediterranean and MIND diets have been emphasized in the light of their support of cognition. However, no particular food or supplement has yet been shown to prevent Alzheimer’s disease independently.

Control Health Conditions Early

The protection of the brain also refers to the protection of the heart and blood vessels. Treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol should be implemented in order to treat and control them. They could affect blood vessels and, in the long term, the brain.

Good sleep is also necessary. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked with cognitive decline in the future, thus making the control of sleep patterns an important element of healthy aging.

Prevention Starts Before Memory Problems Appear

The key message to highlight is that keeping one's brain healthy is something that should be done at all ages. Prevention does not refer to making sure that a person will never have Alzheimer’s, since age and genetic make-up still need to be taken into account. Instead, it implies making sure that the modifiable risk factors are taken care of.

For instance, individuals and families should follow a good plan in order to lead a healthy life, starting from simple prevention measures, such as moderate physical activity, balanced nutrition, good sleep and making sure that they do not forget about taking care of their social life and controlling blood pressure.

By Dr. Anirudh Vilas Kulkarni, Senior Consultant – Interventional Neurology, KIMS Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru