Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that affects millions of people. The first symptom of Alzheimer’s is usually mild memory loss, but this progressive disease continues to worsen as time goes on. It affects the areas of the brain that control language, memory, and thought. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it gradually destroys a person’s ability to think and remember things, and eventually they’re unable to complete even simple tasks.
Scientists are still researching what causes Alzheimer’s and how to effectively treat it. But there are many studies that show that healthy habits can reduce a person’s risk of developing the disease. What can you do to live longer and potentially avoid diseases like Alzheimer’s? Here are some ideas.
1. Eat a healthy diet.
Eating healthy is crucial if you want to live a long life. We’ve all heard the expression, “you are what you eat.” Regularly eating unhealthy meals leads to many health problems. While it’s not unreasonable to eat some junk food every once in a while, developing healthy eating habits will ensure that you have the best health possible when you’re older.
A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods high in sugar and saturated fat. If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about how you can improve your health and diet.
2. Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise is another key to good health. Of course, exercising keeps you in shape physically. But it also improves your mental health and cognitive function. You’ll feel happier due to the hormones your body releases when you do physical activity. Both your body and your mind will improve if you make exercising part of your routine.
How can you get started? For some, it’s difficult to include exercise in their routine. Start with finding what kind of activity you enjoy. Many like to exercise at the gym or take an exercise class. But for others, a walk in the park or a bike ride is more enjoyable. If you find something that you like, it will be easier to incorporate exercise into your routine.
3. Avoid smoking and alcohol abuse.
Eliminating unhealthy habits is vital if you want to reduce your risk of disease later on in life. One of the worst habits for your health is smoking. Smoking causes major damage to a person’s lungs and the circulation of blood in the body. This puts smokers at greater risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Smoking is also an addictive habit that can be hard to stop. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about how you can quit.
Another habit that’s bad for your health is drinking an excessive amount of alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol at once can cause damage to your brain and other organs. Talk to your doctor about what limits to put on your drinking. If you struggle with alcoholism, it’s important to get help as soon as possible.
4. Keep your mind active.
While physical exercise has benefits for your brain, mental stimulation is another way to keep your cognitive function optimal. How can you keep your mind active? Learning new things will keep your mind busy and healthy. Try learning a new language or skill that you’ve never tried before. Work on puzzles and crosswords in your free time. Take classes to learn and meet new people. Learn to play an instrument. All of these things keep your brain healthy, improve your memory, and also help you to feel good.
5. Treat any health problems.
If you do have or someday develop any health problems, seeking good treatments and taking good care of yourself is very important to avoid further complications. If you deal with mental health problems, like depression, don’t ignore them. Seek treatment from a professional. They can help you find the best ways to cope with your condition. It’s also vital that you take care of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health problems. If not properly treated, these diseases can cause serious complications. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on how to treat your condition, and do everything you can to improve your health.
Alzheimer’s and other diseases can make the final years of a person’s life miserable. But there are ways that you can improve your health and potentially avoid these devastating diseases. Stay healthy by eating a well-rounded diet and exercising regularly. Avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and overdrinking. Take care of your health, and seek treatment for any conditions you suffer from. Living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to live a long life with few health complications. If you need help putting these tips into practice, ask your doctor for advice. The sooner you start practicing healthy habits, the better you’ll feel and the benefits will last for a lifetime.