5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2004-06-29 15:31:00-04:00
Although there's no sure way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, some of the following tactics might help reduce risk:
- Always use bicycle helmets and seat belts and slip-proof shoes to reduce the chance of injury. Head trauma is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's.
- Exercise and eat a low-fat diet rich in vegetables and fruits to keep your cholesterol low and to control your weight. (Recent studies show a correlation between being overweight and Alzheimer's. One study found that diabetes, which is exacerbated by excess weight, triggered a 65 percent greater risk of Alzheimer's in 824 participants.)
- Eat fish at least once a week.
- Get sufficient levels of folic acid and vitamins C, E, B-6 and B-12.
- Stay mentally active. Join a book club, join a bridge club, play chess or do crossword puzzles. Or sign up for a class at your local college.
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