Curb Memory Loss And Preserve Brainpower

There is still no cure for Alzheimer’s dis­ease. Nearly 4 million Americans have the devastating brain disorder. What’s more, there is no proven way to prevent it. But researchers have identified several ways to protect the aging brain against other causes of dementia.. .as well as certain forms of damage that may lead to Alzheimer’s.

Work Outs And Cardiovascular Strategies

Impaired circulation and “mini-strokes” (transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs) can themselves cause dementia… or make Alz­heimer’s worse. So the same strategies that are good for the cardiovascular system may help prevent memory loss and other aspects of dementia.

• Consider daily aspirin therapy. Taking one low-dose aspirin daily has been shown to cut risk for stroke as well as heart attack. There is some evidence it may also lower the risk for Alzheimer’s. However, use caution since the long-term use of aspirin can cause stomach irritation and severe intestinal bleed­ing. Consult your doctor before beginning aspirin therapy.

• Exercise regularly Aerobic exercise boosts cardiac health and helps ease depression, which can impair thinking and memory.

• Keep your blood pressure in check. Eat a low-fat diet and lose weight. High blood pressure raises risk for stroke and heart disease and in some recent studies linked it to Alzheimer’s, too.

Ginkgo Biloba And Other Supplements

Preliminary evidence suggests that ginkgo can improve memory by increasing blood circulation. Healthy older people who take the herb do seem to perform mental tasks more quickly, some studies show. There is no indication that ginkgo can help prevent the illness. Alzheimer’s patients show little improvement however other supplements have been shown to help greatly. Some of these are Acetyl L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, L-Carnitine, CoQ10, Omega-3 EPA & DHA, BioVinca Vinpocetine, Phosphatidylserine.. Ask your doctor if ginkgo makes sense for you.
Caution: Ginkgo may interact with other medications, such as the blood thinner war-farm (Coumadin).

Prevent Head Injurys

We now know that sustaining a severe head injury doubles the risk of developing Alzhei­mer’s later in life. The risk associated with mild injury-a slight concussion, for instance may be significant as well, although this remains unproven. So, always wear your seat belt. If you ski, bicycle, roller-skate, ride horseback or participate in any other sport that can lead to a head injury, always wear a helmet.

Use Anti-Inflanunatory Drugs Cautiously

Incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is surpris­ingly low among longtime users of nonster­oidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID5), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Researchers theorize that NSAIDs reduce brain inflammation, which is thought to play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, side effects-including ulcers, kidney damage and internal bleeding can occur with long-term NSAID use and they are more common among older people.

The Big Brain - Use It or Else

Working at a mentally challenging job in your 30s, 40s and 50s reduces the likelihood that you’ll develop Alzheimer’s after age 60, according to a recent study. The theory is that mental activity pro-motes new links between brain cells, creating a reserve of brain-power. People with such a reserve have “more to lose” before symptoms of Alz­heimer’s become apparent. Other research suggests that older people continue to make similar neuronal connections when they seek out intellectual stimulation. Regardless of your age, remember that an active mind is a healthier mind. Read provoca­tive books-and talk about them with friends, study a foreign language, enhance your computer skills, pick up a hobby or learn to play a musical instrument.