Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented?

In honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month this June, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to discuss the concept of Alzheimer’s prevention. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia, which can negatively impact a person’s memory, thinking, behavior, and general cognitive function. In the majority of cases, Alzheimer’s likely develops as a result of complex interactions among multiple factors, including a person’s age, genetics, environment, and current mental and physical health. Many patients we speak with in our office ask if there is anything that can be done to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, which is why we wanted to elaborate on this very subject.

Because of the complex nature of the condition and the fact that many common risk factors including age and genetic disposition, are out of the person’s control, Alzheimer’s can often be difficult to prevent. However, certain lifestyle habits and changes can effectively help fight off certain Alzheimer’s risk factors.

Our providers recommend taking the following steps to help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s:

• Avoid smoking and the use of other nicotine products. Smoking can both harm cognitive function over time and lead to other health conditions that can contribute to Alzheimer’s risk.
• Get regular daily exercise. Doing so can help lower the risk of many conditions associated with Alzheimer’s including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Keep your brain active as the years go on. Puzzles, word games, ballroom dancing, and other cognitive training exercises can be highly beneficial.
• Eat a well balanced, healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins like salmon.
• Make sure to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
• Maintaining an active social life and avoiding excessive time spent alone can help cognitive function and overall wellness.
• Have your provider review your medications to ensure none of them are conflicting with others and causing memory issues.

Keeping tabs on your mental and physical wellbeing is incredibly important in the fight against Alzheimer’s. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with your annual wellness visits with a board-certified healthcare provider. For more information on Alzheimer’s or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn and Loganville.