Experts agree that in the vast majority of cases, Alzheimer's disease, like other common chronic conditions, probably develops as a result of complex interactions among multiple factors, including age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, and coexisting medical conditions. Although some risk factors cannot be changed, other risk factors can be managed to help reduce risk. Most often late onset cognitive dysfunction is a combination of vascular dementia (not enough blood flow), brain inflammation, and other factors.

A new study in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry has identified nine conditions that increase your risk for Alzheimer’s and several lifestyle modifications to protect yourself from developing the disease.

The modifiable risk factors are: obesity, current smoker, narrowing of the carotid artery, type 2 diabetes, high homocysteine levels, high blood pressure, frailty, depression and low educational attainment.

The healthy lifestyle changes known to prevent most chronic disease are also likely to prevent Alzheimer’s. Getting 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day and eating a healthy diet are extremely important. Less obvious is the importance of maintaining strong social connections and keeping mentally active. Sleeping 7-8 hours per night, a de-stressing routine, and meditation are also shown to have brain benefits. With few drawbacks and plenty of known benefits, healthy lifestyle choices can improve your health and provide long term protection for your brain.

Unfortunately, early-onset type Alzheimer’s disease (symptoms starting before age 50) is not affected by healthy lifestyle changes. It is associated with genetic mutations and makes up less than 1 percent of the people with Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals who have these genetic mutations are guaranteed to develop the disease.

If you and your family embrace smart nutrition, physical activity, stress reduction, are non-smokers, and maintain a healthy blood pressure, you are on the right path for brain health.

For more information, contact Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.