Healthy aging To prevent Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's risk can be significantly reduced

According to health experts, around 1.2 million people in Germany suffer from dementia, the majority of whom have Alzheimer's disease. The neurodegenerative disease is still incurable. However, the disease risk can be significantly reduced by some measures.

Incurable disease

In Germany alone, about 1.2 million people suffer from dementia, the majority of them from Alzheimer's. There are around 47 million dementia patients worldwide. And there are more and more: According to the World Alzheimer's Report is every 3.2 seconds another dementia diagnosis. The disease is not curable so far, but can be delayed in the initial stage with drugs. There is also evidence that brain jogging can help prevent Alzheimer's. But there are even more ways to reduce the risk of illness.

More and more people are suffering from Alzheimer's. Although the disease is not curable, the disease risk can be reduced by some measures, however. (Image: Ocskay Bence / fotolia.com)

Most common form of dementia

Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder whose exact cause is still unknown. Typical symptoms include memory loss, confusion and disorientation.

In addition there are changes of the being, a limited judgment, orientation and speech disturbances.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of irreversible dementia, of which in this country, according to the Alzheimer Research Initiative e.V. (AFI) an estimated 1.2 million people are affected.

Prevent Alzheimer's

The disease is not curable so far. Accordingly, many people are wondering how they can prevent Alzheimer's.

While it is already known what is good for the heart, is today more and more realized that the brain can be positively influenced, the AFI reported in an earlier release.

There is no such thing as a "patent remedy" - but the initiative presents five recommendations for healthy aging in the brochure "Preventing Alzheimer's: Healthy Living - Healthy Aging".

The brochure was developed in collaboration with Alzheimer's experts such as Tim Fleiner created by the German Sport University Cologne and can be requested free of charge from the AFI.

1st movement

Make sure you have enough physical activity. Because what has a positive effect on heart health, is also good for the brain.

Therefore, move regularly - 150 minutes per week would be ideal, according to the expert advice. No peak performance is required, but instead it is important that you stay active with fun.

Going for a walk, swimming or riding a bike to work - there are many possibilities.

2. Mental fitness

Keep your brain fit by staying curious and open and learning new things as you get older. Whether it's a language, a musical instrument or PC applications, trying and learning new things will increase your mental reserve and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's in old age.

3. nutrition

A healthy, balanced diet is a central part of a healthy lifestyle.

The AFI experts recommend orienting themselves on the classic Mediterranean cuisine, as it provides the brain with important nutrients and strengthens its preparedness to defend itself.

Therefore, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, nuts and prefer fish instead of meat. Extra virgin olive oil also reduces Alzheimer's risk, according to US researchers in the journal Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology.

Sufficient drinking is also important, but strong alcohol consumption should be avoided. This increases the risk of dementia enormously.

Diets and one-sided nutritional concepts should be avoided.

4. Social contacts

Being together with others keeps the brain fit: those who socialize a lot have, according to AFI experts, a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer's than someone who is alone a lot.

Therefore, keep in touch with the family, maintain your circle of friends and acquaintances or become active in an association.

5. Medical precaution and other risk factors

Take good care of yourself and keep an eye on your health through regular visits to the doctor.

Above all, look for symptoms of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

If you quit smoking, you can positively influence another important risk factor. (no, ad)