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Do you know why a healthy lifestyle is so important for healthy aging?  Following a healthy diet and doing regular physical activity may keep Alzheimer's away.  Find out how!

The cells of the brain are aging over time. This is why we may have some trouble remembering things as we get older. If these cells suffer more damage due to Alzheimer's disease, we may experience severe memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes. According to the Alzheimer's Association (AA), there is no definitive cure for this condition, but there is treatment for its symptoms, as well as ways to delay its onset. Here, you'll learn how to do it. 

It has been recently found that leading a healthy lifestyle may improve brain health and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. The AA suggests: 

• Take care of your heart:  People that suffer from diabetes or heart disease may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. Keep a healthy weight and an adequate control of your  blood pressure,  cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
• Eat healthy:  You must get adequate amounts of B complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and iron for your  brain to work properly. Following a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol is also protective. Finally, remember to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fish.
• Exercise your body:  Walking at least 30 minutes a day will improve blood circulation while helping you maintain a healthy brain function.
• Exercise your mind:  In addition to exercising your body to stay healthy, you should also exercise your brain. This is easy: get involved in activities where you can learn something new and develop your creativity, such as painting classes or learning a new language. Read often, solve word games, and play board games, especially those that require using your memory.
• Maintain good social relations:  Studies have found that people with a healthy social life have a better mental health. These people get along with their coworkers and often visit new places and make new friends.
• Stay away from unhealthy habits:  Excessive consumption of alcohol and/or tobacco significantly increases your risk of developing chronic diseases and impairs mental functions.
• Protect your brain: If you're engaged in a sport or activity with a high risk of head trauma, wear a helmet to protect yourself. 

Following these recommendations, you'll reduce your long-term risk of developing Alzheimer's. So stay active and eat healthy to improve your memory. 

If you'd like more information about this topic, visit the website of the Alzheimer's Association:   www.alz.org 

Source:

Alzheimer´s Disease Association (2009). Retrieved on January, 2009 from:   www.alz.org