New Research on Alzheimer's Prevention

• Control your blood pressure levels – high blood pressure has been associated with an increased risk of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Get regular physical exercise – findings indicate that exercise can help slow down further deterioration of present cognitive problems and even protect against AD by stimulating the brain’s ability to work properly
• Include relaxation exercises / balance and coordination exercises in your daily routine – Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, and other exercises can help you to stay agile and poised, all the while minimizing your levels of stress
• Practice memorization techniques – memorization techniques, such as patterns and rhymes, are all good ways to strengthen your memory connections
• Enjoy strategy games – strategy games, such as cards and puzzles, are a great way to exercise your brain’s ability to form and retain cognitive associations
• Get plenty of rest – an increasing number of studies found that sleep deprivation has been associated with poor memory formation and brain toxins, all of which can increase the risk of AD
• Quit smoking – smoking is a risk factor for AD and one study found that smokers over the age of 65 have an 80% higher risk of developing AD than nonsmokers
• Have strong social support – findings suggest that having an active social life (volunteering, going out, joining a club, connecting to social networks, and more) may help prevent the occurrence of AD in the long run
• Keep your sense of humor
• Enjoy activities that bring you joy