{"id":311,"date":"2020-07-28T15:18:03","date_gmt":"2020-07-28T15:18:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lumultra.com\/blog\/?p=311"},"modified":"2021-05-04T09:36:07","modified_gmt":"2021-05-04T09:36:07","slug":"can-you-prevent-alzheimers-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lumultra.com\/blog\/can-you-prevent-alzheimers-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Prevent Alzheimer\u2019s Disease?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Alzheimer\u2019sIt\u2019s a much dreaded reality: the onset of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, the stuff that sad family drama movies are made of. This progressive disorder causes brain cells to waste away or degenerate, eventually die, and most commonly cause dementia. This then leads to a continuing decline in thinking, behavior, as well as social skills, altogether destroying the patient\u2019s ability to independently function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The big question, however, is can you actually prevent the onset of Alzheimer\u2019s and save your brain and memory?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Causes the Disease?<\/b><\/p>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease results from damage to neurons or cells in the brain. This disrupts inter-cell communication, and as a consequence cognition is impaired. This cell death can be seen only with an analysis of brain tissue under a microscope, thus doctors diagnose the disease in living individuals through conducting tests assessing cognitive ability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anatomically speaking, the brain cells in the region of the brain responsible for memory and learning – called the hippocampus – are often the first to incur damage. This is why memory loss is often the earliest sign of Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Currently, there\u2019s no cure or treatment slowing the progression of this dreaded disease. Drug therapies may only temporarily improve symptoms. The problem is so severe that about $175 billion out of taxpayers\u2019 money is thought to be spent on patient care in the United States, so research continues to discover more about the risk factors and potential preventive measures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Causes Alzheimer\u2019s Disease?<\/b><\/p>\n

Experts are pretty much in agreement that in the vast majority of cases, Alzheimer\u2019s is the result of a complex interaction of different factors. Just like other chronic conditions, it can be a confluence of different factors including genetics, age, environment, lifestyle, and coexisting medical problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some risk factors such as genes or age cannot be changed. However, other risk factors, including a lack of exercise and high blood pressure, can typically be addressed and changed in order to reduce one\u2019s risk. Continued research in these areas may lead to new and exciting breakthroughs to detect individuals who are at highest risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Heart-Head Connection<\/b><\/p>\n

Recent students suggest that some crucial factors for the onset of dementia, including hearing loss, untreated depression, social isolation or loneliness, and a sedentary lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cardiovascular disease, though, appears to be the single biggest link to having an increased risk. This is also known as the \u201cheart-head connection,\u201d which is still being explored by medical experts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to some autopsy studies, as many as 80% of individuals with Alzheimer\u2019s also have heart disease. You may significantly reduce this risk as well as the risk for strokes and heart attacks through active steps to improve your cardiovascular wellness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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A State of Ketosis<\/b><\/p>\n

A number of studies have explored the benefits of ketogenic diets in preventing Alzheimer\u2019s. These diets, alongside the famed Mediterranean diet, depend on fat as the main energy source. Used abundantly in these diets are coconut oil, butter, nuts and seeds, avocado, and olive oil. Ketogenic diets also eliminate whole grains and allow very little fruit in the quest to achieve a state of ketosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Experts may not have a conclusive take on the effects of ketosis on Alzheimer\u2019s. However, they have welcomed the possibility that introducing ketones in the body may help repair and reverse the disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems likely that ketones can stimulate the growth and survival of neurons as well as the extension from neurons (axons and dendrites),\u201d says Mary Newport MD, adding that this thereby increases the connections between brain cells. \u201cThe decrease in synaptic density is likely the primary pathological defect in Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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But Can You Really Prevent Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/b><\/p>\n

The jury is still out on whether this can be done or not. However, there are meaningful steps that you can take to address the heart-head connection, i.e., prevent cardiovascular disease. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n