Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
Did you know 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia worldwide? At Harbin Clinic Neurology, our providers are here to help you and your loved ones through this difficult disease.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disease that progressively affects memory and cognitive abilities. Over time, this disease affects everyday function as memory, behavior, and social skills begin to decline. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, but treatments are available that help improve the quality of life for patients.
What causes it?
Alzheimer’s is caused by an abnormal buildup of proteins around brain cells that form tangles. These tangles impact brain function as different areas of the brain begin to shrink, beginning with the area responsible for memory. There is not one single genetic cause of developing Alzheimer’s, but it can be affected by age, lifestyle, or family history.
What are the risk factors?
Age: This is the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s. After age 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s doubles every five years.
Family History: Those who have family members with Alzheimer’s run a greater risk of developing the disease. Genetics that you inherit from your parents are also involved in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Cardiovascular Disease: Research shows an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease when high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or obesity are present.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is finding it challenging to remember recently learned information. Other early symptoms include difficulty solving problems, trouble with everyday tasks, getting confused or lost, and problems with the sense of vision or smell. If you recognize any of these symptoms in a loved one, schedule an appointment with their doctor.
How can I promote brain health?
“While there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s Disease now, there are ways to reduce the risk of cognitive decline by exercising regularly, developing healthy eating habits, and challenging yourself mentally,” says Dr. Ayush Singh, a neurologist at Harbin Clinic Neurology.
Exercise regularly: This promotes blood flow to the body and brain, increases memory and thinking skills.
Maintain a heart-healthy diet: A plate full of fruits and vegetables has been shown to increase cognitive function and can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Get proper sleep: Keeping a bedtime routine and getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night allows your brain to clear out waste, improving memory and thinking skills.
Challenge yourself mentally: Keeping your mind engaged by challenging it with puzzles, games, or even learning something new can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s and brain health, visit Harbin Clinic Neurology.
