In the News: June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month - Part II

(Continued from Part I…) 

some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion, and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing. 

As Alzheimer's advances through the brain, it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood, and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time, and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends, and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking. 

What are the risk factors? 

Age, family history and genetics, having Down syndrome, sex (females tend to get Alzheimer’s more than males, mainly because they live longer than males) head trauma, excessive alcohol consumption, air pollution, and poor sleep patterns.

How can I prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?

Evidence suggests that taking steps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease may also lower your risk of developing dementia.

To follow heart-healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce the risk of dementia:

• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a diet of fresh produce, healthy oils, and foods low in saturated fat, such as a Mediterranean diet.
• Follow treatment guidelines to manage high blood pressure, diabetes. and high cholesterol.
• If you smoke, ask your health care provider for help to quit.