Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease: Prevent Complications

Although there is no cure for it, there are treatments available that help to slow it down from progressing rapidly.

Exercise should be part of everyone’s routine, but it is extra beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s. As we age, blood flow to the brain slows, reducing cognition. Physical activity counters this process, increasing circulation and maintaining critical biological functions.

Not only does this lower the risks of developing Alzheimer’s, but it also minimizes the complications after a diagnosis. Studies have shown that regular mild to moderate exercise improves memory, attention, and other brain functions. To achieve these cognitive goals, shoot for about 150 minutes of exercise each week. A mix of cardio and strengthening exercises offers the best results.

What you eat affects all aspects of your health, including how your brain functions. Alzheimer’s disease causes inflammation in the brain, preventing proper communication between the cells. Certain foods, including sugar, refined carbohydrates, and fried or fatty items, increase the issue.

To keep those cells talking to each other, stick to healthier options, such as those included Mediterranean or MIND diets. These focus on fruits, vegetables, seafood, nuts, whole grains, and unsaturated fats. They also limit red meat, fast food, unhealthy fats, and sweets.

Working your mind is as vital as staying physically active when attempting to reduce Alzheimer’s complications. Recent studies have shown that mentally stimulating activities improve key cognitive functions. Spending 45 minutes twice a week on certain practical activities showed increased memory and thinking skills. Quality of life and feelings of well-being also showed noticeable improvement.

These activities could include various word games, puzzles, baking, or gardening. Learning something new, like a musical instrument, painting, or a foreign language, also helps reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms. Even increasing skills or knowledge in activities you’re already familiar with is beneficial as long as your mind stays active.

Stress is one of the worst offenders when it comes to exacerbating Alzheimer’s complications. When agitated, the brain releases stress hormones, increasing the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer’s. As the disease worsens, more cognitive functions are affected, causing higher instances of depression, anxiety, and aggression. These heighten stress levels, causing a “Vicious Cycle of Stress” that is difficult to break.

Though it often seems impossible, managing stress is crucial for slowing Alzheimer’s development. Relaxation techniques calm the body and mind, so consider meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Adding fun activities, like games, music, reading, or socializing with friends, are fantastic options for relieving stress.

According to Dr. Andrew Budson of Harvard Health Publishing, poor sleep habits increase the risk of dementia. Studies show sleeping 5 hours or less each night doubles the chances of developing the disease. Adding an extra hour reduces the chances to 30%, so still not great odds when attempting to avoid Alzheimer’s complications. Even more concerning is that poor sleep habits in midlife contribute to the disease’s progression.

To prevent or slow the symptoms, getting a good night’s sleep as often as possible is vital. Create a sleep and wake schedule allowing for at least 7 hours of rest every night. Avoid screens or other stimulating activities before bed, replacing them with a bath, calming music, or other relaxation techniques.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative condition in which the symptoms deteriorate gradually over several years. Initially, memory decline is slight, but in advanced stages, people lose the capacity to engage in conversations and interact with their surroundings. Often older people at the age close to 65 are diagnosed with this disorder.

Haym Salomon Home for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Brooklyn NY offers care and rehab for those with neurological diseases. The sooner you start the rehab, the easier it is to prevent Alzheimer’s complications, as dealing with this condition becomes more complicated once it reaches the advanced stage.

Resources:

1. Quin Meng, Muh-Shi Lin, I-Shiang Tzeng, March 26, 2020 Relationship between exercise and Alzheimer’s Disease https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7113559/
2. National Institute on Aging, What do we know about diet and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease? https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-do-we-know-about-diet-and-prevention-alzheimers-disease#:~:text=Similar%20to%20the%20Mediterranean%20diet,%2C%20and%20fast%2Ffried%20food.
3. Fischer Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Mental Stimulation Slows Alzheimer’s Progression https://www.alzinfo.org/articles/mental-stimulation-slows-alzheimers-progression/
4. Nicholas J. Justice, April 21, 2018, The relationship between stress and Alzheimer’s disease https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5991350/
5. Andrew E Budson, MD, May 3, 2021, Sleep well – and reduce your risk of dementia and death https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sleep-well-and-reduce-your-risk-of-dementia-and-death-2021050322508