brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Alzheimer Disease
Prevention of Alzheimer Disease
Some research tentatively suggests certain measures that may help prevent Alzheimer disease: Keeping mentally active:People are encouraged to continue doing activities that challenge the mind, such as learning new skills, doing crossword puzzles, and reading the newspaper. These activities may promote the growth of new connections (synapses) between nerve cells and thus help delay dementia. Exercising:Exercising helps the heart function better and, for unclear reasons, may help the brain function better. Controlling high blood pressure:High blood pressure may damage blood vessels that carry blood to the brain and thus reduce the brain’s oxygen supply, possibly disrupting connections between nerve cells. Controlling blood sugar levels: High blood sugar increases the risk of developing prediabetes (blood glucose levels that are too high to be considered normal but not high enough to be labeled diabetes) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) , which increase risk of Alzheimer disease. Controlling cholesterol levels:Some evidence suggests that having high cholesterol levels may be related to developing Alzheimer disease. Thus, people may benefit from a diet low in saturated fats and, if needed, medications (such as statins) to lower cholesterol and other fats (lipids). Drinking alcohol in modest amounts:In modest amounts (not more than 3 drinks a day), alcohol may help lower cholesterol and maintain blood flow. Alcohol may even help with thinking and memory by stimulating the release of acetylcholine and causing other changes in nerve cells in the brain. However, there is no convincing evidence that people who do not drink alcohol should start drinking to prevent Alzheimer disease. Once dementia develops, abstaining from alcohol is usually best because it can make symptoms of dementia worse. 