“Heart healthy living prevents Alzheimer’s Disease”- the findings of a recent study reveals once again the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major cause of dementia among the elderly people. It is characterized by progressive loss of memory severe enough to interfere with person’s daily functioning and the quality of life. 5% cases of AD (occurs in age 30- 60) are due to gene mutations. However, the reasons for 95% cases (occurs > 65 years of age) are unclear and likely involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. People carrying Apo lipoprotein E (APOE ε4) gene are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, some people with it may not develop AD whereas others without this gene may develop the disease. In addition, most people with Down’s syndrome who have an extra copy of chromosome 21 develop Alzheimer’s.
Treatment & cure of Alzheimer’s (is there any?): Despite of extensive studies, there is no effective treatment due to an incomplete understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease. Therefore, it is unlikely that any one drug or other intervention can effectively treat it. Current approaches focus on
A current research findings point out the importance of a heart healthy living to prevent this devastating disease. This research was conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. They screened nearly 1,100 patients (53% of them were women) with an average age of 69 years. The participants were free of clinical stroke, transient ischemic attack, or dementia at the sample time. Follow up time was 7.7 years.
Scientists checked cardiac index of each participants. It is the measure of heart health which examined the amount of blood that exists the heart and is pumped through the body – to the development of dementia. They found that the patients with poor heart health had a higher relative risk of dementia compared to the normal. Thus, your poor heart could be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Angela Jefferson, PhD, the team leader of this study suggests:
You may not be able to change your genetics or family history, but you can engage in a heart healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise at any point in your lifetime.
Healthy dietary habits, regular physical activities and healthy living are keys to improve your heart’s health. Protect your heart by
Thus a heart healthy living not only protect your heart but also the brain. Won’t you start trying that to prevent Alzheimer’s!