If you’re concerned about the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and losing your memory, you should be aware of the natural ways to drastically reduce your risk. These methods are often far more effective than waiting for expensive and potentially limited-use drugs from Big Pharma.
Researchers from the University of South Australia, in collaboration with scientists from China’s Third Military Medical University, recently announced a “groundbreaking” discovery. They identified a new “drug target” that they believe could lead to the creation of a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Although this finding is remarkable, don’t expect results overnight; it will take plenty of time and additional research for it to be put to practical use, and there’s no guarantee it will yield a safe therapy for humans.
In the meantime, you can adopt specific lifestyle changes to make Alzheimer’s less likely to affect you.
Strive for a Lower Homocysteine Level
The most effective current approach to maintain a healthier brain is to keep your homocysteine level down. Homocysteine is an amino acid produced by the body, and when you have too much, it can lead to heart problems, brain shrinkage as you age, and a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s.
There’s a natural solution that can lower homocysteine and help your brain function better: B-vitamins, especially vitamin B12. You can find high levels of B12 in foods such as wild-caught fish, poultry, meat, and eggs.
However, to lower homocysteine levels, you’ll need to add a high-dose B-complex vitamin supplement. These are inexpensive and effective since it’s the combination of B-vitamins that produce the desired results. The need for supplementation is particularly crucial for women, who tend to be deficient in B-vitamins, and for vegetarians – as vitamin B12 is primarily found in meat and is absent in fruits and vegetables.
Reduce Risk with Sleep
Another crucial measure for reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s is focusing on proper sleep quality. Researchers from the University of California discovered that people who get more slow-wave sleep exhibit fewer beta-amyloid plaques and degraded proteins in their brains. These plaques are a primary indicator of Alzheimer’s.
To improve your sleep quality, follow these suggestions:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
- Create a bedtime routine to help your body relax and prepare for sleep
- Make sure your sleep environment is cool, dark, and quiet
- Remove electronics from the bedroom
- Choose comfortable sleepwear, pillows, and bedding
Adopt a Mindful Lifestyle
Additionally, practicing mindfulness and reducing stress can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s. Chronic stress has been linked to increased cortisol levels, which can lead to cognitive decline.
By incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, or tai chi into your daily routine, you can reduce stress levels and maintain a healthier brain.
Keep Your Brain Active
Mental exercises, like solving puzzles, engaging in memory-strengthening activities, or learning new skills, can also help you preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Maintaining social connections by joining groups, volunteering, and attending social events contributes to a more active brain. Researchers found that maintaining a healthy and strong social network can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
Last but not least, your diet can play a significant role in reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s. A healthy diet for brain health should include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients.
Consider adopting the Mediterranean or DASH diets for better brain health. These diets focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. They’re not only delicious but have been proven to protect against cognitive decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
By adopting these natural methods to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s, you can take control of your health and maintain a healthy brain as you age. Don’t wait for modern medicine to come up with a solution – you have the power to make positive changes in your life now.