Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that erodes memory and cognitive faculties. While advancing age and genetics play a significant role in its development, mounting evidence suggests that certain lifestyle habits could also be culprits.
In this article, Evoke Neuroscience will fully discuss some of the most common habits that can potentially increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. This kind of awareness could greatly inspire proactive lifestyle changes for better brain health.
Lack of Physical Activity
First of all, having a very sedentary lifestyle most of the time greatly paves the way for numerous health problems. This may include heart disease, obesity, and diabetes – and these are all risk factors for Alzheimer’s.
Regular exercise helps maintain blood flow to the brain, stimulates the growth of new brain cells, strengthens connections between cells, and reduces the risk of AD. Health experts recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise combined with muscle-strengthening activities.
Unhealthy Dietary Choices
Diet plays an important role in one’s overall brain health. Excessive consumption of saturated fats, processed foods, and refined sugars can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Instead, adopt healthier dietary habits that emphasize vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, lean proteins, and healthy fats, like those found in the Mediterranean and MIND diets.
Inadequate Sleep
Sleep is essential for maintaining cognitive function – during sleep, the brain clears out toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s. Chronic sleep issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, or even regular sleep disturbances can negatively affect your brain health. Prioritize quality sleep by maintaining a consistent sleep-wake schedule, optimizing your sleep environment, and addressing any underlying sleep disorders.
Persistent Stress
Chronic stress can cause elevated cortisol levels, negatively affecting brain function, and potentially increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s. Incorporate stress-reduction strategies like meditation, deep-breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in enjoyable hobbies to help manage stress effectively.
Social Isolation
Getting a lack of social interaction has been linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. For that matter, staying socially engaged challenges the brain, helps maintain emotional well-being, and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s. Nurture your social connections through regular interactions with friends, family, or community groups.
Neglecting Mental Stimulation
Just like your physical exercise, having mental workouts regularly helps maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Engaging in these kinds of activities that keep the mind sharp, like reading, solving puzzles, or learning a new skill, can help protect the brain from excessive wear and tear.
Frequent Smoking
Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, both of which can lead to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. For Evoke Neuroscience, quitting smoking, no matter your age and length of time smoking, has a profoundly positive impact on brain health.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
And lastly, moderate alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, may be associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. However, excessive alcohol intake can badly damage brain cells and increase the risk of cognitive decline. So for that matter, you have to stick to moderate alcohol consumption guidelines – which is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
