People die in all sorts of ways. In this article, we’ll focus on one of the top ten causes of death. That’s because the majority of deaths in the world (>50%) are attributed to the top ten causes. By understanding the top ten causes of death and how to avoid them, you can stack the odds in your favor for living a longer than average life.
Disclaimer
I wish I could tell you that I’m a doctor, but I can’t. I’m just an inquisitive author with a background in science and a love for practical research. The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you want medical advice, ask a real doctor.
What Are Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias?
The term dementia is a general term that refers to the progressive decline in brain function. Dementia affects parts of the brain that enable functions such as language, memory, attention, and problem-solving capabilities. All types of dementia are most prevalent among people over the age of 60. However, it is possible to occur in younger people. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. It is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes behavioral changes, disorientation, and obstruction of judgment, thinking, and memory.
The first symptoms are mild but worsen over time. In the early stages, the memory loss is slight. With time, the affected person loses their ability to perform basic tasks. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, with 5.5 million people currently suffering from it. It typically takes eight years for the symptoms to become apparent. Survival ranges from four to twenty years depending on factors such as age and general health. Other types of dementia include Parkinson’s disease, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, Huntington’s disease, vascular dementia and mixed dementia.
How to Avoid Dying of Alzheimer’s Disease
The thought of losing the ability to be yourself as you age is a scary prospect. There is still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The good news is that researchers have uncovered effective ways to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. There are six main ways to reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s or delay the occurrence of symptoms:
Regular exercise
Regular physical activity can reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s by 50%. It can also slow the presentation of symptoms. Exercise stimulates the brain to make new connections and maintain old ones. Aim for 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise weekly. Also do strength training to build muscle, as it also helps support brain health. As you age, you become vulnerable to head injuries from falls, which increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s. To prevent it, include balance and coordination exercises into your exercise regimen.
Increase social engagement
By nature, humans are social beings who don’t thrive in isolation. An active social life is good for the brain. Maintain a strong network of friends and family to keep your mind healthy.
Healthy diet
Some people describe Alzheimer’s as diabetes of the brain. It is because, in Alzheimer’s patients, insulin resistance and inflammation injure brain neurons. It inhibits effective communication between brain cells and changes how the brain works. To prevent this, eat plenty of whole grains, fiber, and foods low in carbohydrates and sugar.
Mental stimulation
A stimulated brain is less likely to develop dementia. Keep your mind stimulated by learning new things and continually challenging your brain. Use it or lose it. Try to learn something new every day. Do memorization exercises, solve problems, and play strategy games.
Quality and quantity sleep
People with Alzheimer’s often suffer from sleep problems like insomnia. Sleep problems such as insomnia are not only a symptom of this disease but also a possible risk factor. People with poor sleep patterns have elevated levels of brain-clogging proteins that interfere with deep sleep. Deep sleep is essential for memory formation. Most people should get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Stress management
Persistent and chronic stress takes a heavy toll on the brain. It can lead to shrinkage of the critical memory area in the brain. It can also hamper nerve cell growth and elevate your risk of developing dementia. The best ways to manage stress include meditation, exercise, sleep, and taking breaks from work.
What is healthy for the body is great for the brain, so stay healthy and always challenge yourself.