Approximately 50 million people suffer from Alzheimer's worldwide. In the U.S. alone, 5.5 million people have Alzheimer's – about 10 percent of the worldwide Alzheimer's population.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss, changes in thinking and other brain functions. While the rate of progressive decline in brain function is slow at the onset, it gets worse with time and age. Brain function decline accelerates and brain cells eventually die over time. While there has been significant research done to find a cure, currently there is no cure available.
Alzheimer's incidence rate in the U.S. and other western countries is significantly higher than that of the countries in in the developing world. Factors such as lifestyle, diet, physical and mental activity and social engagement play a part in development and progression of Alzheimer's
In most cases, if you are above the age of 50, plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer's may have already started forming in your brain. At the age of 65, you have 10% chance of Alzheimer's and at age 80, the chances are about 50%.
With lifestyle changes, proper diet and exercise (of the mind and body), Alzheimer's is preventable.
In recent times, Alzheimer's is beginning to reach epidemic proportions. The cost of Alzheimer's to US economy is expected to cross a trillion dollars in 10 years. It is a serious health care issue in many of the western countries as the population age and the life expectancy increase.
At this time, our understanding of what causes Alzheimer's and the ways to treat it is at its infancy. However, we know the factors that affects Alzheimer's and we can use that knowledge to prevent, delay onset or at least slow down the rate of progression of the disease.
While this book does not present all the answers, it is an attempt to examines the factors affecting Alzheimer's and how to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. A combination of diet and both mental and physical exercise is believed to help in prevention or reducing risk.
Preventing Alzheimer's offers a quick insight into Alzheimer's causing factors, various steps to reduce risk, and ways to prevent or slow down the progression of the disease. The book includes:
Discussion on factors in Alzheimer's development:
Regular exercise and physical activity
Regular mental exercise/stimulation
Social engagement
Getting proper sleep every night
Maintaining a healthy heart
Healthy foods and drinks
Following a healthy diet is one of the key lifestyle changes one can make in the fight against Alzheimer's. The list of foods that help protect brain and boost brain health is included in the book:
Nuts and seeds
Fruits – especially berries
Oily fish
Unrefined oils such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil
Spices and herbs
Colorful vegetables and fruits
Cruciferous vegetables
Leafy greens
Dark chocolate
Bone broths
Eggs
Over 30 recipes including teas, smoothies, broths, and other dishes that incorporate brain-boosting foods:
Kale chips
Salmon with green mango
Coconut curry chicken
Beef pepper fry
Broccoli stir fry
Teas
Broths
And many other dishes
References and links to several research studies on Alzheimer's and brain foods
Preventing Alzheimer's is a quick read and offers a lot of concise information. It's a great tool to have in your fight to prevent Alzheimer's.
