Certain Bad Habits may Contribute to Cognitive Decline
As we age, more of us start to worry about a loved one or ourselves getting Alzheimer’s. Currently the disease does not have a cure but there are several medications that help mitigate symptoms, and a few more promising treatments on the horizon. That being said, it is still a disease none of us wish to experience.
Many people are aware of studies showing a good diet and exercise is not only good for heart health but is good for maintaining cognitive health. Additionally Jessica Caldwell, a neuropsychologist and director of the Women's Alzheimer's Movement Prevention Center at the Cleveland Clinic, recently told AARP there are lesser known things people can do to strengthen cognitive health. She explains it involves letting go of some bad habits and replacing them with more healthy ones.
One suggestion is to try and limit negative thoughts. A recent study reports “participants who repeatedly dwelled on negative thoughts had more amyloid and tau deposits in their brain, the biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease.” While we all probably go down the rabbit hole of thinking about bad things happening or that have happened, experts say repeatedly focusing on negative thoughts may put us more at risk for Alzheimer’s.
Another easy way to lessen your risk for Alzheimer’s is to get vaccinated. Paul Schulz, M.D., a neurologist at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, reported on a recent nationwide study, which found adults over 65 who received at least one influenza vaccination were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Another study found a 25 to 30 percent reduction in Alzheimer’s for seniors who had a pneumonia vaccination.
Other studies link an increase in the risk for Alzheimer’s to consuming sugary drinks (including fruit juices - better to eat the fruit). Researchers say it can lead to spiking blood sugar and an exaggerated insulin response, which may trigger chronic inflammation in the brain.
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Source:
aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2021/habits-that-hurt-brain-health.html?dicbo=v2-tFYbbWJ&intcmp=Outbrain&obref=obnetwork