In the U.S., 40 million adults over the age of 40 suffer from some form of memory loss, and that number is only expected to increase in the coming years. Memory loss is a serious condition that can make it difficult to manage everyday tasks or perform work essential to everyday life. Thankfully, there are several ways you can prevent memory loss in your future and protect your brain health today. With so many articles out there telling you different things about how to keep your mind active and avoid dementia, it’s hard to know what’s actually helpful and what’s not. To help you cut through the noise and find actionable advice, we spoke with a memory specialist who specializes in helping those who are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of memory loss. Let’s dive into her

Top five tips for preventing memory loss in your future:

Stay physically active

As we age, our bodies become less resilient, and many of us gradually lose the ability to perform at the level we used to. This can lead to a decline in cognitive function, including the risk for developing degenerative diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease. One way to mitigate this decline is to keep your body active. Physical activity has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function. It also increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, supporting optimal brain health. Physical activity has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress, both of which can have a negative impact on cognitive health. All in all, staying physically active is an excellent way to protect your brain health and reduce your risk of developing cognitive decline.

Learn new things
​
Learning anything new has been shown to increase both blood flow and brain activity in the areas of the brain responsible for memory. If you want to protect your brain health, it’s important to keep learning new things. This doesn’t have to be a big, time-consuming project; you can pick up new skills in your spare time or take on a new hobby. Learning new things can also help you stay socially engaged with the people in your life, which is another risk factor for cognitive decline.

Get enough sleep

In addition to being important for overall health, sleep has also been shown to promote cognitive function. Poor sleep has been linked to cognitive impairment, including memory loss. So, if you want to protect your brain health and stave off cognitive decline, it’s important to get enough sleep. On average, most adults need about eight hours of sleep per night to function at their best. DO make sure to get enough sleep, and DON’T drink caffeine before bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake even if you’ve had enough sleep.

Maintain a healthy diet

There is compelling evidence that certain foods can help stave off cognitive decline, whereas others can increase the risk of cognitive impairment. For example, diets high in saturated fats and refined sugar have been linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. On the other hand, diets high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber have been linked to a decreased risk of cognitive decline. It’s important to note that these links don’t prove that a high-sugar diet causes Alzheimer's disease; rather, they show that people who eat a lot of sugar are also more likely to develop Alzheimer's. So, it’s important to note that there are also other factors at play. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to maintain a healthy diet with lots of fresh produce and other healthy foods.

Join memory training programs

Practicing a few different memory exercises, such as playing word games, regularly can help prevent cognitive decline, according to research. There are many different types of memory exercises, and you can find a list of the best ones here. If you want to really boost your memory function, you can even join a program like BrainHQ, which uses personalized exercises to improve your memory and other cognitive skills.


The tips above will help you prevent memory loss in your future. It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences memory loss actually has dementia. In fact, most people who experience mild cognitive impairment are able to recover, provided they take steps to protect their brain health. These tips can help you prevent memory loss and protect your brain health as you age.

​Thinking about developing Alzheimer’s Disease is scary, but with early detection and risk management interventions, you can reduce your chances of contracting this terrible disease. It’s the most common type of dementia, which is a group of brain diseases that cause a decline in memory and other intellectual functions. In the U.S., more than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease — that’s about one in every 65 — and among them, 200,000 are under the age of 65. Moreover, it’s estimated that by 2050, there will be as many as 16 million people with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. That means today is the perfect time to start taking steps to prevent Alzheimer's disease or slow its progression if you're at risk.

3 Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Early detection and risk management interventions, you can reduce your chances of contracting this terrible disease.

Note - Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease that cannot be cured. There is no specific treatment or cure, though there are medications that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

• Be vigilant about monitoring your cholesterol

You’ve probably heard people say cholesterol isn’t a big deal, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Cholesterol is actually a very important substance that your body needs to function properly. It’s a type of fat found in all of your cells, blood and organs that is necessary for the production of hormones, vitamin D and bile acids, which help you digest fat. Cholesterol can become a problem when there is too much of it in your body, which can cause it to build up in your blood vessels, like arteries. This can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots. This is particularly important as people with Alzheimer’s disease often have high levels of cholesterol, which is thought to contribute to the development of the disease and the worsening of symptoms.

• Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet

As we age, our brains may become less efficient, but we can make efforts to slow or prevent this. Some people experience declines in memory and other cognitive abilities as they age, but others show no signs at all. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle and diet can influence your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish, and limiting processed foods, red meat and sugar, can help to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise can also play an important role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise can help improve blood flow to the brain, which is important for nourishing and protecting neurons, the cells responsible for processing information. And, it can also increase the amount of a protein in the brain called BDNF, which has been shown to improve learning and memory.
​

• Stay mentally active and socially engaged

As you age, it is important to stay socially and mentally engaged in order to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that cognitively stimulating activities, such as reading, playing games, and learning a new language can help improve your memory, reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and even delay its onset by two years. There are many ways to stay mentally active and socially engaged as you age. These include reading, participating in cognitively stimulating activities (such as games and puzzles), getting regular exercise, spending time in nature and connecting with friends and family.

​Alzheimer's Disease is a form of dementia that affects the brain. It is the most common type of dementia, and it gradually gets worse over time. In this blog post, we will discuss Alzheimer's Disease in-depth, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options. We hope this information will help you better understand Alzheimer's Disease and how to cope with it if someone you love has been diagnosed with it.

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's Disease is a type of dementia that affects the brain. It is a progressive disease, which means that it gets worse over time. Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of Dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases.


What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?

The symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease can vary from person to person, and they tend to worsen over time. Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include: 

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Challenges in planning or solving problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure 
• Confusion with time or place 
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships 
• New problems with words in speaking or writing 
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 
• Decreased or poor judgment 
• Withdrawal from work or social activities 
• Changes in mood and personality

What causes Alzheimer's Disease?

The cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Some of these factors include: 

• Age:

Alzheimer's disease is most common in people over the age of 65. The risk of Alzheimer's disease increases as you age. 

• Family history:

If you have a family member with Alzheimer's disease, you are more likely to develop the disease. 

• lifestyle factors:

Alzheimer's disease has been linked to certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking and not getting enough exercise. 

• Health conditions:

​Alzheimer's disease has been linked to some health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. 


What are the treatment options for Alzheimer's Disease?

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. These treatments include: 

• Medications:

There are a number of medications that can help treat Alzheimer's disease. These medications can help improve memory, communication, and other cognitive skills. 

• Therapy:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other types of therapy can help people with Alzheimer's disease manage their symptoms. 

• Assistive devices:

Assistive devices, such as reminder apps and GPS tracking devices, can help people with Alzheimer's disease stay independent for longer. 

If you or someone you know is showing signs of Alzheimer's disease, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and improve quality of life.