5.3 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s.

10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s disease - that’s one out of eight according to the Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.

Did you know?

Smoking after age 65 increases your chances of developing Alzheimer’s by 79%?

Obesity in midlife makes you 3 ½ times more likely to experience Alzheimer’s?

Diabetes makes you twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s?

Genetics account for only 25% of Alzheimer’s cases?

Chronic stress may quadruple your risk?

Act now to prevent and delay Alzheimer’s disease

Exercise at a moderate pace-for at least 30 minutes five times per week.  

Build muscle to pump up your brain-moderate levels of weight and resistance training not only increase muscle mass, they maintain cognitive health.  

Think movement- for opportunities to walk, bend, stretch, and lift your way to vitality.

Maintain consistent levels of insulin and blood sugar. Eat several small meals throughout the day. Avoid packaged, refined, and processed foods. Emphasize fruits and vegetables across the color spectrum to maximize protective anti-oxidants and vitamins.

Drink tea daily. Green, white, and oolong teas are particularly brain-healthy. Drinking 2-4 cups daily has proven benefits.

Set aside time each day to learn something new - read a good book, study a foreign language, play a musical instrument.

Practice the 5 W’s - observe and report like a crime detective. Keep a Who, What, Where, When, and Why list of your daily experiences.

Solve riddles and work puzzles - brain teasers and strategy games provide great mental exercise and build your capacity to form and retain cognitive associations.

Stay connected - We are social creatures, and the most connected fare better on tests of memory and cognition.

Wear a helmet - and limit distractions. A National Institute of Health study suggests head trauma at any point in life significantly increases your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Avoid toxins - Among the most preventable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease are smoking and heavy drinking.

Source: alz.org