How to prevent Alzheimer's disease
Generally, the prevention of Alzheimer's disease can be achieved through continuous mental activity, regular physical exercise, balanced diet, active social interaction, and management of underlying diseases. These methods require long-term adherence to be effective. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Maintain Mental Activity
The brain requires continuous stimulation to maintain its function. A prolonged lack of mental activity can lead to cognitive decline and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Consistently exercising brain function through reading, learning new skills, or playing intellectually stimulating games can help maintain mental acuity.
2. Maintain Regular Physical Exercise
A sedentary lifestyle over a prolonged period can slow blood circulation, leading to insufficient blood and oxygen supply to the brain, thus affecting nerve cell function. Engaging in physical activities 3–5 times a week, such as brisk walking, Tai Chi, or swimming, for around 30 minutes each session, can promote systemic blood circulation, improve cerebral blood and oxygen supply, enhance nerve cell vitality, and delay cognitive decline.
3. Maintain a Balanced Diet
Long-term dietary imbalance, such as excessive intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods or a lack of high-quality protein and vitamins, may impair the brain's nutritional supply. It is advisable to consume more fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and foods rich in high-quality protein and unsaturated fatty acids such as fish, eggs, and soy products, while reducing intake of fried and preserved foods to ensure sufficient nutrition for the brain.
4. Engage in Active Social Interaction
Long-term isolation can lead to depression and reduce the brain's reception and processing of external information, accelerating cognitive decline. Participation in community activities, family gatherings, and communication with others, as well as cultivating hobbies, can help maintain a positive and optimistic mindset and prevent feelings of loneliness.
5. Manage Underlying Medical Conditions
Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism, if poorly managed over a long period, can damage blood vessels or nerves and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Regular health check-ups, adherence to medical advice regarding medication, and control of indicators such as blood pressure and blood glucose are essential to maintain stable bodily functions and reduce damage to the brain.
In addition, prevention of Alzheimer's disease also requires sufficient sleep and avoiding long-term sleep deprivation. Developing good lifestyle habits can better protect brain health and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.