Reduce Your Risk

While it is not yet clear if Alzheimer’s can be prevented, there is increasing evidence that you can take specific steps to help reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. These include:

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends 10 ways to maintain your brain.

  1. Head first
    Good health starts with your brain. It’s one of the body’s most vital organs and it needs care and maintenance.
  2. Take brain health to heart
    What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Do something every day to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke – all of which can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
  3. Your numbers count
    Keep your body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges.
  4. Feed your brain
    Eat less fat and more anti-oxidant-rich food such as dark vegetables and fruit.
  5. Work your body
    Physical exercise keeps the blood flowing and may encourage new brain cells. Do what you can – like walking 30 minutes a day to keep both body and mind active.
  6. Jog your mind
    Keeping your brain active and engaged increases its vitality and builds reserves of brain cells and connections. Read, write, play games, learn new things or do crossword puzzles.
  7. Connect with others
    Leisure activities that combine physical, mental and social elements may be the most likely to prevent dementia. Be social, converse, volunteer, join a club or take a class.
  8. Heads up! Protect your brain
    Take precautions against head injuries. Use your car seat belts, unclutter your house to avoid falls and wear a helmet when cycling.
  9. Use your head
    Avoid unhealthy habits. Don’t smoke, drink excessive alcohol or use street drugs.
  10. Think ahead – start today!
    You can do something today to protect your tomorrow.

For more information on the Maintain Your Brain campaign visit the Alzheimer’s Association Web site.