Diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, depression, obesity, abnormal blood fat levels, metabolic syndrome, smoking and traumatic brain injury raise our risk for Alzheimer’s Disease. (Reitz and Mayeux, 2014). As we will see in the next post, genetics plays a role, as well. So, too, does age.
However, we have control over many of the risk factors.
We can decrease and delay Alzheimer disease. I find that empowering. You should, too.
We can decrease our risk of developing Alzheimer disease.
By improving our vascular health, we can decrease our risk. The most important factor in vascular health is exercise. Moving more (click on the italics to follow the link) increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor which helps with restoration of memories and learning.
Women, African Americans and Hispanics at Higher Risk
Did you know that women are at higher risk for Alzheimer disease? Or that African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s?
Coming Next:
In the next series of articles, I will discuss what functions amyloid and tau play before they turned toxic in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease.
I will also discuss why women, African Americans and Hispanics are at a higher risk.
I am female, and I am getting older. Depression is something I struggle with. While this puts me at risk for developing dementia, I also practice ways to lower my risk in other areas of my life.
What places you at risk for dementia?
