Alzheimer’s Disease

Preventing Dementia and Alzheimer’s: 8 Habits to Reduce Your

Risk
 1. Engage in mentally stimulating activities One of the hallmark symptoms of
Alzheimer’s and dementia is memory loss, which can start with mild symptoms. ...
 2. Treat or manage metabolic conditions ...
 3. Eat a healthy diet ...
 4. Be physically active ...
 5. Maintain social connections ...
 6. Prioritize quality sleep ...
 7. Manage stress ...
 8. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake ...

Alternative medicine
Herbal remedies, vitamins and other supplements are widely promoted for cognitive
health or to prevent or delay Alzheimer's. But clinical trials have produced mixed results.
There's little evidence to support them as effective treatments.

Some of the treatments that have been studied recently include:

 Vitamin E. Although vitamin E doesn't prevent Alzheimer's, taking 2,000

international units daily may help delay symptoms getting worse in people who
already have mild to moderate disease. However, study results have been mixed,
with only some showing modest benefits. Further research into the safety of 2,000
international units daily of vitamin E in a dementia population will be needed before
it can be routinely recommended.

Supplements promoted for cognitive health can interact with medicines you're
taking for Alzheimer's disease or other health conditions. Work closely with your
health care team to create a safe treatment plan. Tell your health care team about
your prescriptions and any medicines or supplements you take without a
prescription.

 Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish or from supplements may lower
the risk of developing dementia. But clinical studies have shown no benefit for
treating Alzheimer's disease symptoms.
  Curcumin. This herb comes from turmeric and has anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant properties that might affect chemical processes in the brain. So far,
clinical trials have found no benefit for treating Alzheimer's disease.
 Ginkgo. Ginkgo is a plant extract. A large study funded by the National Institutes
of Health found no effect in preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease.
 Melatonin. This supplement helps regulate sleep. It's being studied to see if it can
help people with dementia manage sleep problems. But some research has
indicated that melatonin may worsen mood in some people with dementia. More
research is needed.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Healthy lifestyle choices promote good overall health. They also may play a role in
maintaining brain health.

Exercise

Regular exercise is an important part of a treatment plan. Activities such as a daily walk
can help improve mood and maintain the health of joints, muscles and the heart.
Exercise also promotes restful sleep and prevents constipation. It's beneficial for care
partners, too.

People with Alzheimer's who have trouble walking may still be able to use a stationary
bike, stretch with elastic bands or participate in chair exercises. You may find exercise
programs geared to older adults on TV, the internet or DVDs.

Nutrition

People with Alzheimer's may forget to eat, lose interest in meals or may not eat healthy
foods. They may also forget to drink enough, leading to dehydration and constipation.

Offer the following:

 Healthy options. Buy favorite healthy food options that are easy to eat.
 Water and other healthy beverages. Encourage drinking several glasses of
liquids every day. Avoid beverages with caffeine, which can increase restlessness,
interfere with sleep and trigger a need to urinate often.
 High-calorie, healthy shakes and smoothies. Serve milkshakes with protein
powders or make smoothies. This is helpful when eating becomes more difficult.
Social engagement and activities

Social activities can support preserved skills and abilities. They also help with over-all
well-being. Do things that are meaningful and enjoyable. Someone with dementia might:

 Listen to music or dance.

 Read or listen to books.
 Garden or do crafts.
 Go to social events at senior or memory care centers.
 Do activities with children.

Coping and support

People with Alzheimer's disease experience a mixture of emotions — confusion,
frustration, anger, fear, uncertainty, grief and depression.

If you're caring for someone with Alzheimer's, you can help them cope by being there to
listen. Reassure the person that life can still be enjoyed, provide support, and do your
best to help the person retain dignity and self-respect.

A calm and stable home environment can help reduce behavior problems. New
situations, noise, large groups of people, being rushed or pressed to remember, or
being asked to do complex tasks can cause anxiety. As a person with Alzheimer's
becomes upset, the ability to think clearly declines even more.

Caring for the caregiver

Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease is physically and emotionally demanding.
Feelings of anger, guilt, stress, worry, grief and social isolation are common.

Caregiving can even take a toll on the caregiver's physical health. Pay attention to your
own needs and well-being. It's one of the most important things you can do for yourself
and for the person with Alzheimer's.

If you're a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's, you can:

 Learn as much about the disease as you can.

 Ask questions of health care professionals, social workers and others involved in
the care of your loved one.
  Call on friends or other family members for help when you need it.
 Take a break every day.
 Spend time with your friends.
 Take care of your health by seeing your own health care professionals on
schedule, eating healthy meals and getting exercise.
 Join a support group.
 Make use of a local adult day center, if possible.
Many people with Alzheimer's and their families benefit from counseling or local support
services. Contact your local Alzheimer's Association affiliate to connect with support
groups, health care professionals, occupational therapists, resources and referrals,
home care agencies, residential care facilities, a telephone help line, and educational
seminars.

Preparing for your appointment

Medical care for the loss of memory or other thinking skills usually requires a team or
partner strategy. If you're worried about memory loss or related symptoms, ask a close
relative or friend to go with you to an appointment with a health care professional. In
addition to providing support, your partner can provide help in answering questions.

If you're going with someone to a health care appointment, your role may be to provide
some history or your thoughts on changes you have seen. This teamwork is an
important part of medical care.

Your health care professional may refer you to a neurologist, psychiatrist,

neuropsychologist or other specialist for further evaluation.

What you can do

You can prepare for your appointment by writing down as much information as possible
to share. Information may include:

 Medical history, including any past or current diagnoses and family medical
history.
 Medical team, including the name and contact information of any current
physician, mental health professional or therapist.
 Medicines, including prescriptions, medicines you take without a prescription,
vitamins, herbs or other supplements.
  Symptoms, including specific examples of changes in memory or thinking skills.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care professional will likely ask a number of questions to understand
changes in your memory or other thinking skills.

If you are accompanying someone to an appointment, be prepared to provide

your thoughts as needed. Your care professional may ask:

 What kinds of memory trouble and mental lapses are you having? When did you
first notice them?
 Are they steadily getting worse, or are they sometimes better and sometimes
worse?
 Have you stopped doing certain activities, such as managing finances or shopping,
because these activities were too mentally challenging?
 How is your mood? Do you feel depressed, sadder or more anxious than usual?
 Have you gotten lost lately while driving or in a situation that's usually familiar to
you?
 Has anyone expressed unusual concern about your driving?
 Have you noticed any changes in the way you tend to react to people or events?
 Do you have more energy than usual, less than usual or about the same?
 What medicines are you taking? Are you taking any vitamins or supplements?
 Do you drink alcohol? How much?
 Have you noticed any trembling or trouble walking?
 Are you having trouble remembering health care appointments or when to take
your medicines?
 Have you had your hearing and vision tested recently?
 Did anyone else in your family ever have memory trouble? Was anyone ever
diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia?
 Do you act out your dreams while sleeping (punch, flail, shout, scream)? Do you
snore?