What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's is a disease which shows itself by dementia
Dementia is a set of symptoms affecting the brain activity which includes: memory loss, difficulty with thinking, problem solving and language. It can be severe enough to affect a person's daily functions.
- 564,000 Canadians are currently living with dementia
- 1.1 million Canadians affected directly or indirectly by dementia
- 25,000 New cases of dementia is diagnosed every year in Canada
Although dementia can have different causes, the main cause remains as Alzheimer's.
- Watch this video to learn about dementia and Alzheimer's
How does one develop Alzheimer's?
There are several factors that can contribute to Alzheimer's,
- Non-modifiable: Family history, age and gender
- Modifiable: diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, depression, cognitive inactivity and physical inactivity.
About half of Alzheimer's cases can be a result of modifiable conditions.
How can I improve my brain health?
The good news is that if you change your life style you are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Here are some tips to improve your brain health:
- Be physically active
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use
- Stay connected socially
- Make healthy food choices: more vegetables and fruits, less carbohydrates, less processed food
- Reduce stress
- Challenge your brain: play puzzle games, learn a new language
- Know your numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight and keep them under control by having regular check ups with your healthcare provider
If you know of someone with early onsets of Alzheimer's, there is some hope to reverse the condition and improve quality of life.
Here are some info based on a research by Dr. Dale E. Bredesen. His study shows how using multiple approaches can improve early stages of dementia and help the individuals go back to their normal daily work.
The approaches used on individuals were a combination of the following:
- Intermittent fasting
- Eliminate processed food from diet
- Eliminate simple carbohydrates (sugar) from diet
- Eat more vegetables and fruits
- Eat organic meat, chicken, fish
- Exercise 4-5 times each week
- Reduce stress by meditation or relaxation methods
- Have 7-8 hours sleep, take melatonin if needed
- Take Vitamin D3, CoQ10
- Take other supplements based on individual needs
If you know of someone who might be developing cognitive issues get in touch with me to discuss the available options.
By Dr. Sepid at MEDMAIL pharmacy.
Dr. Sepid (Sepideh Nasafat) is a Lifestyle Pharmacist with functional approach
Contact Dr. Sepid directly at info@MEDMAILpharmacy.com or 905-237-6360
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