5 Proven Lifestyle Habits to Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease: A Growing Concern in the U.S.

Currently in the U.S., more than 7 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, that number is expected to rise to 13.8 million by 2050. 

“Working with seniors and their families, we understand that just thinking about the possibility of Alzheimer’s is very scary,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “That’s why we’re joining with other organizations during World Alzheimer’s Month, to raise awareness about the disease and share information about the simple things people can do to promote good brain health.”

5 Lifestyle Habits to Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say these five lifestyle habits can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

1. Stay Physically Active

Physical activity is important to keeping your heart, body and brain healthy. Regular exercise can help you prevent, delay or manage chronic diseases, like dementia. Experts recommend that adults get 150 minutes (at least 20 minutes a day) of physical activity each week. 

2. Prevent or Manage Diabetes

When diabetes is not managed, important organs – like the brain – can be damaged by too much sugar in the bloodstream. 

3. Manage Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and limit blood flow to the brain. It also increases the risk of having a stroke, which can also damage the brain. It’s important to maintaining a healthy weight and take prescribed blood pressure medications as directed.

4. Prevent or Correct Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a very important risk factor for dementia. Researchers believe having hearing loss may make the brain work harder at the expense of thinking and memory. It also leads people to be less socially engaged, which is important to remaining intellectually stimulated.

5. Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking

Over time, excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure or brain injuries, both of which increase the risk of dementia. Smoking also increases the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

A Personal Perspective on Alzheimer’s

“I know from personal experience that there’s no magic bullet when it comes to Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at the HomeCare Advocacy Network. “It’s a brutal disease –  one that can put a lot of stress on families. I pray that someday there will be a cure. Until then, reducing the risk is the best way to combat the disease.”

Find Support and Resources

For more information about Alzheimer’s care services, visit hcan.com or call your local HCAN-supported office. 

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and available support near you, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Help Line – 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org.