We consider ourselves lucky because, for the most part, she still recognized us and knew all of our names until the almost the very end.
Many families do not even get that.
Alzheimer’s disease robbed my Grandmother of her final years, which should have been spent traveling and playing with her great-grandchildren and not in a nursing home unable to care for herself.
It took her love of life and stole her dignity.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia are horrible, terrible afflictions and anyone who has seen a loved one suffer through them knows just how difficult the decline is to watch. I cannot even imagine what it is like to experience.
While the cause of these diseases isn’t exactly known, we do know genetics plays a role, and there is new research that shows lifestyle factors can influence the disease’s development and progression.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can be beneficial, studies now show.
If you needed another reason to exercise, let this be your motivation.
Regular physical exercise can cut your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation.
On top of that, those who have already started to develop cognitive problems can slow the decline through regular physical activity.
Researchers say exercise protects against Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia by stimulating the brain’s ability to maintain old connections as well as make new ones.
Both cardio and strength training are beneficial and experts recommend a mix of both. This means weight lifting as well as balance and coordination exercises and daily walking.
Diet also impacts your risk, and can help slow or prevent the development of mental disorders like Alzheimer’s. Experts say a diet low in sugar, processed and junk foods and trans fats is best. Include lots of fruit and vegetables and healthy fats.
We all know exercise can help us lose weight, have more energy and be stronger but the benefits go well beyond the physical. Exercise is also good for your brain and keeps it healthy, too.
For anyone who has seen a family member go through the devastating affects of Alzheimer’s or dementia, and who knows their own increased genetic risk for the disease, staying active is a no-brainer.
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