www.kingwealth.com 2105 S Bascom Ave. Suite 148 Campbell CA 95008 408.879.0789 800.59‐ADVISE Defeating Dementia
Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t have to be an inevitability. These five
tips could reduce your risk of dementia by 60 percent.
A staggering number of seniors live in fear of going senile, and with good reason: Our risk of
dementia doubles every five years after we turn 65. But few people realize that Alzheimer’s
disease – the most common form of dementia – can begin to develop 10 to 20 years before we
show the classic symptoms of memory loss and confusion. Ready for some good news? A 35year study published in 2013 by Britain’s Alzheimer’s Society indicates that there are measures
we can take to reduce our risk by as much as 60 percent. Here are five sound strategies for
staving off dementia at any age.
Monitor your cholesterol, blood pressure and risk for diabetes. There appears to be a link
between the inflammation of blood vessels in the brain and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease,
which may be why people with untreated diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
have vastly higher rates of dementia. Get your cholesterol and blood pressure levels checked
regularly, and ask your doctor if you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes. Cutting back on fat, sugar and
salt can’t hurt, either.
Exercise regularly. We all know that regular exercise is good for our bodies, but new evidence
points to it being good for our brains, as well. In addition to promoting blood vessel health and
lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, exercise produces endorphins, which stave off
depression and promote healthy brain activity.
Keep your mind sharp. While most scientists agree that exercising your mind is a surefire way
to stave off dementia, crossword puzzles and Sudoku probably won’t cut it. Instead, try taking
up a new hobby or sport, learning a new language, or walking an unfamiliar route. Exposing
your mind to new challenges will build brain cells and neural connections, forming a “cognitive
reserve” that can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Beware of stress and depression. Stress and depression have
been linked to the onset of dementia, especially among those who
have maintained a high-stress lifestyle over an extended period of
time. This is likely related to the harmful effects of cortisol, a
hormone whose production is triggered by stress, on blood
pressure and brain cells. Meanwhile, people who have suffered
from long-term depression tend to have more plaques and tangles
in their brains – and are therefore more likely to develop dementia
symptoms.
Consider a Mediterranean diet. It’s no accident that seniors in
Mediterranean countries like Greece and Italy tend to have longer
lives and higher cognition than their counterparts in the US. A
Mediterranean diet means plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, nuts, red wine (in
moderation), and not much meat or dairy. The combination of high fiber, antioxidants, omega3s, and lean proteins – and low levels of sugar, salt and fat – promotes healthy brain function,
along with a host of other health benefits.
Join King Wealth Planning for our Aging with Dignity program in October, 2017. We will host a
forum of local experts in different health areas to offer our clients and our community resources
designed for staying healthy, wealthy and wise as we age.
Aging with Dignity
Thursday, 10/26/17 2-4pm
Campbell Community Center, Orchard City Banquet Hall, Campbell 95008
Register: [email protected] or call 408.879.0789 or 800.59-ADVISE (800.592.3847)
Stay tuned to our website, social media and weekly publications for details!
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Source: Select Quote (2017). Retrieved from: http://news.selectquote.com/archives/3567?AgentID=GDC&sCode=N4M
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Financial Planning offered through King Wealth Planning, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor and a separate entity.