Both my parents have Alzheimer's and I'm 64 years old. Is there anything I should be doing to prevent myself from getting it? My sister doesn't use antispirant, just deodorant, but I read that's not necessary. Should I be tested to see if there's medication that can help me delay getting it? Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you,
Alice

Dear Alice,

Thank you for writing to us about this important topic. Many individuals are confused about how to take care of themselves in a way that will reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. There is a good reason for this. New and often conflicting information is made publically available all the time. The results of research studies can be confusing as well.

In a nutshell, we don’t know why one person develops Alzheimer’s disease, when a person with a similar genetic, environmental, and behavioral background does not. Many advances have been made in recent years to unravel this mystery, and research to develop better treatments and preventions is underway.

I can share with you some strategies that can preserve your health and may prevent or delay the onset of the disease.

You are right that the avoidance of antiperspirants is unnecessary. In addition, extensive research has demonstrated that aluminum exposure is not a risk factor, as was once widely believed. The use of ginkgo biloba extract is unproven for prevention, but may have modest benefits for people with dementia.

Here is what will help:

Control your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Anything that is good for your heart is good for your head!

Remain intellectually and physically active and socially connected.

Eat foods high in vitamins E and C. Include salmon, mackerel and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Take a multiple vitamin that includes folic acid.

Learn new skills. Integrating new information encourages growth of the network of connections among brain cells. The brain continues to create new networks throughout life. Encourage this amazing plasticity of the brain by giving yourself mentally challenging activities, particular learning new languages and through music; both listening and playing.

Please know that while staying “mentally fit” may help prevent or delay Alzheimer’s, the disease still strikes people at every level of intelligence and education.

Several studies indicate a link between head injury that causes unconsciousness and an increased risk of dementia. If you ride a bike, ski, play football and so forth, WEAR A HELMET!!!

Finally antioxidants are substances that help protect cells against the damaging effects of oxygen. These same antioxidants can provide protection to brain cells. Vegetables with high antioxidant levels include: kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell pepper, onion, corn and eggplant. Fruits include prunes, raisins, plums, oranges, red grapes, cherries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries.

Eat nuts as a good source of vitamin E such as almonds, pecans and walnuts.

Reduce your intake of fats. Use olive oil whenever you can.

The following links will provide you with additional detailed information:

www.alz.org/national/documents...aintainyourbrain.pdf

www.alz.org/we_can_help_brain_...ntain_your_brain.asp

I hope this helps. Remember that you can call us anytime @ 1-800-272-3900.

Kathleen

Hi Kathleen,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. I appreciate your suggestions and the links too. It's resassuring to know all of this and also to know I can find the answers I need about Alzheimer's right here. You and the Alzheimer's Association are a blessing.

Alice

Many people still think you can "catch" Alzheimers or dementia.NOT TRUE!!I have Vascular Dementia no one in my family that I know of had dementia.........

SnowyLynne, you made a good point. Mom's dementia is probably more of the vascular dementia type. She has had some small strokes. I need to investigate that more than I have!

Alice

I had problems 8 years before having a light stroke,not a tia..In fact I was dx with Alzheimers at age 57 but at age 65 i decided i needed further testing & my Neuro agreed.That's when we found I had Vascular Dementia.....I still am credable...........one day i wont be though.......