Some evidence-based natural strategies are being researched for preventing Alzheimer\u2019s disease, but there\u2019s no strong evidence to recommend any single intervention. Read on to learn about the evidence behind lifestyle and supplements that are hypothesized to reduce the risk of Alzheimer\u2019s and support your brain health.<\/p>\n
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There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer\u2019s disease (AD).<\/p>\n
Alzheimer\u2019s disease is complex and scientists are still trying to understand its causes and course. The disease is described as progressive, which means that it gradually gains force to and destroys brain function, causing severe memory loss [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Being diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s disease changes a person\u2019s life. It requires careful medical monitoring and treatment, as well as a safe and supportive environment.<\/p>\n Scientists are investigating whether any natural strategies can help prevent Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Experiments are still in the early stages and we\u2019ve outlined the existing research efforts in this article for informational purposes.<\/p>\n According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCIH) [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n \u201cCurrently, there is no strong evidence that any complementary health approach or diet can prevent cognitive impairment.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Therefore, there is no proven way to prevent Alzheimer\u2019s disease or dementia.<\/p>\n Nonetheless, we have solid evidence that some factors associated with leading a healthy lifestyle may play a role in reducing the risk of these diseases. But more research is needed before these approaches are proven to be effective for Alzheimer’s disease prevention.<\/p>\n Though Alzheimer\u2019s is commonly diagnosed in people over 65 years old, many people nowadays start to experience signs of cognitive decline<\/a> at a much younger age.<\/p>\n For this reason, Alzheimer\u2019s is now being reframed by some scientists as a disease of the modern, sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle – much like obesity and type 2 diabetes. This stance is still experimental, however [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Nonetheless, based on this theory, scientists speculate that the type of lifestyle someone leads can have a large impact on brain health.<\/p>\n They say that just as people are told to watch their intake of salt<\/a> and saturated fats to reduce heart disease risk, so they may need to be told to supply their brain the nutrients it needs to work at its best.<\/p>\n This way, people would be shifting their \u201cbrain environment\u201d to one that might theoretically offset Alzheimer\u2019s and other neurodegenerative diseases.<\/p>\n No clinical evidence backs up this hypothesis, though. <\/strong><\/p>\n On the other hand, there\u2019s evidence that type 2 diabetes and heart disease are strongly linked to the development of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. These chronic diseases can be prevented by eating a healthy diet and exercising. By lowering your risk of one chronic disease, you might also lower your risk of many others – killing two birds with one stone [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The right time for Alzheimer\u2019s disease prevention is as soon as possible, if a healthy lifestyle is taken to mean prevention. It\u2019s never too early to establish healthy habits.<\/p>\n Small brain changes in Alzheimer\u2019s disease occur 20 years before people experience the first symptoms. Scientists hypothesize that it might be at this stage – or before – that lifestyle choices might have the biggest impact. More research is needed to determine this, however [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n If your goal is to improve your brain health to deal with your cognitive issues – including those of poor memory, forgetfulness, or personality changes – it\u2019s important to talk to your doctor, especially your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life.<\/p>\n Major memory and behavior changes – such as forgetting recent events or conversations, misplacing your possessions, getting lost in familiar places, having trouble finding the right words to describe something, and low mood or apathy – are all reasons to see a doctor.<\/p>\n Many conditions, some of which are treatable, can result in poor memory or other symptoms of cognitive impairment or dementia.<\/p>\n Your doctor should diagnose and treat the condition causing your symptoms.<\/strong><\/p>\n Likewise, if you are concerned about the symptoms of someone close to you, talk to them about scheduling a doctor\u2019s appointment and going there together.<\/p>\n Many people with cognitive decline are not fully aware of their own memory and behavior, and the support of loved ones can be indispensable.<\/p>\n Remember, changes in brain chemistry are not something that people can change on their own with the approaches listed below. Instead, the factors listed here are meant to support overall brain health and well-being.<\/p>\n The main idea is that living a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious foods, getting quality sleep<\/a>, and engaging in exercise<\/a> is critical for maintaining a healthy brain – and sharp memory – as we age [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n You may try the additional strategies listed below if you and your doctor determine that they could be appropriate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Read through the approaches listed here and discuss them with your doctor before trying them out. None of these strategies should ever be done in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes.<\/p>\n Have in mind that supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use or Alzheimer\u2019s disease prevention. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective.<\/p>\n Lastly, supplement-drug interactions can be dangerous and, in rare cases, even life-threatening. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to consult your doctor before supplementing and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering.<\/p>\nHow Much Do We Know About Prevention?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
The Modern Lifestyle Hypothesis<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
The Right Time for Prevention?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
When to See a Doctor<\/span><\/h3>\n
Precautions<\/span><\/h3>\n