Research continues to prove that there is a strong connection between heart health and brain health. Your brain receives about 25 percent of your blood flow and your brain cells use at least 20 percent of the food and oxygen your blood carries. A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that in many cases, the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be delayed by following a heart healthy diet – specifically the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is low in dairy and meat products and high in fish, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, certain conditions have been shown to increase the risk for dementia: • Diabetes • Prediabetes • High blood pressure • Heart disease • Stroke • High cholesterol • Metabolic syndrome • Low levels of dietary folate • Neuropsychiatric symptoms • Depressive symptoms • Heavy alcohol use • Cigarette smoking The lead author of the study, Claudia Cooper, PhD, says, “I think the core message is that looking after your diet and your physical and mental health is the best way to fight dementia. My feeling is that those things that appear to prevent dementia are good, common sense things that are good for physical health anyway.” Although this study does not prove causation, the results show that successfully managing your health, specifically in the areas of your diet, can help you to decrease your chances of being diagnosed with several conditions, most likely including dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there may also be a strong link between serious head injuries and future risk of Alzheimer’s, especially when trauma occurs repeatedly or involves loss of consciousness. Therefore, it is extremely important to protect your brain by buckling your seat belt when in the car, wearing your helmet when participating in sports, and decluttering your home to reduce the risk of falls. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia appears to be increased by many conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. Work with your doctor to monitor your heart health and treat any problems that arise. If you think that you or a loved one may be showing signs of a memory issue, make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your concerns. You many consider taking this checklist provided by the Alzheimer’s Association along with you to the appointment. 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Have you or your loved one experienced the following Alzheimer’s/dementia symptoms? 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work, or remembering the rules of a favorite game. 4. Confusion with time or place. People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast. 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a watch a “hand clock”). 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with Alzheimer’s disease might put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. 8. Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects, or sports. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. 10. Changes in mood and personality. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. Remember, early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support, and planning. Alzheimer’s Association, American Journal of Psychiatry, and Medscape Medical News A Healthy Heart Can Help You Keep a Healthy Brain
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