There are many risk factors including age and genes that we cannot change to prevent Alzheimer’s. However, there are risks that we do have control over such as diet, sleep and seeing an acupuncturist regularly.

Insufficient sleep

Sleep has protects your brain against Alzheimer’s. Poor sleep contributes to the production of beta-amyloid protein plaque accumulation, also detected in individuals with Alzheimer’s. The brain clears the surplus amyloid proteins when people enter the deep sleep phase of the sleep cycle. The recommended hours of sleep are 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night to avoid protein build up. If you are experiencing problems in your sleeping patterns, it’s highly recommended you see an acupuncturist. 

Lack of Exercise

Exercising regularly reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 50% because it is proven to reduce cognitive decline and memory loss. It stimulates the brain’s ability to maintain old connections and create new ones. Many individuals complain of being too tired to exercise: An acupuncturist or Acupuncture Is My Life will discuss ways to reinforce Qi and blood to fortify yourself with the requisite energy needed to get through your day including an exercise regimen. The goal is to gain 30 to 40 min of aerobic and non-aerobic exercises, 3 to 4 days per week.  

Unhealthy Diets

The food choices we make affect our brain health. This is one reason as to why many individuals globally have been contacting our eastern nutrition division here at acupuncture is my life to learn more about healthy brain foods. What types of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and so on, they can include in their diets to offset the potential onset of Alzheimer’s. 

Social Connection

As human beings, we are highly social creatures. Staying socially connected can protect against Alzheimer’s as well as other dementias. Face-to-face connection with others is great for brain health as we stimulate the mind and care about those we love.

Overweight

Being overweight at age 50 or higher can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s sooner. The higher your body mass index (BMI), the more likely this disease tends to occur. Contact an acupuncturist or Acupuncture Is My Life to discuss ways to reduce weight, such as abdominal acupuncture.

Not Constantly Learning

The stimulation of the brain helps prevent Alzheimer’s because the more you learn, the more the brain becomes. Look for new things to learn such as a different language, or an instrument, because learning helps brain cell growth. 

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is not just bad for your heart, it increases one’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s as well. Diabetes and smoking along with high pressure raises the risk of Alzheimer’s and other potential diseases. Acupuncture is assists in managing blood pressure, so if you have concerns about your blood pressure and would like to discuss how you may benefit from acupuncture, simply contact acupuncture is my life.  Risk for Alzheimer’s increases with the duration and intensity of smoking and decreases with time after having actually quit smoking.

Contact an acupuncturist or Acupuncture Is My Life to discuss how acupuncture can help you stop this habit.  Acupuncture is treats Alzheimer’s well, so to learn more feel free to contact us at Acupuncture is My Life.