Keep Your Mind and Body Active to Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer’s
More women than men will
eventually develop
Alzheimer’s disease. This
mind-robbing disorder strikes with
greater frequency as people age.
Approximately 3 percent of people
ages 65 to 74 suffer from Alzheimer’s,
while almost 50 percent of those age
85 and older have the disease. The
fact that women tend to live longer
than men may explain the higher
incidence of Alzheimer’s in women.
Some research suggests you may be able to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders by engaging in certain physical and mental activities.
Challenging Your Mind
When it comes to your brain, the rule to follow is “use it or lose it.” In adulthood, be sure to keep seeking new mental challenges. And don’t let your mind retire when you do. In one study, older adults who spent the most time on mentally challenging activities had about half the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as those who seldom engaged in such activities. These brain-saving activities included:- playing games, such as cards or checkers
- reading magazines, books, and newspapers
- working crossword or other puzzles
- watching television
- listening to the radio
- visiting museums.
The key is to choose any mentally stimulating activity you enjoy—and to do it often. For example, you might want to take a course in a subject that intrigues you, or learn how to play a musical instrument. Consider cultivating a new hobby, such as woodworking, photography, or painting. Or join a book-discussion group.
Exercise Your Body, Too
All those mental exercises should help. But don’t forget about physical exercise. Some research shows that women who stay physically active between the ages of 20 and 60 have a lower risk than their inactive peers of developing Alzheimer’s disease.More research is needed to confirm a link between physical activity and Alzheimer’s. However, staying active as you age lowers your risk for many other diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
