|
Keep Your Mind Active to Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer's
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.
"One of the best proactive techniques
in fighting against Alzheimer’s
is to keep the mind and body active.
As people begin to age, they engage
in fewer stimulating activities which
results in a digression in their thought
capabilities," says Paul P. Lee, M.D.
a geriatric specialist affiliated with
Jersey Shore University Medical
Center and Ocean Medical Center.
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. Some brain-saving
activities included:
- playing games, such as cards or checkers
- reading magazines, books, and newspapers
- working crossword or other puzzles
|
