Healthy lifestyle habits now may lower Alzheimer's risk later
An estimated 17,000 Delawareans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to increase over the next several years. This represents 11 percent of the state’s senior population. Though research is still evolving, growing evidence shows that people can reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s by making key lifestyle changes, including participating in regular physical and mental activity, and maintaining good heart health.
With November as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Delaware Division of Public Health urges Delawareans to make lifestyle adjustments to help reduce their risk factors for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that has robbed too many Delawareans of their loved ones,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Division of Public Health director. “Between 2015 and 2025, the number of persons age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease in Delaware is expected to increase by over 35 percent to 23,000 people. As our senior population in Delaware continues to grow, it is imperative that we address this illness. We are collaboratively working with our sister agency, the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, to further educate, train and provide supports for those living with Alzheimer’s or other age-related dementias.”
Two recent studies showed that actionable lifestyle changes could potentially counteract elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers showed that participants with high genetic risk and poor health habits were about three times more likely to develop dementia versus those with low genetic risk and favorable health habits. Favorable health habits, according to the study, included healthy diet, adequate exercise, limiting alcohol and not smoking.
While there is no known cure for Alzheimer's or other age-related dementias, there are steps people can take to promote healthy aging and brain health.
• First, get active and stay active. Becoming more physically active also reduces the chance of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Heart-healthy eating includes limiting intake of sugar and saturated fats, and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Manage cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. For help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, call the Delaware Quitline at 1-866-409-1858.
• Learn new things and challenge the brain with puzzles and games.
• Connect with family, friends and communities.
Protect your head: Fall-proof your home, use a helmet when participating in sports, and wear a seat belt to protect your head in the event of a car crash.
DPH also recommends all Delawareans follow the 5-2-1 Almost None concept. It recommends eating at least five servings of fruit or vegetables a day, getting no more than two hours of recreational screen time daily, getting one or more hours of physical activity each day, and drinking almost no sugar-sweetened drinks. For more resources and tips to achieve a healthier, balanced life, go to www.healthydelaware.org.
To find aging and disability services in Delaware, contact the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center at 800-223-9074 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays or go to www.delawareadrc.com. For more information about Alzheimer's disease and services in Delaware, go to www.decard.org.
