With no known cure, Alzheimer’s is a dreaded disease that affects an individual’s ability to do everyday work and brings devastating effects to the affected individual’s family.
Years of research have proven that the build-up of toxic proteins such as tau and beta amyloid is the main culprit for the development of Alzheimer’s. Recently, new studies have revealed the surprising causes behind the build-up of these proteins.
A study published in the British Medical Journal revealed people taking anti-anxiety meds particularly benzodiazepines for more than three months have shown a 51% increase in risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Having traumatic head injuries or concussions has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The inflammatory process associated with the brain’s healing affects the ability of the microglia to clear toxic proteins from the brain.
Researchers at the Temple University in Philadelphia have found that sleep deprived mice have increased amount of tau in the brain. This affected memory and learning as well as the ability of neurons to communicate with each other. Thus, sleep deprivation is a possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
Although there is still no known treatment for Alzheimer’s, there are simple ways to prevent it. Here are some science-backed tricks to keep Alzheimer’s out of your future.
1. Exercise at least 3 hours a week
Doing 20 minutes of exercise in a day is good for your brain since it increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that supports the survival and growth of neurons.
2. Do mindful meditation at least 10 minutes a day.
Majid Fotuhi of NeurExpand recommends a simple 5-5-5 routine as an effective weapon against Alzheimer’s disease. Inhale for a count of 5, then exhale for a count of 5, and do these steps for 5 minutes.
3. Memorize something new everyday.
Memorizing something new everyday will tone your hippocampi. Moreover, learning a new language or skill is also effective in fighting Alzheimer’s.
