It’s been said that the brain is the most important organ in the body, but unfortunately, we don’t always give it the care it deserves. The brain can be damaged by injury or disease, and sometimes even by aging. A healthy brain is essential to your overall well being, so it’s important to keep it healthy. You may have heard of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, mental disorders, stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia which causes progressive loss of memory and thinking skills, eventually leading to death. It is the most common type of dementia, affecting 5 million Americans. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a decrease in the number of nerve cells in certain parts of the brain. These areas include the hippocampus, which is part of the brain that helps you learn new information, and the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for processing information.
Alzheimer’s Causes
Although the cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not known, there are several risk factors that increase the chances of developing it. These include:
1. Family history of Alzheimer’s disease
2. Age – the risk increases with age
3. Head trauma
4. High blood pressure
5. Diabetes
6. Smoking
7. High cholesterol
8. Low levels of vitamin E and folic acid
9. High levels of homocysteine in the blood
10. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
11. Low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is made based on a detailed medical history and physical examination. Tests include an electroencephalogram (EEG) and a brain scan. An EEG records the electrical activity of the brain, while a brain scan uses X-rays to produce images of the brain. Both tests can detect abnormalities in the brain. However, these tests cannot determine whether you have Alzheimer’s disease. If you suspect you have Alzheimer’s disease, you should consult with your physician.
Alzheimer’s Treatments
There are no treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. For example, medication can help control seizures, depression and anxiety.
Alzheimer’s Prevention
There are some things you can do to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These include:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce stress
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Eat a balanced diet
- Avoid smoking
- Control high blood pressure
- Reduce your total cholesterol
- Increase your intake of vitamins E and folic acid
