Are Causes of Alzheimer's Disease Known?

The causes of Alzheimer's disease are not fully known, however, there are things that have been shown to create a higher risk. Insulin resistance is a commonly talked about factor when it comes to you getting Alzheimer's, although it isn’t the only factor. Processed foods and foods high in sugar cause insulin resistance. This is due to processed foods containing ingredients that are not good for you and they can affect your brain. These ingredients can include vegetable oils, genetically engineered ingredients, gluten and pesticides. If you have high blood sugar it is best to avoid as much of these as you can. Eating a healthy diet rich in fresh foods is best.

We need to remember to look at the fats in the foods we are eating and concentrate on healthy fats. Healthy fats include saturated animal fats and animal-based omega-3, these are critical for optimal brain function but you should not overdo them. They are found in foods such as avocados, grass fed meats, eggs, and raw nuts. We need to avoid bad fats such as trans fats or hydrogenated fats, which are found in margarine, vegetable oils and various butter-like spreads.

Factors for putting you at higher risk

Alcohol can put you at higher risk of developing dementia. These risks are easily removed when you limit your alcohol intake.

Vitamin D deficiency can make your risk higher also. Studies have shown this link. Vitamin D plays a major role in brain health, immune function, gene expression and inflammation. These are all things that can influence Alzheimer's. Vitamin D levels can boost brain chemicals and help protect brain cells by increasing the effectiveness of glial cells in nursing damaged neurons back to health.

Omega-3 level is a crucial component for optimal brain health in general. People with higher omega-3 levels tend to have increased blood flow in areas of the brain associated with memory and learning.

There are several genes that predispose you to Alzheimer's. The most common gene associated with late onset Alzheimer's is the apolipoprotein E or APOE gene. The APOE e2 form has been thought to reduce your risk while the APOE e4 form may increase it. Although, some people never develop the disease even though they've inherited the APOE e4 gene. So, when it comes to genes, while they can be a risk it is not a direct or inevitable cause. Risk for early onset Alzheimer's can also be found through genetic testing.

Getting regular exercise can help to reduce your risk. Exercise has been shown to protect your brain from Alzheimer's and other dementia. It can also improve your quality of life if you've already been diagnosed.

Arterial stiffness is associated with the process of Alzheimer's because of the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque in your brain. There's a strong link between hypertension and brain diseases such as vascular cognitive impairment, which is loss of brain function caused by bad blood flow to your brain, and dementia. To reduce the risk address high blood pressure and risk factors for heart disease.

This clinic can help you reduce all of the above, get on a healthy eating plan and motivate you to a better lifestyle. Check out our website at www.stressfreemanagement.com.au and give us a call today.