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A Light at the End of the Tunnel

For our parents and grandparents, Alzheimer's disease made the end of life feel like a game of Russian roulette. They were forced to speculate whether with the roll of the chamber they would end life with their intellect intact, or as helpless people who didn't know themselves or the people around them. The National Institute on Aging reports that 4.5 million Americans are estimated to have Alzheimer's . Alzheimer's Disease International gives the number at 24 million across the globe . Fortunately for the current generation, we are gaining in the fight against Alzheimer's. We know significantly more about the causes, detection, prevention, and treatment of the disease. The United States National Institute on Aging does not consider Alzheimer's to be a natural part of aging.

Determining cause is the highest priority in the field of research on this issue. Hereditary factors are certainly suspect. It has been discovered that a gene by the name of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) accelerates the deposit of destructive proteins in the brain. These proteins contribute to the plaque builds ups that destroy brain cells and impair memory function. Knowing that this gene exists tells researchers that earlier intervention is necessary for the people who carry it.
Additionally, evidence is beginning to point to the fact that the same risk factors for heart disease and stroke contribute to Alzheimer's. The inflammation that occurs in blood vessels related to heart disease is similar to the inflammation occurring in vascular dementia. That means keeping an eye on things like blood pressure, cholesterol, consumption of red meat, and proper exercise can all help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. As a matter of fact, the National Institute on Aging tells us that anyone who maintains a high level of physical, mental and social activities is reducing their risk for Alzheimer's.
A healthy diet in general will reduce risk but several specific factors should be monitored. Avoid pesticides by eating as much organic food as possible. The purpose of a pesticide is to attack the neurological system of the insects. It seems that these chemicals when consumed over a lifetime may not be too friendly toward humans either. Many studies have suggested a link between Alzheimer's and deposits of aluminum in the brain. The Food and Drug Administration does not limit aluminum in food. That means that 95% of aluminum intake is ingested in the food we eat. Processed cheese

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