WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY Some tips to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Dr Mansi Chaudhry

Also known as senile dementia, it is a progressive mental disorientation that occurs in the middle or old age, due to generalised degeneration of brain. It is the most common cause of progressive senility. A type of neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline.

DIET TWEAKS THAT COULD DOWN THE RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S
Three servings of whole grains a day
Green leafy vegetables such as salad daily
Berries once a week
Red meat less than four times a week
Fish once a week
Poultry twice a week
Beans thrice a week
Nuts five times a week
Recommended oil for cooking – olive oil
Less of fried or fast foods
Less than a 1 tsp of butter in a day

FOOD ITEMS THAT REDUCE THE RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Green leafy vegetables — Kale, spinach — High in essential B vitamins like folate & B9
Berries — Strawberry, blueberry — Contains flavonoid called anthocyanin that stops progressive of brain damage.
Cinnamon, turmeric — Reduces inflammation to prevent cognitive impairment.
Cold-pressed coconut oil — High in Omega 3 fatty acids with DHA that helps brain stay healthy.
Coffee — Associated with cognitive benefits which includes lower risk of progression.
Walnuts — Contains healthy fat, fibre and antioxidants.

CAUSES OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Senile dementia, scientists believe that for most people Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain overtime. Less than 1% of the time, Alzheimer is caused by specific genetic changes that virtually guarantee a person will develop the disease.
Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer. It mainly affects people over 65 years of age. Above this age, a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles about every five years. One in six people over 80 years have dementia.

SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Requires a medical diagnosis — memory loss and confusion are the main causes.
People may experience cognitive- Confusion in evening hours, dilution, difficulty concentration and understanding, disorientation, forgetfulness, inability to create new memories, simple math’s, recognise common things, making things up, mental confusion or mental decline.
Behavioural — Aggression, agitation, difficulty with self-care, irritability, lack of restraint, meaningless repetition of own words, personality changes, restlessness, wandering and getting lost.
Mood — Anger, apathy, general discontent, loneliness, or mood swings.
Psychological — Depression, Hallucination or paranoia
Also common inability to combine muscle movements, jumbled speech or loss of appetite

KEY MODIFIABLE RISK FACTOR TO PREVENT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Detect and treat depression.
Increase exercise/ physical activity- including engaging in aerobic exercises.
Detect and treat high blood pressure.
Eat healthily such as Mediterranean diet which is rich in lean protein (source containing Omega-3 fatty acids), vegetable, and fruits.
Keep learning.
Detect and treat diabetes
Quit the habit of alcohol intake and smoking.
Use thinking cognitive skills such as memory skills.

Dr Mansi Chaudhry is senior dietician and nutritionist, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh