Best Way To Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease

The prospect of caring for a loved one afflicted with Alzheimer's disease is one of the scariest scenarios that can confront any individual or family. I'd say that the emotional aspect of caring can be more heart-wrenching and devastating than the physical.


Maybe, we can spare ourselves and our loved ones this burden by taking steps to protect our brain cells by keeping it healthy.

There's a recent study published in the Neurology journal, which showed that boosting the levels of Vitamin B12 in your blood can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. In this particular study, the subjects got their Vitamin B12 from natural sources like meat, fish, and eggs. Just 1 mcg of Vitamin B12 was found to lower the risk of Alzheimer's by an impressive 2%.

Vitamin B12, together with Vitamin B6 and folic acid, work to help the body make the enzymes needed to keep homocysteine at healthy levels. High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, in the blood, not only doubles the risk of Alzheimer's disease, but also significantly raises the threat of heart disease and stroke.

The best protection against Alzheimer's Disease is to lower homocysteine levels and hold it in check. Here's a good set of suggestions by a naturopath;

1] Increase the levels of Vitamin B in your blood by taking this combination daily

B12 - 500 mcg
B6  -  20 mg
Folic Acid - 800 mcg

It is best to combine the supplements with natural sources of Vitamin B.Leafy greens like spinach, lentils, asparagus, and beans, are rich in folate, so be sure to include these regularly in the diet.

2] Also include omega 3 rich fish like salmon and tuna in your regular menu. Take 3,000 to 4,000 mg daily if you are taking supplements. Omega 3 is a potent anti-inflammatory which is good for heart disease and Alzheimer's as both are linked to chronic inflammation.

3] Another anti-inflammatory is turmeric, a spice found in curry. Personally, I like food cook with curry. Add it to your regular fare. If you want to take the supplement form, 500 mg twice daily should suffice.

4] Exercise for an hour 3 to 5 times a week, mixing or alternating cardio workouts and weight training. According to studies, couch potatoes are 4 times at risk in developing Alzheimer's.

5] Stimulate your brain cells with mental exercises like puzzles and games, anything to keep your brain from being idle.

Remember, prevention is the best treatment. The suggestions are quite easy and simple. The only question is if you would care to do it.