Some of us have busy, hectic lives. During the most stressful times in these lives of ours, we often neglect to eat properly, sleep enough, and get enough fresh air and exercise. While those things are good for everyone, they are even more important in our Senior Citizens and to us as we begin to age.   I know first hand what neglecting to get enough rest and exercise can increase stress, and increased stress usually means we begin to forget things. But more than stress, there are actual studies that prove diet, nutrition and exercise have a profound effect on Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Just this week I read about two different studies in which people with the very beginning signs of Alzheimer’s were put into a study. They were given some herbs which helped them to create a more regular sleep pattern, given a diet high in fruits and veggies, low in processed sugar and empty carbohydrates and an exercise program of at least 35 minutes a day, four days a week.

For those who  were already in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s there was no discernible improvement, however, for those in the early stages the improvement in cognitive function was remarkable. The early results showed that in the subjects’ brain, many of the signs of Alzheimer’s had abated and some disappeared altogether. So if you know that Alzheimer’s runs in your family, or even if it doesn’t, this is just one more reason to load up on the veggies, but back on the meat and save the sugary snacks for once in a great while.

 

Valentina Boonstra