Author: lw@adm22

One study found that less than 35% of people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s actually have a diagnosis.

Unfortunately, without a proper diagnosis of the disease, many people are not getting the treatment that they need. A diagnosis at any stage during the disease can be helpful, but early diagnosis is incredibly important for many reasons. If you haven’t already, check out our latest blog to learn about a couple of reasons why early diagnosis is so important. Keep reading to learn more from our memory care experts in Durham:

#3. You’ll gain a better understanding of the disease.

An early diagnosis gives the patient more time to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, including many of the symptoms that could affect their everyday life. By understanding what the symptoms and side effects can be, it’ll help you to be less afraid and unsure when you start to experience them. When you know that others are experiencing the same symptoms, it can be very comforting.

#4. Early treatment may slow the progress of the disease.

Many of the most troubling symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be slowed or possibly even reversed with early treatment. With professional assistance and medication, the disease as a whole may be able to be slowed as well. The current treatments that we have available today are much more effective during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Also, as research reveals more treatment options, early diagnosis becomes even more critical.

Would you like to learn more about the importance of early diagnosis for Alzheimer’s patients? If so, please stay tuned for our next blog.

Currently, Alzheimer’s disease affects 5.3 million Americans.

Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise, and although research has come a long way for treating the disease, it’s important to know that it is still a very real problem. Understanding the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is necessary for early diagnosis. Why is early diagnosis important for Alzheimer’s patients? Our memory care professionals in Chapel Hill  have come up with this list to help you understand why early diagnosis is so important:

#1. You’ll have a much more accurate diagnosis.

According to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, patients who seek out help in the early stages of the disease get more accurate diagnoses. This is largely due to the fact that these patients are more lucid when describing symptoms and providing the doctor with their family history. The more clearly the patient communicates, the more accurate the diagnosis is likely to be.

#2. It empowers you to make important decisions about your future.

Once diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, there are a large number of decisions that will need to be made about your future. Who will take care of you when you need help? How will you pay for your care? These are just a few of the many decisions you will have to make, and early detection empowers you to make those decisions on your own rather than having someone else make them for you.

Stay tuned for our next blog to learn more about why early detection is so important for Alzheimer’s patients.

Can your diet really help prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

Many scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other forms of dementia, are caused by a combination of lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise, environmental factors and genetics. That’s why our memory care specialists in Durham went over a couple of foods that may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease in our latest blog. Today, we will be finishing up our blog series with the last few foods that could prevent Alzheimer’s disease:

#5. Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, kale and brussel sprouts are all cruciferous vegetables, and they all contain one very important thing that could prevent Alzheimer’s disease, carotenoids. Studies have shown that carotenoids help to lower homocysteine, which is an amino acid that has been associated with cognitive impairment.

#6. Legumes

Legumes, like beans and lentils, contain a powerful combination of iron, folate, potassium and magnesium that aids in neuron firing, as well as body function in general. Legumes are also a good source for choline, which is a B vitamin that boost the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is essential for brain function.  

#7. Dark Chocolate

Although you probably don’t need another reason to eat dark chocolate, you’ll be glad to know that it contains flavonoids, which not only combat heart disease, but have also been shown to slow down the harmful effects of dementia. A study that was conducted in Italy monitored older adults who had early symptoms of dementia, and it found that those who consumed higher amount of flavonoids performed better on cognitive tests. Aim for dark chocolate that has a cocoa content of 70% or more.

New studies suggest that some foods may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

For many years, people believed that Alzheimer’s disease was caused primarily by genetics, but new studies have shown that some lifestyle choices, including diet, can play a part in developing the disease. That’s why, in our last blog, our memory care specialists in Chapel Hill went over a couple of foods that may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The following is a list of a few more foods that can protect your brain:

#3. Green, Leafy Vegetables.

Green, leafy vegetables, like kale, spinach and collard greens, are full of folate, vitamin B9, vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. B9 and folate have been shown to reduce depression and improve cognitive function. Vitamin C has also been associated with dementia prevention. These veggies are a must in everyone’s diet, and one study has even shown that women in their 60’s who consumed more leafy vegetables did better on verbal, memory and other cognitive tests.

#4. Turmeric

If you love curry, you’re in luck, because studies have shown that the spice often found in curries can help reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease. One study, conducted by researchers from UCLA, found that the spice can help to break down the plaque in the brain that is associated with Alzheimer’s. Other notable spices that may help protect the brain include cumin, sage and cinnamon.

We have just a couple more foods to go over with you, so if you would like to learn more, please stay tuned for our next blog.

The connection between Alzheimer’s disease and diet.

For a long time, most people believed that Alzheimer’s disease was caused by genetics. However, it is now estimated that fewer than 5% of cases are caused by genetics alone. Today, many scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a combination of genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle choices. Although you can’t control your environment or your genes, you can control what you put into your mouth, and recent studies have shown a connection between certain foods and brain health. There is even research that suggests that some foods can help to lower your risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The following is a list from our memory care specialists in Raleigh of a couple of foods that could help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease:

#1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

One thing that can lead to dementia is a brain lesion, but you will be glad to know that eating your daily recommended dose of omega 3 fatty acids can reduce your risk of getting a brain lesion by a staggering 26%! You can find omega fatty acids in many foods, including fatty fish (like salmon), olive oil, flax seeds and walnuts.

#2. Berries

Berries are a great source of antioxidants, including polyphenols, which help to reduce inflammation and promote improved brain cell activity. In fact, a study conducted by Tufts University found that berries can actually reverse things that slow down the way the brain processes information.

These are just a couple of the many foods that could help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Would you like to learn more? If so, please stay tuned for our next blog.