Dr. Curtis Cripe on Reducing Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is one of the diseases that people want to avoid. Right now, there is no scientifically proven way to prevent it. But there are some things you can do to reduce your chance of getting it, notes Dr. Curtis Cripe.

Doctors don't know exactly why Alzheimer's strikes some people and not others, why it worsens with age, or how to cure it.

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Dr. Curtis Cripe notes that it's true that older people are more susceptible to Alzheimer's, but it's not a normal part of aging. It's also true that gene glitches make an individual more likely to get it.

You can't control your genes or aging, but that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do about the disease. In fact, the healthy habits that are good for your heart —and the rest of your body — could also help reduce your risk of Alzheimer's. And a lot of this comes down to simple things you already do regularly.

Manage your numbers.

Do you know if your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure are too high? Research suggests strong connections between Alzheimer's and conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Many people don't even know that they have these conditions. A medical screening can let you know. Your doctor can help you manage any health issues you may have.

Check your weight.

If you have a lot of pounds to lose, start working on shedding those pounds and keeping them off, says Dr. Curtis Cripe. It could also help reduce your risk. One study found that obesity changes the brain, increasing the odds of getting Alzheimer's.

Challenge your mind.

People who stay social and keep learning may be less likely to get Alzheimer's disease, according to some studies. It's not completely clear yet, but mentally stimulating activities may be like a workout for your brain.

Dr. Curtis Cripe's professional and academic background spans several disciplines, including engineering, software development, psychology (health psychology and behavioral medicine), and bioengineering. He currently heads the research and development department at NTL Group. For similar blogs and articles, bookmark this link.