Alzheimer’s disease is a common illness that affects many older people around the world, and it is one of the main causes of dementia. For over twenty years, researchers have been trying to understand what causes Alzheimer’s, but they still have not found the exact reason, and there is no cure yet.
There are two main ideas about what causes Alzheimer’s. The first idea is that a specific protein called amyloid-beta builds up in the brain and leads to the disease. The second idea, which is newer, suggests that problems with the cell’s energy producers, called mitochondria, are responsible for Alzheimer’s.
A recent study by scientists from Yale-NUS College supports this second idea. They found evidence that problems with cell metabolism happen before any significant increase in amyloid-beta protein.
To study these changes, the researchers used a tiny worm called Caenorhabditis elegans, which has many similarities to human cells at the molecular level.
In their research, they discovered that treating the worms with Metformin, a common drug used for diabetes, reversed these metabolic problems and improved the worms’ health and lifespan.
This suggests that targeting metabolic defects early on might be a better way to prevent Alzheimer’s, rather than waiting until the protein aggregates are present.
Since metabolic and mitochondrial problems are key features of aging, the researchers believe that diseases like Alzheimer’s should be seen as part of the aging process.
They propose that it might be easier to prevent or treat age-related diseases by focusing on the underlying mechanisms of aging instead of addressing individual diseases after symptoms appear.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, there are several steps you can take to lower your risk:
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s by up to 50 percent. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
Eat a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can protect your brain. Foods like fish, nuts, and olive oil are particularly beneficial.
Stay Mentally Active: Challenge your brain with activities such as learning a new language, solving puzzles, or picking up a new hobby. Keeping your brain engaged can help maintain cognitive function.
Get Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for brain health. Poor sleep has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can harm your brain. Find healthy ways to manage stress through activities like exercise, meditation, or yoga.
Stay Socially Connected: Social isolation can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s. Keep in touch with friends and family and participate in social activities.
Protect Your Head: Head injuries can raise your risk of Alzheimer’s. Wear a helmet when playing sports and take steps to prevent falls, especially as you age.
Taking these steps can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and improve your overall health and well-being, though they cannot guarantee you will not develop the disease.
The study by Jan Gruber and colleagues was published in the scientific journal eLife. This research provides hope for new ways to approach the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s by addressing the fundamental aspects of aging and cellular metabolism.
If you care about Alzheimer’s, please read studies about Vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and Oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and results showing flavonoid-rich foods could improve survival in Parkinson’s disease.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
