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William Thies, Ph.D. Responds:
William Thies, PhD, vice president of medical and scientific affairs for the Chicago-based Alzheimer's Association, responds: Current research shows that clearing the cupboards of aluminum products won't protect you from Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have been looking for a connection between aluminum (the third most common element on Earth after oxygen and silicon) and Alzheimer's disease for four decades with no conclusive results. For every study that finds a link, another study refutes it or fails to confirm it.
A wiser approach to preventing Alzheimer's disease: Adopt the healthiest lifestyle possible. While it's true that aging and heredity--the two main risk factors--can't be controlled, you can lower your odds of developing the disease through regular exercise, nutritious meals, social interaction, mental stimulation, and avoidance of smoking and other bad habits. Start with these tips:
Eat smart. A diet that promotes good heart health may also be good for the brain. Start by cutting down on foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Studies have shown a connection with a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. Then add more heart-helping foods to your diet, including spinach, oranges, strawberries, and whole grains.
Keep moving. Regular aerobic exercise maintains healthy blood flow to the brain and may reduce the loss of brain cells. It also helps reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes, and some of the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Try for 30 minutes of daily aerobic activities such as walking or even gardening.
Use your head. Activities that challenge the brain help strengthen brain cells and the connections between them. Mental stimulation may even help generate new brain cells. The best part is that exercising your brain can be as simple as reading a book and as satisfying as completing a challenging crossword puzzle. Other ideas: Take a college course on your favorite subject or one that's unfamiliar, write letters to friends, join a book club, trace your family history, or take up a new hobby.
Socialize. Volunteer. Travel. Attend parties. Meet friends for morning coffee at least once a week. Cultivate close friendships and family relationships. Being social appears to help lower your risk of dementia, especially when combined with physically and mentally stimulating activities. For more information about Alzheimer's disease, visit the Alzheimer's Association Web site at www.alz.org.
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William Thies
Ph.D.
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