Recommendations

Although there is still no known treatments to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, studies suggest that there are ways that you can do to reduce your risk. Research shows that physically active adults are less likely to have dementia.  Current recommendations consist of doing moderate levels of physical activity for at least thirty minutes per day on most days of the week. Aside from physical activity, studies also indicate that staying mentally active through reading, listening to music, watching TV, or playing card games may also help lower your risk for Alzheimer's. Going out with friends and remaining socially active are also associated with good mental health.

At present, no cure has yet been found for Alzheimer’s disease. Current treatments aim to delay progression of the disease and to optimize one’s functioning in daily living. Coping with a family member who has Alzheimer’s disease can be demanding in terms of physical and emotional burden. On top of these, financial costs and the difficulty of deciding whether to transfer one’s care to a facility can be too much to handle. However, new information about caring for people with Alzheimer’s is now available to help and support caregivers and family members. It is therefore necessary to be well-informed about this disease as a long-term strategy to deal with the difficult challenges, to develop good coping skills, and cultivate strong support from a network of family and friends. Caregivers must stay physically and socially active to cope with the physical and emotional demands of their job. This may also include participation in a support group to share experiences, express concerns, get tips, as well as accept emotional comfort. There are many organizations that offer online as well as personal support across the country.

See Also: Is It A "Senior Moment" Or Is It Alzheimer's?

Researchers are also calling on people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, as well as their families, to participate in on-going clinical trials that may help find effective and safe treatments for the disease. There are many research centers located in hospitals and clinics that are accepting enrollments to the study, which includes screening, study treatment, evaluation and follow up.