Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented?

At the Amos Institute, we hear from people all over the world who are anxious to know whether or not Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented. Oftentimes, these individuals have witnessed a parent or other loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s and they are desperately hoping to do anything possible to prevent the disease themselves. While research is ongoing in this area, the current evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s disease likely can be prevented through targeted changes in diet and lifestyle.

In a general sense, a diet and lifestyle for Alzheimer’s prevention is also one that would prevent other chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. The underlying root causes of Alzheimer’s disease has parallels with these other diseases, for example, inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and suboptimal levels of nutrients, hormones, and other trophic factors. As such, the nutrition and lifestyle interventions that address these underlying issues will help with the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, along with other chronic diseases of aging.

Can diet prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

A diet that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease is rich in non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats, and contains an adequate amount of protein. Increasing your intake of vegetables including leafy greens, bright colored vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables, as well as eating dark colored, low glycemic fruits such as berries provides the phytonutrients and antioxidants needed to combat the oxidative stress seen in Alzheimer’s pathology. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies regulate the inflammatory response and provide protein to support lean muscle mass. Other healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and extra virgin olive oil provide the brain the fuel it needs for self repair. As such, these foods are the backbone of a diet that will prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Equally important is reducing or eliminating intake of any foods that can contribute to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease. These foods include highly processed foods, fast foods, foods with added sugars and artificial sweeteners, conventionally raised meats, and other inflammatory foods. At the Amos Institute we guide you through the implementation of a nutrition plan specifically designed to prevent and reverse Alzheimer’s disease.

Does exercise help with Alzheimer's disease prevention?

Much research has investigated the role of exercise in regards to Alzheimer’s disease and the evidence suggests that a regular exercise regimen can be a beneficial strategy to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain and increases an important brain growth hormone called brain derived neurotrophic factor. All forms of exercise are beneficial for preventing Alzheimer’s disease: cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, and mobility. At the Amos Institute, we help you curate an exercise regimen that will optimize your cognitive health.

What other lifestyle factors help prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

Beyond optimizing your diet and following a regular exercise regimen, managing stress, practicing regular brain training, and improving the quality of your sleep are all methods that have independently shown to improve brain health that can contribute to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. At the Amos Institute, our Cognitive Health Program takes you through all of the evidence based interventions that can help you prevent Alzheimer’s disease. By the end of the program, you have incorporated all of these interventions and will have maximized your chance at preventing Alzhiemer’s as well as other chronic diseases.

What should I do to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia right now?

We have many people reach out to us because they have seen a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or because they have had genetic testing done and found that they carry one or two copies of ApoE4, the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Our Cognitive Health Program is designed for individuals who are looking to do all they can to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Many of our clients on the Cognitive Health Program are in their 40’s and 50’s, they currently are exhibiting no signs of cognitive decline, but they wish to take action right now to prevent the disease from taking root. Thus, even if you are not showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, now is the time to take action to prevent the underlying causes of cognitive decline.

Our Cognitive Health Program is recommended to those looking for a cost effective solution for Alzheimer’s prevention. In addition to setting you up to be in your absolute best health, completing our program will also help you avoid the exorbitant costs associated with chronic diseases. Contact our team today to get started →