Approximately 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease with direct and indirect costs amounting to more than $172 billion annually.  Unless a cure or prevention is found, that number will increase to between 11-16 million by 2050.

I researched several health articles and here are 6 easy ways I found to help prevent Alzheimer’s.

Goji Berries – “The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease” reports that extracts of this antioxidant-rich fruit helped defend against brain-cell damage linked to homocysteine (an amino acid that increases Alzheimer’s risk).  The berries, which look like red raisins, taste slightly sweet and sour and can be found in health-food stores.

Walk Daily – Studies suggest that a 20-minute walk daily is enough exercise to stimulate the release of nerve growth factor (a natural compound that revs production of healthy new brain cells).  The more aerobic activity you do, the better for growing new brain cells.

Resveratrol- Taking a daily supplement with a 20mg-50mg dose of the antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes inhibits the formation of plaque deposits in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s.  Note: Be sure to check with your doctor first before taking any new supplement.

Vitamins C & E- Taking 400 IU of vitamin E and 500 mg of vitamin C daily can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory-robbers by 88% by protecting brain cells from dangerous molecules.

Stay Connected to Family and Friends – Feeling lonely lessens the brain’s ability to fight off age-related changes, which doubles the odds of Alzheimer’s.

Control Your Blood Pressure- Vascular dementia, which is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain, accounts for 1 in 4 case of Alzheimer’s. 

Visit the Alzheimer’s Association here!