Diet and Exercises in Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease
The brain cell is one of the most critical cells in the human body as it controls all the functioning of the body parts. The damage of the brain cell leads to theonset of various medical conditions including Alzheimer’sdisease -a medical condition often associated with old age.Morris (2010) argues thatit should not be ignored as just any aging process because the more it progresses, the more severe it becomes. The major causes of the conditionare oxidative damage which is caused by the brain being unable to use the oxygen efficiently leading to some waste oxygen in the brain cells. Although Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, Morris(2010) highlights several ways in which the condition can be prevented or used to relieve the symptoms.
Eating healthy and exercising are the most efficient ways in which a person can use to lead a healthy lifestyle and ultimately prevent the onset of diseases. In the case of Alzheimer’s, oxidative damage contributes to cognitive decline. However, with the use of food rich in antioxidants, the cognitive function can be improved. The antioxidants prevent the damage of the brain cells by reducing the effects of oxidative damage. According to Morris (2010),the sources of antioxidants are mainly fruits such as blueberries, cranberries,and vegetables such as spinach.
Physical exercises are critical in Alzheimer’s as it improves the blood flow to the brain decreasing the oxidation and creating more connections between the brain cells. Exercising promotes the survival of the brain cells which is crucial as a person ages since the disease is characterized by progressive death of the brain cells. According toMangialasche, Kivipelto, Solomon & Fratiglion (2012), the more exercisesaperson take, the more they reduce the inflammatory reactions that cause the brain damage.
References
Mangialasche, F., Kivipelto, M., Solomon, A., & Fratiglioni, L. (2012). Dementia prevention: current epidemiological evidence and future perspective. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, 4(1), 6.
Morris, M. (2010). Diet and Prevention of Alzheimer Disease. JAMA, 303(24), 2519.
