One in every 20 Canadians over the age of 65 is affected by Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer Society of Canada -- and one in four Canadians over the age of 85. And while "the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's is aging," says Jack Diamond, scientific director of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, there's a number of lifestyle-related factors that can affect your chances of developing the degenerative disease. According to one BBC News story, Alzheimer's may start developing 20 or 30 years before the first symptoms appear, so it's vital to maintain a healthy lifestyle today. Here are seven ways to reduce your risk.
1. Don't smoke
"It turns out that all the things that are bad for your heart are also bad for your brain," says Dr. Sandra E. Black, professor of neurology at the University of Toronto. And that includes smoking, which contributes to high blood pressure (see #5 below) and hardening of the arteries, thereby reducing optimal blood flow through the body -- and the brain. (Trying to quit smoking? Read our guide.)
2. Up the antioxidants
A number of studies have linked high consumption of antioxidants with lower rates of dementia. Good food sources of antioxidants include green tea, blueberries and other berries, and red wine -- just make sure not to drink too much wine, as its benefits will be outweighed by the adverse effects of too much alcohol consumption.
3. Exercise
Your brain depends on a steady supply of oxygen from the blood, and exercising regularly helps your body keep things moving. Not only does physical activity help keep your brain healthy, but it staves off two of the major risk factors for Alzheimer's disease -- high blood pressure and diabetes. (Read about more benefits of exercise.)
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