Alzheimer's Disease is something that touches the lives of most people in some way. If you yourself don't develop it, you will know someone who does have the disease. Beliefnet.com says over four million people in the US have AD, and by 2030, an estimated nine million Americans will be afflicted by this common form of dementia.
It is a degenerative brain disease that is caused from plaque and nerve tangles developing on the brain.
What are some things you can do to help with prevention?
- Research shows lifelong learning, and mental stimulation cause brain cells to grow more numerous connections that aid communication with other brain cells. Scientists have learned even in old age, some parts of the brain can create new cells in response to stimulation.
- Variety of activities can help diminish your chance of mental decline.
- Physical exercise keeps your brain and cognitive abilities stay in good shape.
- Proper nutrition that provides nutrients such as anti-oxidants, B-complex vitamins such as B6 and B12, and Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flax seeds.
- There are some prescription drugs on the market that can also slow down the progression of the disease. Talk to your doctor about them.
For more information you can visit the Alzheimer's Association site at alz.org, or the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center at alzheimers.org.
Every worker-bee knows that having interests outside of work help bring balance to your live. Amy it's great that you and Melonie remind us worker bees of giving outside of work to good things like Alzheimer's education.
For people looking to fundraise - I'd also recommend getting your organization with Yahoo!'s philanthropic http://www.goodsearch.com A group I'm affiliated with ReAct uses this to help fundraise.
Posted by: Marilee Veniegas | September 14, 2006 6:24 PM | Permalink to Comment