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Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease With Diet & Lifestyle
Tips for a healthy mind
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common neurological conditions affecting people as they age. “One in 14 people over 65 years of age and one in six people over 80 years of age has a form of dementia,” says The Alzheimer’s Society.
The figure is growing year on year, and some health experts suggest that this is partly due to our modern lifestyles and not just the outcome of an aging population.
However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Physical activities, such as gardening or walking, can help prevent mental deterioration and reduce your risk. Likewise, healthy eating can have a big impact in helping to prevent the disease.
The role of homocysteine
Patrick Holford, founder of the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, frequently raises the issue of high homocysteine in his health books. Alzheimer’s disease has been specifically linked to high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood. Traditionally, high levels of homocysteine have been associated with heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, rather than mental deterioration.
However, researchers have discovered that high homocysteine levels are a risk factor for…