What you do today affects your memory tomorrow

Alzheimer's disease is a serious condition that does not have a cure.  Its causes are unknown, although research shows that it is hereditary. 

My grandpa died with Alzheimer's disease when I was in fourth grade.  He was sick for several years.  He couldn't remember where he lived, who my grandma was or who his children and grandchildren were. 

It's hard to watch a loved one suffer from memory loss.  In the end, they are a lot like babies; they have to be helped when going to the bathroom, and they have to be fed.  Because this disease is incurable, it is important to eat the right things now, which can possibly save you from getting this disease.

While researchers aren't sure how to prevent people from getting Alzheimer's disease, more research is showing that what you eat can prevent or slow down the onset. 

Foods rich in omega-3, such as fish, flax and canola oil have been proven to help.  Green, leafy vegetables and whole grains are also important.  It is also beneficial to use supplements such as Vitamin C and folic acid.  These supplements can help protect your brain.

Just like our heart needs exercise, our brain does as well.  Physical exercise can reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer's by 35 percent.  It is beneficial to do strength training, as well as aerobic exercise three to five times a week.  Mental exercise is important as well.  Try to solve the crossword and sudoku puzzles in the newspaper several times a week.  These types of puzzles help exercise your brain.

You should also establish a healthful sleeping pattern.  Get plenty of sleep at night and try not to stay up too late.  Stretching and breathing exercises have been known to help.  If you're a smoker, throw those cigarettes out!  Not only are you increasing your chance of getting Alzheimer's, but you are also producing build up in your arteries, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Alzheimer's disease is serious and it happens to people every day.  Once you acquire Alzheimer's, it's too late; there is no turning back.  So do what you need to do today – eat right and exercise your brain.  Alzheimer's disease not only hurts the person, but it hurts family and friends as well.

Contact Staci Cox at cox152@marshall.edu.