Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, research tells us that changes in the brain happen many years before the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear. It may begin with intermittent short-term memory problems, and over time may gradually progress to more and more loss of mental capabilities. The early cognitive decline which precedes Alzheimer’s disease is of great concern for society and the families effected like no other disease because of its nature and that to date there is no good treatment for Alzheimer’s. If we take notice of these early signs of changes in the brain it can provide us with a window of opportunity to delay the onset of symptoms and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease!
Like all chronic diseases, we know it is not one cause or one cure, but rather a multitude of factors that create dysfunction, disorder and disease in the body. Various testing relative to many factors that contribute to cognitive decline can and should be assessed when there is concern. There are known genetic factors that can pre-dispose us to Alzheimer’s disease which we can routinely check with blood work in our office. Things such as inflammation in the body, disruption of hormone balance and metabolism, certain vitamin levels and markers of toxicity in the body are worthy of a comprehensive evaluation. These test results can provide an opportunity for a higher risk individual to create healthier lifestyle habits to optimize brain function right away before any decline occurs or is noticeable.
Focusing on the key lifestyle factors, which are the things we can control in our life, can help us maintain and optimize our brain health:
- Get adequate restorative sleep on a nightly basis.
- Learn effective tools to temper the effects of stress. Prolonged stress can affect our ability to heal, cope and can progress disease and exacerbate symptoms. And the chemistry of stress, when over secreted for a protracted amount of time, will directly and adversely impact certain regions of the brain that are responsible for our memory.
- Proper nutrition supports a healthy body and brain, particularly as it relates to inflammation, toxicity and the nutrients needed for the brain to function and repair.
- Be physically active through exercise and rigorous daily activity which can help prevent the development and/or slow the progression of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise increases the blood flow and nourishment to your brain. High blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol are all potential risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease which can be decreased with exercise! It is also a wonderful way to temper and reduce the effects of stress.
Mild cognitive decline proceeds Alzheimer’s disease, catch it early on! To learn more on how you can get started and understand cognitive decline, we offer a complimentary new patient consultation. Learn more about your concerns and begin to set a game plan to get and keep you on the road to optimizing your brain health!
Dr. Vince Sferra DC DIBCN, Founder and Clinic Director of Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation, is board certified in Chiropractic Medicine and Chiropractic Neurology, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
For more information or to schedule your complimentary new patient consultation call 908-252-0242
399 Campus Drive | Somerset, NJ | www.NMRNJ.com