Dementia Risk Assessment and Preventative Strategies Revealed

Dementia and Alzheimer’s plaques much of the United States, with the latest numbers revealing that 5.7 million Americans live with the disease. Per the Alzheimer’s Association, by 2050, the number of citizens inflicted with the disease will be up to 14 million.

Much like altering one’s diet to prevent diabetes or taking medication to lower the risk of heart disease, there are now ways to take preventive measures against Alzheimer’s.“Scientists now thing a complex mix of lifestyle, genes, age, environment and health conditions leads to the brain changes of Alzheimer’s – up to 20-25 years before obvious symptoms”( Scott, Parade, 2018).

At the Weill Cornell Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Preventative Clinic, located in New York City, Dr. Richard S. Isaacson, M.D, has developed the ABCs of Alzheimer’s prevention. On your initial visit, clinicians gather the information:

1. Anthropometrics, otherwise known as body measurements such as body fat, lean body mass, muscle strength and weight among other things.
2. Blood biomarkers (blood test) are completed to showcase nutritional, lipid, metabolic, inflammatory and genetic markets of potential problems associated with Alzheimer’s.
3. Cognition tests or thinking skills are measured for 1.5 hours to determine your level of cognitive strength. Games such as identifying smells and playing card-matching games are essential to prevention.

The study of the ABCs gives physicians, like Dr. Isaacson, a good reading on the potential threat of a patient developing Alzheimer’s in the future. 

An excerpt from the article below:

Up to one-third of dementia cases can be delayed or prevented. Here are a few questions that may provide insight into your chances of getting Alzheimer’s.

What was your high school rank?

Being an early achiever actually helps protect against Alzheimer’s, new research shows.

How big is your waist?

If it’s dramatically bigger than it was in your 20s—that raises your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Do you dream?

Dreamers are good sleepers. Getting a good night’s sleep helps prevent Alzheimer’s.

Do you love music?

There’s growing research on the brain benefits of music. Listening is great but playing it or singing is even more beneficial.