Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is often misunderstood. Many people assume it is a natural part of aging. On the other hand, it is often feared that if you become a little more forgetful as you age -- having one of those “senior moments” -- that you are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Neither of these is true.

Alzheimer’s disease is the result of nerve and cell damage due to a build up of amyloid plaque on the brain cells. There are many causes for this including severe head injury, lack of mental exercise, poor nutrition, and many others that are continually being explored in an effort to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. True, there is some evidence that those with a family history of AD are more likely to develop it, that is proving to be more about carrying on with a certain lifestyle from one generation to the next and less about genes.

Take this little quiz and see how much you know about the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and how likely you are to develop symptoms. The answers are found at the end of this article.

1. AD is more severe in older people. True or False?

2. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels are conditions independent of AD. True or False?

3. Which of the following is able to help in the prevention of AD?

A. Not taxing your mind with too much information
B. Focusing only on a single mental task by doing the same routine each day
C. Trying to learn continually and increase your level of education
D. Playing games that require memorization
E. a & b
F. c & d

4. You can take a DNA test or blood test to determine your risk for AD and if you are in the early stages. True or False?

Answers:

1. False. The younger you are when you develop AD, the more severe the symptoms.

2. False. There is a great deal of research linking high blood pressure, low blood pressure and high cholesterol to the onset of AD. It is believed that the hardening of the arteries that results from these conditions negatively impacts the circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the brain and allows the cells to become damaged.

3. F. The more you challenge the mind the better. Keeping the mind active and challenged improves the cells and nerves. Also, studies have shown that those with higher levels of education are less likely to develop AD.

4. False. There is not a single physical test that can determine if you have AD or are likely to develop it. Those who have an autopsy and are found to have the amyloid plaque are known to have had AD, but obviously this is not determined until death. Doctors must rely on family members describing symptoms the patient has to make an assumption of a probable AD diagnosis.

If you didn’t do as well as you thought on the quiz, you are not alone. Most people don’t understand how Alzheimer’s disease differs from other kinds of dementia or other illness with memory loss symptoms. It is important in averting Alzheimer’s disease that you stay as physically fit, nutritionally strong and mentally active as possible. This is what will go the farthest in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

I recommend consuming a diet high in unprocessed, unrefined natural foods. Include adequate amounts of fiber and drink a minimum of eight glass of pure, filtered water each day. Avoid tap water as it may contain aluminum.

Studies have also concluded that the advancement of AD can be slowed and possibly reversed by reducing the accumulation of free radicals through the intake of antioxidants. Powerful antioxidants that are beneficial in preventing and treating AD include Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, grape seed extract and selenium.