Are You Worried About Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects adults at an advanced age. The disease is progressive and particularly destructive to memory and thinking skills. Alzheimer’s eventually destroys daily functioning and is a cause of dementia and reduced lifespan. Statistics show that 13 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s by 2050, which is becoming a growing concern. While there is no cure, there are treatments to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Now, a greater focus is being placed on Alzheimer’s prevention through lifestyle changes, health checks, and supplements.

Symptoms and risk factors you can’t ignore

The mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s are still unclear. Scientists believe the buildup of specific proteins can disrupt nerves and brain cell functions over the years. This disruption leads to a breakdown of brain cells and the death of brain tissue. There’s no clearer evidence than the physical decline of an Alzheimer’s brain compared to a generally healthy one. People with Alzheimer’s first have difficulty remembering recent events. Other symptoms include increased memory loss, difficulty with reasoning, mood changes, and reduced language. Over time, there is difficulty performing everyday tasks and a complete loss of independence. Age, genetics, family history, and poor lifestyle choices are the biggest risk factors for the disease.

Why Alzheimer’s prevention matters

As the rates of disease are expected to double in the next 2-3 decades, prevention is crucial. The world population is aging rapidly, and people are living longer, so these rates are expected to rise. Older adults want an improved quality of life and more independence, which is challenging with Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, the medical cost of long-term care can be staggering, and many cannot afford support. Statistics also show there are limited treatment options that can keep up with these rates. Therefore, preventative care is the best option now to prevent catastrophic results later. Along with healthy habits, the proper nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, can help prevent Alzheimer’s.

The untapped potential of omega-3s

When someone eats fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, within these healthy foods lie omega-3 fatty acids. These are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These compounds aren’t made in the body and must be extracted from foods or supplements. Omega-3s have been widely used for cardiovascular health, joint health, prenatal care, and cancer prevention. The benefits, however, extend to the brain, including reducing anxiety and depression-like symptoms. There are several reasons to use omega-3 fatty acids as a go-to supplement when fighting Alzheimer’s.

An anti-inflammatory supplement

Omega-3s are primarily used for anti-inflammatory reasons. These fatty acids contain components that slow or even prevent components in the blood that lead to inflammation. Studies show that inflammation in the brain is one of the primary mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. A steady supply of healthy omega-3s may reduce inflammation, potentially slowing down the progression of the disease.

Omega-3 protects your brain cells

The proteins that lead to Alzheimer’s are called amyloid plaques. These proteins accumulate in the brain in clumps, disrupting nerve function. Another protein called tau is abnormally changed and tangles around parts of the neurons, impacting nerve function. Omega-3s may be able to protect brain cells from the damage caused by these proteins. By slowing down protein buildup, the frequency and degree of symptoms decrease significantly.

Enhancing blood flow to the brain

The brain needs a steady supply of healthy oxygenated blood to prevent the breakdown and eventual death of brain cells. Omega-3s may help with blood flow and provide nutrients to the brain. Additionally, DHA can help with brain cell health. Studies show that DHA supplementation can improve memory, learning, reaction time, and cognitive function.

Let’s think about Alzheimer’s and omega-3s

Omega-3s can positively impact health and wellness. The anti-inflammatory properties can support brain health and encourage blood flow. The research on the effectiveness of omega-3s is still ongoing, but long-term use shows a significant reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. At the same time, omega-3 supplements are not a magic pill or replacement for any treatment. The supplement can be part of a comprehensive plan to improve symptoms and make daily functioning easier.