Aug 7

Avoiding Alzheimer’s

This was written by pre-medical student Jorge Gonzalez with the intention of encouraging readers to take better care of oneself. The method of encouragement being used is Aristotle’s three pillars of rhetoric without the intention of withholding critical information or supplying false information. Instead, this method utilizes emotions to engage the audience, logic to make a claim, and credibility to support this claim.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. This infamous disease has had some serious effects on the victims and their loved ones. Some impaired functions include not being able to remember where one is or close friends and family, not being able to chew or swallow, and not being able to stand or walk.

As reported by Linda Carroll, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proclaims no known cure for this disease as it remains the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. However, recent research shows that it is preventable with consistent healthy living. The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference revealed that it is not just one factor but a combination of five major factors. Even those with a heightened genetic risk, a UK study confirmed that there is still a 32% difference for those who live a healthier lifestyle. For those without a heightened genetic risk, Rush University in Chicago found a 60% difference for those who chose to commit to a healthier lifestyle. A healthier lifestyle largely consists of 5 main factors. One of the most impactful factors, University of California, San Francisco finds, is smoking which doubles the risk of developing cognitive impairment. The five main factors that contribute to a healthier lifestyle include but are not limited to: no smoking, exercising a moderate to vigorous amount 150 minutes a week, a brain supporting diet, light to moderate alcohol consumption, and engaging in late-life cognitive activities. Dr. Ronald Peterson, director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, claims that “this reinforces the notion that some of these lifestyle choices may actually affect the trajectory of cognitive aging and the development of dementia” (Carroll).

Our practice has long utilized this method of improving lifestyle as Dr. Castellanos hypothesizes that “most major diseases begin with vascular diseases” and that “even those that have a genetic disposition will do worse with a poor lifestyle.” Our practice attributes most diseases to an immunological inflammatory response, therefore joining the bridge between most diseases and a vascular reaction.

As a part of a healthier lifestyle, is a brain supporting diet or a “MIND” diet (Mediterranean Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), which, as Dr. Klodian Dhana explains, includes: leafy green vegetables, beans, olive oil, nuts, poultry and avoiding: red meats, sweets, and fried foods (Carroll).

Work Cited:
Carroll, Linda. “Can Alzheimer’s Be Stopped? Five Lifestyle Behaviors Are Key, New Research Suggests.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 14 July 2019, www.nbcnews.com/health/aging/can-alzheimer-s-be-stopped-five-lifestyle-behaviors-are-key-n1029441.

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