While man has made much progress in the field of medicine, unfortunately there is no cure or effective treatment when one develops Alzheimer’s disease. For this reason, preventing this disease with the right plan is essential. While medical research is currently being conducted into the causes and treatment of this illness, progress will take some time.

There are some simple steps that one can take to decrease the risk of obtaining this disease, which include proper diet, avoiding exposure to heavy metals, and intellectual activities.

The brain needs to be used on a daily basis, and not keeping one’s mind sharp can lead to a loss of mental function as an individual ages. A number of medical studies have shown that the elderly who keep their mind sharp showed improved quality of life and reduced risk of death from all causes, including Alzheimer’s disease.

It has commonly been believed that exposure to certain heavy metals such as mercury and aluminum can cause Alzheimer’s disorder, but these views have been largely debunked by scientific studies. In large quantities, these elements are certainly harmful to biological life; however, no danger has been found in those exposed to normal quantities of these metals in relation to the development of Alzheimer’s.

Aggressive exposure to dangerous heavy metals or chemical solvents in a laboratory can affect one’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease, as the high concentrations of these chemicals will destroy brain cells and inhibit brain function.

Dieting options include the Mediterranean diet, which several studies have shown reduces the risk of obtaining the disease. This diet includes a typical Italian fare such as bread, olive oil, fruits and vegetables, and wine, which are rich in B and C vitamins.

A few studies have not shown this diet to be particularly effective, but a balanced diet tailored to the individual is critical to healthy living, especially as one advances in age.

Unfortunately, there is not yet a cure for Alzheimer’s, so prevention is essential to living a healthy life, especially as one approaches retirement. Positive lifestyle choices such as thirty minutes of exercise a day, a healthy diet, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to heavy metals such as aluminum and mercury will result in many health benefits, no matter your risk for disease.