Care Articles

Exercise and Supplements: Warding off Dementia

The number of people with dementia globally is estimated to double every 20 years. Much of this growth will be fueled by longer life spans and population expansion, especially in developing nations. The number of people with dementia is expected to increase by 63 percent in North America compared to 125 percent in Africa. One in seven Americans age 71 and older, or about 3.4 million people, have dementia according to the National Institutes of Health. In this age group 2.3 million people have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia.

While some causes of dementia diseases are believed to be genetic, others are thought to be preventable. Studies have shown that physical exercise, the kind that keeps the heart healthy, also keeps the brain healthy! Mental stimulation helps too. Our brains can be made stronger through exercise in the same way physical exercise can delay many of the effects of aging on the body. There’s evidence that cognitive exercise can at least delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.

“A combination of high-potency anti-oxidants and supplements may be helpful, as well. There are studies that that suggest antioxidants might prevent dementia”, said Edythe London, a professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Aging brains show signs of inflammation, which can potentially be offset by the anti-inflammatory properties of anti-oxidants and fish oil.

AMAH Homecare carries Market America’s Isotonix OPC, the most potent form of anti-oxidants available in the world. We also have a great many other nutritional supplements and vitamins available to help alleviate and possibly prevent the continuation of dementia diseases.