Samuel L Jackson has spoken up about Alzheimer’s Disease that claimed six lives in his family. The Avengers actor has been supporting a campaign that works to dispel misinformation about the degenerative disease. He told Daily Mail that his grandfather, aunts and uncles have all suffered from the illness and seen the people who nurtured and loved him struggling to recall his name. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that whittles away a person’s memory and cognitive abilities. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes Alzheimer’s as “an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.” Here are some ways in which you can prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

1. If You Are a Woman, Watch Out!

Women are more vulnerable to the degenerative brain disease than men. Also, the progression of Alzheimer’s is quicker in women. So if you happen to notice some symptoms or have a genetic risk, get yourself diagnosed at the earliest. Timely treatment can also slow down the disease. Adopting healthy habits can also help you ward off the disease. What is Alzheimer's Disease? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Preventive Measures of This Degenerative Disease.

2. If You Have Heart Diseases, Beware!

If you have high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes or an unhealthy lifestyle, your risk of Alzheimer’s is significantly higher. Poor heart function can cause faulty blood supply to the brain, decreasing oxygen supply to the brain. So stay a few steps ahead of the disease by timely check-ups and healthy lifestyle.

3. Read, Write, Learn and Think More

One way to prevent Alzheimer’s is to engage your brain more. Mental stimulation by learning something new, memorising difficult things, practising a musical instrument, doing math, and solving puzzles and riddles. It practically exercises for the brain!

4. Socialise

Meet people and connect socially. Research suggests that increased social activities like attending parties, support groups and hobby groups or meeting relatives and friends prevent Alzheimer’s to a large extent.

5. Eat Whole Foods

Mediterranean diet has been known to slow down Alzheimer’s progression. The diet comprises whole grains, fresh vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, fish, legumes, olive oil and moderate amounts of poultry, eggs and dairy. A study showed that even following the diet can partially help prevent Alzheimer’s to an extent. What Is Mediterranean Diet? Important Tips and Diet Plan for Beginners.

6. Exercise

You saw this one coming. The strongest evidence from years of Alzheimer’s disease prevention is that exercise works the best. It can either completely prevent the disease or slow down its progression. All you need to do is get 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a couple of times a week.

Despite the prolific nature of the disease, Alzheimer’s is poorly understood. Proper awareness is needed an individual and institutional level for early diagnosis and treatment. People at risk of Alzheimer’s should follow the preventive measures to stave off the disease or slow down its progression.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2019 01:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).