By now, most people have heard of Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder impacting millions across the planet. Of course, that doesn’t mean every case is similar. While age, genetics, and family history play a huge role, there are also lesser-known risk factors at play.
If you’re unsure about these less common risk factors, don’t sweat it.
Let’s break down five surprising risk factors for the disease you probably haven’t considered.
Sure, sleep is good for feeling strong and rested, but it also plays a big role in keeping your brain healthy. Bad sleep – whether caused by stress or conditions like sleep apnea – has been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Why does this happen? The science shows that poor sleep quality over time can cause inflammation in the brain. Then there’s the type of sleep. When we enter what’s called ‘deep sleep,’ our brains clear out something called amyloid-beta. Turns out, this problematic protein builds up plaques in people with Alzheimer’s.
And in time, these plaques impact everything from memory to attention and cognitive functions.
If you’re struggling with sleep conditions, first, see a specialist. Aside from that, try to set a routine, and create an environment where the bedroom is cool, quiet, and dark.
RELATED: Alzheimer’s Disease: Black Americans Are Hardest Hit
Turns out, hearing loss is not just a normal part of getting old. In some cases, it’s directly linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. The reasons are actually quite interesting, although many people probably haven’t considered them.
Just think of this… When people lose their hearing, they become more socially withdrawn (which itself is linked to cognitive decline). Also, struggling to hear can stress the brain, which may make it harder to focus on other mental tasks.
Some research even shows that your brain atrophies, or deteriorates, due to chronic hearing loss!
To address this, get regular hearing tests, get a hearing aid if needed, and whatever you do, don’t isolate yourself – stay social.
This one may come as a big surprise, but it’s really not that surprising when you think about it. All kinds of research are now showing that certain pollutants in the air, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), increase your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease.
The reason this happens is due to systemic inflammation from the pollution, as well as oxidative stress that damages brain cells.
If you’re worried about air pollution, get a purifier for your residence. Try to stay away from areas outside with high pollution, especially when the traffic is high. And, if you want to get directly involved, push for clean air legislation in your area!
They call it gut instinct for a reason.
As you may know, your gut and brain are highly connected by what’s called the gut-brain axis, a sophisticated communication network. As such, problems in one can lead to problems in the other!
If you have unhealthy gut bacteria, you’re more likely to have problems with Alzheimer’s. Your neurotransmitter production is also important to remember. Turns out, bacteria can affect how much dopamine and serotonin you produce, which affects how your brain operates.
All these factors may play a crucial role in your gut health. To keep your gut healthy, eat plenty of fiber, fruits, veggies – and particularly fermented foods for good bacteria. Also, consider using probiotic supplements, and be sure not to overuse antibiotics which can kill healthy bacteria.
RELATED: Alzheimer’s vs. Other Dementias: What’s the Difference?
If you’re stressed all the time, your brain and body will pay the toll. This happens largely because of the stress hormone cortisol, which can actually hurt your brain cells. Inflammation in the brain is also to blame, as are structural changes in your brain.
In other words, some parts of your brain can actually shrink due to stress! This can impair your memory and affect your emotional regulation.
The best things to do for stress are consistent exercise, yoga, and deep breathing. Mindfulness is very popular today, so look into various activities if you haven’t already. And last but not least, seek professional help if you simply cannot overcome your stress on your own.
When it’s all said and done, reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s disease is about practicing common sense habits. Your age and genetics certainly play a role, but that doesn’t mean you need to let them control you.
Stay on top of your sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and avoid toxins and habits that hurt your brain. By being mindful of these steps every day, you can slowly but surely change your life for the better. And with a more powerful, better-functioning brain, it won’t be as hard!
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