There is no certain way to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
But there are things you can do to reduce your risk, or delay getting it.
Things you can do
Do
-
get help to quit smoking, if you smoke
-
limit alcohol
-
eat well
-
manage your weight
-
prevent or treat depression
-
stay active
-
stay mentally and socially active
-
lower high cholesterol
-
lower high blood pressure
-
manage your blood glucose (sugar) levels, if you have diabetes
-
reduce how much air pollution you breathe in
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP if
you have:
- vision loss
- hearing loss
These can be linked to a higher risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Get help to quit smoking
If you smoke, get help to quit. It can be hard to make a change like this. But, it is possible and there are a lot of free supports available.
Do not start smoking.
Avoid second-hand smoke
Second-hand smoke (when other people smoke, and you breathe in the smoke) also increases your risk.
Keep your home, car and workplace smoke free.
Limit alcohol
Alcohol increases your risk.
If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount you drink. The less you drink, the lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Alcohol and risks to brain health
Eat well
Eating a wide variety of nourishing foods can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Manage your weight
Managing your weight can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Do
-
eat well
-
keep physically active
-
manage a health condition that may affect your weight
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP if:
- you feel your weight is affecting your health
Ask them about any support services and treatment.
They can work with you to find the best treatment that suits you and your life.
Stay active
To reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease, try to be physically active in your everyday life. Adults need to be active for at least 30 minutes a day of moderate activity on 5 days a week, or at least 2 hours and 30 minutes per week.
How much activity you should do
Fit physical activity into your day
Prevent or treat depression
Depression that is not treated may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Get to know the signs and causes of low mood. There are things you can try to help improve your mood.
If you have tried our tips and the self-help resources but you think you need extra support, it may help to talk to someone.
Ways to get talk therapy such as counselling and psychotherapy
Stay mentally and socially active
Rates of dementia are lower in people who are mentally and socially active. They are higher in people who are isolated or lonely.
It may be possible to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease by:
- reading
- learning foreign languages
- playing musical instruments
- volunteering in your local community
- taking part in group sports, such as bowling
- trying new activities or hobbies
- having an active social life
Activities with other people that can improve your mental health
Make time for family and friends
Reduce how much air pollution you breathe in
Try to reduce how much air pollution you breathe in.
Heat your home with central heating, if you can. Try not use an open fire or wood-burning stove. If you have to, try using less smoky fuels.
Exercise in the early morning or where there is less traffic. When driving on busy roads keep your windows closed,
You can check air pollution levels in your area. Go to: monitoring stations - airquality.ie
Take care to avoid head injury
A head injury can be caused by a hit or blow to the head, for example.
Do what you can to avoid trips, falls, or hitting your head or getting a blow to the head.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE