World Alzheimer's Day Brings Tips to Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease
Before World Alzheimer's Day on September 21, Alzheimer's experts describe best practices for preventing the disease.
- San Jose, CA (1888PressRelease) September 21, 2011 - Alzheimer's Disease is the second most-feared disease behind cancer, according to U.S. and European researchers presenting at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Paris, 2011. But a MetLife Foundation survey indicates that 9 out of 10 people have done nothing to prepare for the disease, even though it affects 50 percent of people 85 or older.
"There are risk factors that are easy to spot," says founder of the Alzheimer's iCaregiver Foundation in St. George, Utah, Peter Durkson. He cites a study of almost 1,300 seniors by the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center that concludes homebound seniors have a greater risk of Alzheimer's Disease. According to Durkson, "We've noticed that getting out of the house helps keep seniors alert and aware."
He is currently previewing a product called SurePod that helps seniors stay active outside the home. "This little device is like a mobile help button. Seniors can leave their home and know that help is available at the push of a button."
Durkson notes that heavily advertised devices like Life Alert, and its iconic "I've fallen and I can't get up" tagline, do not help seniors with Alzheimer's risk. "Those devices don't work when seniors go out to the grocery store. SurePod works like a cell phone, only easier to use." He also mentions that SurePod's GPS helps locate seniors when they call for help, even if they do not know where they are.
Being homebound is one risk factor, not getting enough mental exercise is another. The journal Neurology reports that seniors who used their brains more frequently were about 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer's. "You don't have to do calculus. You can read a newspaper, visit a library, or go to a play," says Durkson. He adds, "I recommend seniors take SurePods with them to feel more secure going to these places."
Loneliness is also a risk factor. Researchers at Rush found that people who are emotionally isolated are much more likely to get Alzheimer's. They note that "maintaining close ties with family and friends provides protection against Alzheimer's disease specifically."
So Durkson has these tips for all the busy professionals out there. "Take the time to get a SurePod for your loved one and stay in contact," he says, "It really can make a difference."
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