{"id":834,"date":"2021-09-19T06:50:35","date_gmt":"2021-09-19T06:50:35","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2023-10-10T00:12:29","modified_gmt":"2023-10-09T16:12:29","slug":"what-is-world-alzheimers-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/what-is-world-alzheimers-day\/","title":{"rendered":"What is World Alzheimer\u2019s Day and How Can You Participate?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>World Alzheimer\u2019s Day is on September 21<sup>st<\/sup>. It\u2019s a day focused on the goal of raising awareness about <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/alzheimers-josephine-chong-circledna\/\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease where brain cells become damaged and the brain\u2019s nerve cells begin to die. <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29447116\/\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">Toxic plaques made by amyloid-beta<\/a> and other proteins accumulate, which impairs one\u2019s memories, cognitive thinking, and behaviour.<\/p>\n<p>Alzheimer\u2019s is the most common form of dementia.<\/p>\n<p>According to <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">the NIH (National Institute on Aging)<\/a> a genetic mutation can cause early-onset Alzheimer\u2019s. In late-onset Alzheimer\u2019s, a variant of the APOE gene increases one\u2019s risk of developing brain disease.<\/p>\n<p>On World Alzheimer\u2019s Day, organizations aim to spread the word about the nature of the disease, the impact it has on loved ones, preventative measures, risk factors, and how to challenge the stigma associated with Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-participate-in-world-alzheimer-s-day\">How To Participate in World Alzheimer\u2019s Day<\/h2>\n<p>The first lesson in supporting people with Alzheimer\u2019s disease is to think about how we interact with patients of this disease. It\u2019s important to stand up for people who cannot advocate for themselves, support them, and treat them with respect. When communicating with someone who has Alzheimer\u2019s disease, we must be respectful yet alzunderstanding:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Don\u2019t use condescending language such as, \u201cgood girl\u201d or use childish tones. Treat the patient like an adult.<\/li>\n<li>When you\u2019re with the patient, don\u2019t talk about them as if they weren\u2019t around.<\/li>\n<li>Watch for your nonverbal language. Make sure your body language is relaxed, and connect with them with eye contact, a smile, or a gentle touch.<\/li>\n<li>Be patient; they\u2019ve likely been interrupted enough already.<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s okay if you\u2019ve heard the same story before; it\u2019s important to them!<\/li>\n<li>Use visual cues, such as showing them something, if they can\u2019t find the words.<\/li>\n<li>Comfort them when life gets too frustrating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you\u2019re close to someone with Alzheimer\u2019s disease, there are <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.mind-start.com\/best-puzzles-games-books-for-Alzheimers-dementia.html\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">books and puzzles<\/a> you can buy that are designed for their specific condition. These provide necessary <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/top-5-brain-stimulation-exercises\/\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">brain stimulation<\/a>, which may help slow cognitive decline. Help your affected family members stay active and connected.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"events-activities-and-online-awareness\">Events, Activities, and Online Awareness<\/h2>\n<p>If you want to get involved and participate in World Alzheimer\u2019s Day, find out which events and activities you can participate in. Your local Alzheimer\u2019s association will likely be able to tell you which events you can be part of.<\/p>\n<p>You can also participate in World Alzheimer\u2019s Day through social media. Spreading awareness about Alzheimer\u2019s online, through your social networks, is a great way to honor World Alzheimer\u2019s Day. Through online platforms, you can spread awareness by educating others about this disease, sharing preventative health tips, and using the associated hashtags. Campaign hashtags for online awareness include #KnowDementia and #KnowAlzheimers.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1566616213894-2d4e1baee5d8?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&amp;ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8MTF8fG9sZHxlbnwwfHwwfHw%3D&amp;w=1000&amp;q=80\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"circlemagazine-circledna-world-alzheimers-day\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"what-can-we-do-to-prevent-alzheimer-s-disease\">What Can We Do To Prevent Alzheimer\u2019s Disease?<\/h2>\n<p>Developing Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a frightening experience, no matter how much we love the person<em> <\/em>who has it. Prevention is better than any treatment or cure, so it should be our top focus.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"lifestyle-choices\">Lifestyle Choices<\/h3>\n<p><a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/how-to-get-better-sleep\/\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">Sleep hygiene<\/a> is our first step to reducing our risk of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. As Dale Bredesen, author of <em>The End of Alzheimer\u2019s<\/em>, explains, even cases of subjective or mild cognitive impairment (SCI or MCI) can turn around by improving sleep patterns and sleep quality.<\/p>\n<p>Another healthy lifestyle choice we can make now is regular exercise, which could <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/how-does-exercise-help-the-brain\/\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">reduce your risk of Alzheimer\u2019s disease by up to 40%<\/a>. Lactic acid (yes, the substance responsible for the \u201cburn\u201d) and ketones, made to boost available energy, can both travel to the brain and enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production. As its name describes it, BDNF promotes the growth of new neurons.<\/p>\n<p>Following <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.eurekaselect.com\/170623\/article\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">a Mediterranean dietary pattern<\/a> has been linked over and over to a lower risk of chronic disease, and Alzheimer\u2019s is no exception. Studies show improved cognitive test scores and a smaller risk of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients that this diet is known for. These, including omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and seeds, and polyphenol antioxidants from berries and other sources, provide direct protection against cellular damage.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"prevent-vitamin-deficiencies\">Prevent Vitamin Deficiencies<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s also important to look at possible nutrient deficiencies that may affect our neurotransmitter production. <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/healthy-foods-high-in-vitamin-b6\/\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">Vitamin B6<\/a>, B9 (folate) and B12 are cofactors of the methylation cycle, allowing for the generation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. This keeps levels of the toxic homocysteine down, which increases inflammation and causes dysfunction. A case-control study found that being in the lowest of three categories for folate levels was linked to <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2072-6643\/9\/7\/725\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">triple the risk of both MCI and Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/a>. Having homocysteine levels in the highest of three categories was associated with similar risk increases too.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, vitamin B5 deficiency can contribute to Alzheimer\u2019s disease risk, and even be the sole cause of dementia if it is severe enough. Vitamin B5 is essential for acetylcholine production, a neurotransmitter involved in cognitive function, along with acetyl CoA, part of the cellular energy production pathways. We also need B5 as part of myelin\u2019s fatty-acyl groups that it uses to insulate our neurons.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"sex-hormone-replacement\">Sex Hormone Replacement<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re approaching menopause, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be right for you. Research shows that <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16024751\/\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">prevention is best<\/a> when it comes to using any form of HRT for Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Women who begin HRT when menopause hits are much more likely to see positive results, as less (if any) neurons have died off from lack of support by sex hormones.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1606377695906-236fdfcef767?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8N3x8Z3JlZW4lMjB0ZWF8ZW58MHx8MHx8&amp;ixlib=rb-1.2.1&amp;w=1000&amp;q=80\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"circlemagazine-circledna-world-alzheimers-day\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"nootropic-supplements\">Nootropic Supplements<\/h3>\n<p>Certain nootropic (neuron-supporting) supplements can help to protect and improve your cognitive functions. <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.liebertpub.com\/doi\/10.1089\/jmf.2009.1374\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">Green tea extract with extra L-theanine<\/a>, a non-nutritional amino acid, can increase theta brain waves along with memory and verbal skills. As it is rich in antioxidants, green tea can provide you with cellular-protective effects.<\/p>\n<p>Some types of ginseng may be useful for you, too. <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.liebertpub.com\/doi\/10.1089\/acm.2015.0265\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">Korean ginseng<\/a> (<em>Panax ginseng<\/em>) taken for 12 weeks shows significant benefits in improving cognitive test scores, as well as alpha brain wave levels. These create a state of being alert, yet relaxed. <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007%2Fs00213-010-1964-y\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">American ginseng<\/a> (<em>P. quinquefolium<\/em>) can improve working memory and reaction times, while helping you to feel calmer.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"new-therapies\">New Therapies<\/h2>\n<p>What if someone you love already has Alzheimer\u2019s disease or MCI? Early treatment is always the best option, but there are some newer, more natural therapies that target the root causes of the disease.<\/p>\n<p>One treatment that has just become available is AMBAR, a plasmapheresis protocol that <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.lifespan.io\/road-maps\/the-rejuvenation-roadmap\/grifols-ambar\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">removes amyloid proteins from the brain<\/a> before they can accumulate into plaques. In clinical studies, it stabilized mild Alzheimer\u2019s disease and slowed disease progression by two-thirds in moderate cases. As of August 2021, it is only available in Barcelona, so you\u2019d need to make a trip across the Atlantic.<\/p>\n<p>Something more close to home is the Bredesen protocol, a comprehensive plan tailored to your individual needs. It centers around a healthy, modified ketogenic diet, which is preferably organic to reduce your exposure to brain-busting toxins; regular physical activity; improved stress management and appropriate, targeted supplements. These can include B vitamins, nootropic herbs and BHRT, much like our prevention tips above. On the 17<sup>th<\/sup> of August, 2021, Dr. Bredesen\u2019s new book, <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/First-Survivors-Alzheimers-Patients-Recovered\/dp\/0593192427\/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=the+first+survivors+of+alzheimer%27s&amp;qid=1629294528&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">The First Survivors of Alzheimer\u2019s<\/a>, became available so you can see how his patients did it and get inspired.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"your-prevention-plan\">Your Prevention Plan<\/h2>\n<p>On World Alzheimer\u2019s Day, we must think about how to support those with the disease, while also thinking about preventative measures for ourselves. While prevention is far better than a cure, the right path depends on your individual needs.<\/p>\n<p>Among many other health reports, a CircleDNA test can <a target=\"_new0.8974840472428911\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com?utm_source=alzheimers-day&amp;utm_medium=what-is-world-alzheimers-day&amp;utm_id=blog\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">test your DNA for the gene mutation<\/a> that causes Alzheimers, and inform you if you are at risk for developing Alzheimer\u2019s. If you find out that you have this gene mutation, that\u2019s not a guarantee that you will get Alzheimer\u2019s. It is, however, a clear sign that you may want to make some lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk of Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>World Alzheimer\u2019s Day is on September 21st. It\u2019s a day focused on the goal of raising awareness about Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3393,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[5355,4353,1081,1141,4349,4881,8552,8578,4409,5347,4441,4973,1136,1225,49,4439,5237,4395],"class_list":["post-834","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-preventive-health","tag-alzheimers","tag-and","tag-anti-inflammatory-foods","tag-brain-games","tag-can","tag-day","tag-dna-methylation","tag-health","tag-how","tag-participate","tag-preventive","tag-preventive-health","tag-psoriasis-treatment","tag-signs-of-aging","tag-teeth-grinding-en","tag-what","tag-world","tag-you"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/834","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=834"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/834\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5992,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/834\/revisions\/5992"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3393"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=834"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=834"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}