Lifestyle and Alzheimer's Disease - Essay Example

"Lifestyle and Alzheimer's Disease" is a perfect example of a paper on neurology. 
There has been a consensus among researchers that age is an important risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease. Research investigating whether Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of the aged has resulted in conflicting findings. The confusion results from the pathological and natural basis of aging. Overall, though, because there are other risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease, the young also stand chances of developing the disease. Polidori et al (2010) observed that there is little documented evidence showing the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease among the young. It is important to consider the effect of an unhealthy lifestyle on susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease.

            According to Bassil et al (2009), alcohol consumption is one of the aspects of an individual’s lifestyle associated with Alzheimer’s disease. There is evidence that shows that a moderate intake of alcohol reduces susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease among alcohol consumers. Complete abstinence and heavy intake of alcohol indicate a high risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Ross et al (2009) postulate that cognitive, physical, leisure and social activities are risk factors in Alzheimer’s disease. Low cognitive, physical, leisure, and social activity leads to increased chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A poor diet including low food intake and eating disorders are associated with a high risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

            Berg & Michael (2012) reckon that there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease but there is sufficient evidence supporting the prevention of the disease. Lifestyle interventions are of particular interest to the current study. Regular physical exercise reduces the chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals are advised to take foods rich in bioactive compounds such as fruits to protect themselves against nitrosative and oxidative stress that precipitates Alzheimer’s disease. People are encouraged to maintain strong social networks because they help prevent stress. Proactive aging (2011) advises that individuals should avoid heavy drinking and that they should try to keep it moderate. 

            Background study on the subject identifies an increase in the recognition of the place of lifestyle in the incidence and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. This owes to the ever-growing research endeavor to describe the epidemiology of the disease and to inform the search for its cure. There are preventive measures that can individuals keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay. There is a need for research on how to coordinate different Alzheimer’s disease preventive strategies. The current study seeks to understand the lifestyle risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. The study shall investigate whether an active and socially integrated lifestyle in late life might protect against Alzheimer's.

This study will demystify the notions people have on the role of an individual’s lifestyle to their susceptibility to the disease. There is literature that indicates that more people world over are progressively conceding that Alzheimer’s disease is a natural consequence of aging. The outcome of the current study will advise people on lifestyle action areas that can help fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Research questions

This study will seek to answer a number of questions including;

1. Does Alzheimer's affect the aged only?
2. Are people with an unhealthy lifestyle more likely to suffer Alzheimer's in later life?
3. Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?
4. Can a healthy lifestyle help protect against Alzheimer's?

In order to help launch into the study, relevant literature was considered.