According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 5.8 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 5.6 million people aged 65 and older and 200,000 individuals under the age of 65. Alzheimer’s disease disrupts connections between brain cells, causing cell death. With age, Alzheimer’s disease can lead to a decline in an individual’s ability to remember, think clearly, and use good judgment.
When family members develop Alzheimer’s disease, your risk of developing the disease increases. But having a family member with Alzheimer’s doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop the disease, and it’s important to consider all of your options for the best results. Here’s how chiropractic care can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and improve symptoms of the disease.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological brain disorder, which can lead to problems with memory, cognitive skills, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease progresses with age, and due to the growing lifespan of our population, the number of individuals affected by the disease is growing at a rapid pace.
According to Alzheimer’s research by the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, the most common signs of the disease include memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation to time and place, and poor judgment. If you or a family member is living with Alzheimer’s, taking steps to reduce your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease can improve your overall quality of life.
Do lifestyle choices affect the progression of Alzheimer’s?
Most people assume that cognition declines with age, but this isn’t always the case. The onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s have been associated with lifestyle choices that affect the health of the body and brain. In other words, lifestyle choices, including the foods you eat, the amount of exercise you get, and the level of stress you experience, can influence the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Adopting a positive mindset can help you live a healthier lifestyle and reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. According to a recent study, being fearful of developing Alzheimer’s can increase your risk of developing the disease by 68 percent. Consequently, it’s important to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally to live a healthy life and make positive lifestyle choices.
How can chiropractic care benefits individuals with Alzheimer’s?
Whether you’re looking to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s or improve your symptoms, chiropractic care can improve your quality of life. Chiropractic care focuses on the central nervous system, which is composed of the brain and spinal cord. With the help of an experienced chiropractor, you can improve the function of your central nervous system, which can beneficially influence your cognitive functioning. In fact, in one case study of a 54-year-old man with dementia who experienced a loss of motor control, regular chiropractic care led to a slow in memory loss and an improvement in motor control.
In some cases, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia can worsen when not enough glucose flows to the brain. For some individuals with Alzheimer’s, spinal misalignments can cause further dysfunction. The professionals at Launchfit, a chiropractic practice in Manhattan, can help individuals with Alzheimer’s remove spinal misalignments and identify the root source of their pain. Regularly practicing chiropractic care can improve your symptoms of Alzheimer’s and enhance your overall quality of life. Working with a chiropractor can also help you make healthier lifestyle choices, which, in turn, can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and promote your physical and mental well-being.
While researchers are still searching for a cure, research has shown that chiropractic care can effectively slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and improve symptoms. If you’re worried about developing Alzheimer’s or currently living with the disease, chiropractic care can help you live a better life.