Ask a doc: 'How can I reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?' Here are 3 tips

While there currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are healthy steps a person can take to reduce their risk or possibly prevent it.

Jessica Caldwell, PhD, a neuropsychologist with Cleveland Clinic, has three tips for keeping Alzheimer’s at bay.

Caldwell first recommends incorporating exercise into one's daily routine. Exercise releases a chemical in the brain that supports the memory system.

Exercise also helps sharpen the ability to grow new neural pathways and learn new things. It can decrease the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, which are proteins that lead to Alzheimer's disease.

Additionally, exercise reduces stress hormones and inflammation in the body, both of which affect memory and Alzheimer’s risk. Strive for a goal of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

The second tip is to get enough sleep. During certain stages of sleep, the brain clears debris, including amyloid, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Aim for seven to eight continuous hours of sleep per night.

Finally, adopting a Mediterranean diet can be beneficial. This diet focuses on healthy fats, whole foods, leafy greens, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, and herbs and spices. Research has shown this kind of diet is good for brain and heart health.

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and maintain a healthy brain.

Please note: This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.