30 May 2023
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects your memory, communication skills and ability to do everyday tasks. According to Dementia.org.au, dementia is the second leading cause of death of all Australians and provisional data is showing dementia may soon be the leading cause of death.
Currently, it is estimated there are more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia. Presently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s. We asked Dr Ross Walker whether he believes this disease is preventable and to share his insights on the topic:
I have written numerous articles and spoken on a number of occasions about my opinion that most modern conditions are entirely preventable. Although I believe there is a strong genetic basis to all modern diseases, our environmental input can influence the way the genes are activated or inactivated.
Interestingly, the best way to prevent any condition, regardless of an underlying genetic predisposition is to start early. The earlier a disease is detected, the easier & more effective the preventative strategies are.
Most people have the misconception the causes of Alzheimer’s disease is purely a consequence of being old but in fact there are many interactions and lifestyle behaviours that increase risk.
It is my opinion, what actually causes Alzheimer's disease, is a defective microcirculation along with impaired function in the brain’s immune system known as the glymphatic system.
In many ways, Alzheimer's disease has a strong vascular component. When you hear someone has vascular dementia, this is typically due to multiple strokes or severe cerebrovascular disease affecting the larger circulation.
In Alzheimer’s, there is a downstream effect from the larger vessels to the brain into the micro circulation, which becomes sluggish with poor flow. This leads to the brain not clearing accumulated waste products that occur from normal thoughts and emotions.
Just like the cleaners are sent into office buildings at night when the staff have left, the immune system in the brain does most of its clearing out of these accumulated waste products at night-time whilst we are asleep. Thus, the importance of good quality sleep is one of the keys to preventing dementia.
If these accumulated waste products are not cleared, junk proteins build up in brain tissue, destroying the normal cells eventually leading to dementia. It is also important to mention toxins such as alcohol, smoking & illegal drugs as major factors leading to dementia.
The Australian Childhood Determinants of Adult Health study, published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport from Monash University, clearly demonstrated poor fitness and obesity in childhood were linked to impaired cognitive abilities in middle age.
Over the past few decades, there have been several studies linking vascular risk with preconception factors in both parents, such as smoking, poor diet, obesity and life stressors. The health of the mother during pregnancy also has a strong influence on the adult health of the unborn child.
When you consider all the above, it is important we all follow healthy lifestyle principles from very early on in our life. Not only to prevent diseases as we age but also to ensure we have the healthiest of offspring.
As for all things relating to your health speak with your GP or a relevant medical professional. For all your financial health contact PSK on 8365 8300 or visit psk.com.au
General Advice Warning - Any advice included in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, you should consider whether it’s appropriate to you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs.
