One of the biggest fears that many people, especially those over 65, face is Alzheimer’s. However, the current research on how to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s is more encouraging than ever. The causes of this disease can be uncertain or a combination of multiple factors including age, genetics, lifestyle, high blood pressure and lack of exercise. While certain factors such as genetics and age cannot be changed, lifestyle choices, high blood pressure and exercise could be modified to potentially reduce the risk.
Educators and fitness instructors at Hilton Head Health dedicated themselves to research and practice in order to implement a program designed to educate, demonstrate and inspire someone to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s. This program, LifePrime, is centered on longevity and what we can do to Live Young Longer. The program includes fitness activities, heart-healthy dining options, and educational lectures on redefining how we age.
Director of Health Education at Hilton Head Health, Bob Wright has lead the research on LifePrime. In his findings, he discovered there may be ways to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. “I have done a lot of research on this, or reviewing the research on this,” said Wright. “I think the absolute clear thing that keeps coming through is that those who stay physically active preserve their cognitive function.” Wright has found that by increasing our physical activity, we are increasing the blood and oxygen flow to our brains which could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s due to the cardiovascular benefits of exercise. Guests participating in the LifePrime program will participate in a variety of fitness activities that focus on stability, mobility, strength and energy in which each guest will receive those cardiovascular benefits.
Since high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are factors that could increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, the renowned chefs at Hilton Head Health have created a certain meal plan based on research on what foods can reduce these risks. Guests in the LifePrime program will enjoy meals from the Mediterranean diet. “There are a number of studies that support the Mediterranean style of eating,” said Wright. “There is a study out within the last year called ‘The Mind Diet’ that specifically looks for risks of Alzheimer’s and they found that those that had a diet with three servings of whole grains a day, a serving of nuts every day, beans regular throughout their diet, salmon or a fatty fish once a week, berries a few times a week, poultry as another protein source, kept red meat, full-fat dairy, and refined carbohydrates under control were able to lower the risk significantly of developing Alzheimer’s, and for those that did develop it, developed it much later in life.”
Education is an important aspect of the LifePrime program and every program offered at Hilton Head Health. Throughout the program, guests will be offered a variety of lectures and seminars on longevity topics such as, “Active for Life,” “Nutrition for Longevity,” and “Good for you Heart, Good for your Brain.” Guests will discuss the research on the possibility of reducing their risk of Alzheimer’s by increasing physical activity, eating the right nutrition and improving both their brain and heart health. “The research is really encouraging with that and that there are things that we can do to help preserve our cognitive functioning,” said Wright.
For 40 years, Hilton Head Health has been continually improving and modifying the programs to meet the needs of guests. “Clearly one of the needs and one of the desires is people want to live longer younger and they want to live longer better,” said Wright. “We are just fine tuning and focusing a bit more directly in helping those folks achieve that goal.” Hilton Head Health offers an opportunity learn more about your risk and how to lower it in a beautiful and relaxing sanctuary amongst experienced and passionate staff on Hilton Head Island. Book your LifePrime stay today!