[This content is a story-based medical science article, please read it rationally, and do not sit down]
"Alzheimer's? No way! My dad is a math professor and can solve advanced math problems every day! Zhang Xiaofang looked at Dr. Li, a neurologist in front of her, with an incredulous expression.
Dr. Li sighed softly, "Miss Zhang, I understand your feelings. But your father's symptoms do match the characteristics of early Alzheimer's disease. This disease does not take away all of a person's intelligence at once, but slowly erodes away. Even a math professor can unknowingly develop the disease. "
Zhang Xiaofang sat in the consultation room, her eyes glazed. She recalls her father's unusual behavior in recent months: he often forgot to turn off the gas, put his keys in the refrigerator, and got up in the middle of the night to get dressed and go to work...... I originally thought that it would be inevitable to be a little forgetful when I was old, but I didn't expect it to be such a terrible diagnosis.
Dr. Li handed Zhang Xiaofang a glass of warm water and went on to explain: "Alzheimer's disease, which we often refer to as Alzheimer's disease, is largely caused by the mass death of brain cells. But don't be discouraged, while there is no complete cure yet, there are ways we can prevent and delay the death of brain cells. "
Zhang Xiaofang raised her head, a glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes, "Really? Dr. Lee, what do we do? "
Dr. Li smiled and said, "In fact, the key to preventing Alzheimer's disease is to protect brain cells. Our brain is like a sophisticated computer that needs proper 'nutrition' and 'maintenance'. There are five substances that are particularly effective in preventing brain cell death, let's talk about them one by one. "
"The first is Omega-3 fatty acids. This substance is mainly found in deep-sea fish, such as salmon, tuna, etc. Omega-3 fatty acids are important components of brain cell membranes that protect brain cells from oxidative damage. It is recommended that your father eat fish rich in Omega-3 at least twice a week. "
Zhang Xiaofang nodded thoughtfully, "I see, no wonder I've seen some long-lived old people who often eat fish." "
"That's right," Dr. Lee agreed, "the second substance is antioxidants. This includes vitamin C, vitamin E, and various plant polyphenols. They neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce damage to brain cells. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and green tea are all good sources of antioxidants. "
"Green tea?" Zhang Xiaofang said in surprise, "My dad drinks a few cups of green tea every day!" "
Dr. Lee laughed and said, "That's good. The catechins contained in green tea are powerful antioxidants that are great for protecting brain cells. Be careful, though, not to drink too much at night so as not to interfere with your sleep. "
"The third substance is B vitamins, specifically vitamin B12. They are involved in the metabolism of brain cells and are important for maintaining normal cognitive function. As we age, the body's ability to absorb B12 decreases, so the elderly need to pay more attention to supplementation. Lean meats, eggs, and milk are all good sources of B vitamins. "
Zhang Xiaofang suddenly remembered something, "Dr. Li, I heard that vegetarians are more likely to get Alzheimer's, is it because of a lack of B12?" "
Dr Lee nodded and said, "It's true that vegans are more likely to be deficient in B12 because there is almost no B12 in plant-based foods. If your father is a vegetarian, it is recommended to supplement with some animal foods or take B12 supplements under the guidance of a doctor. "
"The fourth substance is curcumin. This is a natural compound derived from turmeric that has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Studies have found that curcumin can reduce the deposition of β-amyloid in the brain, an abnormal aggregation of this protein that is one of the main causes of Alzheimer's disease. "
Zhang Xiaofang's eyes lit up, "Turmeric? I remember that the yellow powder that we used to make curry in our family was turmeric, right? "
"That's right," Dr. Lee says with a smile, "curry is a great way to supplement curcumin, but it's hard to get enough curcumin in your diet alone." There are specialized curcumin supplements on the market, but it's best to consult your doctor before using them. "
"The last substance is DHA, which is docosahexaenoic acid. This is a special Omega-3 fatty acid that is the main component of brain cell membranes. DHA is important for maintaining the normal function of brain cells, especially in the formation and signaling of synapses. "
Zhang Xiaofang was a little puzzled, "DHA? It sounds like a strange name. "
Dr. Lee explains, "DHA is not new, it is widely found in deep-sea fish oil. In addition to fish, algae are also a great source of DHA. There are also special DHA supplements on the market, especially for the elderly who do not like to eat fish. "
After listening to Dr. Li's explanation, Zhang Xiaofang felt as if she had opened the door to a new world. She said excitedly, "Dr. Li, thank you for your detailed explanation. I will definitely follow your advice and adjust my father's diet so that he can supplement more of these substances. But is there anything else you can do to prevent Alzheimer's disease besides diet? "
Dr. Li looked at Zhang Xiaofang with satisfaction, "I'm glad you can be so positive." In addition to diet, there are several aspects that are also important. The first is to keep your brain active. It's a good idea to let your dad continue solving math problems, or try learning new skills, playing puzzle games, etc. The second is to have a regular schedule and ensure adequate sleep. Sleep is important for removing metabolic waste from the brain. The second is to exercise moderately to increase blood circulation in the brain. Finally, it is important to maintain an active social life to reduce loneliness and reduce the risk of disease. "
Zhang Xiaofang carefully wrote down these suggestions, and a warm current surged in her heart. She said gratefully, "Dr. Li, you have given me a lot of hope. I will work with my family to help my father delay the progression of his disease. "
"Preventing and delaying Alzheimer's disease is a long-term process that requires patience and perseverance from the family. Remember that even if a patient has already been diagnosed, with the right care and treatment, the quality of life can be greatly improved. The most important thing is to give the elderly enough love and respect no matter what. "
Zhang Xiaofang nodded, tears flashing in her eyes. She took a deep breath, clenched the diagnosis report and advice sheet in her hand, and made up her mind to fight for her father's health to the end.
The moment she walked out of the hospital, Zhang Xiaofang looked up at the blue sky, and her heart was full of hope. She knew it was going to be a long and difficult battle, but with love and the guidance of science, miracles could be done. She secretly vowed to make her father's old age still full of sunshine and joy.
Since then, Zhang Xiaofang's home has more fish, fruits, vegetables and nuts. She also bought a set of mahjong and often invited her father's old friends to come to the house to play cards and chat. Every morning she would go for a walk in the park with her father, and in the evening, she would play math or chess with him.
Gradually, Zhang Xiaofang was pleasantly surprised to find that her father's state seemed to be much better than before. Although there is occasional forgetfulness, serious derangement is rare. What made her even more relieved was that her father's eyes became brighter and his smile became more frequent.
All this made Zhang Xiaofang more confident. She knew that as long as she persevered, she would definitely win more good times for her father. And this is the most powerful weapon against Alzheimer's disease - love and hope.