Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in today's society. For elderly people who develop Alzheimer's, it not only affects their daily lives, but can also have an impact on their families. So how can we prevent Alzheimer's? It is said that massaging a specific acupoint can effectively prevent Alzheimer's. Let's learn more about it with the following article and the help of the translator.
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with an insidious onset. It is characterized by comprehensive dementia symptoms such as memory impairment, aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, visuospatial skills impairment, executive dysfunction, personality and behavior changes, and the cause is still unknown. Onset before the age of 65 is called early-onset Alzheimer's, while onset after the age of 65 is called late-onset Alzheimer's.
Preventing Alzheimer's by Massaging a Specific Acupoint
The specific acupoint for preventing Alzheimer's is located at the anterior hairline, where the brain spirit resides. It is connected to the brain and belongs to the gallbladder meridian of foot shaoyang, intersecting with the yangwei meridian of the eight extraordinary meridians. This acupoint has long been believed to have the functions of soothing the liver and gallbladder, calming wind and calming the mind, and awakening the brain. It has been recommended by generations of medical practitioners for the treatment of stroke, epilepsy, convulsions, headache, and other conditions.
In clinical practice, there is a close relationship between Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease.
From a neuro-psychological perspective, the frontal lobe of the brain is responsible for functions such as memory, judgment, analysis, and thinking. Degeneration or damage to the frontal lobe can result in the inability to concentrate, inability to engage in detailed logical reasoning, helplessness in the face of sudden events, forgetfulness, slow movement, paranoid personality, withdrawal, emotional fluctuations, and unpredictable mood swings.
The specific acupoint is located on the surface of the frontal lobe of the brain. Stimulating this acupoint can increase the excitability of the frontal cortex and improve cerebral blood supply deficiency, prevent and delay the death and atrophy of damaged neurons, and effectively improve the memory and cognitive abilities of patients. In clinical practice, it is more effective when used in conjunction with the Shen Ting acupoint and Bai Hui acupoint.
Acupoint Selection Method
At the front hairline, 0.5 cun above the forehead, 3 cun beside the Shen Ting acupoint, at the intersection of the inner two-thirds and outer one-third of the line connecting Shen Ting and Tou Wei.
Massage Technique
Massage method: The patient applies pressure with the tip of the thumb joint on the acupoint, pressing and kneading vertically, producing obvious sourness, numbness, swelling, and pain in the local area, which lasts for a few seconds and gradually relaxes. Then use the base of the thumb to rub gently against the acupoint, until the local area feels warm. Repeat this process and alternate between the left and right sides. Press each acupoint for 5-10 minutes, once or twice a day.
Other Methods of Preventing Alzheimer's
1. Drink two cups of apple juice every day
Apple juice can promote the production of acetylcholine in the brain. This substance is the same as the active ingredient in the first-choice drug Aricept (donepezil) for treating Alzheimer's disease. Apple juice has the effect of improving the speed and accuracy of memory and learning. Eating two apples a day can also have the same effect.
2. Consume cinnamon
Consuming cinnamon helps improve weak and inefficient insulin (insulin resistance) and helps it process sugars normally. Cinnamon helps prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Cinnamon can be added to food and drinks, with half a teaspoon to one teaspoon (250mg to 500mg) of cinnamon powder per day being sufficient.
3. Get more education
Multiple studies have found that the more formal education received, the lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. University education enhances mental activities such as attention and reading ability, which helps stimulate connections between brain cells.
4. Socialize more
Increased social interaction helps improve cognitive abilities. Going out with friends for meals or participating in sports activities, traveling, gatherings, watching movies, attending concerts, joining various clubs, participating in community volunteer activities, and regularly visiting family and friends all help improve memory and thinking abilities.
