Fact 7: Lifestyle Factors and CAA
Examining the prognosis for CAA also requires us to look at the impact of lifestyle factors. It’s important to understand that while genetic factors might make a person more susceptible to the disease, lifestyle factors can significantly influence its progression.
A healthy lifestyle has been known to help prevent numerous diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Similarly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help manage and slow down the progression of CAA. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Regular exercise improves overall physical health, enhances cognitive function, and can slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including CAA. Even simple activities like walking, gardening, or light household chores can significantly improve cardiovascular health, which is critical in managing CAA.
A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, can have profound effects on overall health and wellbeing. Such a diet can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of heart disease and improve brain health. Specific diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, have been associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and might be beneficial for people living with CAA.
Avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is also crucial. Both smoking and heavy alcohol consumption have been associated with a higher risk of various health issues, including neurodegenerative diseases. In the context of CAA, these habits can exacerbate symptoms and potentially accelerate disease progression. (7)
