Health Minister Speaks To Alzheimer’s Group
Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment Jeanne Atherden spoke at the Alzheimer’s Family Support Group Fashion Show this weekend, aiming to inform her audience of the intricacies of the disease and urging the public to be aware of the lifestyle choices that can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s later in life.
Minister Atherden said, “Since taking on the role of Minister responsible for Health, I have become increasingly aware of the growing incidence of Alzheimer’s both here in Bermuda and around the world.
“It is clear that the population of Alzheimer’s patients is increasing and therefore it almost goes without saying that there will be an increasing need for care of those with Alzheimer’s in the future.
“Alzheimer’s, we are learning, is not just hereditary, but may also be influenced by our lifestyle choices.
“Studies have shown, for example, that people with diabetes are at particularly high risk of Alzheimer’s disease and, further, that people with high insulin levels – long before they get diabetes – may already be on the road to Alzheimer’s disease.
“So we absolutely need to take steps to decrease the risk of this disease by eating right and exercising.
“Swap a fried lunch for a salad, have an apple for a snack instead of a bag of chips, take a walk during your lunch break, take the stairs instead of the elevator.
“Imagine if there is indeed a chance that the cumulative effects of such simple steps was all that stood between you and Alzheimer’s Disease – wouldn’t you do them? I think so.”
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Thank you to the Alzheimer’s Family Support Group for inviting me to be here today.
I have met with representatives of your group and I am extremely supportive of the work you do for those affected by Alzheimer’s – not only those with the disease but also their caregivers. Caregivers need support, and they also need to know that they are not alone.
Since taking on the role of Minister responsible for Health, I have become increasingly aware of the growing incidence of Alzheimer’s both here in Bermuda and around the world. It is clear that the population of Alzheimer’s patients is increasing and therefore it almost goes without saying that there will be an increasing need for care of those with Alzheimer’s in the future.
Alzheimer’s, we are learning, is not just hereditary, but may also be influenced by our lifestyle choices.
Studies have shown, for example, that people with diabetes are at particularly high risk of Alzheimer’s disease and, further, that people with high insulin levels – long before they get diabetes – may already be on the road to Alzheimer’s disease.
The thought is that as the body becomes more and more overweight, it becomes more and more resistant to the blood-sugar-lowering effects of insulin. To counter this insulin resistance, the body keeps making more insulin.
And one dangerous possible effect of high insulin levels is insulin-caused brain inflammation which increases brain levels of beta-amyloid – which is the ‘main ingredient’, if you will, in the sticky plaques that clog the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
So we absolutely need to take steps to decrease the risk of this disease by eating right and exercising.
Swap a fried lunch for a salad, have an apple for a snack instead of a bag of chips, take a walk during your lunch break, take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Imagine if there is indeed a chance that the cumulative effects of such simple steps was all that stood between you and Alzheimer’s Disease – wouldn’t you do them? I think so.
I now walk the stairs at work instead of the elevator. So let’s all make a start.
Thank you.
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