As Alzheimer's Disease continues to claim huge numbers of our elderly population, the motivation to study it also increases. Studying the effects of the disease and researching ways to alleviate symptoms is giving us an enormous amount of information about the brain. This is a productive path. Our learning amounts of brain growth which helps curtail the symptoms of Alzheimer's, giving us more time to research cures and remedies.

One therapy being studied is called "bright light therapy." It has been used to eliminate agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease. "Sundowning," or agitation and restlessness which is observed in patients around dusk, is particularly responsive to bright light therapy. The discovery of this response in patients may point brain research in a new direction, as scientists realize the impact of certain kinds of natural light on the brain, and that we can simulate that light with similar results. Along these lines, color therapy is being researched for its calming and stimulating effects on Alzheimer's patients.

Scientists have long suspected that the environment plays a role in neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's. Identical twins with one twin developing Alzheimer's do not have higher likelihood of Alzheimer's in the second twin, proof that more than genes play a role. Current theory states that environmental factors take years to show up. This makes it very difficult to develop causal relationships. The immune system also is suspected of playing a part, supported by the presence of immune system chemicals known as cytokines in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's. Another mystery is the evidence shown in several studies that patients who take anti-inflammatory drugs on a long-term basis have a decreased prevalence of Alzheimer's.

The main environmental factors suspected in Alzheimer's are low education, head trauma, smoking, arterial disease, diabetes and menopause. A number of other factors are also indicated in the famous Nun study. They are emotional distress, low verbal skills, low anti-oxidant levels, and high copper levels possibly contributing to the disease. And some studies (not all) on people exposed to intense electromagnetic fields have shown a higher incidence.

Still, other than age, there are no well-documented risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. People with lower educational attainment may be at greater risk, as they are more susceptible to many other common chronic diseases.

This may be why the promise of active, focused brain-growth activity is so bright. Challenging ourselves to learn, comprehend, and increase our capacity for living will grow neurons constantly. Education at any age causes enormous amounts of dendrite growth. With the addition of personal engagement which comes from really caring about the task at hand, brain chemicals and hormones which promote growth are highly active. When considering a lifestyle design which guards against brain degeneration, think about what excites you the most. Add an aspect which requires some kind of social involvement, and you are in the target zone for maximizing your brain development. Look at volunteering opportunities in your community. Even if you do not choose to volunteer, these will give you some ideas for activities with robust brain-growth potential.