The bad news: no one has ever recovered from Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's and memory care

Here are the grim statistics. There are 44 million people in the world who have Alzheimer's disease, including 5.3 million Americans. The average life span after diagnosis? Four to eight years. By 2031, one-third of the over-85 population will suffer from it.

And once it sinks in that no has has ever been cured, and we are still years or even decades away from finding a cure, you'll want to do everything you can to avoid becoming an Alzheimer's victim.

Of course, it's hard to overcome basic genetics. Many studies link your proclivity to acquiring Alzheimer's to your DNA. But, there are some common sense lifestyle measures you can take that may block or at least delay its onset, including, of course, diet, exercise, improved sleep habits and social interaction.

Here are some links to some helpful articles:

The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease: A Cure is Coming

What You Should Eat to Prevent Alzheimer's

Walking Slows the Progression of Alzheimer's

Are You One of 44 Million Who Has Alzheimer's?