Blue Zones: The Key to Neurodegenerative Disease Prevention

Abstract

Due to increased life expectancies and aging populations around the world, there has been a significant increase in the rate of neurodegenerative disease diagnosis in recent years. Although cases of neurodegenerative diseases have generally increased globally, there are still significant disparities, and some regions suffer substantially more from neurodegenerative diseases than others. The prevention of neurodegenerative diseases in these regions has rarely been discussed in literature. By examining a diverse set of primary sources describing how different lifestyle choices affect the development of neurodegenerative diseases, this research aims to explore the most effective methods of neurodegeneration prevention. Additionally, Blue Zones, areas of the world with significantly low rates of neurodegenerative diseases, have been specifically researched to determine how people in these regions are able to circumvent deterioration to their cognitive health. After intensive research into the impacts of common lifestyle habits on neurological health, a general blueprint for neurodegenerative disease prevention was created, outlining the activities and practices that individuals should take into consideration in their decision-making. This paper concluded that easily alterable factors such as healthy nutrition, consistent sleep, and reduced alcohol consumption can play a vital role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. This research could allow areas with high rates of neurodegeneration to reduce deaths caused by cognitive deterioration by spreading knowledge of prevention methods. Overtime, this research could allow for a decrease in disparities in neurodegeneration around the world and potentially bring various populations closer to the cognitive prosperity that exists in Blue Zones.