People who do puzzles, get physical exercise and keep their minds active have a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Brain images show that people who are more intelligent, better educated and have an active mind are less likely to be affected with Alzheimer's disease. These findings are from experiments conducted at Columbia University and reported by Reuters. Dr. Thomas Ala, associate professor or neurology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says he sees similar outcomes with his patients:

SOUND BITE: " . . . when I see patients in clinic, those patients that seem to keep busy - they're active with their cooking, hobbies, getting out socializing and not just sitting around watching TV, not just taking naps all day - those patients that are busier doing things intellectually seem to be functioning better. They seem to, when we see them in follow up in six months, a year later, or two years later, they seem to be doing better, they are less confused, they are happy . . ."

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, which is a progressive loss of memory and cognitive function. It is caused when abnormal proteins accumulate in and around dying nerve cells throughout the brain. Dr. Ala suggests people take Vitamin C and E to help protect themselves from getting Alzheimer's disease. He says there are two types of treatments for the disease.

SOUND BITE: "One treatment which is really important and patients and families cannot over look it and this is the education side. The more we learn about Alzheimer's disease and how it affects us and interferes with our day-to-day activities, the better it will be for all of us. The second type of treatment would be a specific medication to slow down or stop or cure the illness. The only ones that seem to make a real difference at this point are the cholinesterase inhibitors - drugs like Aricept, Exelon, Reminyl."

Anyone who has serious memory problem should be seen their primary care physician for an evaluation and treatment. The SIU School of Medicine Alzheimer's Center works with physicians and health care providers to help treat patients in 30 local communities in Illinois.