Alzheimer's, a progressive and fatal brain disease, is one of the most prevalent diseases Americans face. As of today, it does not have a cure, but remarkable medical strides are being made in the early prevention and detection of the disease.

According to the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Foundation (APRF), 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, one in eight people aged 65 and older has the disease, and the risk is even higher for those over 85.

With numbers as staggering as these, it is important for all of us to be informed about the ways we can prevent the onset of Alzheimer. Below are the "4 Pillars of Prevention" as outlined by the APRF:

• Diet and Vitamins: Proper nutrition, blood flow, energy, and care is essential in maintaining a healthy brain. A diet low in saturated and trans fats, but high in antioxidants like Vitamins C and E (fruits, veggies and fish) can boost memory function and lower the amount of free radicals in your system.
• Stress Management: Recent research shows that those with excessive stress are more prone to Alzheimer's disease. When we stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol, which in excess can damage the cells in the memory section of our brains.
• Exercise: According to the APRF, twenty minutes of physical exercise, three times a week can reduce the chance of Alzheimer's onset by around 50%, and mental exercise at the same frequency can reduce it by 70%.
• Pharmaceuticals: Medication has an important place in Alzheimer's prevention. You should consult a physician that specializes in the disease before you begin a medication routine.

• For every hour of sedentary activity during the day it takes an additional three minutes fall asleep at night

• Those who fell asleep faster ultimately slept longer, getting an extra hour of sleep for every 10-minute reduction in the time it took them to drift off.