The fact is, Alzheimer's is not unavoidable, and it is not just a normal part of aging. Alzheimer's disease is just that--a disease. No one knows what causes it or who will be affected by it, but we do know what it is, and we know ways to reduce our risk.

We do not have to live in fear of developing Alzheimer's disease.

First, we should know exactly what Alzheimer's disease is. It's a progressive, degenerative disease affecting the brain. Cells in the brain shrink, or disappear altogether, and are replaced with plaque. Thread-like structures of plaque choke off healthy brain cells.

All of this causes the brain to cease functioning correctly, which results in loss of mental and physical abilities and changes in behavior.

You're probably very familiar with the advanced symptoms of Alzheimer's, including loss of memory and inability to function on one's own.

You may not be aware of some of the warning signs of Alzheimer's, including:

-Memory loss

-Difficulty in performing routine tasks like balancing a checkbook

-Forgetting simple words more often than before

-Difficulty being understood when you speak

-Misplacing items, i.e. putting the phone in the refrigerator

-Mental confusion, such as getting lost on your own street

Many of these are things we all do occasionally; of course the point at which they become warning signs is the point at which they become abnormal for you.

Avoiding Alzheimer's is not as easy as one would hope, because no one knows what causes it or who is likely to get it. But there are things you can do to help reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer's.

Exercise, according to a 5-year study in Canada, cuts the risk not only of Alzheimer's but of other forms of mental decline and dementia, particularly in women. The more you exercise, the more your brain is sheltered from the risks of Alzheimer's.

According to the study, those who exercised the most were half as likely as inactive people to develop Alzheimer's disease and 40% less likely to suffer other forms of mental decline and dementia.

But even low levels of activity decreased risk for mental decline, dementia and Alzheimer's.

Doctors believe that medications designed to lower blood cholesterol may protect against the development of Alzheimer's. One natural supplement used for cholesterol, red yeast extract, is a natural statin, the very substance doctors believe can reduce chances of Alzheimer's.

Folic acid and vitamins C and E are believed to help prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer's, as well, and are very good for overall health. The antioxidant properties of these vitamins help prevent neuron damage in the brain and reduce the risks of mental decline.

One of the best things you can do to prevent Alzheimer's is to keep your brain active. Read, take courses, play games, do crossword puzzles, and have intellectual conversations. Keep your brain active, keep developing new connections in your brain.

There are no guarantees against Alzheimer's, but there are steps you can take, naturally, to protect your brain, and your mind, against this horrible illness.