Question: I lost my both my parents to Alzheimer’s. Now at 53 I feel I’ve lost some short-term memory. I don’t know whether this is the beginning of Alzheimer’s. If it is, is there anything I can do to stop it?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Of all the people who have Alzheimer's disease, only about 5 percent develop symptoms before age 65. It does run in families, so you are indeed at a higher risk for the disease.
Visit your doctor who can test you and refer you for further neurological evaluation if a curative cause is not evident. Additional laboratory tests or brain-imaging tests may also be needed towards reaching a clear diagnosis, including ruling out other diseases that cause similar symptoms. All our Alzheimers medications are aimed at slowing the rate of decline of the patient. Though not able to reverse existing lost function, these drugs do help preserve existing function, and are better when started sooner than later, after further irreversible decline has occurred. Do avoid self treatment and seek professional advice from your medical doctor. Be sure to keep your mind active by reading and other activities requiring focus and concentration that you enjoy. Be sure to exercise aerobically three times a week.
You can reduce your risk by eating right, exercising, staying mentally and socially active, sleeping/resting well and keeping stress in check. By leading a brain-healthy lifestyle, you may be able to prevent Alzheimer’s symptoms or slow down the process of deterioration.