Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of mortality in the U.S. By the end of 2015, approximately 5.3 million Americans will have the condition, according to the Alzheimer's Association. It's the only disease that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed. However, this may change within the next decade. Researchers have found a potential way to protect the body from developing Alzheimer's symptoms. Breakdown of protein affects memory As if a weakened immune system didn't already come with its problems, a new study from researchers at Duke University revealed a link between cells and Alzheimer's disease. Published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the report provided evidence of abnormalities in the microglia and arginase, which causes cells to attack arginine, in the immune systems of Alzheimer's patients. The protein is believed to be connected to learning and memory. Before the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms, the investigators injected mice with the disease with a drug called difluoromethylornithine and found that it blocks arginase from overmetabolizing arginine entering the bloodstream. They found fewer plaques and altered microglia developing in mice's brains. "All of this suggests to us that if you can block this local process of amino acid deprivation, then you can protect - the mouse, at least - from Alzheimer's disease," said Matthew Kan, an M.D. and Ph.D. student at the university, as well as the study's first author. A previous investigation from researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation showed similar results. By strengthening the immune system, particularly microglia, people will be able to ward off the amyloid-beta that causes plaque to form. Researchers found that a protein called the prostaglandin E2 receptor stops the microglia from functioning correctly. By blocking the EP2, they reversed Alzheimer's effects. While not yet tested in humans, this study, along with the current one, could lead to an effective treatment and potentially a cure for the disease. Boosting the immune system While Alzheimer's disease cannot be prevented, it can be fought. As people age, the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell in the immune system, die off, which reduces memory and the body's ability to fight off diseases, according to Harvard Medical School. By switching to a healthy lifestyle, patients' immune systems will come out on top. Get enough sleep - When people aren't catching enough shut-eye, their bodies start to slow down. Their memories are impaired, their reaction times are slowed and their ability to focus is lost. A lack of sleep also weakens the immune system. An adequate amount of sleep per night - approximately seven to eight hours for seniors - will ensure that people's bodies are up to par. Eat healthfully - A well-rounded diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Healthy foods reduce the chances of developing chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Sugar, on the other hand, does the opposite. For every 150 grams of sugar a person eats, his or her risk of diabetes increases by 1.1 percent, according to Prevention magazine. It also affects the heart, clogs arteries, zaps energy and exacerbates hunger. Sticking to fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber and vitamins, allows people to feel full longer. Exercise - Working out for just 30 minutes five times per week helps maintain a healthy weight and gets blood circulating. Exercise boosts overall fitness, which can improve the immune system. It also protects the heart and lowers blood pressure. A healthy body leads to a functioning immune system, and working out is one of the best ways to get the body moving. A healthy immune system provides countless benefits, and as shown by new research, one of those benefits is a reduced risk of Alzheimer's. ...read more