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Slash Risk of Dementia up to 40% with THIS Science-Backed Approach

The AHA! Team — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:03:21 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – Count to three. That’s how long it takes for someone in the world to develop dementia. The number of people living with this condition will double in just two decades. The good news? There are ways to defend against cognitive decline – nutrition, mental stimulation, and exercise, as highlighted in a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Aerobic exercise is one of the most powerful lifestyle factors for protecting brain health. Research shows that staying physically active can significantly lower the risk of dementia, making movement a key ingredient in lifelong cognitive wellness. So, how does exercise protect your brain? And what kind of workout is most effective? Let’s dive in. Exercise: A powerful defense against dementia The fight against dementia starts with movement. Research shows that high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) can lower the overall risk of dementia by 40% and even reduce risk by 35% in those genetically predisposed to the condition. Why? Because exercise strengthens both the heart and lungs, two key players in maintaining cognitive function. Drawing from the UK Biobank data, a new study analyzed over 61,000 adults aged 39 to 70 over 12 years. The findings were clear: Those with higher CRF performed significantly better on cognitive tests. Even individuals with a moderate to high genetic risk for dementia saw a 35% lower risk if they maintained high CRF. Participants with high CRF had a 40% lower overall risk of developing dementia. On average, they also delayed dementia onset by 1.5 years. CRF – your body’s ability to deliver oxygen during exercise – directly impacts memory, processing speed, and cognitive resilience. Just six minutes of stationary cycling was enough to reveal these benefits in the study. While no single factor can guarantee protection against dementia, regular aerobic exercise is one of the most powerful tools available for preserving brain health and reducing the impact of genetic risk. Not all exercise protects against dementia – cardio is key When it comes to brain health, not all exercise is created equal. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is one of the most effective physical activities for slowing cognitive decline. However, knowing that aerobic exercise is one of the most powerful defenses against dementia is one thing – making it a consistent habit is another. The key is finding activities that you enjoy and can sustain long-term. Here’s how to seamlessly integrate CRF-boosting movement into your lifestyle: 1. Start small and build up If you’re new to aerobic exercise, start with 10-15 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration and intensity. A brisk walk around the neighborhood, a light bike ride, or even a short dance session in your living room can get your heart pumping. 2. Make movement a daily habit Schedule exercise like an important meeting. Whether it’s a morning walk, an afternoon swim, or an evening dance class, consistency matters more than intensity. The goal is to keep your heart and lungs working regularly. 3. Try fun, social activities Exercising with others can make it more enjoyable and sustainable. Join a dance class, sign up for a group swim session, or go on weekend hikes with friends. Social engagement is a brain booster, so combining it with movement creates a double benefit. 4. Take advantage of everyday movement You don’t need a gym membership to stay active. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther from the store, or walk while taking phone calls. Small bursts of movement throughout the day add up. 5. Mix it up to stay engaged Variety prevents boredom and ensures you’re challenging different muscle groups. Alternate between cycling, power walking, swimming, and dancing to keep things interesting while maximizing CRF benefits. 6. Track your progress Using a fitness tracker or journal to monitor your activity levels can help you stay motivated and see your improvement over time. Even tracking how you feel mentally and physically after exercise can reinforce the habit. 7. Listen to your body The goal is lifelong brain health, so prioritize consistency over intensity. If you’re fatigued, opt for a lower-impact activity like swimming or a leisurely bike ride instead of skipping movement altogether. By making these small but meaningful changes, you’re not just improving your physical health but actively protecting your brain for years to come. Sources for this article include: BMJ.com Studyfinds.org Alzint.org To read the original article click here.

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Obesity’s Impacts on Our Brain, Dementia, and Fertility

The AHA! Team — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:24:53 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Weight loss can decrease dementia risk and improve mental performance and fertility. As I’ve discussed previously, in the ABCs of the health consequences of obesity, A is for Arthritis, B is for Back Pain and Blood Pressure, C is for Cancer, and D is for Diabetes. That brings us to E, which is for Encephalopathy. Encephalopathy means brain disease. There are consistent data linking obesity in middle age to a higher risk of dementia later in life. Researchers found that individuals who are overweight have about a one-third higher risk of dementia and those who are obese in mid-life have about 90 percent greater risk. The risk isn’t limited only to future dysfunction, though. People with excess body weight don’t appear to think as clearly at any age. “It was found that obese participants showed broad impairments on executive functions” of the brain, including working memory, decision-making, planning, cognitive flexibility, and verbal fluency. “From resisting temptation to keeping long-term goals in mind, executive functions play a critical role in everyday life,” noted a meta-analysis and review of 72 studies on the issue. People may think about their obesity…as much as five times an hour According to researchers, people may think about their obesity and the resulting stigma they experience as much as five times an hour, but the cognitive deficits do not appear to arise just from distraction; there are structural brain differences between individuals who are at an ideal weight versus overweight. A review entitled “Does the Brain Shrink as the Waist Expands?” noted gray matter atrophy across all ages among those carrying excess body fat. It’s this reduced brain volume that has been correlated with lower executive function. As you can see below and at 1:42 in my video The Effects of Obesity on Dementia, Brain Function, and Fertility, compromised integrity of the rest of the brain—the white matter—suggests accelerated brain aging, even in young adults and children with obesity. Cognitive deficits in younger populations suggest there’s something about obesity itself that is affecting brain function, rather than a later clinical consequence, such as high blood pressure. Purported mechanisms for this executive dysfunction include obesity-related inflammation and oxidative stress. So, does weight loss improve cognitive function? Based on a meta-analysis of 20 studies, researchers found that mental performance across a variety of domains can be significantly improved with even modest weight loss. However, no studies have yet to be done to determine if this then translates into a normalization of Alzheimer’s disease risk. Back to the ABCs of obesity’s health consequences, F is for Fertility—or rather failed fertility. “Overweight and obese persons seeking fertility should be educated on the detrimental effects of fatness and the benefits of weight reduction, including improvement in pregnancy rates,” one meta-analysis concluded. Men also may suffer impaired fertility. The heavier a man is, the greater his risk of having a low sperm count or being completely sterile, as you can see below and at 3:01 in my video. This may be due in part to the effects of excess body fat on testosterone levels. Fat isn’t the primary site of estrogen production in only postmenopausal women, but in men, too. An enzyme in body fat converts testosterone into estrogen. Men losing weight and going from obese to overweight could potentially raise the testosterone levels in their blood by 13 percent. A more dramatic cause of infertility in obese men… is called a “hidden penis.” The condition, which is also described in the medical literature as a “hidden, buried, concealed, trapped, and inconspicuous” penis, occurs when excess fat in the pubic area subsumes the penis (since its base is attached internally to the pubic bone). The moist enfolding skin surfaces can result in chronic inflammatory dermatitis leading to scarring and requiring a surgical intervention. If you missed the previous blog posts, I covered The Best Knee Replacement Alternative for Osteoarthritis Treatment and The Effects of Obesity on Back Pain, Blood Pressure, Cancer, and Diabetes. I continue the topic of obesity and weight with videos in the related posts below. I cover all of this and more at length in my book How Not to Diet, and its culinary companion, The How Not to Diet Cookbook, has more than 100 delicious, weight-conscious recipes. Request them from your local library. For more on the health conditions discussed in this video, see the Alzheimer’s disease, cognition, and fertility topic pages. Key Takeaways Middle-aged individuals who are overweight have a one-third higher risk of dementia, while those who are obese face a 90 percent greater risk later in life. Obesity is linked to impaired executive brain functions, such as memory, decision-making, and planning, even in younger individuals, due to structural changes like reduced gray matter. Obesity can cause premature brain aging, with reduced gray and white matter integrity, leading to cognitive deficits that suggest brain function is affected by obesity itself, not just related conditions. Modest weight loss can significantly improve cognitive function, though it’s unclear if this reduces Alzheimer’s disease risk. Obesity can negatively affect fertility in both men and women, with excess fat lowering testosterone levels in men and contributing to conditions like “hidden penis” that may require surgical intervention. To read the original article click here.

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Dementia Surging Among Younger Adults at Unprecedented Rates, Study Reveals

The AHA! Team — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 05:04:20 +0000

News Staff via NaturalHealth365 – Young minds are deteriorating faster than anticipated, with early-onset dementia diagnoses rising at an alarming rate among young adults. This growing trend is profoundly affecting working-age individuals and their families. In fact, recent findings published in Neurology Journals highlight the increasing prevalence and incidence of early-onset dementia, shedding light on the significant mental health challenges faced by those under 65. Beyond the individuals themselves, dementia takes a toll on their loved ones and society as a whole. As more young and middle-aged adults are diagnosed, the burden on our healthcare system – and its associated costs – continues to escalate. The growing global crisis of early-onset dementia Finnish researchers recently analyzed the prevalence and incidence of early-onset dementia – defined as dementia occurring before age 65 – over a span of just over a decade. Their findings revealed that incidence rates were higher than previously reported and showed a progressive increase throughout the 11-year study period. However, it’s important to note that the data was limited to two regions in Finland: Northern Savonia in Eastern Finland and Northern Ostrobothnia in the north. Further insights were provided by a systematic review published in JAMA Network Further insights were provided by a systematic review published in JAMA Network, which analyzed 95 studies on early-onset dementia. This global review found that the standardized prevalence of early-onset dementia averaged 119 cases per 100,000 individuals aged 30 to 64. Alarmingly, the incidence among individuals aged 30 to 34 showed an increase of 1.1 cases per 100,000. These findings show that early-onset dementia is not confined to Finland or specific regions but represents a growing global health challenge. Natural solutions for maintaining cognitive performance You can take steps to proactively defend against the development of early-onset dementia. A diet highlighted by Mediterranean foods, meaning wild fish, organic olives, nuts, and leafy greens, is beneficial to brain health. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as organic dark chocolate, bell peppers, berries, and tomatoes, also help prevent dementia. Moreover, fish, walnuts, and other foods with omega-3 fatty acids improve brain functionality, helping to slow the progression of dementia and cognitive decline. Like other body sites, the brain needs sufficient blood flow to function at peak performance. Engage in strength training and aerobic exercises to boost blood flow to your brain. Mental stimulation also helps ward off dementia. Continue your quest for knowledge through lifelong learning. If you struggle to remember things, play cognitive training games or enroll in a class or two at your local community college. Even socialization plays a role in keeping the mind sharp and your spirit high. Engage in social activities with neighbors, family, and friends. If you are isolated, consider volunteering or joining others for Bingo Night or other local events that provide much-needed mental stimulation. Minimize the stress in your life, and you’ll find that your mind isn’t nearly as crowded. You’ll think more clearly with sufficient sleep. Engage in daily meditation for 10 minutes and practice mindfulness exercises to keep your mind sharp. Though study results are mixed, there is some evidence that herbal supplements such as turmeric (curcumin) and ginkgo biloba promote cognitive function. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake, as alcohol is a subtle poison that kills brain cells. Editor’s note: Discover the best strategies to avoid and reverse the signs of dementia, own the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: Neurology.org NIH.gov Studyfinds.org To read the original article click here.

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Nanoplastics Promote Conditions for Parkinson’s Across Various Lab Models

The AHA! Team — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 03:47:42 +0000

Duke Health – DURHAM, N.C. – A novel study sounds the alarm on the need for a new area of research. Nanoplastics interact with a particular protein that is naturally found in the brain, creating changes linked to Parkinson’s disease and some types of dementia. In a Duke-led study appearing Nov. 17 in Science Advances, the researchers report that the findings create a foundation for a new area of investigation, fueled by the timely impact of environmental factors on human biology. Improperly disposed plastics have been shown to break into very small pieces “Parkinson’s disease has been called the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world,” said principal investigator, Andrew West, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University School of Medicine. “Numerous lines of data suggest environmental factors might play a prominent role in Parkinson’s disease, but such factors have for the most part not been identified.” Improperly disposed plastics have been shown to break into very small pieces and accumulate in water and food supplies, and were found in the blood of most adults in a recent study. “Our study suggests that the emergence of micro and nanoplastics in the environment might represent a new toxin challenge with respect to Parkinson’s disease risk and progression,” West said. “This is especially concerning given the predicted increase in concentrations of these contaminants in our water and food supplies.” West and colleagues in Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment and the Department of Chemistry at Trinity College of Arts and Sciences found that nanoparticles of the plastic polystyrene — typically found in single use items such as disposable drinking cups and cutlery — attract the accumulation of the protein known as alpha-synuclein. West said the study’s most surprising findings are the tight bonds formed between the plastic and the protein within the area of the neuron where these accumulations are congregating, the lysosome. Researchers said the plastic-protein accumulations happened across three different models performed in the study – in test tubes, cultured neurons, and mouse models of Parkinson’s disease. West said questions remain about how such interactions might be happening within humans and whether the type of plastic might play a role. And were found in the blood of most adults in a recent study “While microplastic and nanoplastic contaminants are being closely evaluated for their potential impact in cancer and autoimmune diseases, the striking nature of the interactions we could observe in our models suggest a need for evaluating increasing nanoplastic contaminants on Parkinson’s disease and dementia risk and progression,” West said. “The technology needed to monitor nanoplastics is still at the earliest possible stages and not ready yet to answer all the questions we have,” he said. “But hopefully efforts in this area will increase rapidly, as we see what these particles can do in our models. If we know what to look out for, we can take the necessary steps to protect ourselves, without compromising all the benefits we reap every day from plastics.” The study was funded by in part by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s initiative (ASAP-020527). In addition to West, study authors include Zhiyong Liu, Arpine Sokratian, Addison M. Duda, Enquan Xu, Christina Stanhope, Amber Fu, Samuel Strader, Huizhong Li, Yuan Yuan, Benjamin G. Bobay, Joana Sipe, Ketty Bai, Iben Lundgaard, Na Liu, Belinda Hernandez, Catherine Bowes Rickman, and Sara E. Miller. To read the original article click here.

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NEW STUDY Shows Social Isolation Harms Brain Health, Increases Risk of Dementia

AHA Publisher — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 07:00:17 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Social isolation, “the absence or near absence of social connections or relationships,” and loneliness are not healthy. There is evidence of an association between living socially isolated and adverse health effects, such as depression, anxiety, various physical stress responses, decreased immunity, and more. However, researchers have now established a strong link between social isolation and dementia later in life. Socially Isolated People Are More Likely to Develop “Later Dementia” The study, published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, used data gathered from the UK Biobank. Researchers found that socially isolated individuals had a 26% greater probability of developing dementia than a socially active person. Those older than 60 are the hardest hit. Depression was also linked to later dementia in this study, but the link was not nearly as significant as it was with social isolation. This means that even though social isolation can cause depression, it is not depression that can lead to dementia. Instead, it is the social isolation itself that increases the risk factor for dementia and negatively affects brain health. A 2021 study concluded that the forced social isolation that affected most people during the COVID-19 pandemic initiated a domino effect of repercussions regarding mental health. It examined dementia patients and their caregivers, exploring the impact of that social isolation. More than 50% of dementia patients experienced a decline in memory function; more than 30% felt sadder, while almost 40% experienced an increase in their anxiety symptoms. This increase in anxiety symptoms caused a rise in dementia symptoms, including agitation, hallucinations, and difficulty in daily life activities. In short, it made the patients’ dementia worse. CDC Knew Social Isolation Was Significant Health Risk and Recommended It Anyway During Pandemic With No Sound Evidence for Its Effectiveness to “Flatten the Curve” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites several studies that point to health risks associated with social isolation in adults over 50. Studies show that social isolation can increase the risk of: premature death from all causes dementia by about 50% heart disease by 29% stroke by 32% anxiety, depression, and suicide In addition, heart failure patients who were socially isolated had: 4-fold increase in the risk of death increased risk of hospitalization by 68% increased risk of emergency room visits by 57% Here Is What to Do to Reduce Your Dementia Risk There are many steps individuals can take to decrease their risk of dementia. Maintain good physical health Eat a healthy organic diet Monitor blood pressure and keep systolic BP at 130 mm Hg or lower, starting at around 40 years of age Reduce exposure to secondhand smoke Reduce exposure to air pollution Take measures to prevent falls to avoid head injury Limit or avoid alcohol consumption Don’t smoke or quit smoking Keep the brain active with puzzles, lessons, and discussions Maintain a healthy weight Prevent diabetes by keeping sugar intake very low Get 7 to 8 hours of good quality, restful sleep Encourage and enforce regular social interaction Senior centers or senior daycare facilities can be a good way to help adults get some social interaction. In the event of another pandemic with forced isolation, there should be plans in place for older adults who may suffer greatly from loneliness and isolation. And let’s remember that humans of all ages are social creatures. We thrive on interacting with others. We also know that during the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation was ineffective in stopping the spread of the so-called “virus.” So in the next round of pandemic, before complying with potentially harmful government-mandated lockdowns, shouldn’t we demand evidence from our health authorities that support the alleged rationale for over-reaching pandemic control measures? Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com NIH.gov CDC.gov TheLancet.com Assets.publishing.service.gov To read the original article click here.

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Can Healthy Gut Bacteria Reduce the Risk of Dementia?

AHA Publisher — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 08:00:57 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Is it possible that your gut bacteria affect your brain health? Even reduce the risk of dementia? We know that gut health and bacteria is imperative to immune health, hormone balance, healthy digestion, metabolic health and more. But, the brain? That can seem like a stretch. This study tried to answer this question. Here’s what was found and what it means to you. The Study: Gut Bacteria to Reduce the Risk of Dementia In January 2019, Scientific Reports published a study investigating the link between gut bacteria and dementia (1). The study aimed to determine if having healthy gut bacteria (and lack of harmful bacteria) affected the risk of developing dementia. The study involved 128 people who visit an outpatient memory clinic. The participants were 59% female and had a mean age of 74.2 years. To study gut bacteria vs. dementia risk, researchers assessed cognitive function using neuropsychological tests and brain MRI scans. The scientists divided the participants into demented and non-demented groups based on multivariable logistic regression models, silent lacunar infarcts and cerebral microbleeds, and more. Then, they collected fecal samples to study gut microbiotic. What Is the Gut Microbiome? The gut microbiome is made up of all the microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. There are about a trillion cells composed of about a thousand different species of bacteria! This microbiome plays a huge role in human health. Recent research has correlated certain changes in gut bacteria with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, hormone balance, bone density and mineral uptake, and more. In addition, some studies show that various lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and stress can alter gut bacteria. Many experts believe that most modern chronic diseases have correlations within the body. Healthy gut microbiome is one believed to impact many diseases. Gut Bacteria, Dementia, and Study Results In this study, the researchers found that the dementia group and non-dementia group had differences in types and amounts of gut microbiota. For example, levels of Bacteroides (one type of beneficial bacteria that normally live in the intestines) were decreased in the dementia group. Another bacteria, called enterotype III, were consistently increased in the group with dementia. These bacteria variations between groups were significant and independent of other variables that were studied, suggesting a link. What’s more, ammonia, indole, skatole, and phenol were all higher in the feces of the dementia group vs. the non-dementia group. In conclusion, the results suggested that these gut microbiome irregularities are independently and strongly associated with dementia. Specifically, beneficial bacteria may reduce the risk of dementia. Limitations of the Study Of course, no one study is perfect and this one had limitations. First of all, it was able to link the gut bacteria with the risk of dementia, but it did not show that it caused it. It also only had 128 participants, which is considered a small number. Since all the participants were regular patients at the out-patient center, it is possible that they experienced commonalities in the environment unaccounted for. Still, it is a strong study that indicates the need the further investigation. Are Probiotic Supplements the Answer? At the end of the study, the lead researcher suggested that probiotic supplements could play a role in improving the health of gut bacteria and reduce the risk of dementia. He pointed to a recent small study of 27 subjects that suggested that supplementation of a bacteria called Bifidobacterium breve A1 improved brain function in adults with mild cognitive impairment (2). The study found that 2 significant cognitive test scores improved during the probiotic supplementation intervention. Still, most researchers do not believe supplementation alone is the answer. Eating for Gut Health? Can diet alone boost beneficial gut bacteria enough to affect cognition? It’s possible. It’s important to eat a diet that includes many real foods with prebiotic fibers (in many vegetables) and fermented ingredients. However, many researchers believe that healthy gut bacteria is a result of multiple lifestyle factors including diet, medication use, supplements, and more. Bottom Line This new study indicates that there is a link between healthy gut bacteria, cognitive function, and reducing the risk of dementia. Taking care of healthy gut bacteria through supplements, diet, and a healthy lifestyle may be one key to brain health. More and more, science is proving that a healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy brain and body—and the power to keep your gut healthy lies directly with you! Get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book today to help you understand the connection between your gut and your health. You will learn that whatever inflames your gut will eventually inflame your brain and the rest of your body. Making the right food choices will become the medicine in which you will walk and live in divine health. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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