Dispelling the myths of Alzheimer’s

Dr. Anderson, thanks for writing up this informative article. I appreciate the quality of articles that you and the Impowerage team share.

I am so encouraged by the recent studies showing the value of exercise in lowering the risks of dementia. I read a couple of years ago that obesity was a risk factor for dementia but the immense benefits of exercise still surprise me. It seems that a healthy body has a strong correlation to a healthy brain – though, considering my spouse’s grandmother, it’s not an absolute guarantee. Still a study showing a 40% reduction in risk leaves me feeling so hopeful.

The “stress” or “happiness” factor is one that captivates me. The Rush University Medical Center study showing that seniors with a “sense of fulfillment” seemed less likely to develop Alzheimer’s amazed me. In our stressful society, it’s a good reminder that maybe “happiness” is about more than just feeling good.

The Journal of the American Medical Association recently shared the results of a six year long study following over 3,000 Seniors that showed that Ginkgo Biloba had no discernible effect on mental ability in the elderly. So that controversy might be a bit less controversial now.

Just to add to your solid tips, not that I vouch for the quality of all of them, I’ll share a list dementia prevention “mays” that I’ve put together.

* Coffee – In a 21 year long study, Swedish and Danish researchers found that subjects who drank three to five cups of coffee daily were 65 percent less likely to develop dementia, compared with those who drank two cups or less.
* Tea – According to a study by the University of Singapore, individuals who drink two to three cups of black tea daily are half as likely to show early signs of dementia as those who rarely drink it.
* Vitamin D – Researchers in the United Kingdom found that the risk of cognitive impairment was 42 percent higher in individuals who were deficient in vitamin D, and 394 percent higher in those with severe vitamin D deficiency.
* Curry – Researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles believe that turmeric may play a role in slowing down the progression of the neurodegenerative disease.
* Newspapers – The Mayo Clinic has conducted research indicating that reading magazines and newspapers can help protect against failing memory in old age.
* Significant Other – Swedish research found that marriage or having a partner halved the risk of developing dementia.
* Sleeping Habits – Prolonged sleep duration may be associated with an increased risk of dementia.
* Discipline – Researchers at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago may have discovered a connection between leading a conscientious life and reduced risks of Alzheimer’s disease.
* Juice – US researchers found the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease was 76% lower for those who drank juice more than three times a week, compared with those who drank it less than once a week.
* Marijuana – Researchers at Madrid’s Complutense University and the Cajal Institute showed that a synthetic version of the active ingredient in Marijuana may reduce inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s and thus help to prevent mental decline.
* Statins – Scientists have found further evidence that taking commonly used cholesterol-lowering statins may protect against dementia and memory loss.
* Slimming Down – A US study of more than 700 adults showed that being overweight is associated with smaller brain volume, a factor linked with dementia.
* Hormone Replacement Treatment – A study by the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London found that Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may protect post-menopausal women against memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
* Low Blood Pressure – Finnish Scientists have found that individuals with high blood pressure and raised cholesterol levels have a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as they age.
* Avoiding Soy – A Loughborough University study has found that consuming high levels of some soy products, including tofu, may increase the risk of memory loss.
* Vitamin E – Japanese Scientists found that a daily vitamin E supplement protects the brain of mice preventing the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
* Nicotine – Researchers from the Scripps Research Institute in California, US believe that Nicotine may reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms.
* Big Head – An American Scientist has claimed that individuals with small heads have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
* Omega-3 Fatty Acids – UCLA researchers believe that Omega-3 Fatty Acids, such as those found in fish oils, may delay or prevent Alzheimer’s.
* Alcohol – According to a study by the University of Bari in Italy, individuals who drink alcohol moderately develop dementia at a slower rate than those who drink little. The study also indicated that individuals who drink excessively develop dementia more quickly than moderate drinkers or teetotalers.
* Video Games – Studies of patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia or attention deficit disorder have found that those who play games have better speech and brain function.
* Exercise – A Massachusetts-based study found that people who performed moderate to heavy levels of physical activity had a 40 per cent lower risk of developing dementia.
* Walnuts – A study by the New York State Institute has found that mice who eat walnuts regularly were less likely to develop dementia.
* Sense of Fulfillment – In a study conducted by the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, researchers found that participants with high scores on the life purpose test were 2.4 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared with those who had the lowest scores.