“Hobby Hero” Slashes Dementia Risk
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 26, 2022
Hard headed. Thick skulled. The phrases we use to talk about our heads could make you think they’re tough.
But the truth is your brain beneath that thick skull is vulnerable. In fact, it’s under constant threat from modern living.
Environmental chemicals, inflammatory sugars, harmful vegetable oils, and other junk foods do damage daily.
And lack of exercise, uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity send your dementia risk soaring.
But you CAN fight back.
In fact, thanks to a new study published in the journal Neurology we now have a better idea of what works (and what doesn’t).
And there are some surprisingly simple solutions that can make a BIG difference in your brain health as you age.
Incredibly, the new study found that LEISURE activities had the most impact on staving off Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
The meta-analysis crunched the data from 38 studies that included over 2 million people. The researchers found that our favorite pastimes were linked to a healthy 17 percent overall drop in the risk of dementia.
A deeper dive into the data revealed that different leisure activities have different impacts on dementia risks:
- Mental activities such as reading, writing, playing games or a musical instrument, or crafting slashed risk by 23 percent.
- Physical activities, including walking, running, swimming, bicycling, playing sports, yoga, and dancing, reduced risk by 17 percent.
- Social activities such as taking classes, joining a club, volunteering, and attending church dropped the risk by 7 percent.
It’s clear that being active both mentally and physically can prolong your time here on this earth.
The past few years have been rough. Many folks have found themselves parked in front of the TV more often, slowly becoming couch potatoes as a result.
If that’s how you’ve been spending your leisure time, it’s time to make a change. Commit to some new hobbies that stretch your mind and body, like the ones I listed above.
P.S. The way you look at life has a dramatic impact on your health. In fact, new research shows this one “mindset trick” can literally help you live longer.
Source:
“Leisure Activities and the Risk of Dementia A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,” Neurology Oct 2022, 99 (15) e1651-e1663; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000200929
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...
The Hidden Dangers of Fried Foods
It’s no wonder French fries are so popular. They’re crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. As a matter of fact, as I wrote the words “crispy” and “salty” just now, my mouth watered. I’m only human, after all. But brace yourself—because what I’m about to share will make you think twice before diving into your next serving...
Losing Your Locks? The SURPRISING Solution
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Losing your hair sucks. The hit to your self-esteem is no joke. You might even find yourself avoiding mirrors and hoarding hats. The treatment options are limited, often come with a laundry list of side effects, and deliver results that are about as predictable as a coin flip. It’s...
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...