“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.
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