Common Heart Condition Sends Dementia Risk SOARING
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 30, 2022
If you’re “of a certain age,” I bet you remember that iconic old slogan from the late 70s, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
It always springs to mind when I see a sharp person’s memory start to fade away.
They soon become unable to make decisions for themselves. Eventually, they even have a hard time remembering friends and family.
I’ve seen it happen far too many times. And frankly, it’s terrifying to contemplate because your memories are what make you, YOU.
Worst of all, even if you’re doing “all the right things,” you could STILL become a victim of memory loss.
Because it turns out, we’ve been overlooking a BIG risk factor.
Recent research published in the European Heart Journal confirmed a disturbing link between high blood pressure and dementia.
The large global study focused on 28,000 seniors in 20 countries. The researchers found that sustained blood pressure control (using standard meds) was linked to a SIGNIFICANT reduction in the odds of getting dementia later in life.
Now, we’ve known for a long time that lower blood pressure is related to better heart health and a lowered risk of stroke. But this is the first large study to firmly link blood pressure to dementia.
There IS a silver lining here. This connection means when you take care of your blood pressure, you ALSO take care of your brain. Talk about a terrific two-for-one deal!
So let’s take a quick look at what you can do to dial down your blood pressure (and protect your memories) without meds.
- Exercise: Consistent exercise is one of your best tools to keep your blood pressure low. You don’t have to go to the gym. A brisk half-hour walk, swimming laps, or even an hour of square dancing will do the trick. Just keep your rear OUT of the chair and your body MOVING.
- Vitamin C: Your blood vessel walls are lined with a tight barrier of endothelial cells. But inflammation can weaken that wall. Vitamin C tightens it up again and helps fight back against future inflammation.
- CoQ10: This enzyme is a natural antioxidant found throughout your body. CoQ10 is used for energy production. And since the heart is one of our most energy-hungry organs, it craves it. CoQ10 can lower inflammation, reduce blood clot risk, lower blood pressure, and help prevent arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation).
- Potassium: This mineral eases tension in your blood vessel walls, naturally lowering blood pressure. But potassium supplements aren’t a good idea as it’s too easy to overdo it. Instead, boost your levels by eating foods rich in the mineral, including sweet potatoes, squash, and white beans.
- Fish oil: The heart-healthy omega-3s EPA/DHA found in fish oil helps manage blood pressure. Fish oil reduces inflammation and softens arteries, so they stay flexible. I typically recommend taking between one to three grams daily Studies show that in some cases, omega-3s can reduce heart disease risk by up to 52 percent.
- Saunas: Studies have found hopping in the sauna doesn’t just feel fantastic. Doing so regularly, does fantastic things for your body, TOO, naturally lowering blood pressure.
Don’t waste YOUR mind. Save it instead, by bringing your blood pressure under control.
P.S. Researchers say THIS “age insurance” policy FIGHTS BACK against memory loss improving protection by up to 60 percent.
Source:
“Blood pressure lowering and prevention of dementia: an individual patient data meta-analysis,” European Heart Journal, 2022;, ehac584, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehac584
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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