The Cognitive Time Bomb Ticking in Senior Brains
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 18, 2024
Scientists just uncovered a hidden menace lurking in the brains of MANY seniors.
Chances are, you’ve never even heard of it. Most folks haven’t.
But it turns out this relatively unknown brain condition may be as much of a trigger for dementia as Alzheimer’s.
In fact, it might be affecting you or your loved ones right now…
LATE or limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy is a tongue twister for sure.
But this newly discovered condition is no laughing matter.
The protein TDP-43 is typically your brain’s best buddy. It helps regulate gene expression, keeping your gray matter running smoothly.
But sometimes, the protein misbehaves and accumulates where it shouldn’t. When this occurs, it can wreak havoc on your memory centers, such as the hippocampus.
The examination of the brains of over 6,000 folks who had passed away (average age at death: 88) revealed some startling LATE facts:
- A disturbing 40 percent of the folks had the TDP-43 deposits associated with LATE.
- About 25 percent had also experienced the memory and thinking deficits linked to LATE.
LATE doesn’t always work alone, either. Instead, it often teams up with other brain bad guys.
In fact, just over half of the brains examined in the study that contained LATE also showed signs of Alzheimer’s-related proteins. And that’s an evil alliance that can lead to even faster cognitive decline than either condition on its own.
But don’t panic. We still have a lot to learn about this new condition. And in the meantime, I’ve got some brain-boosting tricks up my sleeve that could help keep your mind sharp as a tack:
- Flex those mental muscles: Learn a new language, pick up a guitar, or dive into sudoku. Your brain craves new challenges.
- Get moving: Lace up your sneakers and get moving to get the blood pumping to your brain. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. Your mind AND your waistline will benefit.
- Eat smart: Load up on brain-boosting foods like fatty fish, nuts, and berries. But avoid brain-draining processed junk foods.
- Snooze or lose: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality shut-eye nightly. Your brain uses this time to remove the mental trash and file away memories.
- Chill out: Chronic stress is your brain’s worst enemy. Try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to keep your stress levels in check.
- Be a social butterfly: Regular interactions with friends and family are like a workout for your social brain muscles. Keep your connections strong by staying in touch and socializing.
- Manage common complaints: Don’t let common conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes get out of control. They can wreak havoc on your brain if left unchecked.
- Kick bad habits to the curb: Smoking and excessive drinking are like kryptonite for your brain cells. Time to say goodbye!
LATE might be a new player in the brain health game, but we’re not defenseless against it.
Incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, gives your brain the best chance to stay sharp, focused, and LATE-free well into your golden years.
P.S. The tiny tablet turning back time on your brain.
Source:
Mikhailenko, E., Colangelo, K., Tuimala, J., Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy in the oldest old: A population-based study. Brain. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae212
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
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...