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.
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