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.
View More Free Articles
Stop Obsessing Over Diet Trends
Can we stop with the endless diet debates already? Every other week there’s a new headline shouting about which diet is best for weight loss, heart health, or diabetes. Paleo, keto, low-carb, high-protein… it’s exhausting. And now, a new meta-analysis is out comparing the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and something called AHEI (that’s “Alternative...
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...