Drop This Habit to SLASH Dementia Risk
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 10, 2024
There’s a reason dementia is so terrifying to think about.
It’s because, more often than not, folks are blindsided by a diagnosis. It feels like the condition hits out of nowhere and that you have no control.
But a groundbreaking study that gathered data from 14 European countries may have just given us the gift of seeing into our future.
Even better, it gives us back the ability to take charge of that future by slashing our risk of developing dementia.
Scientists recently identified a single bad habit that could be THE most important factor in deciding whether or not a senior will develop dementia.
The new study examined 16 different lifestyle combinations and focused on how smoking, drinking alcohol, being active, and socializing can all affect cognitive decline.
The results made it crystal clear that smoking is a disaster for brain health.
The researchers found that nonsmokers had significantly slower rates of cognitive decline than smokers REGARDLESS of what other lifestyle factors they considered.
They say knowledge is power and that certainly applies here. If you want to keep your mind sharp as you age the path is clear. If you smoke quit. If you don’t smoke keep it that way.
Of course, smoking isn’t the only factor that can fast forward brain aging. Other changes that you can make for better brain health include…
- Reducing chronic stress
- Improving sleep habits
- Sidestepping a sedentary lifestyle
- Avoiding drinking too much alcohol
- Eating a healthier nutrient-rich diet (focused on healthy proteins and vegetables)
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure without protection (shoot for 20 minutes a day)
- Creating and nurturing more social connections
- Reducing pollution exposure
- Avoiding eating too much sugar
- Focusing on good oral health
- Reducing chronic inflammation
Remember, the health of your future brain is in your hands and you can do a lot to reduce your risk of ever hearing those dreaded words, “You have dementia.”
P.S. “Nutrient Cocktail” slows brain aging to a CRAWL.
Source:
Bloomberg, M., Brocklebank, L., & Steptoe, A. (2024). Healthy lifestyle and cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults residing in 14 European countries. Nature Communications, 15(1), 19.
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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