Is Your Eyesight Putting You at Risk of Alzheimer's?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 25, 2024
You know the drill when it comes to maintaining your brain health.
Diet, exercise, and keeping your mind active are key components.
However, that’s just the start.
New research reveals a crucial step to protecting cognitive function and dodging the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s that could be right in front of our very eyes…
A groundbreaking new study has uncovered a surprising link between our vision and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
And the implications are nothing short of eye-opening.
Incredibly, the findings published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology suggest that addressing common vision problems could prevent up to one in five cases of dementia in older adults.
Let that sink in for a moment. Simply taking care of your peepers can reduce your risk of dementia by 20 percent.
But how exactly does poor eyesight contribute to cognitive decline?
The scientists believe it works through mechanisms similar to hearing loss, another known risk factor for dementia. (To learn more about the link between hearing loss and dementia, CLICK HERE.)
One theory suggests that the same proteins associated with neurodegeneration also impact the nerves involved in visual processing.
It could also be a case of your brain working overtime. When your senses are impaired, your brain has to allocate more resources to compensate, potentially taking those resources away from other critical cognitive functions.
But there’s also some GOOD news. Up to 80 percent of vision impairments can be treated or prevented.
So, what can you do to keep your eyes and your brain in tip-top shape? Here are some simple natural ways to support your eye health and reduce dementia risk:
- Load up on leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, powerful antioxidants that protect your eyes.
- Go fish: Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, sardines, and mackerel support retinal health and may reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
- Berry bonanza: Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that benefit eye health.
- Get vitamin E: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and avocados are excellent sources of eye-protecting vitamin E.
- Catch some Zs: Adequate sleep allows your eyes to rest and repair themselves.
- Screen time breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
- Wear your shades: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays whenever you’re outside by wearing sunglasses.
Remember, while these natural approaches can support eye health and potentially reduce dementia risk, they’re no substitute for regular check-ups with your eye doctor.
To protect your eyesight AND brain health, schedule those appointments and address any vision issues promptly.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
Hidden Smartphone Danger Puts You at Risk
New research has revealed a startling link between regular cellphone use and a hidden danger no one should ignore.
The TRUTH About Diabetes Drugs and Brain Aging
Research suggests the widely prescribed type 2 diabetes drug metformin may slow brain aging. Discover how to achieve similar results WITHOUT drugs.
Unexpected Perks of Your Coffee Habit Revealed!
A groundbreaking new study suggests that your daily coffee habit could be protecting you from not just one but multiple chronic diseases. Let’s pour over this fascinating research…
The SHORTER Path to Dramatically Better Health
A groundbreaking new study reveals that the key to better health might be right under your feet. And the best part? No 5 AM workouts or Olympic-level training regimens.
Mailbag: Diarrhea Remedies That Really Work
If you experience loose stool for over four weeks, it’s chronic diarrhea and potentially harmful. These drug-free remedies may help.
Is Aspirin Really a Colon Cancer Fix? (Not So Fast!)
A new study suggests aspirin could reduce colon cancer risk, but at what cost? Discover why this “solution” might be more dangerous than the problem it claims to solve.
Is A Home Blood Pressure Cuff Worth the Money?
You probably get your blood pressure checked at your annual physical. But should it be checked more often with a home blood pressure cuff? Find out…
P.S. Ditch this common habit to SLASH dementia risk.
Source:
Smith JR, Huang AR, Zhou Y, et al. Vision Impairment and the Population Attributable Fraction of Dementia in Older Adults. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online 9.05.2024. doi: 10.1001 /jamaophthalmol .2024.3131
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
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...
Mailbag: "Digestive Drama" Strikes MILLIONS Over 50
“As an older woman I’m noticing changes in my digestion. Why does it become more difficult to digest food as we get older?” —Grumbling Gut Age-related changes to digestion are common, and they don’t get talked about nearly enough. It seems our stomachs decide to alter the rules just when we’ve mastered the game of...