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…
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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.
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