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
America’s Next Prescription Epidemic?
It started with a prescription to help you stay focused… But now, for millions of Americans, that little orange pill bottle could be a gateway to something much darker. According to a brand-new national study, one in four adults prescribed stimulants for ADHD is misusing them—and nearly one in 10 has developed a full-blown use...
Is Your Diet ACTUALLY Healthy? Here’s How to Tell
I’ve probably uttered the phrase “healthy diet” when talking to patients, family, and friends more times than I’ve had cups of coffee—and that’s saying something! But I’ll admit it’s not always entirely clear what a healthy diet looks like. What does healthy eating really mean? Let’s take a look… Good news—healthy eating doesn’t mean you...
7 Natural Ways to Tackle Pain Without Pills
On Tuesday, we explored a promising new frontier in pain relief: terpenes, natural compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that may ease pain without the risks of opioids. That research is still developing. But what if you’re looking for help right now? Good news: You don’t have to wait for a pharmaceutical breakthrough to...
Mailbag: Pinched to Pain Free with Natural Sciatica Solutions
“I have been suffering from sciatic pain in my hip and groin. I try to do exercises to stretch it. But ever since I slipped on the ice and fell on my left hip it seems to be getting worse. Is there any help for this?” -Painfully Pinched Dear Pinched, I understand how frustrating sciatic...
New Cannabis Discovery Could Ease Pain—Without the High
A few years ago, everywhere you turned, someone was talking about CBD. The cannabis extract had exploded in popularity for everything from anxiety to inflammation to joint pain. And while the CBD conversation continues, another cannabis compound is quietly making headlines. One that could—believe it or not—provide relief from all kinds of pain. Without the...
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....