“Outdoor” Trick Eases Alzheimer’s (PROTECTS Brain Health)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 14, 2024
We all could use a little more sunshine in our lives.
How do I know? Because when you test most people’s blood for vitamin D (especially during the winter) nearly EVERYONE runs short.
Vitamin D is produced in your body when sunlight strikes your skin.
But the folks who may need sunshine the MOST are those who tend to get it the least. And that’s Alzheimer’s patients.
However, an exciting new study has uncovered a simple and effective solution.
Folks battling Alzheimer’s frequently spend LESS time outdoors and have reduced overall light exposure than the rest of us.
And yet a growing body of research finds sunlight can have remarkable benefits for folks with dementia.
You see, a region of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)—which oversees sleep cycles and circadian rhythms—has been linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s.
And now a new study published in the journal PLOS ONE, found that stimulating the SCN with light therapy can EASE some of the most devastating symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
You can directly stimulate the SCN by exposing someone to specific wavelengths of light or having them spend more time in the sun.
This light exposure, in turn, resets their circadian rhythms and improves sleep.
Around 70 percent of Alzheimer’s patients experience sleep disruption, especially in the early stages of the disease.
But improved sleep can alleviate some of Alzheimer’s most troubling symptoms, including…
- apathy,
- depression,
- agitation,
- and aggression.
We’re all spending less time outside in the sun than people did in the past. And we’re paying the price by missing out on the health, mood, and brain-specific benefits that sunlight provides.
Natural light sets our biochemical rhythms, which control things like sleep, hormones, and brain function.
In fact, our circadian rhythms, vitamin D production, alertness, happiness, and ability to learn are all influenced by the amount of daily sunlight we get.
Spending more time outside exposing your skin and eyes to sunlight is good for your brain health regardless if you’re experiencing cognitive issues or not.
But getting more light may be especially helpful for folks who are the most likely to lose their memory, like Alzheimer’s patients.
Getting more natural light exposure is simple and free. Make it a priority to spend more time outdoors starting TODAY!
And for folks who have trouble getting outside, lamps that simulate natural sunlight exposure are an effective alternative.
P.S. What’s the RIGHT amount of sunshine? I tackle that precise question in THIS “Mailbag” edition of Living Well Daily.
Source:
Zang, L., et al., “The effect of light therapy on sleep disorders and psychobehavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: A meta-analysis.” PLOS ONE, 2023, 18(12), e0293977. Doi .org /10.1371/journal.pone.0293977
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
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....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....