Pump the Brakes on Dementia and Parkinson’s
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 27, 2023
Dementia and Parkinson’s might not appear to have much in common at first glance.
But it turns out they share a common adversary…
EXERCISE.
Regular physical activity can slow down and, in some cases, slash the severity of BOTH diseases.
However, if you’re dreading grinding it out on the treadmill or climbing stairs for hours, you can relax.
I’ve got a FAR better solution to pump the brakes on dementia and Parkinson’s.
And it’s backed by THOUSANDS of years of successful use.
To slow the progress of dementia and Parkinson’s, you don’t have to become a gym rat or start training for marathons.
Instead, you can tap into the ancient mind-body practice of tai chi.
The gentle exercises combine focused movement, meditation, and breathing and have been around for thousands of years. However, recent research confirms their powerful benefits.
This ancient Chinese martial art powerfully protects the brain against the ravages of aging and disease.
Studies show that tai chi can improve cognitive function, memory, and the ability to carry out daily activities for folks with dementia.
The exercises provide both physical and mental stimulation. The slow, graceful movements boost brain connectivity and blood flow while reducing inflammation, which can delay the progression of memory loss.
For folks with Parkinson’s, tai chi improves balance, gait, strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. It can even reduce falls.
The exercise’s emphasis on posture, coordinated motion, and deep breathing improves motor control and mindfulness, countering the rigidity, tremors, and instability associated with Parkinson’s.
Both dementia and Parkinson’s disease involve neural degeneration (the breakdown of brain and nerve cells).
And while Tai Chi is NOT a cure for either, the concentration and unusual movements that the exercises require energize and strengthen nerve pathways.
Even mainstream medicine doctors are increasingly recommending tai chi as a complementary therapy to enhance the quality of life for people with dementia and Parkinson’s.
The key is to make it a consistent long-term practice. Even just a few sessions per week can make a difference.
You can get started by joining a local class or searching online for free videos.
P.S. 5 question quiz predicts your longevity?!
Sources:
Fuzhong Li, PhD, et al., “Clinical Effectiveness of Cognitively Enhanced Tai Ji Quan Training on Global Cognition and Dual-Task Performance During Walking in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Self-Reported Memory Concerns A Randomized Controlled Trial,” Annals of Internal Medicine, 31 October 2023, doi. org /10.7326/M23-1603
Li G, et al., “Effect of long-term Tai Chi training on Parkinson’s disease: a 3.5-year follow-up cohort study,” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, Published Online First: 24 October 2023. doi: 10. 1136/jnnp-2022-33096
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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