Spot Dementia BEFORE it Takes Hold
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 31, 2024
We’ve all had those memory glitch moments where we walk into a room and forget why we’re there. Or you struggle to remember the actor’s name in a movie you just watched.
But when does normal brain aging cross the line into something more serious like cognitive decline?
It’s a question that’s kept researchers busy for years. They’ve explored everything from blood tests to brain scans, trying to find a way to spot dementia BEFORE it takes hold.
Now, a study published in the journal Age and Ageing may have cracked the code.
Researchers developed a simple 46-item questionnaire that could change how we detect cognitive decline.
The questions focus on six crucial aspects of brain function:
- Memory
- Language
- Orientation
- Attention and concentration
- Executive function
- Ability to copy and draw geometric figures (like a clock)
The researchers report their screening tool is “acceptably accurate” in identifying EARLY signs of cognitive decline. That means it could help doctors catch dementia in its earliest stages when treatment is most effective.
Of course, like any new medical breakthrough, this test needs more research to fully validate its effectiveness. But the initial results are promising.
In fact, this questionnaire could be a game-changer in how we approach dementia detection. Here’s why…
- It’s non-invasive: No needles, no scans, just simple questions.
- It’s comprehensive: By examining six different areas of brain function, it gives a well-rounded picture of cognitive health.
- It’s accessible: A questionnaire is much easier to administer than complex medical tests, making it potentially available to more people.
If you’re concerned about your cognitive function or that of a loved one, don’t wait. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options for cognitive screening.
Early detection is critical for staying ahead of dementia.
The sooner cognitive decline is identified, the sooner interventions can begin. This could mean everything from lifestyle changes to the proper nutrition to slow the progression of the disease.
Remember, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and staying mentally active are all crucial in maintaining brain health as we age.
P.S. “Sneaker Trick” FIGHTS cognitive decline.
Source:
Hamid R Sohrabi, Brandon E Gavett, Michael Weinborn, Craig P Speelman, Romola S Bucks, Ralph N Martins, The McCusker Subjective Cognitive Impairment Inventory (McSCI): a novel measure of perceived cognitive decline, Age and Ageing, Volume 53, Issue 7, July 2024, afae138
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
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....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...