Surprising Brain Shrink Trigger (and the FIX!)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 21, 2023
Here’s what no one tells you about your brain as you age…
You need to WORK to keep it the same size.
It might surprise you that many people’s brains SHRINK quite a bit as they get older.
But notice I said MANY!
Because you don’t have to be one of those folks whose brain is swiftly dwindling…
Your identity, thoughts, and memories are woven into the folds of gray matter in your brain.
Over time, your brain volume falls a small but noticeable amount.
The loss is mainly in areas vital for memory, learning, and cognitive processes.
But as shocking as that sounds, a small gradual shrink IS a natural part of aging. It’s a faster, more severe loss of brain matter that puts memories, cognitive abilities, independence, and general health in peril.
A significant brain volume loss can make a person LESS intelligent and MORE likely to develop dementia. And just as disturbing, it can leave you feeling downright unhappy and dissatisfied with life.
Fighting AGAINST brain shrinkage is a way to protect the core of who you are.
And it turns out that one of the best ways to do that couldn’t be easier… or more satisfying.
According to a new study published in the journal Neurology one of the best ways to maintain your brain size is to preserve good social connections.
The study focused on 8,896 volunteers who were asked all about their social contacts and happiness.
The researchers gathered data on how many people the participants connected with AND how often.
As they aged, the social butterflies in the study…
- had LESS brain shrinkage
- were significantly happier
In fact, the researchers concluded that depression alone was likely one of the major drivers of brain shrinkage.
The research boils down to the old “use it or lose it” adage.
When you’re around people, your brain is constantly challenged. If you spend a lot of time alone, your brain will shrink because it’s not being stimulated.
So, if you want to keep your wits about you well into your golden years, nurture your social contacts.
Here are some ideas to help you do that.
- Stay connected. There have never been more ways to connect with others. Face-to-face meetings are fantastic when you can make them happen. But when you can’t, there are many online ways to see and talk to family and friends. For example, my 92-year-old father recently got on Facebook to stay in touch with his grandkids. Find your family and loved ones online and start communicating.
- Make the MOST of interactions. We naturally feel more satisfied with deep and meaningful connections. This means opening up and sharing your emotions and experiences. And also asking lots of questions to get people to talk about themselves.
- Get outside. Stepping OUTSIDE of your home will make you feel less isolated and alone. And something as simple as taking a walk, visiting a local business, or sitting in the park will make you feel more connected to the world.
- Consider a pet. If you like animals, a pet is a terrific way to form a meaningful connection right there in your own home.
Hold on to your brain power AND happiness by connecting with others starting TODAY.
P.S. Unhappiness and loneliness are on the rise. That’s TERRIBLE news for our health. But this “Happiness Method” could be the fix.
Source:
Study: “Association Between Frequency of Social Contact and Brain Atrophy in Community-Dwelling Older People Without Dementia: The JPSC-AD Study for the Japan Prospective Studies Collaboration for Aging and Dementia (JPSC-AD) Study, Neurology Jul 2023, 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207602; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207602
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
Stop Obsessing Over Diet Trends
Can we stop with the endless diet debates already? Every other week there’s a new headline shouting about which diet is best for weight loss, heart health, or diabetes. Paleo, keto, low-carb, high-protein… it’s exhausting. And now, a new meta-analysis is out comparing the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and something called AHEI (that’s “Alternative...
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...