“Time Travel” Technique Predicts Dementia 20 Years EARLY?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 24, 2024
Did you ever watch those old time-travel movies when you were a kid?
I sure did—and I loved to daydream about being able to see the future.
Well, now a new international study may have just uncovered a way for us to experience something similar. It’s probably not quite how you imagined it as a child…
But, researchers have discovered a “time travel” technique that could allow us to predict if we’re likely to develop dementiaup to two decades before a diagnosis.
Let me explain…
The groundbreaking research, published in JAMA Neurology, analyzed data from nearly 30,000 adults 60 and older across four major studies.
And it revealed that increasing frailty could be an early warning sign of dementia, potentially appearing up to two decades before a diagnosis.
The folks who developed dementia had consistently higher frailty scores 8-20 years before their diagnosis compared to those who didn’t develop the condition.
According to researchers, for every four to five additional health problems, there was, on average, a 40 percent higher risk of developing dementia. Meanwhile folks who were more physically fit had a significantly lower risk.
The study measured frailty by looking at various health problems, including…
- high blood pressure,
- cancer,
- chronic pain,
- hearing difficulties,
- mobility issues,
- and problems managing finances.
Researchers found that frailty levels began accelerating between four to nine years before a dementia diagnosis, with women generally showing higher frailty scores than men.
This is excellent news because it allows us to take steps NOW that could help us avoid dementia in the FUTURE. Unsurprisingly, they’re the same ones I often talk about here, in Living Well Daily.
- Maintain good nutrition by eating more whole foods, getting plenty of protein, and avoiding ultra-processed foods and added sugars.
- Get regular exercise. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity most days of the week.
- Properly manage your medications for chronic conditions and supplement for any gaps in your diet.
- Build and maintain strong social connections. Seek out social opportunities such as volunteering, attending church functions, or even joining a book club.
This wasn’t a cause-and-effect study, so more research is needed to confirm the link. However, the findings ARE quite promising and are also part of a growing number of studies showing a link between frailty and dementia.
This research underscores the importance of maintaining physical health and promptly addressing health problems—especially if you’re a senior.
By identifying and addressing frailty early, you may be able to delay or even prevent a dementia diagnosis in your future.
P.S. Drop this common habit to SLASH your dementia risk.
Source:
Ward DD, Flint JP, Littlejohns TJ, et al. Frailty Trajectories Preceding Dementia in the US and UK. JAMA Neurol. Published online November 11, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2024.3774
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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