Understanding and preventing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, remains a significant challenge in the medical field. Despite extensive research, the exact causes of Alzheimer’s are not fully understood, and the effectiveness of current drugs is limited. Genetics plays a role, with more than half of Alzheimer’s patients carrying at least one copy of the APO e4 gene, which increases the risk to varying degrees. However, the presence of this gene alone does not guarantee the development of dementia, nor does its absence ensure immunity.
Traditional Theories About Dementia & Alzheimer’s
Traditionally, Alzheimer’s has been associated with the accumulation of amyloid proteins and tau tangles in the brain. However, numerous pharmaceuticals designed to target these proteins have not successfully reversed the disease. This has led to confusion and reassessment within the scientific community, especially after revelations in 2022 suggested significant research findings might have been based on falsified data. New thought even posits whether amyloid and tau are the results of dementia and not the cause of it.
New Ideas About Alzheimer’s
Recently, alternative theories have gained traction. One proposes that Alzheimer’s might primarily be a vascular disorder, linked to reduced blood flow to the brain. Another theory suggests it is a metabolic disorder closely related to type 2 diabetes, sometimes referred to as “type 3 diabetes.” Both theories highlight the importance of managing cardiovascular health and insulin sensitivity as potential ways to delay or prevent the onset of dementia symptoms.
Preventive Care For Alzheimer’s
Preventive measures show promising avenues for mitigating the risk of Alzheimer’s. Physical exercise stands out as particularly effective, enhancing both cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism in the brain. A mix of cardiovascular and strength training exercises has been shown to produce neuroprotective effects, such as the generation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports cognitive functions.
Can Diet Affect Cognitive Decline?
Diet also plays a crucial role, with evidence suggesting that ketogenic diets, which provide ketones as an alternative brain fuel, can benefit people with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, maintaining high-quality sleep is critical, as deep sleep stages are essential for brain repair and clearing neural debris, processes that are compromised in dementia patients.
Do Puzzles Help With Dementia & Alzheimer’s?
While cognitive training games are popular, they have not demonstrated the same efficacy in preventing dementia as exercise and metabolic health management have. This holistic approach to brain health emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical health and cognitive function.
Hormones and Cognitive Decline
Emerging research suggests a potential link between hormone levels and cognitive health, indicating that hormone replacement therapy (HRT), specifically bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) could play a role in managing symptoms associated with cognitive decline.
At Ageless Expressions, we offer personalized, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy that is tailored to meet the unique hormonal needs of each individual. By restoring hormonal balance, our BHRT services may not only improve overall well-being but also support cognitive functions.
While BHRT is not a direct treatment for dementia, it may help mitigate some risk factors associated with hormonal imbalances, such as mood swings, sleep disturbances, and memory lapses. We encourage those experiencing these symptoms to consider a consultation to explore how hormone replacement therapy could benefit their cognitive health and overall quality of life.
Key Takeaways
Overall, we know there are genetic factors that affect a person’s likelihood to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s, however, the correlation isn’t completely understood or indicative. Strong and increasing evidence suggests that the key principles for dementia prevention include:
- Maintaining cardiovascular health is as good for the brain as it is for the heart
- Maintaining metabolic health for the liver and pancreas is also good for the brain
- Early detection is paramount to successfully avoiding or at least navigating the disease
- Getting enough deep sleep nightly is important for brain function & preventing decline
- Hormones may play a key role in cognitive maintenance
- Exercise remains the most powerful antidote to cognitive decline
These strategies, which are supported by a variety of studies and discussed in detail in Peter Attia’s book Outlive, offer practical measures to potentially prevent or reduce the impact of dementia.
References:
(1) Piller C (2022) Blots on a page. Science.
(2) Cholerton et al. (2016) Type 2 diabetes, cognition, and dementia in older adults. Diabetes Spectr.
(3) Esteban-Cornejo et al. (2022) Handgrip strength and all-cause dementia incidence and mortality. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Musc.(4) Grammatikopoulou et al. (2020) To keto or not to keto? Systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of ketogenic therapy on Alzheimer’s disease. Adv Nutr.