How can I reduce my risk of developing dementia?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:To keep your brain cells humming and disease-free, you need to lessen the possibility of plaque formation, which is tied to dementia. To do so, decrease inflammation in your body by following an anti-inflammatory diet:
- Eliminate all nitrates. To wipe away plaque formation and defeat dementia, eliminate inflammatory foods like nitrates found in heavily processed foods such as meats and cheeses from the deli counter. Remember to always check labels and avoid the ingredient "sodium nitrate."
- Take an acetyl-l-carnitine & alpha-lipoic acid supplement. To help fight memory loss, start taking a combo supplement containing the natural compounds acetyl-l-carnitine (400mg) and alpha-lipoic acid (200mg). When combined, they help direct energy to cells and provide powerful antioxidant protection so the brain can function at its optimum best.
To keep your brain cells humming and disease-free, you need to lessen the possibility of plaque formation, which is tied to dementia. To do so, decrease inflammation in your body by following an anti-inflammatory diet: Eliminate all... More -
Dr. Audrey Chun of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:In a study published online in "Neurology," researchers found that managing health concerns beyond the usual suspects, such as heart disease and diabetes, can reduce your odds of developing dementia. Factors examined in the study included arthritis, hearing trouble, vision problems, denture fit, respiratory health, skin problems, stomach or bladder troubles, sinus issues, broken bones, and feet or ankle conditions, among other concerns. Each health problem increased the risk of dementia by about 3.2(ARBs, see Drug Watch).
The study examined health records for 7,239 people ages 65 and older who were free of dementia when they enrolled. Five, and then 10 years later, participants had new assessments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and all forms of dementia. Those subjects without health problems had an 18% risk of developing dementia within 10 years. Having eight health problems raised the risk to about 30%.In a study published online in "Neurology," researchers found that managing health concerns beyond the usual suspects, such as heart disease and diabetes, can reduce your odds of developing dementia. Factors examined in the study included... More -
RealAge answered:Hate the thought of losing your mental edge -- or worse, growing senile -- as you age? Well, here's a simple way to slash your risk of dementia by 73 percent:
Go for a power walk. People who regularly walk may be that much less likely to develop dementia compared with their couch-potato peers. Yeah, it's that simple!
Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's. It's the nosedive that memory and other cognitive functions can take when ailing blood vessels restrict -- and sometimes block -- the flow of blood to the brain. But because exercise -- even mild exercise like walking -- increases cerebral blood flow, it may shrink the risk.
People with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol up their odds of vascular dementia, so controlling those conditions is a start toward staying sharp. Here are a few other brain boosters to try:
- Drink up! (Juice, that is.)
- Slim down. Get your BMI under 25.
- Pop the right pills. Vitamin E and a daily aspirin are a good start.
Hate the thought of losing your mental edge -- or worse, growing senile -- as you age? Well, here's a simple way to slash your risk of dementia by 73 percent: Go for a power walk. People who regularly walk may be that much less likely to... More
