10 Powerful Ways to Guard Against Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Proven ways to keep your mind strong and healthy for life

Fred Swartley
BeingWell
22 min readMay 7, 2022

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Photo by Natasha Connell on Unsplash

In today’s society, we are experiencing a sharp increase in the rates of cognitive decline. Millions of Americans are experiencing problems with focus, memory and concentration. Millions are beginning to develop neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s. Our brains are deteriorating at alarming rates and there is no sign that this trend will end anytime soon.

Alois Alzheimer discovered Alzheimer’s disease in 1906 when he observed plaque buildup and atrophy in the brain of one of his female pateints, Auguste D. This patient had displayed common signs of dementia, such as memory loss, disorenientation, confusion and hallucinations. Alzheimer gave a lecture on his findings and the symptoms presented in his patient. The term “Alzheimer’s Disease” was officially coined in 1910 by Emil Krapelin in recognition of Alois and his discovery.

When Alzheimer’s Disease (which is a form of dementia) was first discovered in the early 20th century, it was a relatively rare disease that only affected a few younger people. Today, however, Alzheimer’s has become a modern epidemic. In 2020 it was reported that 55 million Americans were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, studies show that 10 million new cases of dementia are discovered each year. Additionally, the total worldwide cost of treating dementia is estimated to be around 1.3 trillion dollars. These numbers are predicted to increase dramatically by 2050.

Alzheimer’s Disease most often occurs in elderly adults over age 65. However, today Alzheimer’s is becoming more common in younger adults too. Many people in their thirties, forties and fifties are beginning to show signs of Alzhiemer’s. This is called early-onset dementia.

The most common signs of Alzheimer’s Disease are confusion, problems speaking and communicating, social isolation, poor judgment and decision making, misplacing items, personality changes and difficulty completing normal tasks. Everyone experiences mental lapses occasionally, but if these difficulties become commonplace then it might be a sign of Alzheimer’s Disease.

So, what can be done about Alzheimer’s Disease? It is a death sentence? Is it smiply a result of genetics? Is there any cure for Alzheimer’s? Is there any hope to reverse this epidemic that is plaging our society?

Many people today believe that developing Alzheimer’s is a natural part of aging. They think that the progression of Alzheimer’s is an inevitable fate that we all must learn to accept.

Although Alzheimer’s is normal in today’s society, it has not been a normal part of aging throughout history. Additionally, Alzheimer’s disease is not nearly as prevalent in other countries such as India, Africa and South Asia. This evidence indicates that Alzheimer’s Disease is primarily a 21st century, Western disease. It is a result of the dietary and lifestyle habits of our modern society and not a normal or natural part of aging.

The good news is that Alzheimer’s is preventable with the correct dietary and lifestyle habits. And it is also reversible up until a certain point. The brain is plastic and can be improved and sharpened by healthy habits and practices.

Here are 10 key strategies that can help protect you and your loved ones against this devastating disease:

1. Reduce Sugar Intake

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Sugar is the enemy of health. Sugar destroys our health in many ways. It corrodes the arteries, causes diabetes and insulin resistance, raises blood pressure, weakens the immune system, feeds cancer cells, promotes cavities, raises triglycerides and causes hormonal imbalances. Sugar robs the body of nutrients and causes inflammation throughout the body.

Sugar also destroys the brain. High amounts of sugar oxidize the brain and damage its blood vessels. Studies show that even a single spike in blood sugar harms the brain and decreases memory and cognitive function. Furthermore, sugar has been shown to reduce levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which is responsible for forming new brain cells and increasing neural connections. Low levels of BDNF have been associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Sugar also harms the brain in yet another way. High blood sugar can lead to insulin resistance in the body and brain. When the brain becomes insulin resistant, it cannot receive adequate levels of glucose. This starves the brain of glucose and results in the development of Alzheimer’s in the brain.

The primary sugars you want to avoid are the added, processed and refined sugars. Added sugars include sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, corn syrup and rice syrup. Processed sugars also include foods like refined bread and grains, chips, pretzels, cookies, granola bars, crackers, waffles, biscuits, muffins and pancakes. These foods and sweeteners cause massive blood sugar spikes, resulting in brain oxidation and eventually insulin resistance.

You don’t need to worry too much about the natural sugars found in fruits, vegetables and legumes. These foods also contain high amounts of fiber, which binds to the sugar and slows its absoption into the bloodstream. Furthermore, these foods also contain high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which help buffer the oxidation caused by the sugars.

However, you should still be careful not to consume too many high-sugar fruits such as mangoes, dates, raisins and prunes. You should also stay clear of dried fruits because these are a concentrated source of sugar. Additionally, you should also limit natural sweeteners such as honey, molasses or coconut sugar. These natural sugars can still spike your blood sugar and lead to insulin resistance.

Focus on eating a balanced diet with adequate amounts of fat, fiber and protein. This will help keep your blood sugar balanced and prevent diabetes.

Also, be sure to check your blood glucose levels periodically. Try to keep your levels between 80 and 90mg/Dl. This will greatly minimize your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

2. Exercise

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Physical exercise is important not only for the health of our bodies, but also for the health of our brain. Physical activity is essential for optimal mental health and can plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s.

Physical exercise benefits the brain in many ways. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain cells. This increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that the brain receives. Exercise also increases the production of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in the brain. BDNF is a protein that helps maintain and grow healthy neurons. Additionally, exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Moderate exercise helps balance hormones such as insulin, cortisol, estrogen and testosterone. Finally, exercise also helps to increase the growth of the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory formation.

Many studies have shown that regular exercise can help prevent Alzheimer’s and slow its progression. One study tested the memory and cognitive skills of 30,000 middle aged adults. The study showed that the those with the highest fitness levels had a 50 percent reduced risk of developing dementia! Furthermore, the study also revealed that those who improved their fitness levels during the study lowered their risk of dementia.

Others studies show similar results. One study of 2257 elderly men revealed that those who walked less than a quarter mile per day had twice the risk of Alzheimer’s compared to those who walked more than two miles per day. Additionally, a 2010 study of about 300 elderly people living in urban environments showed that those who walked over six miles a week had less brain degeneration than those who were sedentary.

While all exercise is helpful for improving cognitive function and preventing Alzheimer’s Disease, aerobic exercise has the greatest benefits. One meta-analysis of 19 studies conducted by the University of Conneticut showed that aerobic exercise increased cognitive function significantly more than resistance training. This is most likely due to the fact that aerobic exercise increases heart rate and blood flow more than anaerobic training. Aerobic exercise also stimulates greater release of BDNF and other growth factors.

However, more exercise is not always better. Studies show that the greatest cognitive benefits are obtained with about three 45-minute sessions of modertate-intensity aerobic exercise each week. This aligns with the CDC’s recommendation for adults to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week.

Exercise is not only an excellent way to prevent Alzheimer’s, but it also helps improve the quality of life for those who already have the disease. Exercise improves balance and coordination, which can help prevent falls. Exercise also improves sleep quality, mood and cognitive function, all of which are diminished in those with Alzheimer’s.

3. Sleep

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Sleep is unquestionably one of the pillars of great health, along with diet, exercise, hydration, and relationships. Quality sleep is absolutely crucial for every aspect of health. Sleep helps to improve energy, maintain insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar, balance hormones, boost the immune system and improve reproductive health. Sleep is also essential for maintaining a healthy weight and eliminating food cravings. Additionally, sleep is crucial for heart health. It helps maintain healthy blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

Sleep is also vital for cognitive health. Sleep improves cognitive health in a wide variety of ways. It helps to increase problem-solving, planning, creativity and decision-making abilities. Sleep also helps to improve reaction times and alertness. It is important for learning new skills and processing information. Sleep is also essential for emotional health. Sleep helps process emotions and reduces the risk of developing a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.

Sleep is also very important in the prevention of Alzhiemer’s Disease. One meta-analysis of more than 25 studies showed that people with sleep problems had a significantly larger risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Sleep disorders are often closely associated with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders. In fact, it is estimated that 60 percent of Alzheimer’s patients are diagnosed with a serious sleep disorder. Even though correlation does not equal causation, it certainly seems as though sleep problems play a pivital role in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, it appears that Alzheimer’s contributes to poor sleep quality too.

One of the most common sleep disorders is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked and breathing stops momentarily. This often results in daytime drowsiness and difficulty concentrating.

The reason sleep is so crucial to preventing Alzheimer’s is because it helps to detox the brain of harmful proteins, known as beta-amyloid plaque. These beta-amyloid proteins are commonly found in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. One study showed that even one night of sleep deprivation increased the amount of beta-amyloid plaque by five percent!

Thus, in light of this evidence, obtaining quality sleep should be a priority for everyone and sleep difficulties should not be ignored.

What can you do to improve your sleep? There are many sleep remedies available, but I want to focus on a few of the most important keys for obtaining quality sleep:

  1. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

Maintaining a consistent sleep pattern is the most important factor for obtaining quality sleep. Going to sleep and waking up at roughly the same time each day regulates your circadian rhythm. This trains your body to naturally release melatonin and cortisol at certain times.

2. Keep your room pitch dark

Darkness stimulates the release of melatonin, which is the hormone that promotes sleepiness. Thus, try to keep your room as dark as possible. Remove or cover up all sources of light, including your alarm clock. You can you use black-out curtains and an eye mask to ensure complete darkness.

3. Keep your bedroom temperature cool

Temperature is another factor that stimulates the release of melatonin. Your body drops in temperature at night to help induce drowsiness. Thus, it’s best to sleep in a room that is slightly cool. You want to be slightly cold, but not uncomfortable. An ideal temperature for optimal sleep is between 60 to 68 degrees.

4. Get Plenty of Sunlight

Getting sunlight is also important for regulating your circadian rhythm. Obtaining sunlight helps your body release more melatonin at night. Sunlight also aids in the production of seratonin, which converts to melatonin at night. Morning sunlight is especially beneficial for regulating your sleep cycle and inducing melatonin release at night.

5. Reduce blue light exposure at night

Blue light is a frequency of light that interferes with sleep. This blue light is emitted by electronic devices, including cell phones, computers and TV. Blue light is also emitted by fluorescent lights. Thus, it’s best to limit the use of electronic devices and dim your lights at night.

One way to reduce blue light exposure at night is to invest in a pair of blue light blocking glasses. These glasses can be purchased online for a reasonable price. Another option is to install a blue-light blocking filter onto your computer or cell phone.

6. Practice good sleep hygiene

It’s important to develop nighttime habits and practices that will help you to fall asleep easily. Try to find ways to relax at night. Taking a shower and brushing your teeth before bed are great ways to unwind and relieve the stress and tension of the day. You could also read a book or talk gently with a loved one. Try to avoid working late into the night or doing anything that has a stimulating effect.

7. Exercise

There is nothing as satisfying as hitting the sack at night after a long day of physical exercise. Exercise increases the wear-and-tear on the body and helps increase the quantity and quality of sleep at night.

These are the core pillars for obtaining quality sleep. Other ways to improve sleep are using essential oils such as lavendar and Camomile, supplementing with magnesium glycinate or herbs such as passion flower, meditation and prayer, listening to gentle music or giving yourself a massage.

4. Socialize

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Socializing is a natural part of life. We begin socializing as an infant and continue until the day that we die.

We all know that socializing is fun and fulfills our inner need for companionship and communication. However, many do not realize the impact that socialization has on the human brain.

Socialization has incredible benefits for mental health. Socialization helps boost overall mood and happiness levels. Having a strong social network helps protect against depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.

Socializing is also powerful for improving cognitive function and protecting against Alzheimer’s and dementia. One California study showed that older women who had large social networks reduced their risk of Alzheimer’s by 26 percent. Additionally, elderly women who had daily social interaction with friends reduced their risk of Alzheimer’s by almost 50 percent!

Other studies show similar results. One 2017 study by Northwestern University showed that elderly women who had strong social networks had far superior cognitive abilities compared to those who were more isolated. Similarly, research has shown that loneliness and isolation significantly increased the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Many studies also reveal that middle-aged people who are more socially active have a far lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

While socializing alone provides excellent benefits for cognitive health, research shows that social activities that also involve physical and mental exercise provide even greater benefits. Thus, participating in group exercise such as yoga, soccer or swing dancing or activities like bingo and board games compounds the beneftis of socializing.

Another strong case for the cognitive health benefits of socializing can be seen from studying blue zone people. Studies reveal that a common trend among people living in blue zones (areas with the longest-lived people of the world) is their high level of social activity. Blue zone peoples such as the Japanese usually have strong social networks. They laugh and talk together late into the night. They support and encourage each other during difficult times. They live life together.

Thus, in light of this evidence, socializing should be a priority for everyone who is looking to stay mentally sharp and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. It is especially important for elderly people to stay socially active to maintain their cognitive abilities. Elderly people who isolate themselves will physically and mentally decline much faster than those who are socially active.

Socialzing is also important for those who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. People with Alzheimer’s tend to isolate themselves because of their limited social abilities. However, maintaining healthy social connections and activities will help those with Alzheimer’s retain more of their cognitive function.

There are many ways to increase your social life. You could join an exercise class at a local gym. You could participate in a Bible study at church. You could take classes at a community college. You could join a club or organization based on your interests. You could sing in a chior. The possibilities are endless. Just find something you enjoy and dive in!

5. Sauna

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Saunas have been used for thousands of years in many countries around the world. Saunas have provided a natural and easy way to improve overall health and well being.

Saunas are still commonly used in various countries such as Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Saunas are especially popular in Finland, and are a prominent aspect of Finnish culture. Many Finnish people use the sauna daily to find relief from the frigid weather.

Saunas are also used in the U.S. and are beginning to increase in popularity. Sauna can be found in local gyms, chiropractor’s offices and natural health centers. Some people even have saunas in their homes now.

Scientists are just beginning to discover the incredible health benefits of saunas. Both infrared and traditional saunas provide a wide array of physical health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, removing toxins, cleansing the skin, muscle recovery and weight loss.

However, the mental health benefits of using a sauna are equally impressive. One sauna session has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression by 50 percent. Even more notable is that fact that this antidepressant effect lasted for up to six weeks! Additionally, Saunas help reduce stress and anxiety and aid in deep sleep.

Saunas are also a powerful tool for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s. One study tracked 2300 Finnish men for nearly 20 years. The study revealed that the men who used the Sauna four to seven times per week had a 66 percent reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s compared to men who only used the sauna once a week.

However, even using the sauna once a week provides significant protection against Alzheimer’s disease. The same study showed that men who used the sauna only once a week had a 22 percent reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s compared to those who did not use the sauna at all. This study showed that saunas provide these benefits independently of other factors such as age, smoking and drinking consumption and body mass index.

One reason that saunas may help prevent Alzheimer’s is because they help reduce inflammtion in the brain. Saunas also help increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a protein that helps to grow new brain cells and heal existing cells.

Thus, saunas are a powerful way to improve your overall health and protect against Alzheimer’s. Just remember that using a sauna consistently will have much greater benefits than only using it occasionally.

However, saunas can be harmful for those with cardiovascular conditions. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease be sure to check with your doctor before using a sauna.

6. Reading

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Reading is a skill that we learn early in life during our days in elementary school. We begin reading in kindergarden and continue reading more difficult material until the time we graduate from high school or college. We read about many differnt topics in school, including history, literature, phychology and religion.

However, once we graduate from school, many of us stop reading. We lose interest in reading and turn to video games and TV to relax. We drop the habit of reading and only occassionally pick up a book when necessary.

This is very unfortunate, however, because reading is excellent for cognitive health. Reading stimulates many different parts of the brain. Reading improves memory and the ability to process information more effectively. Reading also increases the development of the brain, and specifically enhances the parietal and occipital lobes of the brain. Additionally, reading improves the communication between different areas of the brain and increases overall mentally flexibility. Furthermore, reading has also been shown to improve social communication. It helps improve the ability to interpret social cues and empathize with others.

Reading has also been shown to help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. One study examined 300 elderly adults every year for six years. The study revealed that those who read most often had less cognitive decline than those who didn’t. In fact, the adults who read frequently had a 30 percent reduction in memory loss compared to those who did not read.

Other studies also support the premise that reading helps prevent cognitive decline. One study tracked over 15,000 elderly adults in Hong Kong for five years. The study revealed that those who exercised their mind daily by reading and other activities greatly reduced their risk of dementia. Another study revealed that adults who regularly challenged their brain by reading were 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Reading has also been correlated with a longer life span. One study conducted by Yale University showed that adults over age fifty who read for at least 30 minutes a day lived an average of about two years longer than those who did not.

Reading on a regular basis does not guarantee that you will avoid Alzheimer’s disease. However, studies show that it certainly reduces the risk of developing this disease. Reading will be most effective in improving mental health when it is part of an overall healthy lifestyle of eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and obtaining proper sleep.

So start reading today. Find some books that interest you and dig deep into them. You don’t need to read for an hour each day either. Just ten to twenty minutes of reading will stimulate your brain and increase cognitive function.

Remember that reading is medicine for your brain. Make reading a lifelong habit. You will protect your brain against neurodegeneration and enhance the overall quality of your life.

7. Learn a Second Language

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Learning a new language is a noble aspiration and the goal of many. Many seek to learn a new language so they can obtain employment in another country. Some want to learn a new language so they can study abroad. And many refugees are forced to learn a new language when they flee to a new country.

Learning another language has a plethora of social and economic benefits and opens up many new possibilities. Bilingual speakers have the opportunity to work a greater variety of jobs and earn a higher salary. They also have the opportunity to connect with more people of other cultures because there is no language barrier.

Learning a language is also excellent for improving the overall health of the brain. The brain is like a muscle and needs to be challenged to grow stronger. Since language learning is very difficult and challenging, it strengthens and sharpens the brain in many ways.

Learning a language literally increases the size of the brain. Language learning has been shown to increase certain parts of the brain such as the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex. Language learning has also been shown to increase the amount of grey matter, which consists of all the neurons, axons and dendrites in the brain. Additionally, language learning also increases the brain’s white matter, which is a fatty layer that covers axons. The white matter helps the brains cells communicate more effectively. Finally, language learning helps to improve memory and focus.

Perhaps the most valuable benefit of learning a language, however, is its ability to fend off dementia and Alzheimer’s. Studies show that people who speak more than one language delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by five years! And those who speak multiple languages have even greater protection against Alzheimer’s.

So, if you want to enhance the strength of your brain and protect against Alzheimer’s, start learning a new language today! Some of the most popular languages worldwide are Spanish, Korean, Arabic, French and Chinese. Learning any of these languages would be highly valuable.

8. Dancing

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Dancing is an activity that has been practiced since the beginning of history. Many cultures and tribes around the world have utilized dance as part of religious ceremonies or recreational activities. Native Americans have especially valued dancing and made it a staple activity in their culture.

Dancing is still widely practiced around the world today. Many churches include dancing as part of their worship services. Many sports teams have cheerleaders who practice dancing as part of the warm-up or half-time entertainment. And there are thousands of dance clubs across the U.S. that teach dance lessons and hold social dances.

It’s easy to see why dancing is such a popular recreational activiy. Dancing is fun and is a good way to relieve stress. Dancing is great exercise and improves balance, coordination and flexibility. Dancing is also a great social activity and helps build new friendships.

But dancing is also great for mental health. Dancing activates many different areas of the brain, including the motor cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum. Dancing helps increase the size of the hippocampus, which is involved in memory formation. Dancing also increases the connection between different hemispheres of the brain. Additionally, dancing has been shown to be effective in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Dancing proves to be highly effective in preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia. One study conducted by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine showed that dancing reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s by 76 percent! Furthermore, this study showed that dancing is more effective than other forms of exercise in reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Dancing is king when is comes to exercise that prevents dementia.

Another study conducted by the Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience compared the effects of walking, stretching and country dancing on elderly people. The participants in the study performed their assigned type of exercise for an hour a day three days a week for six months. The results of this study showed that those who performed dancing had greater amounts of grey and white matter in their brains.

Dancing has even greater cognitive effects when it is done with others. Social dancing combines the power of mental stimulation and physical exercise with social interaction. The combined effects of these three activities results in tremendous cognitive benefits.

Dancing has also been shown to be an effective therapeutic treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. Dancing helps restore dopamine levels which are significantly lowered by Parkinson’s Disease.

So if you are looking for a way to improve your fitness, form new friendships and ward of dementia, then give dancing a try. Find a local dance club or take some dance classes at your YMCA or fitness center.

Don’t worry about looking foolish or making mistakes when dancing with others. Remember that other dancers will be learning too and will be focused on their own performance. Just have fun and enjoy the experience. You will reap great rewards.

9. Coconut Oil

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Coconut oil is a type of saturated fat that is composed of medium chain tryglycerides (MCTs). Coconut oil has become very popular today, especially in the field of natural health. Many health experts are proclaiming the wonders and many benefits of coconut oil.

Coconut oil is indeed a powerful food that has a wide variety of health benefits. Coconut oil is excellent for weight loss because of the MCTs it contains. Coconut oil helps lower blood sugar and prevent insulin resistance. Coconut oil can also help lower tryglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Additionally, coconut oil is excellent for the hair, skin and oral health because of its antibacterial properties. Finally, coconut oil is packed with anti-oxidants called polyphenols, which reduce inflammation.

Coconut oil has also been shown to benefit mental health. The MCTs in coconut oil produce ketones, which are highly beneficial for the brain. Ketones are an alternative source of fuel for the brain when glucose is low or not available. These ketones are also a more efficient source of fuel than glucose. They do not produce as much waste and oxidation as glucose metabolism. Additionally, ketones have been shown to help prevent certain neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s.

Ketones have also been shown to help those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Many people who develop Alzheimer’s have at least a moderate level of insulin resistance. Their brains become insulin resistant and cannot absorb the proper amount of glucose. This causes the brain to become starved for glucose. And ultimately this results the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and degeneration of the brain.

However, since ketones are an alternative source of fuel, they can help those whose brains cannot utilize glucose. Thus, many people with Alzheimer’s benefit from taking coconut oil.

Coconut oil is also effective in treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s because it lowers blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. Furthermore, coconut oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties which helps to reduce oxidation in the brain. Additionally, the capyrlic acid in coconut oil has been shown to help slow aging and prevent Alzheimer’s.

It’s important to choose coconut oil that is very high quality. It’s best to get coconut oil that is organic, cold-pressed and virgin or extra virgin.

There are a variety of ways to include coconut oil in your diet. You can spread it over your food like butter, cook with it or use it in smoothies. Coconut oil is versatile and goes well with a variety of foods.

10. Magnesium L-threonate

Magnesium l-threonate

Magnesium is an essential mineral that is required for our bodies to function properly. Magnesium is involved as a co-enzyme in over 300 bodily functions. It is used to regulate nerve and muscle function, energy production, bone density, blood sugar, blood pressure and heart rhythm.

Magnesium can be found in many different foods, including pumpkin seeds, leafy greens, nuts and avocados. However, it is difficult to obtain a sufficient amount of magnesium from food because the body utilizes such large amounts of it. Studies reveal that around 50 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium. Thus, it is highly beneficial to supplement with magnesium.

However, there are many different forms of magnesium supplements available. Magnesium supplements include chelates such as magnesium oxide, citrate, sulfate, taurate, glycinate, chloride, aspartate and orotate. However, many of these forms are poorly absorbed and ineffective.

Magnesium glycinate is one of the few forms of magneisum that are highly bioavailable and able to increase the body’s levels of magnesium.

However, there is one limitation to all the traditional forms of magnesium: None of them can cross the blood-brain barrier. This obstacle prevents traditional magnesium from significantly impacting cognitive health.

Fortunately, MIT researchers have discovered a new form of magnesium that does effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This form of magnesium is called L-threonate and the patented form is known as Magtein.

Magnesium l-threonate is highly bioavailable in both the gut and the brain, and thus has a significant impact on cognitive function. Magnesium L-threonate has been shown to increase the number and flexibility of synapses in the brain. This increased synaptic density results in improved focus, memory and learning ability.

Magnesium l-threonate has also shown great potential to be effective in treating neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. One 12-week study showed that supplementing with magnesium l-threonate reversed brain aging by more than nine years in adults who were cognitively impaired!

There is still limited evidence regarding l-threonate’s ability to impact cognitive function and treat Alzheimer’s. There have been very few studies conducted on l-threonate. Additionally, most of these studies have been done on animals. Only one study has been performed on humans.

However, magnesium l-threonate looks promising based on the studies that have been done. It’s simply another tool that is available for improving your cognitive function and preventing brain degeneration.

I would recommend taking magnesium l-threonate on a cycylical basis and alternating it with magnesium l-glycinate. This way you will be able to ensure optimal levels of both brain and body magnesium.

So there you have it…10 powerful, proven ways to fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia. Try to focus on a holistic approach to prventing Alzheimer’s. Utilize many of these tools rather than just focusing on one. It is the combined effect of all these strategies that will keep your brain strong and healthy into old age.

  1. Reduce Sugar
  2. Exercise
  3. Socialize
  4. Coconut Oil
  5. Sleep
  6. Sauna
  7. Reading
  8. Learn a language
  9. Juggling
  10. Dancing
  11. Butyric Acid

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Fred Swartley
BeingWell

functional nutritionist. writer. finance guru. follower of Christ. subscribe to my health and wellness newsletter: swartley.fred@gmail.com