13/09/2024
For a long time, dementia was seen as an inevitable part of aging or the result of poor genetics.
But according to new research:
More than 40% of dementia cases are easily preventable.
Here's what you can do to slow your cognitive decline:
Dementia is a progressive brain disorder.
It gradually destroys:
- Memory
- Thinking skills
- The ability to perform simple tasks
To this day, it's not curable.
But an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Thus, let's address the root cause:
The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's, is called the "Type 3 diabetes" due to insulin resistance in the brain.
This massively important link highlights how metabolic issues affect cognitive health.
But how exactly does insulin impact our brain function?
Insulin helps cells absorb sugar for energy. With insulin resistance, cells don't respond properly, leaving sugar in the blood (instead of entering the cells).
To compensate, your body makes more insulin...
High-carb and high-sugar diets, along with insulin spikes and high blood sugar, are detrimental to brain health.
The brain is sensitive to sugar, which can trigger dementia or Alzheimer's.
This is why Alzheimer's is called the diabetes of the brain.
Overconsumption of sugar and lack of fat leads to diabesity (obesity + type 2 diabetes).
Diabesity leads to inflammation. Inflammation leads to more insulin resistance and weight gain—which leads to more inflammation.
Eventually, this systemic inflammation affects the brain.
Our brain and body are connected—what you eat directly impacts your brain.
Your brain has its own immune system called the glymphatic system. Eating an ultra-processed, high-carb diet causes systemic inflammation.
If your body is inflamed, your brain will be too.
Now, the question is—what can we do to prevent dementia?
1) Start with nutrition overhaul.
2) Exercise.
3) Aim for 7-9 hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep per night.
4) Practice brain & body exercises.
5) Don't retire. You need to keep your brain challenged.