Stimulating your brain could delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s by 5 years

DELAY Alzheimer’s Up to 5 Years (Easy!)

When it comes to what health concern scared my patients MOST… I’d say losing their minds was right on up there.

But let’s be real…

Alzheimer’s disease frightens MOST older folks to the core – especially if they’ve watched a friend or loved one lose their memories… their independence… and their lives to this devastating illness.

Friend, I’m always amazed when I hear conventional docs dismiss patients’ fears about developing dementia… telling them there’s NOTHING they can do to keep it from taking hold.

Well, they’re right about one thing – the MAINSTREAM has nothing to offer.

After sinking BILLIONS into research and promotions, Big Pharma has released more than 200 Alzheimer’s drugs – and ALL of them have come up losers.

But that doesn’t mean YOU have to wait in fear for your memories to start slipping away…

Because a recent study found there’s a dead simple way to DELAY the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s… by as much as 5 YEARS!

Work out your brain

We all know that regular exercise is one of the BEST things you can do to protect your health.

Physical activity – like lifting weights, riding a bike, doing yoga, or even taking a brisk walk – is an excellent way to help strengthen your heart, lungs, bones and muscles.

After all, use it or lose it, right?

And according to a new study, that also holds true for your BRAIN.

Researchers recruited 1,903 seniors without dementia or Alzheimer’s and tracked them for about 7 years. During that time, the subjects received clinical evaluations each year to diagnose any cognitive changes.

Before the study began, the subjects reported how often they participated in certain brain-stimulating activities, including:

Reading books, newspapers, or magazines
Visiting libraries
Writing letters
Playing cards, board games, and puzzles

By the time the study was over, 457 of the participants developed Alzheimer’s.

But researchers were more interested in how OLD they were when they developed the disease.

Their ages ranged from 64 – 104 at onset – more than a FOUR DECADE span.

What made the difference?

Turns out, a cognitively active lifestyle in old age was KEY.

Researchers found that those who regularly stimulated their brains in their Golden Years put Alzheimer’s and dementia on PAUSE…

… actually DELAYING their onset up to 5 years.

In fact, senors who engaged in the HIGHEST levels of late-life cognitive activity – like the activities listed above, several times per WEEK – developed dementia at a mean age of 94.

That’s compared to a mean onset age of 89 for older folks who essentially skipped the brain workouts… participating in these activities just a few times a year, if at all.

It’s Never “Too Late” to Start

The study also found that these “delay tactics” were directly liked to brain-boosting activity in OLD age – regardless of the subjects’ earlier habits or education levels.

Researchers believe that stimulating the brain on a regular basis causes changes in brain structure and function that enhance cognitive reserve – the brain’s ability to DEFEND itself against damage and disease.

Friend, even if you weren’t a big reader or game player when you were younger – it’s NEVER too late to start.

Imagine… if you’re already in your 80s, you could potentially keep Alzheimer’s at bay until your 90s.

That’s an extra half-decade of spending time with your loved ones… and maintaining the quality of life you enjoy today.

So, keep your brain engaged. Do puzzles like crosswords, Wordle, or anything else you enjoy… read some stimulating literature… send your loved ones a card in the mail… or simply walk and talk with friends.

P.S. Keep an eye on your email this afternoon to find out how acid reflux and other common disorders could put you on the fast track to Alzheimer’s.

Source:

“Dementia comes 5 years later for some.” MedPage Today, July 14, 2021, (https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/alzheimersdisease/93576)