Dementia: Make A Difference Early

Reference Article Linked Here.

Over time many studies have tried to ascertain the drivers of later Alzheimer’s Disease. Usually they have found that cigarette smoking or low educational level have been primary predictors of later Alzheimer’s Disease. This study sheds new light on how we might support our brain health earlier in life.

The study uses the Behavioral Risk Factor Stratification Survey (BRFSS) which is used in all US States and Territories. The survey is designed to be accurate on a statewide basis. It asks a myriad of questions about diagnoses, health behaviors, risk factors and has the ability to sort them according to multiple demographic characteristics. Personally I love the BRFSS.

It is a great source of population-based health behavior information. I had the opportunity to contribute questions regarding wellness and well-being to the survey planned for Arkansas.

This study demonstrated that the number one modifiable risk factor for later-in-life Alzheimer’s Disease is MIDLIFE OBESITY. WOW!!!

Being heavier in mid life is directly related to one’s risk for Alzheimer’s later. This may not be a surprise given the Diabesity continuum which ranges from overweight/obesity thru prediabetes/diabetes to Heart Disease then cancer then Alzheimer’s. In fact Alzheimer’s is being called Diabetes Type III by some. Following midlife obesity is inactivity. Third among the modifiable risk factors is low educational level.

Our brains must constantly assimilate new information, new skills, and new ways of being to remain healthy. Lifelong learning of new skills and abilities is a great way to counteract both low educational level and loss of educational level/knowledge.

Getting out and moving whether for work, play, or exercise helps to counteract inactivity.

Working with midlife obesity usually entails bot movement and nutrition though one might also need to look at gut health, hormone balance, environmental toxins, mood, and food compulsion issues. Midlife obesity is a harder nut to track and may require Functional Medicine to reverse.

Please don’t ------ become a couch potato ------ a person who sits in front of television news or movies, not moving, and gaining weight. Becoming a couch potato reduces your education level, increases obesity, and decreases activity.

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