Preventing Dementia
Hi there -
It's estimated that one in three people will develop dementia by the end of life, with Alzheimer's Disease being the most common form. Although deaths from stroke and heart disease have been declining due to decreased smoking, Alzheimer's rates are climbing rapidly.[ref] The drugs that are currently available - well, they aren't a cure.
The good news is that there are a bunch of new studies on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's pointing to some realistic ways to prevent neurodegeneration.
Circadian rhythm and quality sleep are essential factors to consider, as well as reducing inflammation, staying active, and monitoring mineral levels.
In the articles below, I cover a bunch of lifestyle, diet, and supplement possibilities, but freely admit they aren't comprehensive. So I want to encourage all of you to also keep up with the research on neurodegenerative disease prevention and revisit the topic periodically.
Finally, I wanted to remind everyone about the Professionals directory where Genetic Lifehacks PRO members can list their practice. If you are looking for help this year in optimizing your health or need help with understanding your genes, check out the directory to see if anyone there is a good fit for your needs.
Warmly,
~ Debbie
Parkinson’s Disease: Genetic Pathways
Key takeaways:
~ Parkinson’s disease is caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental exposures.
~ Several different genetic pathways can contribute to the development of the disease.
~ This article discusses various genetic variants that increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease and how they interact with environmental and lifestyle factors.
Alzheimer’s Genes: Understanding APOE from your genetic raw data
One very important gene that has been extremely well researched for Alzheimer’s disease is the APOE gene. This gene is involved in carrying cholesterol and other fats in your bloodstream, and a common variant of the gene is strongly linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s.[ref]
Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (after age 60) is influenced both by genes and environmental factors. So keep in mind when looking at your genetic risk that your genes are only one part of the equation for Alzheimer’s.
Knowing your risk can help you understand the importance of doing all that you can to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Lithium Orotate: Mood, Alzheimer's, and Aging
This article explains the research showing the importance of lithium in our health and longevity. Epidemiological studies tie higher lithium levels in drinking water to decreased Alzheimer's risk, and animal studies give more insight into how low-dose lithium may help prevent Alzheimer's.