Prevent Memory Loss, Dementia with Naturopathic Medicine
Sacramento, Calif.- According to a 60 Minutes (CBS) story, 2 out of every 5 U.S. seniors who reach the age of 85 will develop Alzheimer's disease. The program left me with the impression that developing Alzheimer's and dementia is merely random. But is that true – or are Alzheimer's and dementia potentially preventable?
As a naturopathic doctor, I believe they are.
How about you? What will you do about memory loss? Will you wait and see what the pharmaceutical industry comes up with, or will you take the road less traveled and actively work to prevent memory decline?
Below is a list of action steps you can take to help prevent Alzheimer's and dementia.
1. Exercise
a. Aerobic
"The latest science behind the magic of movement in protecting and preserving brain function is stunning," according to David Perlmutter, MD. There are at least five significant benefits:
- Controlling inflammation
- Increasing insulin sensitivity
- Supporting better blood sugar control
- Expanding the size of the memory center
- Boosting levels of BDNF (the brain's "growth hormone")
b. Strength training
"Studies presented at this year's Alzheimer's Association International Conference found that resistance training was particularly beneficial for improving the cognitive abilities of older adults. While everyone benefited from exercise, those in the weight-lifting group showed the most improvement."
c. Yoga
According to an article in the Huffington Post, a UCLA team of neuroscientists found that a three-month course of yoga and meditation helped minimize the cognitive and emotional problems that often precede Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
2. Nourishing Foods and Avoiding Toxins
a. Eat organic when possible.
If organic food isn't available, wash produce thoroughly before eating. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods such as:
- Homemade soups
- Eggs slowly cooked in olive or coconut oil
- Fresh salads with herbs, vegetables, and olive oil–vinegar dressing
Avoid processed and packaged foods like chips, fast food, and convenience meals.
b. Ketogenic / low-carbohydrate, high-healthy-fat diet
Eating fewer than 50–100 grams of carbohydrates per day (depending on age and activity level) helps maintain healthy blood sugar, decrease insulin resistance, and reduce cravings. Lower carbohydrate intake also helps reduce abdominal fat—and abdominal fat is strongly linked to excess carbohydrate consumption.
c. Reduce or eliminate gluten and grains
Fifty-seven percent of all "idiopathic" (unknown) neurological conditions are linked to gluten, a protein found in rye, wheat, barley, spelt, and kamut. Consider testing for gluten intolerance or celiac disease (Array 3, Cyrex Labs).
d. Blueberries
According to Dr. James Joseph, former Director of Research at Tufts University's USDA Anti-Aging Center, blueberry extract can help reverse and prevent brain aging, improve short-term memory, and enhance motor skills.
e. Meat and dairy choices
If you consume meat or dairy, opt for organic, grass-fed and finished meat, and only organic dairy products.
Explore additional topics from Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center with Dr. Godby, ND, MA and his team at Natural Wellness.
As a naturopathic doctor for the last 20 years, I have witnessed the power of a preventative lifestyle and naturopathic medicine to transform the health and lives of thousands of patients.
Sacramento Naturopathic
2530 J Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 446-2591
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