Prevention - ReaDementia

Can Sauna Help Alleviate Dementia?

Researchers have conducted several studies to find out if there is a link between the use of sauna and dementia risk.

One study reported that frequent use of the sauna could help to reduce the risk of developing dementia.

This was conducted by researchers from UEF (University of Eastern Finland). They filed their findings in the journal Age and Ageing in 2016.

Does Sauna Protect Against Dementia?

The study assessed the weekly sauna bathing habits of the participants. After this, the experts divided the study participants into three groups”

1. Those who spent about 15 minutes in the sauna 4-7 times in a week (200)
2. Participants who used the sauna 2-3 times a week (1513)
3. Those who only used the sauna once a week (601)

Basis of the Study

The participants of the study included 2,315 healthy men aged between 42-60 years. The study went on for more than two decades.

During the study period, the researchers diagnosed 123 cases of Alzheimer’s disease and 204 dementia cases. The sauna use research analyzed different types of data from the participants, such as:

Age
Body mass index
Smoking status
Systolic blood pressure
Alcohol consumption
Resting heart rate
Type 2 diabetes
Previous myocardial infarction
Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

The participants in the study used traditional Finnish saunas.

These are the versions that have dry air and recommended temperatures of about 80-100 degrees Celsius. The saunas also increase humidity temporarily by throwing water on the rocks installed inside the sauna heater.

Findings

The researchers stated that there was a link between the use of sauna and dementia risk. They concluded that using the sauna frequently helps to lower the risk of dementia.

The report indicated that the group that was using the sauna about 4-7 times in a week had a 66% lower chance of developing any dementia type.

Additionally, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease was 65 % lower in comparison to the group that was only using the sauna once a week.

Previously, there was a study from KIHD that reported that Finnish men who used 175 degrees dry heat sauna for 4-7 days a week had significantly low death rates resulting from cardiovascular diseases.

According to Jari Laukkanen, the professor who led this sauna research, frequent exposure to heat during sauna bathing not only protects memory, but it also protects the heart.

This is through similar mechanisms that experts do not clearly understand.

He continued to state that it is known that cardiovascular health also has effects on the brain in a statement the professor made to UEF.

The sense of relaxation and well-being that a person experiences during sauna might also play a crucial role.

The researchers, while conducting the study, also note that previous research also suggested that oxidative stress and inflammation were some of the factors that contributed to dementia development.

They explained that their findings were “biologically plausible” because using the saunas regularly reduces inflammation by enhancing vascular endothelial function.

The endothelium is the thin membrane lining found in the blood vessels.

Furthermore, the researchers also explained that their study addresses the use of sauna and dementia reduced risk because bathing in a sauna helps in lowering systemic blood pressure as well as elevated pulse pressure.

These two are well-known dementia risk factors.

Professor Laukkanen also added that while he thought the results of the study were generalizable to other populations in the northern part of the world like North America and Europe, he did not think the same in warmer countries.

Can Everyone Use Saunas?

Because there might be a beneficial link between the use of sauna and dementia risk, you may be wondering whether everyone can use a sauna facility.

While the saunas may be great for a wide range of conditions, they are not appropriate for everyone.

It is necessary that you consult your doctor before starting sauna bathing. This is especially important if you are pregnant or have an underlying medical condition.

Closing Remarks

The benefits people get from using the sauna might be a game-changer in the way the world views dementia.

Experts agree that while sauna use does not substitute exercise, it is a great way to complement a person’s workout routine.

The latest evidence supports the link between the use of sauna and dementia lowered risk because the exercise helps to enhance cardiovascular health reducing the risks of stroke and heart disease.

It also benefits blood vessels, factors that contribute to brain health, which can starve the development of dementia.

More research, however, still needs to be done to determine whether using saunas should be included in the recommendable interventions for preventing different forms of dementia.

Seeing that the study only focused on men, perhaps there also needs one on women to make the studies more inclusive and conclusive.

Omega 3 and Dementia Prevention

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention January 24, 2021October 18, 2021dementia, omega 3, omega 3 and dementia

In the quest to find some of the most effective ways of preventing dementia, experts have been pursuing an angle that is worth looking into – omega 3 and dementia.

Omega 3 remains one of the diet components that come highly recommended concerning brain health.

New reports also link the consumption of omega 3 to dementia prevention.

Read on to find out more about how omega 3 may potentially help with the prevention of dementia.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Dementia Treatment

What is Omega 3?

To better understand the topic of omega 3 and dementia, it is best to start with explaining what omega 3 is.

It is a type of polyunsaturated fat present in the cell membrane. It is an umbrella term for all omega 3 fatty acids. These include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

The human body produces omega 3 but at a very slow rate which means that you should get it from your diet. Plant-based omega 3 rich nuts, vegetables, and seeds are good sources.

Oily fish like tuna, mackerel, salmon, and herring are rich in omega 3.

Importance of Omega 3

Omega 3 plays a significant role in the brain from when the fetus is developing to old age.

Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for the structural development of the brain because they improve mood and support neurotransmitter signaling according to a nutritionist at BioCare Mana, Chouchane.

Scientists believe that the brain cells with high omega 3 levels communicate better with other cells, a move that is crucial for brain function.

When the body takes the fat, it breaks down some of it to carry out various functions. Some of these reduce the immune response in the body.

Others are responsible for protecting cells from oxidative stress.

In addition to brain health, omega 3 also helps with heart health, energy production, supporting hormone synthesis, and regulating inflammation.

How Omega 3 May Help with Dementia Prevention

Now that you have some background information on what omega 3 is and its importance in the body, let’s look at some of the reasons omega 3 and dementia prevention correlate.

To start off, research indicates that oxidative stress and immune response are some of the key contributors to dementia development.

The fact that omega 3 protects against these goes to show that it may have a hand in the prevention of dementia.

Several studies have already been conducted to investigate these claims. These have taken different directions.

Some studies looked into what people with and without the disease eat and how often to see if this has an effect on the disease.

Others involved clinical trials where a percentage of participants were given omega 3 supplements and the rest placebo to compare dementia risk.

The studies focusing on risk of dementia and the consumption of fish produced varying results.

One of the studies supported the notion. It has 2233 participants all older individuals. They were followed for about six years.

The researchers concluded that those participants that were eating fish two times a week has reduced dementia risk by 41% compared to the elderly who were eating it once a month.

Another study had conflicting results where the experts found that there was no difference in dementia risk based on the amount of fish that a person consumed. This is after studying 5,395 individuals for ten years.

While discussing omega 3 and dementia, stakeholders also talk about the anti-inflammatory properties that omega 3 has. These might help with the risk of dementia development.

Raise DHA levels

Persons with dementia usually have low DHA levels in the brain when compared to individuals who do not have the disease.

Many omega 3 supplements contain DHA and EPA according to information on the packaging.

These are essential for human health because they are the main types of omega 3 that exert the most benefit.

DHA helps with cell membrane structural role while EPA assists with body functions like inflammation.

There are also claims that omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce levels of beta-amyloid. These are a marker for dementia in the brain.

One study published in the journal Neurology researchers stated that people who ate the highest omega 3 levels had the lowest levels of beta-amyloid buildup in the blood.

Clinical trials, on the other hand, although small, have also tried to show the relationship between omega 3 and dementia.

For instance, one study offered 171 people with dementia omega 3 supplements.

It found that there was no cognitive improvement after two years compared to weak persons who were not on the supplements.

Another clinical study studied 437 healthy people who were begging to show some dementia symptoms like troubles with memory recall.

They reported that after taking the omega 3 supplements for 24 weeks there were improvements in learning and recall.

This suggests that omega 3 may improve symptoms during the onset of dementia. On the other hand, it has no effect during the later stages.

Closing Thoughts

To date, the topic on omega 3 and dementia prevention remains highly controversial. Indeed, omega 3 may be good for brain health.

However, there is no overwhelming evidence that it may help prevent dementia development.

Further research is still necessary on this topic. Only that, it will be clearer, whether or not omega 3 is instrumental in the prevention of dementia development.

Acupuncture and Dementia for Improved Memory

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention January 24, 2021October 18, 2021acupuncture and dementia, dementia, dementia prevention

There have been several studies looking into acupuncture and dementia. This is because there is an assumption that the treatment technique can help improve memory in persons with neurodegenerative illnesses.

Professionals perform acupuncture on a holistic perspective in a bid to defeat various exogenous factors.

Reports confirm that acupuncture may help protect neurons from deterioration to stimulate axonal regrowth in neurodegenerative illnesses like dementia.

Check out more details on what acupuncture is and how it can help improve memory in persons with dementia.

What is Acupuncture?

We can describe acupuncture as an ancient Chinese healing method.

It primarily treats various disorders by having expert insert needles into the skin. When the practitioner does things properly, acupuncture is very safe.

WHO (World Health Organization) recommends the use of this healing technique for 43 diseases.

Experts base this theory on acupoints and meridians that play a crucial role in maintaining and regulating the “yin” and “yang” in the human body system.

This is all about Qi which is patterns of energy in the body that are important for good health. When a person’s Qi is interrupted, many believe that this can cause diseases.

Acupuncturists believe that they can fix this by inserting needles in specific locations on the skin to restore energy flow, hence treat the illness.

How Acupuncture Helps Improve Memory of Persons with Dementia?

For many people with dementia, acupuncture is not a foreign concept. One of the ways of using acupuncture is to treat some dementia symptoms like behavioral disturbances.

New studies, however, claim that acupuncture can also help to enhance memory for persons with dementia.

Several studies have been conducted to explain the relationship between acupuncture and dementia such as:

Acupuncture Outperforms Use of Drugs

Multiple clinical trials reveal that acupuncture works better than drug therapy when it comes to treating vascular dementia.

While there are different types of acupuncture several studies conclude that scalp acupuncture is the most beneficial for persons who have vascular dementia.

Researchers from Wuhan University of Science and Technology found out that acupuncture is more effective at alleviating dementia than conventional drug therapy.

Their study indicates that acupuncture is also a safe treatment option for vascular dementia.

It is important to note that dementia affects the flow of blood to the brain.

Consequently depriving this organ of essential nutrients and oxygen. When this happens, it affects language skills, memory, personality, and emotions.

The researchers cite TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) theory as the basis of their study which involved three groups of people.

One group was on drug therapy where they received 0.8 g tablets of piracetam for 30 days three times a day. This is a drug that helps to enhance cognition or memory.

It is also an anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, and improves neuroplasticity. The second group was on conventional acupuncture, and the third on scalp acupuncture.

Scalp Acupuncture is Most Effective

This went on for 30 days where the acupuncture protocols were applied once a day for six days a week. The researchers said that using scalp acupuncture protocol achieved a 90% total effective rate.

Conventional acupuncture was slightly lower at 80% while drug therapy came in last at 60%.

In the future, the researchers were interested in combining scalp acupuncture with the use of piracetam to determine if this would produce more effective results.

A similar study with 184 participants all with vascular dementia also showed that acupuncture is an effective treatment modality.

It went on to conclude that scalp acupuncture works well to not only boost memory but daily living activities, social behavior and mental state as well.

In related MRI research touching on acupuncture and dementia, there was a conclusion that acupuncture can help improve hippocampal connectivity in persons with dementia.

The study involved the measuring of some regions that experience disrupted brain connectivity in people with dementia.

After acupuncture sessions, the subjects of the study demonstrated significant improvements in the connectivity for lateral and frontal-temporal hippocampus regions.

Researchers in this study made use of fMRI technology to determine the effects of two acupuncture points in the brain i.e. L14 (Hegu) and LV3 (Taichong).

Acupuncture Weakens Mental Problems that Dementia Cause

When talking about acupuncture and dementia, worth mentioning is that the healing technique can improve memory by treating mental illnesses that are dementia led.

This is done through amelioration of outside symptoms like lack of sleep which makes memory loss more severe.

One of the studies that came up with this conclusion followed 19 participants who researchers observed in the control stage for one and a half months.

From here, the participants went through 30-minute acupuncture sessions for six weeks.

At the end of these six weeks, the participants recorded improvements in both sleeping and resting times. Another study was performed on persons with dementia and depression.

The study took place in 2000 at Wellesley College.

This followed 11 human subjects who went through acupuncture sessions 2-3 times every week for three months.

The participants recorded improvements in anxiety and depression some of the symptoms that make memory loss worse.

They also experienced more energy levels.

Dr. Nancy Emerson the lead researcher also added that acupuncture helps to relieve pain from other ailments that develop with age encouraging persons with dementia to try out this healing method.

Closing Thoughts

As scientists continue to work on a cure for dementia, multiple studies on acupuncture and dementia show promising results on how the treatment technique can enhance memory in persons with dementia.

The studies out there, nonetheless, are not enough to include acupuncture on the list of dementia treatment options.

They have, however, laid a foundation for more studies that may bring forth more conclusive evidence on whether acupuncture will be established as a treatment option for dementia.

The Importance of Nutrition and Alzheimer’s Disease

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention January 21, 2021October 18, 2021alzheimer's disease, nutrition

A lot of research has gone into nutrition and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Researchers agree that a healthy diet plays a vital role in brain health.

WHO (World Health Organization) concluded that adopting a healthier lifestyle can prevent or delay the progression of numerous cases of cognitive decline.

People with Alzheimer’s may miss out on the perks of eating a healthy diet for numerous reasons like:

1. Lack of appetite: elderly people with AD may feel like they do not have an appetite during meal times. This may be a result of medical interactions which cause reduced appetite as a side effect.

2. Confusion with cutlery: Most seniors with AD often experience reduced physical motor skills when they are eating. This is where you might observe a person using a fork to eat soup and so forth.

3. Loneliness: For most seniors, eating is a social activity. If a person is alone they may leave food on their plate because they feel they are missing out on socialization.

4. Filling up with desert: Most people with AD tend to have sweet tooth. They might prefer to eat dessert treats instead of nutritious foods. It may be because taste buds weaken as a person grows older; thus, the reason many may want to fill up on sweet treats.

5. Chewing and swallowing difficulties: Mouth sores or other dental conditions may prevent the suffering person from eating because they cannot chew or swallow the food without any difficulties.

6. Too much on the plate makes a person feel overwhelmed on what to eat first.

Essential Role of Nutrition and Alzheimer’s Disease

Caregivers must identify the reason a person with AD is not eating well.

They should offer a practical solution that will ensure the weak person eats foods that are beneficial to their health.

For instance, if a person has a lack of appetite because of the medicine they are taking, consulting a doctor is the way the go.

The medic may change his or her prescription to more suitable medicines that will not affect appetite significantly.

Going back to nutrition and Alzheimer’s disease, check out information about the foods that should feature in the diet of a person with the illness.

Not just that, but the “bad” foods that persons should avoid.

Does Diet Increase Alzheimer’s Risk?

Unhealthy diets indeed promote a myriad of health problems including cognitive decline.

Scientists, in particular, have studied the “western diet” for years.

These are foods that are not only processed, convenient, and rich in animal products. But they are also high in saturated fats, sodium, cholesterol, total fat, and sugar.

Experts link eating these to the development of diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases.

Consuming a diet that is rich in saturated and trans-fats also increases the levels of the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in the body.

These are factors that contribute to dementia development. This is why it is advisable to cut down on sugar, trans-fats, saturated fats, and total caloric intake.

Foods that May Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Now that you are aware of the foods to eliminate or reduce in your diet, it is time to educate you on the foods that come highly recommended when talking about nutrition and Alzheimer’s disease.

There are a couple of diets that people should focus on whether they already have the disease or not. Some of these include:

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet (MD) emphasizes the consumption of healthy fats such as olive oil, red meat, fewer dairy foods, legumes, vegetables, margarine or butter, pastries, and sweetened beverages. Some also advise on moderate consumption of wine. A majority of Middle Eastern and European populations follow the MD eating patterns.

DASH Diet

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute came up with the DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet after there were major concerns about the lifestyle of people in the USA and the high percentages of people developing and living with high blood pressure.

The DASH diet incorporates a lot of components from the MD diet.

Also, the reduction of the consumption of sodium and carbohydrates. This has been known to be successful in the reduction of blood pressure cases.

Neurodegenerative Delay Diet

This is one of the most common diets there is when discussing nutrition and Alzheimer’s disease. It blends some elements of the DASH and Mediterranean diets. It is also known as the MIND diet.

Moreover, it recommends the consumption of green leafy vegetables amongst other veggies, whole grains, poultry, fish, berries, olive oil, nuts, and beans.

The diet also advises that people should eliminate or reduce greatly the consumption of sweets, cheese, fast foods, butter, margarine, and red meats.

A study revealed that sticking to this diet aids in better cognitive aging offering protection against AD.

While discussing nutrition and Alzheimer’s disease, it is also important that people with this illness stay hydrated by drinking enough water during the day.

What about Vitamins and Supplements?

Looking at the current market place, you will notice that many companies are in the front-line marketing various dietary supplements as having the power to treat or prevent cognitive decline.

In most cases, these usually do not have credible evidence that is well documented according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

This said it is important to note that many supplements or vitamins are being studied concerning nutrition and Alzheimer’s disease.

This is because the body needs adequate essential vitamins like Vitamin D, E, B12, and folic acid. They need to be at certain levels in your body because the accumulation of excessive vitamins is not beneficial.

It is best for a person with Alzheimer’s to always talk to a doctor before they begin taking any kind of supplements.

Closing Thoughts

The topic of nutrition and Alzheimer’s disease is not one that you should ignore even when you are not suffering. It is important to identify the foods that should feature in a person’s diet and the ones to avoid.

This may help to prevent the disease from developing or even slow down its progression.

All in all, people should focus on letting the foods they eat become their medicine.

Chocolate and Dementia – The Positive Effects

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention January 20, 2021October 18, 2021chocolate, chocolate and dementia, dementia

Several studies about chocolate and dementia reveal that it is beneficial for persons with the illness to consume chocolate.

One, in particular, explains that flavanols, a strong antioxidant present in chocolate, can reduce dementia risk by increasing blood flow to the brain and protecting brain cells.

Note that this is not just any other chocolate that you can pick off the shelf. We are speaking about dark chocolate, which is rich in cocoa (the bitter one and not the sugary alternative).

Experts recommend the consumption of dark chocolate because it is rich in flavonoids that protect the brain from oxidative stress.

The study that Mars funded involving 91 participants is not the only study with this conclusion.

Can Chocolate Relieve Dementia?

Let’s look at other studies that talk about the benefits of chocolate for those with dementia, as well as the persons who have not developed the disease.

A Study on Drinking Hot Chocolate

A group of researchers from Harvard revealed that drinking two cups of hot cocoa every day helps to boost memory and could prevent dementia.

Professor of psychiatry and aging, Dr. Gary Small, explains that there was a limit on cocoa consumption because it is possible to get too much even when it is a good thing.

Taking too much cocoa means that a person will gain too many calories, which is not healthy for the brain.

Back to the study, it was concluded that drinking cocoa everyday causes an 8% improvement in the way blood flows to the brain.

The study had 60 participants who did not have dementia with an average age of 73.

The volunteers consumed two cups of hot chocolate without consuming any other form of chocolate.

The experts were studying their thinking skills and memory. Those involved underwent ultrasounds to measure the flow of blood to the brain.

A majority of the volunteers recorded impaired blood flow to the vital body organ (brain). In the end, however, there was an 8.3% improvement in blood flow specifically to the brain’s working areas.

Within a month, the group also experienced enhanced working memory with scores of between 167 to 116 seconds.

To get accurate results in their quest to identify the link between chocolate and dementia, half of the participants were taking flavanol-poor hot cocoa, while the rest were consuming hot cocoa rich in flavanol.

This did not create any differences in terms of results.

The persons with regular blood flow at the beginning of the study did not experience any improvements. This is one of the studies that show it is not only dark chocolate that people should consume but the beverage as well.

Chocolate Offers a Calming Effect on Persons with Dementia

A new study on chocolate and dementia states that chocolate has a calming effect, especially for people who are in the last stage of dementia.

This is found in the AMDA (The Medical Director’s Association) publication. The article references a nurse in a nursing home in Phoenix, AZ, who was carried chocolate to offer agitated residents.

The explanation for this is that chocolate also contains caffeine, a neuro stimulant that increases neurotransmitter levels to enhance executive function and memory.

Starving Early Memory Decline Signs with Dark Chocolate

A different study published in Frontiers in Nutrition shows that taking dark chocolate regularly is mostly beneficial for people who have started to show signs of memory decline or mild cognitive impairment.

The study teaches people that individuals who eat chocolate every day have a better ability to process speed, memory, and attention spans.

A study from Columbia University Medical Centre conducted in 2014 also confirms that dietary cocoa flavanols reverse age-related memory decline in healthy seniors.

This was published in Nature Neuroscience. It offers direct evidence that a single component of memory decline related to age is a result of changes in a particular section of the brain.

The conclusion is that dietary intervention can improve this type of memory decline.

Benefits of Dark Chocolate for the Elderly

One more study on chocolate and dementia divulges that the benefits of taking dark chocolate daily are more prominent in elderly people.

Daily intake improved mental function, but this was subtle for the younger participants. Other factors that improved after taking dark chocolate include verbal fluency, attention, working memory, and processing speed.

Closing Thoughts

Other than flavanols, chocolate also contains several minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These are important for the brain and overall body health.

All these studies have opened up a conversation about chocolate and dementia.

This is because more intensive work still needs to be done to pinpoint the link between blood flow problems, cocoa, and cognitive decline.

While a cocoa-based treatment would be much welcome, it is still too early to jump on this option until scientists and other involved parties give it the green light.

Hopefully, researchers and other experts can speed this up so that people can know if it is true that chocolate can prevent or treat dementia.

Coconut Oil and Dementia – Cure or Myth

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention January 20, 2021October 18, 2021coconut oil and dementia, dementia

On the quest to uncover options to cure and prevent dementia, numerous statements crop up one of them being about coconut oil and dementia.

Several studies suggest that people with dementia can use coconut oil to treat the illness.

The parties that brought this forward base this on the theory that the brain cells of persons with dementia cannot use glucose to produce energy resulting in the starvation of nerve cells effectively.

When the brain does not have enough energy, it will use energy from ketone bodies.

These bodies may offer an alternative energy source to the cells in the brain, moderating the damage that Alzheimer’s causes.

They believe that coconut oil can come in to help the brain with this alternative source of energy.

This is simply because the human body produces ketones by metabolizing coconut oil and other similar substances such as fatty acids.

The experts involved in explaining this connection between coconut oil and dementia have, however, not tabled adequate scientific evidence to back these claims.

This said it is not something that people should ignore. Especially if there is a possibility that the oil can be beneficial to individuals with dementia.

Can You Reverse Dementia With Coconut?

Let’s look at some of the milestones that experts have achieved concerning the use of coconut oil among individuals with dementia before concluding whether this is an angle worth pursuing, or it is just a myth.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for the Body

Before diving deeper into the subject of coconut oil and dementia, it is best to discuss general ways the oil affects the mind and body.

Years of research reveal that coconut oil is great for the entire body. Experts recommend that people should consume non-hydrogenated, cold-pressed, organic virgin coconut oil.

This is a heart-healthy oil option that does not have any trans-fats or cholesterol. The oil offers numerous benefits, such as:

Improving brain health
Enhancing the way the body uses insulin
It is great for the health of hair and skin
Increases good cholesterol (HDL) hence improves cholesterol levels
Acts as a natural antibiotic and antioxidant
Boosts thyroid function

Going by all these perks that the oil offers, it is hard not to see why it is important to discuss further the issues on whether persons with dementia can benefit from using coconut oil.

Studies That Support Use of Coconut Oil to Treat Dementia

Dr. Mary Newport is one of the advocates of coconut oil as a treatment for dementia.

She claims in her book “Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure? The Story of Ketones” that her husband Steve benefitted a great deal from the consumption of coconut oil while suffering from dementia.

According to Mary, it did not take long for her husband to record significant improvements after he started consuming the oil.

A neonatal physician, Dr. Mary, decided to include coconut oil in her husband’s diet because she was already familiar with the MCT oil supplements gotten from coconut oil to feed premature infants.

She gave Steve, her husband, coconut oil, and supplemental MCT oil so that it could feed his brain directly, bypassing glucose metabolism.

Dr. Newport documented his progress as well as her struggle to convince the medical establishment to consider the use of MCT oil and coconut oil treatment in treating dementia.

In many circles, this is a topic that remains highly controversial.

A study from the University of Oxford also supports the use of coconut oil for people with dementia.

A person can experience short-term benefits

It states that individuals with dementia can experience short-term benefits from the use of coconut oil.

The research basically supports Dr. Newport’s theory that coconut oil can indeed enhance cognitive function.

Dr. Mary explains that ketones, which are by-products of fat breakdown in the body, play an essential role in the health of the human brain.

The primary idea here is that consumption of coconut oil boosts ketones, which enhances cognitive function.

Healthy oils/fats are healthy for brain

A member of the medical advisory board of Nutritional Magnesium Association Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, also supports the idea that persons with dementia can get relief by taking coconut oil.

According to her, different cultures across the globe have celebrated the potential health benefits of coconut oil. For a long time, the oil has been used as a natural skin softener, hair strengthener, and anti-fungal treatment.

Moreover, Dr. Dean says that she first witnessed the strength of coconut oil while working with people with HIV.

There were multiple cases where persons with the disease said they felt better after the oil.

She further goes on to state that other than coconut oil and dementia, the oil may be beneficial for persons who have other incurable diseases like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Parkinson’s disease or even multiple sclerosis.

Closing Thoughts

Currently, there is no strong evidence confirming that people with dementia can use coconut oil to treat or prevent dementia and some of its symptoms.

Industry experts need to conduct more extensive research, experiments, studies, and clinical trials on the topic of coconut oil and dementia.

This way, people will get to know whether it’s true that coconut contains dementia healing properties, or it is just a myth.

If you are interested in learning all about CBD oil and dementia, as well as olive oil, we have full articles written on the topic of cannabidiol.

Turmeric and Dementia – Can It Help?

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention January 19, 2021October 18, 2021dementia, turmeric, turmeric and dementia

Researchers continue to look into the connection between turmeric and dementia after multiple studies suggest that the spice can prevent or treat dementia.

One of the actualities that prompted this study, according to thetruthaboutcancer.com, is the fact that India records the lowest dementia rates in the globe, seeing that they consume about 25-50mg of turmeric daily.

Experts believe that this prevents brain inflammation reason the country does not have too many dementia cases where you compare it to other parts of the globe.

The exact reason for this is still unknown, and the statistic may not be accurate. What is clear is that people in India generally consume more turmeric than individuals in other parts of the world.

Why do experts think that this old spice can be useful concerning the potential treatment for dementia?

Below we will study some of the findings that mostly come from lab-based studies.

Effects of Turmeric on Dementia

Curcumin Breaks Down Amyloid-Beta Plaques

While looking into turmeric and dementia, many experts focus on curcumin, which is a turmeric extract that has high concentrations in the root.

This is a chemical that is known to have strong anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloid, and anti-oxidant properties, amongst many others.

Multiple studies state that the chemical can prevent the formation as well as break up of amyloid-beta plaques.

The latter is a hallmark of dementia disease.

The plaques accumulate between nerve cells and impair brain function by damaging synapses. These are the structures that nerve cells use to transmit signals.

Some studies also suggest that the extract can help to prevent the accumulation of tau in the brain.

Animal research also indicates that the chemical can also help to curb oxidative stress and inflammation factors. The two contribute to the development of dementia.

Clinical studies are yet to report similar results. Unfortunately, it is still unclear how curcumin works in the human brain.

Turmeone Stimulates Growth of New Brain Cells

Other than curcumin, experts are also looking into the role that turmerone can play in treating or preventing dementia.

This is yet another chemical present in turmeric.

In several animal studies, turmerone has been seen to stimulate the stem cells that foster the growth of new brain cells. In theory, this is an important factor that can be of assistance in neurodegenerative illnesses such as dementia.

This study is still in its initial stages. There is no telling whether it has an identical effect on people’s stem cells.

Experts are also trying to figure out whether the production of new brain cells is in any way beneficial to persons who already have dementia.

Turmeric Enhances Mood and Memory

While discussing turmeric and dementia it is prudent to mention that results from various studies ascertain that turmeric consumption helps to enhance memory and mood.

Researchers believe that this benefit comes from the fact that curcumin can decrease the accumulation of tau and amyloid.

This is through lowering of cholesterol levels, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and reducing neuroinflammation to help the body fight against dementia.

A study published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry reveals that taking curcumin on a daily basis can help to prevent memory issues and, in some cases, improve them all together.

This was after a study conducted at UCLA publicized that taking curcumin can improve memory function. Nut just that, but negative emotions like depression, too.

The study had 40 participants aged between 50-90 years who had varying memory complaints. Participants were given 90 mg of curcumin two times a day as a placebo for 18 months.

People who were on curcumin reported that they experienced significant improvements in their attention abilities and memory.

The group that was on placebo did not have the same results.

How to Effectively Take Turmeric

Many people will just add turmeric to their diets, hoping to reap all its benefits.

While this works, it is important to state that only a small percentage gets into your bloodstream after you eat food with turmeric.

This is because the body does a poor job regarding the absorption of turmeric. It is stomach acid that quickly degrades the spice.

Research has also revealed that turmeric dissolves in fats because it is not water-soluble.

This implies that the best form to consume turmeric is through supplements that have some type of oil or have an enteric coating so that the bloodstream absorbs a high percentage of the spice.

If you or a loved one wishes to take turmeric to help combat dementia, it is advisable to consult your doctor first so that the professional can guide you accordingly.

Final Thoughts on Turmeric and Dementia

Evidence that the spice plays a role in the prevention or cure of dementia is still scarce. It is, therefore, impossible to conclude whether or not turmeric will be a game-changer in regards to the treatment of dementia.

Extensive work and researches are still necessary on the topic of turmeric and dementia.

It is crucial because the popular spice may be the solution that the industry has been desperately looking for.

Do Coffee And Dementia Go Hand In Hand?

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention January 19, 2021October 18, 2021coffee and dementia, dementia

Over the years, there has been a great interest in the topic of coffee and dementia.

Some studies reveal that it is possible to fight dementia with a cup of coffee. This may come as great news to individuals who need coffee to perk up their mornings.

Can coffee and caffeine reduce dementia?

An example of such a study is one that was conducted by Krembil Brain Institute in Canada.

Danish and Swedish researchers sought to find out if it is true that consuming coffee can lower the risk of dementia.

Too Much Coffee Is Not Good

There were 1409 participants in the study that were observed for 21 years. The researchers found that persons who drank 3-5 cups of coffee daily were less likely to develop dementia by 65% in comparison to the individuals who only took 2 cups or less.

Another study by Dr. Jonathan Geiger states that caffeine can help protect the brain by blocking damage that cholesterol causes hence reducing the risk of dementia.

This is after studying rabbits that were put on a fat-rich diet and were also given a caffeine supplement for protection.

He did this in a bid to investigate the blood-brain barrier an essential barrier between the main blood supply in the body and the brain.

Researches

Preceding studies reveal that high cholesterol levels in the blood create this barrier that might cause damage to the brain triggering the development of dementia.

The rabbits were on the diet for 12 weeks. Half of the animals were also on a supplement that is comparable to the caffeine amount that is present in a cup of coffee daily.

After the experiment, the researchers concluded that the blood-brain barrier in the animals on caffeine was more intact than in the rabbits that were not taking caffeine.

One more study seeking to explain the relationship between coffee and dementia was conducted by researchers in the United States of America. This uncovered that postmenopausal ladies who drink at least 2-3 cups or 261mg of caffeine daily.

They were at lower risk of developing cognitive impairment or dementia than the ones who consume less coffee.

Participants of this study were 6,467 women who were followed for a decade. In the end, it was revealed that the ladies taking more caffeine were at lower risk of cognitive functioning issues.

In this study consuming caffeine was based on a self-report meaning the decaffeinated drinks were not specified. It was assumed that all cola drinks, tea, and coffee were caffeinated.

The studies seeking to find out the relationship between coffee and dementia was also done on animals.

It was discovered that caffeine in animals lowers beta-amyloid plaque levels.

This is a biomarker that is associated with dementia.

Drinking coffee can help reduce vascular disease

Additionally, drinking coffee is also known to reduce the risk of vascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. These two are also common dementia risk factors.

In yet another study, researchers put caffeine in drinking water. They then fed it to transgenic mice that develop dementia-like symptoms where they reach around 8 months of age.

It was found that caffeine treatment reduced inflammation mediators. This also increased the levels of plasma of GCSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor).

The latter enhances the cognitive performance of the transgenic mice.

Worth noting is that the above studies on coffee and dementia are only observational.

This implies that they do not reveal causation as they only show correlation. Experts agree that coffee consumption may lower the risk of dementia but the beverage is not behind the decreased risks.

There is, however, a need for further evidence regarding the protective effect of coffee on dementia.

Researchers caution that there is still a need for more studies to confirm this theory.

Coffee and caffeine treatment for dementia?

Many experts are nonetheless optimistic that the findings may open up the possibility of the development of new dementia treatments. As well as dietary interventions that can modify dementia risk.

It is also important to mention that while studying coffee and dementia, some studies refute the claim that caffeine can prevent dementia.

These state that long-term caffeine consumption makes dementia symptoms worse.

Researchers from Sweden and Spain undertook one of the studies on normal aging mice as well as the ones that have dementia-like symptoms.

The results indicated that caffeine alters behavior in healthy mice and makes neuropsychiatric symptoms of mice even worse.

Furthermore, the experts explained that during the study, they discovered that caffeine has little benefit when it came to the memory and learning of rodents.

Even though many studies support the idea of coffee reducing the risk of dementia, it is not yet clear what the exact cause of dementia is.

In conclusion

This means that there is no clear way of preventing this illness.

Nevertheless, professionals advise on several things that you can do to reduce the risk.

These include reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, staying mentally active and physically fit. Lastly, it is important to consume a balanced healthy diet.

Diabetes and Dementia – Are They Related?

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes, Prevention, Signs January 18, 2021December 19, 2023dementia, diabetes, signs of dementia

Scientists, over the years, continue to link diabetes and dementia. Does sugar have a negative effect on a dementia-infected brain?

There are over twenty million people with diabetes in America alone.

Around six million of these individuals do not even know that they have diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the USA.

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is an illness that decreases the ability of the body to convert sugar into energy. When a person with diabetes fails to control the condition, the blood remains with too much sugar.

Over time, this can lead to the damage of multiple organs in the body, including the brain.

It creates a dangerous spiral where the causes of diabetes can also result in mental deterioration.

Dementia, on the other hand, is a brain disorder that affects emotions, thinking, behavior and, to some extent, the ability to perform daily tasks.

It can reduce life expectancy as well as the quality of a person’s life.

Some studies reveal that people who have both diabetes and dementia die faster than the ones who only have dementia.

Researchers and scientists are finding more evidence linking diabetes primarily Type 2 diabetes to memory loss issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

However, it is worth mentioning that there is still no concrete evidence on precisely what cause’s dementia and how diabetes comes into play.

It is also worth mentioning that not everyone who has diabetes will end up with dementia.

Doctors, however, do know that high insulin or blood sugar levels can harm the brain in multiple ways like:

Causing Chemical Imbalance in the Brain

Your brain depends on several chemicals in the body to function properly. Too much insulin can affect these chemicals, causing an imbalance.

Such changes occurring in the brain can trigger dementia, as well as other illnesses.

Development of Other Medical Conditions

A person who has diabetes has a high risk of developing other medical conditions like:

Stroke
Heart disease
Joint and bone problems
Kidney diseases
Digestive problems
Nerve damage
Eye damage
Yeast infection

These could hurt organs like the heart and blood vessels as well.

Damaged blood vessels usually imply that the brain will not get enough oxygen and nutrients; another factor that can contribute to vascular dementia.

This is a kind of dementia that occurs because of brain damage that mostly comes about because of blocked or reduced blood flow to the brain.

Increasing Risk of Cerebrovascular Diseases

A high percentage of people who have diabetes are at high risk of developing cerebrovascular illnesses.

These are triggered by things such as oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

Additionally, as the brain continues to age, because of changes in amyloid metabolism and other related factors, it becomes easier to develop memory issues.

Structural changes in the brain show some evidence of the association between diabetes and dementia.

Affecting How the Brains Handles Insulin

Ongoing research also points out that the link between the two medical conditions may happen as a result of the ways that diabetes affects the brain’s ability to respond to insulin and use glucose (sugar).

Note that glucose is the main source of energy for the brain.

Therefore, when cognitive function is affected, because of low levels of blood glucose, the outcome can be severe neuronal damage.

Insulin resistance makes the body producing more insulin than necessary in a bid to keep the glucose levels within a healthy range.

This can also affect the brain in that high levels of insulin can damage small blood vessels and other brain cells. Insulin resistance also affects other parts of the body.

When not enough insulin is making its way to the brain, it does not only cause the brain to function normally. It can also be the cause of a person developing small strokes, which increases dementia.

Causing Inflammation

When there is a spike in blood sugar, it can easily lead to inflammation affecting the brain and other parts of the body. This naturally leads to the damage of brain cells.

It is another factor that can lead to the development of dementia.

Chronic inflammation often leads to the formation of tau tangles and amyloid plaques brain abnormalities that are hallmarks of dementia illness.

Increase the Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment

When talking about diabetes and dementia, it is worth noting that diabetes also contributes to the increased risk of developing MCI (mild cognitive impairment).

This is a condition where you end up experiencing more memory and cognitive (thinking) problems than the ones present as people age.

It is a set of symptoms where individuals struggle to remember things that they already know and also have issues with the ability to think.

Initially, these memory problems are usually not severe enough to bring about challenges with day-to-day living.

Eventually, some studies claim that people with MCI get dementia. MCI has been known to accompany or precede dementia.

Build-Up of Proteins in the Blood

Diabetes has also been known to contribute to the build-up of toxic proteins in the brain that is associated with dementia.

When there is too much protein in the brain, it disrupts the functioning of synapses, which are the connections that are formed between brain cells helping information to circulate to and from the brain.

The brain, at this point, may not be able to clear out the waste products.

In line with this, recent studies also reveal that elevated glucose levels in the blood can increase amyloid beta levels.

This is one of the significant components of brain plague in persons who have dementia. A build-up of plaque is thought to be a driver of complex changes in the brain leading to the development of different types of dementia.

Diabetes makes it challenging to control healthy levels of blood sugar.

This results in harmful effects on a person’s brain, increasing the risk of dementia onset.

When there is a lot of glucose in the blood, it may lead to increased neuron activity in the brain, which promotes the production of amyloid beta.

Type 1 Diabetes Causes Higher Risk of Dementia

Earlier, the article mentioned that most people with type 2 diabetes are likely to develop dementia as well.

There have also been other studies indicating that people who have Type 1 diabetes are also at risk of developing dementia.

Research shows that individuals with this type of diabetes typically face a higher risk of developing memory and thinking problems as they age compared to the general population.

Around 83% of seniors with type 1 diabetes are at risk of getting dementia as well.

With type 1 diabetes, a person’s immune system attacks insulin mistakenly triggering the production of beta cells in the pancreas. This leaves the persons with this type of diabetes with little or even no insulin in the body.

Insulin is an essential hormone in the body that enables the body to use up carbohydrates as fuel.

Individuals with type 1 diabetes are also at risk of getting hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that could be another link between diabetes and dementia.

A Decline in Cognitive Function

It is common for people who have diabetes to experience a progressive decline in cognitive function. This has been recorded as one of the factors that usually cause the development of dementia.

The risk of getting one or more types of dementia is two-fold in seniors who have diabetes compared to their age mates.

This does not happen all at once but rather as the diabetes disease progresses, affecting more parts of the body.

With most diabetics, dementia is usually diagnosed after about three years of having diabetes.

Diabetes also accelerates issues like diabetic foot, microvascular diseases, cerebrovascular illnesses, acute metabolic events, and depression, among many others that may accelerate the onset of dementia.

Closing Remarks

When a person has one chronic disease, it is usually too much to deal with.

Sadly, there are some chronic illnesses like diabetes that frequently compound the effects of another to not only worsen the condition but also increase an individual’s risk of developing new conditions like dementia.

To stay healthy, it is important to work with your health care team to manage or prevent diabetes in a bid to reduce or completely avoid the complications it brings.

Proper diabetes management may involve things like:

Sticking to your doctor’s advice on how to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose.
Quit smoking.
Reduce alcohol intake.
Eating healthy foods including lots of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meats, low-fat cheese, and milk.
Managing a healthy weight.
Keep physically active (try and work out at least thirty minutes daily).
Remain socially and mentally active and engaged to reduce the risk of getting dementia.
Taking any prescribed medication on time.
Examining your feet for sores on a daily basis.

Working with an effective diabetes prevention or management plan can successfully lower the development of various types of dementia.

There is still a need for further studies and research into the relationship between diabetes and dementia.

This way, we can fully understand the correlation to come up with the most appropriate solutions to tackle the conditions.

Vitamin E and Alzheimer’s Disease (Treatment)

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention January 18, 2021October 18, 2021alzheimer's disease, vitamin e, vitamin e and alzheimer's

Several theories exist regarding the fight against AD (Alzheimer’s disease), including vitamin E and Alzheimer’s.

Researchers have proposed that vitamin E may be a potential clinical intervention for AD. This is after several bodies have conducted research to support this theory.

One study claims that a hefty dose of vitamin E taken daily can help slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Maurice Dysken, who was part of this study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, stated that patients who were given a vitamin E pharmacological dose experienced a slower decline in memory and thinking.

The study, however, also brought out the fact that the vitamin does not fight the cause of dementia, which implies that it is not a cure.

Vitamin E can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s

The study with over 600 participants at different medical centers involved persons with moderate to mild Alzheimer’s. The large group was split into quarters where each received various types of therapy.

One group was receiving a dose of 2,000 IU (international units) of tocopherol a type of vitamin E. This constitutes a relatively large dose when you compare this to the multivitamins that most people take daily.

The other groups were getting Alzheimer’s medication known as memantine, which also has vitamin E or a placebo.

The results of the study showed that the participants taking vitamin E alone had a 19% reduction in the decline rate as compared to the persons on placebo.

This simply means that the persons taking vitamin E experienced over six months’ delays in Alzheimer’s progression, according to the researchers.

When it comes to vitamin E and Alzheimer’s, the delay can be very beneficial in persons who have the disease.

In persons with mild or moderate Alzheimer’s, this can mean more independence where individuals with the illness can do more daily activities without help from caregivers.

Researchers also concluded that participants of the study taking vitamin E alone needed fewer hours of daily care (about 2-3 hours less).

What is Vitamin E?

Now that you are aware of the link between vitamin E and Alzheimer’s, it helps to know that the vitamin is and its source.

Vitamin E refers to a fat-soluble compound that is majorly present in plants. The vitamin is an important micronutrient for humans.

It is helpful in the maintenance of cell membrane integrity. Experts recommend that your diet should have between 3-15 mg of vitamin E.

You mostly get the vitamin from edible oils and seeds like peanuts, almonds, palm oil, olive, canola, coconut, soybean, and corn.

These have high levels of tocotrienols and tocopherols. Plant foods, on the other hand, like vegetables and fruits, contain scarce quantities.

Is Vitamin E Safe for Individuals with Alzheimer’s?

Tackling the topic of vitamin E and Alzheimer’s means that it is essential to talk about this treatment option.

Experts’ advice that vitamin E therapy appears to be quite safe and persons taking it are not at risk of worsening symptoms or death.

However, not everyone will have the same reaction to high doses of the vitamin. It is, therefore, crucial to seek medical advice before taking the vitamin.

The doctor may ask several questions before giving the go-ahead such as:

1. Is dementia as a result of AD? This is because so far, only persons with Alzheimer’s reap the benefits of the vitamin. It may not work positively for persons who have other forms of dementia.

2. Are there other supplements a person is taking? This will let the medic know whether the individual should discontinue the other supplements.

3. What is the medical history of the suffering person? This determines if there will be a substantial risk of consuming vitamin E.

Does Vitamin E Prevent Alzheimer’s?

Studying the connection between vitamin E and Alzheimer’s demands that researchers also look into whether the vitamin can help to prevent the development of the disease.

Multiple studies revealed that taking vitamin E does not prevent AD from developing in healthy seniors. A study that took place over the course of eight years ascertains this fact.

This was done in a bid to highlight the challenges of finding appropriate treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other dementia forms.

Researchers opted to take this route with the study because vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is known to protect cells in the human body, including cells present in the brain and blood vessels.

Antioxidants work by sopping up excess free radicals that damage cells ensuring that the cells remain healthy and strong.

Closing Thoughts

Regarding vitamin E and Alzheimer’s, there is still more research necessary to figure out how vitamins help persons with the disease.

Currently, researchers are still not sure about how vitamin E helps to slow down mental decline.

Perhaps it is due to its strong antioxidant properties that work for the benefit of individuals who have Alzheimer’s.