Avoiding age-related brain diseases
If you're not controlling your blood pressure, weight, blood sugar and/or cholesterol levels, and don't get enough sleep, exercise, or have time with your posse and a sense of purpose, you've come up with a formula for some serious age-related brain diseases. Other habits that contribute to brain-dimming diseases include excess alcohol and smoking.
That's the conclusion of research published in Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry that found that at least 60% of strokes, 40% of dementia cases, and 35% of late-life depression diagnoses are linked to 17 lifestyle risk factors.
The good news is you can prevent or reverse the brain damage that comes from poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, overweight/obesity, isolation, chronic stress and inflammation.
On your own, you can: 1. Adopt a plant-based diet free of highly processed foods, added sugars and harmful fats. 2. Aim for 10,000 steps a day or the equivalent and two to three strength-building sessions weekly. 3. Meditate or practice yoga. 4. Create a posse and engage in activities that give you a sense of purpose. 5. Get help to stop smoking and control or stop drinking.
Working with a doctor, you can: 1. Get a referral to a nutritionist to help with weight and glucose management. 2. Take weight-loss medications or have bariatric surgery to achieve a healthy weight and control blood sugar. 3. Go to physical therapy to help tamp down chronic pain.
Bonus: My book, "The Great Age Reboot," provides an overview of many ways to keep your brain younger longer.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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