6 More Ways to Prevent Dementia and Boost Brain Power

Most natural health advocates have come across coconut oil consumption as a way to reduce Alzheimer’s risk and even reverse already existing symptoms. In case you missed out on that nutritional break-though Big Pharma’s tried to hide while developing toxic pharmaceuticals for Alzheimer’s that don’t work, click the link above. But here are a few more nutritional protectors against Alzheimer’s and general dementia.

• 1. An apple a day? How about apple juice three times a week for dementia protection?

• 2. Another aspect of preventing dementia is to remove compounds called aluminum nanoparticles. These nanoparticles collect in the brain and cause all manner of brain dysfunction, from mild to major. Here’s how to DIY remove that toxin from the brain.

• 3. Decreasing as we age, acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that needs to be increased as we approach or pass mid-life. It can be done with the right nutrients. Even if brain memory cells are not damaged, if there is not enough acetylcholine, accessing those memories can become exercises in futility. The herbs ginkgo biloba, ginseng, gotu-kola, and bacopa promote acetylcholine production. There are also choline compound supplements available as precursors for increasing acetylcholine in the brain. According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, MD, these can furnish rapid results for memory improvement.

• 4. L-arginine and citrulline are a precursors for nitric oxide (NO), a gas that enhances blood flow to the brain, blood vessels, and other organs. NO’s ability of preventing heart attacks and strokes is promoted more often than helping prevent dementia, though it has been found to benefit anti-aging and brain deterioration associated with aging. Inhaling nitric oxide has even been used as emergency protocols for brain injury trauma victims.

• 5. Omega-3 rich foods such fish oils, eggs, hemp, flax, and chia seeds also helpC support acetylcholine. You’ll have both cardio and brain health support with most of these nutrients. Fish oils have even been used to reverse brain damage after accidents.

6. Reducing Stress and Decreasing Cortisol

Most hormones decrease with age, but not cortisol. Cortisol increases with age and is a major source of mental or brain deterioration. Since stress produces this “fight or flight” hormone, minimizing stress can eliminate excess cortisone production.

Meditation is one proven method of reducing stress. The corpse pose of Hatha Yoga, done properly, promotes total relaxation, eliminating every trace of tension. Practiced daily, either or both of these methods lead to a general demeanor of stressing less over situations that were common stress factors.

Truly relaxing to the point of releasing all tense muscles is a powerful practice for curbing cortisol production. Exercise helps too, and it doesn’t have to be vigorous. Brisk walking for a mile or so several times a week has demonstrated improved memory and mental acuity as people reach middle age or later.

Using your mind more for interesting pursuits instead of less as you age is easy and wise. “Use it or lose it” applies here too. Instead of retiring to a life of absolute leisure, engage regularly in some activity that’s interesting to you and that requires using your noggin. I’m 72 and still researching and writing.