Effective Strategies to Minimize Dementia Risk

Contrary to popular belief, dementia isn’t a standard component of aging, and not everyone who ages will inevitably develop dementia. Late-onset Alzheimer’s dementia is distinct from regular aging and is typically a result of prolonged exposure to elements that trigger chronic inflammation and oxidative stress on the brain. However, the good news is that certain lifestyle choices can aid in preventing this debilitating disease.

Understanding Aging: Dementia is Not a Given

The widespread misconception that dementia is a normal part of aging needs to be dispelled. The following are some insights from the book, The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind, that can help you decrease your risk of developing dementia.

Oral Hygiene: A Significant Role in Cognitive Health

Studies indicate that good oral health is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent dental decay and infections which can increase the oxidative stress on the brain.

Importance of Quality Sleep

Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to oxidative stress, damaging the brain and impairing new learning. It’s important to ensure seven to eight hours of non-medicated sleep each night. Most sleep medications interfere with normal sleep patterns and impair memory consolidation. It may help to create a conducive sleep environment, eliminate stimulants, and address emotional, mental, and relationship stress. If sleep trouble persists, a consultation with a healthcare provider is advised.

Nature Walks: A Path to Reduced Stress

Regular walks in nature help to deactivate the brain’s stress pathways, leading to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones, thus reducing oxidative stress. Direct contact with the earth can improve your body’s antioxidant defenses. Simple activities like barefoot walks on grass, unsealed concrete, or the beach can help maintain this balance.

Physical Exercise: A Key to Mental Health

Regular physical exercise not only improves physical health but also fosters mental well-being. Exercise stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory factors, reducing oxidative stress on the brain. It also triggers the production of neurotrophins, proteins that promote new neuronal connections, thereby enhancing brain health.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet: A Dietary Defense against Dementia

Fast-food and high-sugar diets contribute to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and higher rates of dementia. On the contrary, whole-food diets rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables are associated with better brain volume, cognitive ability, and lower rates of dementia. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like oily fish and walnuts are especially beneficial for brain function.

Artificial Sweeteners: A Hidden Hazard

Research shows that artificial sweeteners can increase the risk of dementia. Even though a high-sugar diet is also detrimental, sugar in the morning coffee or tea is not associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s dementia if the overall diet is low in sugar. However, artificial sweeteners, even when used sparingly, pose a risk.

Importance of Mental Relaxation

Constant mental stress activates the brain’s stress circuitry, leading to increased inflammation and a higher risk of dementia. Regular meditation, days of rest, and unwinding can help manage mental stress and reduce the risk of dementia.

While we all age, we do not do so at the same pace. Lifestyle choices can significantly impact the aging process. It’s possible to age well and reduce the risk of dementia by making mindful decisions. Live long and live well—the choice is in your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distinction between holistic medicine and traditional medicines?

Traditional medicine focuses on treating symptoms, while holistic medicine treats the whole person. Holistic medicine is holistic and does not focus on any one aspect of the patient’s/her health.

Traditional medicine treats specific organs and systems, such as the brain. Holistic medicine examines the whole body from the inside. It considers the impact of lifestyle choices on overall wellness.

What are the five alternative medical systems?

Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that includes acupuncture, Ayurveda homeopathy, energy-healing, and aromatherapy.

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate the flow (qi) of energy throughout the entire body.

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system for health care that balances the three major humors, water, fire, and air. It involves diet and exercise, herbal remedies as well massage and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine gets its name from the Greek word homoios (similar) and pathos (disease). Homeopaths believe that every disease has natural causes. However, symptoms are not the only thing that can be caused. They prescribe small doses of substances to treat symptoms similar to those that are experienced when a person is ill.

Energy Healing is also known by EFT, Rolfing (emotional touch), Reiki, Rolfing, Rolfing, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch and many other names. This therapy is based on a belief that we are all connected to the universal life force known as Ki. When this Ki flows freely through us, we feel well. Energy healers use touch or intention to restore harmony between our spiritual, emotional, and physical selves.

Aromatherapy uses essential oil extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe scents have the ability to affect mood and behavior. Lavender essential oil is used most often in aromatherapy.

What are alternative medicine examples?

Alternative medicine is a treatment that does not fit the criteria of mainstream medicine. These include traditional Chinese medicine.

Alternative medicine could also refer to any practice that has not been supported by scientific evidence but is used in clinical practice. You can use meditation, hypnosis and yoga to achieve this.

What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?

Patients with cancer face many difficulties when trying to manage their illness. Patients may feel hopeless or helpless, and might lose all hope of recovery. Some symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, weight loss, and fatigue.

A majority of conventional treatments are ineffective against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.

Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. It may be because it’s less expensive.

These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:

Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.

Many believe natural remedies can improve quality of life.

Some believe natural remedies can lower the chance of developing cancer again.

Natural remedies are first-line therapy for those who are concerned about side effects from chemotherapy.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based

Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. Alternatively, they might seek complementary and alternative medicines as part of a holistic approach to health. Always verify with your doctor that the scientific backing of any complementary or alternative medicines you use is supported. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if a treatment is effective. It could save you money and time in the long run.

Who uses holistic medicine

Holistic medicine refers to health care treating the whole person rather than treating specific symptoms. It considers both the mental, and physical aspects.

Holistic medicine is acupuncture as well massage therapy, chiropractic, nutritional counseling, Yoga, and other complementary therapies.

People who use holistic medicine include those who have been diagnosed with cancer, heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, migraines, infertility, menopause, asthma, autism, and many others.

Statistics

In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)

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How To

What are the main 4 categories of complementary and/or alternative medicine?

The four main categories of CAM are mind-body medicine, natural products, manipulative therapies, and energy healing. Mind-body medicine includes yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Reiki, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, naturopathy, biofeedback, hypnosis, and herbalism. Natural products are herbs, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements. Manipulative therapies can include physical manipulations such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and osteopathic/chiropractic care. Techniques such as prayer or visualization can be used to bring about energy healing.

CAM is an umbrella term for various health practices outside traditional Western medical models. These practices can be supported by scientific evidence, or they may involve surgery. They also vary in terms of the conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners also perform diagnostic testing (e.g., blood tests) and prescribe medication. Others do neither.

There are several subcategories to each category that go beyond the four primary categories. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products include nutritional supplements as well botanical medicines, homeopathic treatments, essential oils and herbal preparations. Manual, movement, manipulation, electrotherapies and soft tissue mobilization are some of the manipulative therapies. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.

Many CAM treatments treat symptoms but do not address the root cause. Some chronic diseases may be treated with CAM. If used in the right way, CAM can supplement conventional treatment options.

There are many reasons why people use CAM:

To improve their overall health.
To manage a particular condition.
To lessen pain and discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief system.

Some people turn to CAM because it offers more control over their health than conventional medicine. Some may feel it has less side effects. Some choose CAM because they don’t have to take prescription medication. Some people prefer not to use pharmaceuticals. Others still seek out CAM, even though they’ve had bad experiences in conventional medicine.

Some people who use CAM claim they want to be confident about what they’re doing before trying out new techniques. Many CAM users want to know more about the safety of CAM. Others rely on friends and family for word of mouth.

Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM are healthier and happier than those that don’t. This is true regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, income, education level, occupation, insurance status, or other factors.

A majority of Americans have used some type of alternative or complementary medicine. Nearly all adults–95%–use one type of CAM at least once during their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.

The NCCIH estimates 10 percent of the U.S. populace uses chiropractors.

In 2013, the American Medical Association reaffirmed its support for integrative medicine. It stated that doctors should incorporate scientifically validated complementary and alternative medicine into their clinical practice to meet patients’ expectations and needs.

The Institute of Medicine published a groundbreaking report in 2007 entitled “Relaxing Contraints: Improving access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” It concluded that there is no credible evidence that any particular CAM intervention is effective in treating or preventing cancer.

CAM continues its popularity despite the fact that it has been proven to be very popular. 2008 saw a 8 percent increase in the number of CAM professionals compared to 2007.

Recent research found that nearly half of respondents used CAM in their primary healthcare routine.

CAM therapies include natural products, mind-body practices, manipulative techniques, energy healing modalities, exercise, dietary supplements, and other approaches.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.

For example, acupuncture can help relieve chronic back pain, reduce anxiety and depression, improve immune function, promote weight loss and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM treatments are rooted in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Their roots date back thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which originated in China 5,000 years back, has been practiced in China ever since.

It was not until the mid-1800s when Western science began to gain prominence, but TCM remains an important element of health care today.

TCM is used for treatment by more than 70% of Americans today.

Another popular CAM therapy is yoga. Yoga was founded in India approximately 5000 B.C. It is now widespread.

Yoga has become increasingly popular with the general public because it offers physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits.

Yoga can ease stress, improve flexibility and increase strength.

Although there isn’t much scientific research on yoga, it appears that it has positive effects on sleep33. Yoga may be beneficial for people with insomnia.

Other CAM treatments, like meditation, homeopathy and aromatherapy are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medical practice.

One of the most used types of CAM is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines are made up of herbs, spices flowers, seeds fruits, nuts, bark, leaves and roots.

They are commonly used as safer alternatives to prescription drugs and are often preferred by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society, 45% of adults diagnosed with cancer said they used alternative medicine during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of patients with cancer use CAM, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.

According to a recent study 51% of cancer survivors used at least one type CAM.

Only 8% of these people discussed the use of this medication with their doctors.

Healthcare delivery suffers from a large gap because of the lack of communication between CAM users, conventional medical providers, and traditional medical providers.

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