Almost 40% Will Experience Some Form of Memory Loss After the Age of 65, such as Dementia, Cognitive Decline or Alzheimer’s Disease
Is memory loss random?
I am often asked if there is a way to prevent, slow or help reverse memory problems.
I really believe a lot can be done to reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia or memory problems.
Memory problems and cognitive decline is so common among the aging population, that it is easy to assume it’s a normal part of the aging process. It’s not something to wait around and see if you’re going to be struck by it. Get in as early as you can and steer away from it. It’s not inevitable.
What are the causes of memory problems?
Memory problems in the elderly tend to arise from the following causes:
- Inflammation in the brain
- Exposure to brain-damaging toxins, this could be heavy metals, food intolerances such as gluten or sugar, infections, or other environmental toxins
- Lack of specific nutrients
Diabetes of the Brain
Blood sugar levels are also closely tied in with memory problems. In fact, Alzheimer’s has even been labelled ‘diabetes of the brain.’
Cognitive decline is closely tied in with insulin resistance, which is directly related to diabetes. What’s more, insulin resistance contributes to the production of excess insulin, which causes carbohydrates and insulin to be stored in the body as fat in places like the liver and arteries. This in turn contributes to poor circulation to the brain and other parts of the body. This has been labelled as Diabetes Type 3.
Dietary changes
So, with this said, cutting out or reducing refined sugars, high carbs and processed foods is a good place to start. Opt low carb options where you can and include good quality protein with your meals.
Intermittent fasting
Another great way to help control blood sugar levels is through intermittent fasting and cutting out snacks. Intermittent fasting means having an eating window that you stick to, this could be eating just between the hours of say noon and 8pm. This is such a valuable tool and quite easy to implement.
Things you can do
Get moving
Exercise, be active and keep moving! These are vital and keep the blood flow moving and help to keep your brain sharp.
Mental stimulation
Keep your mind active, get involved in the community, groups, friends and family. Do the crossword, join a club. Mental stimulation is a key step.
Go for full fat!
To help improve dementia symptoms, eat 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil a day. It is a great source of MCT oil, which the brain utilises well even when struggling to utilise sugars properly.
What’s more, your brain hosts 25% of your body’s cholesterol levels, and this in conjunction with omega 3 fats helps keep your brain operating optimally. So eating oily fish, nuts, avocados and seeds is a good way to keep the fats up.
Check nutrient levels
Check for Vitamin D and B12 levels. Both are needed to stave off memory problems and are notoriously depleted as we age.
Detox
As we age, we have an ever growing accumulation of toxins in our body’s if they are not detoxed properly – we can test to detect if this is the case, either with functional medicine tests or a hair analysis.
Keep exposure to new toxins low, such as with personal care products, smoking, paints, etc.
I recommend also avoiding aluminium pans and utensils.
Include plenty of antioxidant foods in your diet.
If you have any questions please get in touch.
Hear from my clients
“I consider I am so fortunate to have found Nick Dale on the internet. Nick is the most wonderful Naturopath who is very experienced in his field of Alternative medicines. He is kind and gentle in his manner and takes great patient care . He is very professional and is qualified in his field and I have no doubts in recommending him to others.”
– Mary
