Neurologists Agree on Lifestyle Intervention
Dr. Daniel Gibbs is one of 50 million people worldwide with Alzheimer’s disease.
As a neurologist, Dr. Gibbs has devoted his life to researching Alzheimer’s and what can be done to slow its progress. He’s explained his findings in a new book “A Tattoo On My Brain: A Neurologist’s Personal Battle Against Alzheimer’s Disease.” His book, further supporting the research of your ARPF, reveals how lifestyle choices can help slow the progress of Alzheimer’s, particularly in its early stages.
Dr. Gibbs believes the lifestyle modifications he’s made since his diagnosis have helped maintain his brain health. This reflects what our research reveals: Dr. Gibbs advises using lifestyle measures to reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’s in the first place. “The important message is all of these modifications are likely to be most effective when started early before there’s been any cognitive impairment,” he says. In fact, there can be changes in a brain with Alzheimer’s up to 20 years before there are any cognitive signs. Prevention starts now.
“The pathological changes in the brain that result in Alzheimer’s disease begin years before the onset of cognitive impairment – up to 20 years for the amyloid plaques. Once nerve cells in the brain start to die off and cognitive impairment begins, lifestyle modifications seem to have less, if any, impact,” Dr. Gibbs explains.
Dr. Tim Beanland, head of knowledge at the Alzheimer’s Society, agrees that healthy lifestyle measures help slow the disease’s progress. He says, “There’s growing evidence to suggest regular exercise, looking after your health, and keeping mentally and socially active can help reduce the progression of dementia symptoms. We know that what’s good for the heart is good for the brain, so a healthy diet and lifestyle, including not smoking or drinking too much alcohol, can help lower your risk of dementia, and other conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers.”
So what did Dr. Gibbs recommend? Following our 4 Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention®.
- Diet and Supplements – Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs proper nutrition, blood flow, energy, and care. Discover how simple it can be to supercharge your brain health with the right Alzheimer’s diet and supplements. Diet and nutrition can prevent and help treat memory loss. Learn more about Alzheimer’s Diet & Supplements.
- Stress Management – The effects of the daily grind on your body are well known, but did you know your brain also suffers when you’re stressed out? Find out how you can benefit from easy stress-relieving techniques that can dramatically reduce your risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Learn more about Stress Management.
- Exercise – It’s simple: if you want to maintain a healthy body and mind, you must exercise. But, in addition to physical exercises, it’s time for you to discover how mental exercises are essential for your health and well-being. Learn more about Exercise and Brain Aerobics.
- Spiritual Fitness – Increased consciousness and cognition is the final frontier of Alzheimer’s prevention. Developing your Spiritual Fitness, or psycho-spiritual well-being, may very well help reduce your risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and even Alzheimer’s. Learn more about Spiritual Fitness.
Dr. Gibbs also touches on getting adequate sleep, which is a huge part of brain health. He says, “There appears to be a cleansing of the brain of toxins, including beta-amyloid (a protein which forms sticky plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s) during sleep by the so-called glymphatic circulation. Also, sleep disorders including sleep apnoea are common in patients with Alzheimer’s and should be treated if present.” To learn more about the importance of sleep, how it affects your brain, and how to get the best sleep of your life, visit arpf.com.
Your ARPF is delighted to see great researchers and organizations supporting and sharing our research. Would you like more information on boosting your brain health and preventing cognitive decline? Our Brain Longevity Therapy Training has been developed so that you have the knowledge and tools to take your brain and whole-body health to the next level. This online program is beyond beneficial and everyone is welcome to join our prevention community– please share it with your friends and family. This knowledge is how we take control of our health and future.