It’s common for adults to joke around about forgetfulness or “CRS disease” as we age, but in reality, mental decline (dementia) is no laughing matter.

In fact, here are some recent statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association from 2023:

• An estimated 6.7 million Americans over age 65 are living with Alzheimer’s dementia.
• About 1 in 9 people (10.8 percent) over age 65 have Alzheimer’s dementia.
• Deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease between 2000 and 2019 have more than doubled, increasing 145 percent.
• 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

And it’s not just older adults that are affected! While dementia is typically found in people over age 65, there’s been a troubling surge in the number of people with early-onset cases.

Currently at least 10 percent of people with dementia are under 65 years old.

Let’s take a closer look at dementia and see how you can help keep your brain function sharp and strong for life. 

What is it?

Simply put, dementia is the result of damage to brain cells. 

The human brain has many distinct regions, and each region is responsible for distinct functions including things like memory, judgment and movement.

When the cells in a certain region or regions are damaged, that region cannot carry out its functions normally, and the particular person may start to show…

Signs and symptoms of dementia

Typical signs and symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory loss
• Impaired judgment
• Difficulties with abstract thinking
• Faulty reasoning
• Inappropriate behavior
• Loss of communication skills
• Disorientation 
• Gait, motor and balance problems
• Neglect of personal care and safety
• Hallucinations, paranoia, agitation

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease—accounting for between 60 - 80 percent of all dementia cases.

Tell me why

There are a number of factors that can cause or contribute to brain cell damage including:

Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure

Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure are all linked to dementia.

Decreased blood flow to the brain from these conditions is linked to the formation of the classic plaques and tangles that disrupt brain activity in Alzheimer’s.

Type 2 diabetes

Your brain needs glucose to function properly, and when there is impaired glucose function with Type 2 diabetes, it can damage brain cells. Plus, high blood sugar causes inflammation which is harmful to brain cells.

And heaven knows we are in a diabetes epidemic at all ages!

Use of acid reducers

Studies have shown that regular users of PPIs (like Nexium) had a 44 percent increased risk of dementia compared with those not using the medications.

Lack of exercise

Regular exercise improves blood flow throughout the body, including the brain.

Unfortunately, many people absolutely loathe the idea of exercise. But being sedentary is the worst thing you can do for SO many reasons, including increasing your risk of dementia.

Aluminum exposure

For over 30 years, high levels of aluminum have been observed in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

People are exposed to aluminum from various sources including drinking water, pots and pans, foil, beverage cans, antiperspirants, baking powder and vaccines.

Aspartame

Aspartame (Equal and NutraSweet) has been linked to Alzheimer’s as well as a variety of other neurological conditions.

Studies have shown that drinking just one diet soda a day TRIPLES your risk of dementia!

Poor sleep

Lack of sleep can negatively impact the brain and accelerate the rate of development of dementia.

Lacking nutrients

Nutrient deficiencies are a cause or contributing factor in literally every disease, and dementia is no exception.

Three nutrient deficiencies that are strongly associated with dementia are vitamin D, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Fight back!

Now that you’ve seen several possible factors behind the development of dementia, it’s time to do all you can to keep it far away from you.

Here are 6 Sharp Brain Strategies that can help prevent, slow or in some cases even reverse cognitive decline:

Sharp Brain Strategy #1- Vitamin D

Studies have shown that people who are severely vitamin D deficient (less than 10 ng/mL) face a 122 percent increased risk of dementia!

Plus, those who are just “deficient” (less than 20 ng/mL) experience a 51 percent higher risk of all-cause dementia.

Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is rampant, and current estimates show that up to 90 percent of us have a degree of deficiency.

To help address any deficiencies, try to get brief periods (10-20 minutes) of unprotected time in the sun, weather permitting. Be careful to never get a sunburn.

And to help ensure you have health-supporting levels of vitamin D 365 days a year, it’s wise to supplement with an outstanding product like Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B.

In addition to getting the recommended 5,000 IUs of vitamin D3 in each capsule, you’ll also get the added benefit of vitamins K1 (500 mcg) and K2 (50 mcg). Vitamin K works with vitamin D to provide heart and bone support.

Sharp Brain Strategy #2- Have a healthy diet

Your brain cells are very vulnerable to free radical damage, so the protection of antioxidants is extremely important.

Having a diet that concentrates on nutrient-rich real foods (lots of fruits and vegetables) is a great way to help get the antioxidants your brain needs.

Plus having a healthy diet can help naturally curb acid reflux.

Sharp Brain Strategy #3- Regular exercise

Numerous studies have shown that physical exercise helps prevent cognitive impairment and dementia as we age.

In addition, regular exercise helps lower your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, which are also dementia risk factors.

And exercise helps improve poor sleep, which is yet another factor. 

So get your doctor’s OK and get moving! Even brisk walking is helpful. 

Sharp Brain Strategy #4- Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is needed for your body to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which allows the nerves and brain to communicate and can help you maintain clear-thinking abilities.

But getting enough B12 can be tricky, especially if you’re prone to digestive problems or have had gastric surgery. To ensure you get enough of this vital nutrient, Hydroxaden 2.5 is your ticket.

Hydroxaden 2.5 is an easy-to-use vitamin B12 spray that you spritz under your tongue so it can be absorbed by the mucus membranes in your mouth. 

This helps avoid any absorption problems in the GI tract, and the B12 can get where it needs to go—your brain!

Sharp Brain Strategy #5- Eliminate aluminum

Here are ways to eliminate sources of aluminum:

• Drink filtered water.
• Use stainless steel or cast-iron cookware.
• Use natural deodorants instead of antiperspirants.
• Use aluminum-free baking powder and unbleached flour in baking.
• Buy beverages in glass bottles instead of cans.
• Rethink vaccines that contain aluminum (like flu shots). Having a healthy diet, getting good sleep and reducing stress can help your body fight off sickness.
• Use parchment paper instead of foil.

Sharp Brain Strategy #6- Omega-3 essential fatty acids

A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids makes it impossible for your cell membranes to perform their vital functions, and your brain is heavily dependent on the omega-3 EFA Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Unfortunately, our typical diets are severely deficient in Omega-3 EFAs, so daily supplementation with these nutrients is essential!

VitalMega-3 fish oil formula provides an impressive 1,200 mg of Omega-3s in each two-capsule serving, including 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg of DHA--two of the very best Omega-3 EFAs for sharp brain functioning.

Now you are on track to help your brain stay healthy and sharp for a lifetime!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia