Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning. This term is broadly used for the loss of mental ability. This can happen as it relates to thinking, remembering, and reasoning. Dementia is a blanket term for any of these factors and is on a sliding scale of decline. The loss of one’s mental capabilities is a terrifying thing, but one that is most likely reversible, and preventable, new research shows.
The debate about whether the cause of dementia is environmental, behavioral, or genetic has been ongoing for decades. The truth is, the cause is probably a combination of all three. Genetics play a role as one’s DNA dictates their predisposition toward disease. Epigenetics is the study of how your behavior and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. An individual’s epigenetics can be a major contributing factor in the progression and speed of the disease.
In the case of dementia, the behavior and environmental factors are many. They can influence the way the brain functions, heals, and thrives. Accidents that include a head injury can happen at any age, and lead to cognitive function impairment. The food we consume has a major influence on the health and function of the brain. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as Vitamin B-12, will negatively affect the brain. Long term consumption of crops that were exposed to Glyphosate (an herbicidal poison) has effects as well. The over-consumption of processed foods with seed oils cause inflammation to the brain. The abuse of alcohol and drugs alters the function of the brain. Eating foods that contain, or being exposed to, environmental toxins like heavy metals, leads to dementia. As you can see with these examples there can be a build-up over time of exposure. You can choose better lifestyle habits, and food sourcing to provide a better opportunity to avoid prolonged damage.
Simple steps like practicing good oral hygiene make a big difference on brain health. Maria del Cielo, DDS, Ph.D, a dentist at the University of Kansas Health System, said, “Our mouth is full of bacteria (good and bad). We need these bacteria to live in equilibrium and when our dental hygiene is missing, the bad bacteria can overcome and install in our gums. There is evidence that bacteria can travel to the brain and participate with neurodegeneration that will ultimately decline our cognitive health.”
Most recent studies on sleep show how critical getting seven hours or more per night is to preventing dementia. The NIH article titled, “Lack of sleep in middle age may increase dementia risk,” (April 2021), reported the data from a long study of 8,000 participants from 1985-2016. It showed monitoring people from age 50 through their late 70’s that 521 participants were diagnosed with dementia. Those that were diagnosed, averaged below six hours sleep per night. Sleep is recovery for the body, repair for the brain, and the imprint of memories.
Finally, the prescription drugs that Americans are taking are damaging their brains. A 2021 report published by Psychiatric Times warns that benzodiazepines—commonly known as “benzos”—have been linked with a high risk of dementia. Certain psychoactive drugs used to treat anxiety, seizures, and insomnia, such as Klonopin, Valium, Librium, and Ativan—as well as their generic forms and certain other drugs—are all classified as benzodiazepines.
Environmental exposure and behavioral patterns are within your control. If you want to have the best chance to avoid dementia, or reverse early signs of brain decline, start making positive lifestyle changes today. ◆
