Latest news with #DanielAmen
New York Post
11 hours ago
- Health
- New York Post
Eating these common foods could reduce Alzheimer's risk, experts say
Reducing the risk of Alzheimer's could be as simple as eating the right food. A new study by researchers in Boston, Chicago and Washington, D.C., found that eating foods high in choline could lower the risk of developing the common dementia. Choline is an essential micronutrient found in various foods, including poultry, dairy products (such as milk, yogurt and eggs), cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, beans and some fish, according to the USDA. Dietary choline intake has been associated with a lower risk of cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia, the researchers concluded. In the study, participants averaging 81 years of age who did not have Alzheimer's completed dietary questionnaires and underwent annual neurological exams. After an eight-year follow-up, researchers determined that consuming about 350 milligrams of choline per day was associated with the lowest risk of clinical Alzheimer's diagnoses in older adults. 4 A new study found that foods high in choline could lower a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's. Kay Abrahams/ – Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein has also backed the impact of choline on brain health, citing a 2024 China-based study that found intake improves cognitive function, especially among women. 'This is the study that inspired me to start supplementing choline,' she said. 'My memory has gotten worse over the years. I first wrote it off as 'pregnancy brain,' then 'mommy brain,' but eventually realized I should do my best to help it.' 'I already sleep well, exercise regularly, play mahjong and limit my alcohol, so choline was the next obvious tool worth trying.' 4 Choline is found in foods like poultry, dairy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans and some fish, according to the USDA. Danijela – Muhlstein shared that more than 90% of the choline in eggs comes from the yolk. For those who choose to eat egg whites for dietary reasons, taking a choline supplement may be a better option. Choline intake should be tailored to each person's individual needs, the nutritionist noted, referencing guidance from the Harvard School of Public Health. 'Premenopausal women may have lower requirements for dietary choline, because higher estrogen levels stimulate the creation of choline in the body,' the university wrote. In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California, emphasized the importance of eating the right foods for brain health. 'Your brain uses 20% to 30% of the calories you consume,' he said. 'So, nutrition is critical to help your brain or hurt your brain.' 4 The study had participants take dietary questionnaires and undergo neurological exams. Monkey Business – 4 Dr. Daniel Amen, a brain imaging doctor, said walnuts are one of his favorite brain-healthy food options. Fox News Walnuts are one of Amen's favorite brain-healthy food options, as they contain choline as well as omega-3 fatty acids. He also recommends including wild salmon as a dietary staple, as it's high in omega-3s and healthy protein, as well as organic blueberries and green, leafy vegetables. 'If you had a salad every day, and you put blueberries and salmon and walnuts on it with a little lemon and olive oil, that would be a perfect brain-boosting lunch,' he said. The doctor also suggested considering certain supplements to foster better brain health, including vitamin D, omega-3 or fish oil, or a daily multi-vitamin. 'Nearly two-thirds of the American population is low in vitamin D,' he said. 'And if it's low, it's a universal risk factor for every bad thing related to your brain, but also to your body, including obesity and cancer … Know and optimize your vitamin D level.' Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.
Fox News
4 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Your late-night TV binge could sabotage your brain health, doctor warns
Staying awake to watch "just one more episode" is a classic excuse for delaying bedtime. And with popular shows like Peacock's "Love Island" airing almost every night as the drama unfolds live, there's more pressure to finish the latest episode and to engage in conversation with others the next day. In addition to making us sleepier in the morning, staying awake to watch TV is not good for the brain, according to Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California. "'I just have to watch the last episode' of whatever show you're watching, and you end up cutting out half an hour or an hour of sleep," he said in an interview with Fox News Digital. In this case, the doctor advised, "Don't make important decisions the next day, because your brain has not been properly 'washed.' And you're just more likely to make a bad decision." Amen stressed that prioritizing sleep is "absolutely essential," because when you sleep, your brain "cleans and washes itself." Getting an adequate night's sleep helps improve memory the next day, as well as energy, focus and blood flow, the doctor said. "If you want your memory better tomorrow, go to bed half an hour early tonight," he suggested. "Given that, we can record [shows] or we can always watch them the next day." "If you want your memory better tomorrow, go to bed half an hour early tonight." "How much do you love yourself?" Amen questioned. "Because doing the right thing is never about deprivation." The doctor encourages adopting the following mindset. "I want energy. I want memory. I want focus. I want passion. I want purpose. I want blood flow. I never want to do anything that hurts [the brain]." "It's about the abundance of what I want rather than what I can't have," Amen added. "You're going to get serious about brain health." Exposure to screens and blue light before bed also decreases the production of melatonin, leaving you less sleepy, Amen cautioned. "Mindlessly scrolling – you're going to have the fear of missing out almost immediately, which also increases stress," he added. For more Health articles, visit The expert recommended adding blue-light blockers to all devices that turn on when the sun goes down to help ease into a restful night's sleep.
Fox News
09-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Warding off Alzheimer's might mean making these 11 lifestyle changes, expert says
Research developments in Alzheimer's disease, including newly approved blood tests for early detection, have helped patients get diagnosed sooner. With dementia on the rise among younger individuals, the spotlight is on ways to prevent or slow the disease. Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California, spoke with Fox News Digital in an interview about Alzheimer's risk and management. (See the video at the top of this article.) "Alzheimer's starts in your brain decades before you have any symptoms," he said. "So, a 59-year-old woman I diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease likely had negative changes in her brain in her 20s." He added, "It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind." Amen, author of the book "Preventing Alzheimer's," confirmed that half of Alzheimer's cases are preventable, according to recent findings. This can be done through nurturing brain health and treating the 11 major risk factors that "steal your mind," he said. "It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind." To remember the factors that can help ward off Alzheimer's, Amen created the acronym "BRIGHTMINDS" as follows. Low blood flow is the No. 1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer's disease, according to the doctor. Alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, nicotine, sedentary behavior and excess weight or obesity can all decrease blood flow, thus should be avoided. To promote blood flow, Amen suggests "walking like you're late," which could entail walking 30 minutes a day — alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of fast walking. "Do that five times for 30 minutes, and it increases blood flow to your brain," he said. Along with retirement and aging can come a slowdown in learning and cognitive activity, leading to a higher Alzheimer's risk, Amen said. He encourages retirees to learn something new every day to keep the brain active and healthy. Inflammation is a "major cause" of psychiatric issues, Amen revealed, as well as conditions like cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Flossing is an easy way to reduce inflammation in the gums and help prevent gum disease, which is a gateway to brain disease, according to the doctor. "Genes aren't a death sentence," Amen said. "What they should be is a wake-up call." The doctor said everyone should take steps to discover which diseases run in the family and then follow a daily prevention program. "I have heart disease and obesity in my family," he said. "I don't have heart disease, and I'm not overweight. Why? Because I'm on an obesity heart disease prevention program every day of my life." Concussions and head trauma are a "major cause" of psychiatric problems, Amen described, and should be avoided. "Don't text and drive," he warned. Some well-known toxins like alcohol, marijuana and other drugs are known to have negative impacts on overall health. But some not-so-obvious toxins can include lead, mold, mercury from fish, and even general anesthesia, Amen cautioned. "You always want to support your organs in detoxification," he said. "Drink more water, as it helps flush things through your kidneys … eat more fiber for your gut, and hold the alcohol." Amen also suggested eating brassicas, which include vegetables in the cabbage family, as they have a detoxifying effect. The expert also highlighted the benefits of sauna use as a detox tool. "The people who take the most saunas have the lowest incidence of Alzheimer's disease," he stated. A healthy mental state will help support a healthier brain, experts agree. "Stop believing every stupid thing you think," Amen advised. Keeping your body healthy and immune from infections is key to overall health, according to Amen. The doctor suggested optimizing vitamin D intake, which can help support the brain and immune system. The brain specialist recommends having a hormone balance check done every year, as any imbalances can interfere with the brain and increase Alzheimer's risk. "Diabesity," a term referring to the parallel occurrence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, can be a major threat to overall health, the doctor warned. "You really want to care about your weight," Amen said. Weight and diet play an important role in brain health, as Amen's research has shown that as weight increases, the size and function of the brain decreases. "Genes aren't a death sentence. What they should be is a wake-up call." "Being overweight, you automatically have 10 of the 11 risk factors, because being overweight lowers blood flow, accelerates aging, increases inflammation and changes your hormones in a negative way," he said. "Be mindful of only loving food that loves you back." Sleep is crucial for a high-functioning mind, as an adequate night's slumber "washes" the brain every night, Amen noted. Better sleep translates to improved memory, energy, blood flow and decision-making, the doctor said, and should be a priority when working to prevent Alzheimer's.
Fox News
09-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Warding off Alzheimer's might mean making these 11 lifestyle changes, expert says
Research developments in Alzheimer's disease, including newly approved blood tests for early detection, have helped patients get diagnosed sooner. With dementia on the rise among younger individuals, the spotlight is on ways to prevent or slow the disease. Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California, spoke with Fox News Digital in an interview about Alzheimer's risk and management. (See the video at the top of this article.) "Alzheimer's starts in your brain decades before you have any symptoms," he said. "So, a 59-year-old woman I diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease likely had negative changes in her brain in her 20s." He added, "It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind." Amen, author of the book "Preventing Alzheimer's," confirmed that half of Alzheimer's cases are preventable, according to recent findings. This can be done through nurturing brain health and treating the 11 major risk factors that "steal your mind," he said. "It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind." To remember the factors that can help ward off Alzheimer's, Amen created the acronym "BRIGHTMINDS" as follows. Low blood flow is the No. 1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer's disease, according to the doctor. Alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, nicotine, sedentary behavior and excess weight or obesity can all decrease blood flow, thus should be avoided. To promote blood flow, Amen suggests "walking like you're late," which could entail walking 30 minutes a day — alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of fast walking. "Do that five times for 30 minutes, and it increases blood flow to your brain," he said. Along with retirement and aging can come a slowdown in learning and cognitive activity, leading to a higher Alzheimer's risk, Amen said. He encourages retirees to learn something new every day to keep the brain active and healthy. Inflammation is a "major cause" of psychiatric issues, Amen revealed, as well as conditions like cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Flossing is an easy way to reduce inflammation in the gums and help prevent gum disease, which is a gateway to brain disease, according to the doctor. "Genes aren't a death sentence," Amen said. "What they should be is a wake-up call." The doctor said everyone should take steps to discover which diseases run in the family and then follow a daily prevention program. "I have heart disease and obesity in my family," he said. "I don't have heart disease, and I'm not overweight. Why? Because I'm on an obesity heart disease prevention program every day of my life." Concussions and head trauma are a "major cause" of psychiatric problems, Amen described, and should be avoided. "Don't text and drive," he warned. Some well-known toxins like alcohol, marijuana and other drugs are known to have negative impacts on overall health. But some not-so-obvious toxins can include lead, mold, mercury from fish, and even general anesthesia, Amen cautioned. "You always want to support your organs in detoxification," he said. "Drink more water, as it helps flush things through your kidneys … eat more fiber for your gut, and hold the alcohol." Amen also suggested eating brassicas, which include vegetables in the cabbage family, as they have a detoxifying effect. The expert also highlighted the benefits of sauna use as a detox tool. "The people who take the most saunas have the lowest incidence of Alzheimer's disease," he stated. A healthy mental state will help support a healthier brain, experts agree. "Stop believing every stupid thing you think," Amen advised. Keeping your body healthy and immune from infections is key to overall health, according to Amen. The doctor suggested optimizing vitamin D intake, which can help support the brain and immune system. The brain specialist recommends having a hormone balance check done every year, as any imbalances can interfere with the brain and increase Alzheimer's risk. "Diabesity," a term referring to the parallel occurrence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, can be a major threat to overall health, the doctor warned. "You really want to care about your weight," Amen said. Weight and diet play an important role in brain health, as Amen's research has shown that as weight increases, the size and function of the brain decreases. "Genes aren't a death sentence. What they should be is a wake-up call." "Being overweight, you automatically have 10 of the 11 risk factors, because being overweight lowers blood flow, accelerates aging, increases inflammation and changes your hormones in a negative way," he said. "Be mindful of only loving food that loves you back." Sleep is crucial for a high-functioning mind, as an adequate night's slumber "washes" the brain every night, Amen noted. Better sleep translates to improved memory, energy, blood flow and decision-making, the doctor said, and should be a priority when working to prevent Alzheimer's.
New York Post
09-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Expert reveals 11 lifestyle changes to ward off Alzheimer's
Research developments in Alzheimer's disease, including newly approved blood tests for early detection, have helped patients get diagnosed sooner. With dementia on the rise among younger individuals, the spotlight is on ways to prevent or slow the disease. Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California, spoke with Fox News Digital in an interview about Alzheimer's risk and management. Advertisement 9 According to Dr. Daniel Amen, it's never too early to adjust your lifestyle to ward off Alzheimer's diesease Dr. Daniel Amen / Facebook 'Alzheimer's starts in your brain decades before you have any symptoms,' he said. 'So, a 59-year-old woman I diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease likely had negative changes in her brain in her 20s.' He added, 'It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind.' Advertisement Amen, author of the book 'Preventing Alzheimer's,' confirmed that half of Alzheimer's cases are preventable, according to recent findings. This can be done through nurturing brain health and treating the 11 major risk factors that 'steal your mind,' he said. To remember the factors that can help ward off Alzheimer's, Amen created the acronym 'BRIGHTMINDS' as follows. B – Blood flow Low blood flow is the No. 1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer's disease, according to the doctor. Advertisement Alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, nicotine, sedentary behavior and excess weight or obesity can all decrease blood flow, thus should be avoided. 9 Consuming alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, and nicotine can cause low blood flow, which is a predictor of Alzheimer's diesease Drazen – To promote blood flow, Amen suggests 'walking like you're late,' which could entail walking 30 minutes a day — alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of fast walking. 'Do that five times for 30 minutes, and it increases blood flow to your brain,' he said. R – Retirement and aging Advertisement Along with retirement and aging can come a slowdown in learning and cognitive activity, leading to a higher Alzheimer's risk, Amen said. He encourages retirees to learn something new every day to keep the brain active and healthy. 9 Experts suggested retirees should learn something new daily to keep the brain active LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – I – Inflammation Inflammation is a 'major cause' of psychiatric issues, Amen revealed, as well as conditions like cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Flossing is an easy way to reduce inflammation in the gums and help prevent gum disease, which is a gateway to brain disease, according to the doctor. 9 Flossing can help prevent gum disease djoronimo – G – Genetics 'Genes aren't a death sentence,' Amen said. 'What they should be is a wake-up call.' The doctor said everyone should take steps to discover which diseases run in the family and then follow a daily prevention program. Advertisement 9 Knowing your own genetics can help determine which diseases run in the family Pixel-Shot – 'I have heart disease and obesity in my family,' he said. 'I don't have heart disease, and I'm not overweight. Why? Because I'm on an obesity heart disease prevention program every day of my life.' H – Head Trauma Concussions and head trauma are a 'major cause' of psychiatric problems, Amen described, and should be avoided. 'Don't text and drive,' he warned. Advertisement 9 Amen described that concussions and head traumas can be major causes of psychiatric problems Anusorn – T – Toxins Some well-known toxins like alcohol, marijuana and other drugs are known to have negative impacts on overall health. But some not-so-obvious toxins can include lead, mold, mercury from fish, and even general anesthesia, Amen cautioned. 'You always want to support your organs in detoxification,' he said. 'Drink more water, as it helps flush things through your kidneys … eat more fiber for your gut, and hold the alcohol.' Advertisement 9 Smoking and usage of other drugs are known to have negative impacts on your overall health 24K-Production – Amen also suggested eating brassicas, which include vegetables in the cabbage family, as they have a detoxifying effect. The expert also highlighted the benefits of sauna use as a detox tool. 'The people who take the most saunas have the lowest incidence of Alzheimer's disease,' he stated. M – Mental Health Advertisement A healthy mental state will help support a healthier brain, experts agree. 'Stop believing every stupid thing you think,' Amen advised. 9 Experts suggested to keep a good mental wellbeing and lead a stress-free lifestyle to support healthier brain LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – I – Immunity and Infections Keeping your body healthy and immune from infections is key to overall health, according to Amen. The doctor suggested optimizing vitamin D intake, which can help support the brain and immune system. N – Neurohormones The brain specialist recommends having a hormone balance check done every year, as any imbalances can interfere with the brain and increase Alzheimer's risk. D – Diabesity 'Diabesity,' a term referring to the parallel occurrence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, can be a major threat to overall health, the doctor warned. 'You really want to care about your weight,' Amen said. 9 Concussions and type 2 diabetes can be huge threats to your overall health grinny – Weight and diet play an important role in brain health, as Amen's research has shown that as weight increases, the size and function of the brain decreases. 'Being overweight, you automatically have 10 of the 11 risk factors, because being overweight lowers blood flow, accelerates aging, increases inflammation and changes your hormones in a negative way,' he said. 'Be mindful of only loving food that loves you back.' S – Sleep Sleep is crucial for a high-functioning mind, as an adequate night's slumber 'washes' the brain every night, Amen noted. Better sleep translates to improved memory, energy, blood flow and decision-making, the doctor said, and should be a priority when working to prevent Alzheimer's.
