Latest news with #Kimberlain
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Your Dementia Risk May Be Increased by Another Disease Diagnosis—Here's How to Prevent It
Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia If you're in your 30s, 40s or 50s, dementia might feel like a distant concern, something you associate with advanced age. However, emerging research suggests that a common chronic condition, type 2 diabetes, may significantly increase your risk of developing dementia. 'People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing dementia. Research also indicates that the risk of dementia increases with the longer duration of diabetes,' says Amy Kimberlain, M.S., RDN, CDCES, a certified diabetes care and education specialist and Academy media spokesperson. With more than 38 million Americans living with diabetes, understanding the connection and risk is essential. Research has found that there's a connection between type 2 diabetes and increased risk of dementia. Dementia is a syndrome that affects memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily tasks. This condition results from various diseases and injuries that damage the brain over time. What's especially concerning is that type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common in younger individuals. Research suggests that those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age may also develop dementia earlier in life. Having type 2 diabetes has been associated with a 50% greater likelihood of all-cause dementia, says Susan Hudec, M.D., director of diabetes at Edward Elmhurst Hospitals and Endeavor Health. She explains that the connection is due to different factors, such as the following. Both our experts point out that people with type 2 diabetes often have other health concerns that also increase dementia risk. 'People with diabetes are often more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. These are risk factors that overlap with dementia', says Kimberlain. For this reason it's important to keep diabetes well managed to minimize the risk of developing diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes may toggle between high and low blood sugar levels. 'Consistently high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the brain,' explains Kimberlain. She notes that this damage can disrupt the brain's blood supply, leading to vascular dementia. Additionally, it may cause the buildup of amyloid plaques, which are a key sign of Alzheimer's disease, adds Kimberlain. Related: What to Do If You Eat Too Much Sugar When You Have Diabetes On the flip side, low blood sugar levels (below 70 mg/DL) can also negatively impact the brain. Research suggests that repeated low blood sugar levels can damage the brain and accelerate cognitive decline. Therefore, it is all the more important to check blood sugar levels regularly throughout the day and recognize signs of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, confusion and fatigue. As the name implies, insulin resistance occurs when the body cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into cells for energy. Hudec explains that the link between Alzheimer's disease and diabetes is also believed to be tied to insulin resistance. 'The nerve cells in the brain can also become resistant to insulin, which contributes to the build-up of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain,' she says. Over time, this can lead to the accumulation of harmful proteins that damage brain cells and contribute to Alzheimer's disease. 'Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Both factors can damage brain cells, impair brain function and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia,' says Kimberlain. She explains that chronic inflammation is thought to contribute to the development of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease, which, as mentioned above, can damage nerve cells in the brain. Kimberlain notes that, additionally, people with diabetes are often more likely to have other chronic-inflammation-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. 'These are risk factors that overlap with dementia', she says. For this reason, it's important to keep diabetes well-managed to minimize the risk of developing dementia. While it's concerning that having type 2 diabetes may increase your risk of dementia, luckily, there are preventive steps you can take. A combination of lifestyle factors can help you manage type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk of developing other conditions like dementia. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely: One of the best indicators of how well type 2 diabetes is managed is by looking at your blood sugar levels. Get regular check-ups: Routine check-ins with your doctor can help determine if medicine adjustments are needed and monitor your lab values, blood pressure and weight, all of which impact diabetes and brain health. Make exercise a part of your daily routine: Regular, consistent exercise can help keep blood sugar numbers in check and reduce inflammation. Keep stress at bay: Although we can't get rid of stress altogether, research suggests finding ways to manage it can improve diabetes self-care and positively impact blood sugar levels. (9) Whether you find stress relief through exercise, yoga, meditation or calling a friend, these activities can help keep blood sugar levels in check. Eat a well-balanced diet: Eating well-balanced meals can help manage type 2 diabetes and support brain health. Ensure you have a fiber-rich carb, protein and healthy fat on your plate to keep blood sugar stable. Type 2 diabetes is a common condition affecting millions of Americans, which increases your risk of other health conditions. Research has shown a link between type 2 diabetes and a higher risk of dementia. This connection is due to many factors like high and low blood sugar levels, insulin resistance and increased inflammation. To help lower your risk of developing dementia, there are several lifestyle changes you can start making today to manage your type 2 diabetes better. Keep a close eye on your blood sugar numbers, get regular check-ups, eat a well-balanced diet, incorporate exercise into your weekly routine and find ways to manage stress. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The "Super Fruit" That Could Help Fight Alzheimer's Disease
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." We all know that the food you eat can benefit your whole body. But did you also know that the brain has an amazing ability to adapt and grow new neural pathways at any age? This is called "neuroplasticity," and anything from doing daily brain games to eating the right foods can help optimize it. 'A diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods will help support cognitive health and can ultimately protect against decline,' says Amy Kimberlain, M.S., R.D.N., CDCES, Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who recommends the MIND diet— a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH eating patterns. 'This incorporates anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, berries and olive oil, while limiting foods high in saturated fat, such as red meat, butter, cheese and baked goods. Studies suggest that this plant-forward diet may improve cognitive function and slow brain aging.' Recent research has also found that a diet filled with foods rich in flavonols — the bioactive compound found in plant-based foods — is associated with slower rates of cognitive decline. Motivated to strengthen your brain? Read on to learn about the top brain-boosting foods that can help keep your memory sharp, improve your concentration, productivity and all-around cognitive health for the short- and long-term. Salmon, tuna, cod, anchovies and sardines are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, which is found in large quantities in the brain. Omega-3s are associated with better cognition and increased blood flow to the brain, says Kimberlain. And research suggests that DHA can potentially lower levels of beta-amyloid in the brain, a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. Berries are packed with antioxidant polyphenols that protect against oxidative stress, which can cause cell damage in the brain, says Kimberlain. They are packed with potent antioxidants called flavonoids, including anthocyanins (the plant compound that gives berries and other colorful produce their rich pigments) that help combat inflammation, which contributes to brain aging. Blueberries, in particular, have been that could help fight Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that could benefit people with Alzheimer's, says Kimberlain. 'It may improve memory and help age-related mental decline, but it's important to note that the studies looked at highly concentrated curcumin supplements with a dose of between 500-2,000 mg daily, which is more than one would consume if using turmeric as a spice. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are anti-inflammatory, and high in vitamin C and flavonoids, both of which are linked to improving brain health. 'Broccoli is rich in gluconates, which is a compound that breaks down in the body and produces isothiocyanates,' says Kimberlain, 'and studies link these to reducing oxidative stress and neuroprotective effects on the brain.' Whole grains like barley, brown rice, quinoa, farro and buckwheat are rich in B-vitamins as well as fiber, which can also help lower cholesterol and improve brain health. Research has linked B-vitamins (like B6, B12, and folate) to due to potential memory boosting benefits, says Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. Not only are oranges, tangerines and grapefruits high in antioxidant-powered vitamin C, but their outer peels contain a specific flavonoid called "nobiletin," which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is also being to treat Alzheimer's disease. It's definitely worth zesting an orange to add a zingy, healthy garnish onto salmon or salads. Cocoa beans are rich in flavonols that are linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline. has linked consumption of 70% dark chocolate with improved cognitive performance, so aim for chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa or higher to get optimal polyphenol and anti-inflammatory benefits. Spinach, kale, and collard greens are brimming with essential nutrients including folate, a B vitamin that plays a vital role in promoting optimal brain function by aiding in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. They're also high in flavonols and vitamin K, which support brain plasticity and memory retention, says Kimberlain. Pinto, kidney and black beans are excellent sources of B vitamins, specifically the neuro-protectors folate and B6, says London. Folate is especially important because it's responsible for the conversion of homocysteine into the amino acid methionine, which helps regulate your liver. High levels of homocysteine have been linked with , meaning eating enough folate is crucial for lowering your risk. Besides containing the caffeine that gives your brain that short-term energy jolt and sharpened concentration in the morning, coffee is also a major source of antioxidant polyphenols that research suggests can support healthy brain aging and has been linked with reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Not a coffee drinker? No prob. The same study that showed the neuroprotective effects of coffee found the same brain-healthy benefits with the consumption of tea. Green tea, which contains a specific polyphenol known as EGCG, has been well researched for its links to supporting brain health. A recent study also suggests that green tea plays a role in benefitting memory, attention and brain function, says 'Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-derived source of omega-3 fatty acid that's essential for building brain cell membranes and supporting communication between neurons,' says Kimberlain. to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and eating 1 ounce per day (that equates to ¼ cup) could improve cognitive function. These are packed with healthy fatty acids and vitamin E, which are both beneficial for brain health. Try adding avocados to your favorite salads or as a secret baking ingredient: You can swap it for butter in a lot of traditional recipes for cakes and breads, suggests London. Just remember that although avocado is high in healthy fat, it's still higher in calories than other fruits (a quarter of an avocado is about 60 calories). Extra-virgin olive oil is a staple of the MIND and Mediterranean diets because it provides monounsaturated fat, omega-3s, and antioxidant-rich vitamin E that science shows can be protective for the brain. even found that people who consumed 7 grams (or 1.4 teaspoons) per day of EVOO had a of dementia-related deaths compared to participants who never or rarely consumed olive oil. You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
