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High Cholesterol Tied to Better Brain Health in Those Over 85

  • March 06, 2018

An interesting study in Health Day found that high cholesterol is associated with better brain health in the elderly.  This is important information because aging Americans are experiencing cognitive decline in unprecedented numbers. 

Alzheimer's disease has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. If you develop Alzheimer's disease, it's a far greater problem than just memory loss — it can kill you. And it makes every other medical problem much more difficult to treat. Although many will claim Alzheimer's is not preventable, there ARE measures you can take that will lower your odds of developing age-related cognitive decline or, worst case scenario, full on dementia.

Cognitive decline related to aging is actually related more to today's diet and lifestyle, rather than to the aging process itself. As you age, the cumulative effects of environmental toxins, exposure to free radicals, poor nutrition, stress and other factors take their toll on your body. What has been called "age-related cognitive decline" is really an accumulation of this damage to your cells.

There are three primary factors that can play a powerful role in maintaining your mental acuity, even as you age. The first is regular exercise. Not surprisingly, seniors who engaged in the most physical exercise showed the least amount of brain shrinkage.

The second factor is diet. A nourishing diet of whole foods that are sustainably sourced can go a long way toward improving your health and sustaining your cognitive capacity. The final key pillar is managing your emotional health. Stress may be a huge trigger for Alzheimer’s disease. Staying mentally active is also crucial to maintaining mental function.