Major Risk Factors for Memory Loss

Memories strengthen our own sense of identity and purpose and help to bond our relationships. Theyform the foundation of our knowledge of the outside world and of ourselves. Alzheimer's disease is oneof the most feared and devastating illnesses of all times. Over 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’sand that number will only triple to 18 million in the next 30 years or so. As of today, there is no curehowever, there is hope. We now have the knowledge and tools to reverse cognitive decline. The bestintervention is to eliminate, reduce, or treat those risk factors that prevent Alzheimer’s in the first place.Dr. Amen 1 , psychiatrist, created the “Bright Minds” acronym which identifies risk factors and ways toeliminate them. Bright Minds is defined as follows:B = blood flowR = retirement and agingI = inflammationG = geneticsH = head traumaT = toxinsM = mental healthI = Immune system problems and infectionsN = Neurohormone issuesD = diabesityS = sleepIt is important to expand on each of these topics with a detailed explanation of why each is identified asa risk factor.B = Blood Flow: Blood flow or circulation is critical for every organ in our body, especially ourbrain. The blood vessels that feed our brain cells age faster than our nerve cells which meanstaking care of your blood vessels is a critical component of brain health. Conditions that affectblood flow are hypertension, heart disease, stroke and lack of exercise.R = Retirement and Aging: Although we can’t slow down the aging process, we can decreasethe risk for memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease by using our brain. When you stop using yourbrain and learning new things, your brain slows down and becomes less responsive. Keep yourbrain active every day. Avoid social isolation and loneliness as this also can increase the risk ofmemory issues.I = Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is the root of most chronic diseases since it destroysyour organs including your brain. Consume a diet high in Omega 3 fats such as salmon andsardines, take a high-quality fish oil supplement, and avoid inflammatory foods such as fast

foods, refined carbs, processed and fried foods. Have your Omega 3 index and hsCRP levelschecked to determine your level of inflammation.G = Genetics: Do you have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease? If so, you can determine ifyou carry the genetic with a simple blood test. Remember that your genes are not your fate.We have the ability to turn on or turn off many genes. Despite our risk, we can avoid thedisease altogether with our healthy lifestyle behaviors.H = Head Trauma: Any trauma to our head such as concussions – even those without a loss ofconsciousness are major risk factors for memory problems. The more injuries you’ve had – thehigher your risk.T = Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins increases our risk for cancers, immune issues,and neurodegenerative diseases, to name a few. Other toxins such as mold, alcohol, and drugs(over the counter, recreational and prescription), prematurely age the brain. Despite ouramazing detoxification capabilities, too much exposure can overload our system whichincreases the risk of dementia.M = Mental Health: Our mental health has a huge impact on our cognition and memory. Depression,anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, PTSD and chronic stress all contribute to an increased risk ofmemory issues.I = Immune System Problems and Infections: When your immune system is not functioning asit should, you may be more at risk for infections and auto-immune diseases which can increaseyour risk of brain issues such as memory issues and brain fog.N = Neurohormone Issues: Your brain plays a crucial role in hormone production and is alsoinfluenced by hormones produced in other parts of your body such as thyroid hormones,insulin, estrogen and testosterone. When your hormones are out of balance, this may increaseyour risk of many diseases such as diabetes, depression and even Alzheimer’s.D = Diabesity: This term refers to a combination of diabetes and obesity as the two often go together.These two risk factors can decrease the size and functioning of your brain. Diabetes may damage bloodvessels throughout the body and the brain which could lead to strokes, hypertension and Alzheimer’sdisease. The journal of Neurology has published an article stating that obesity in midlife is associatedwith an increased risk of dementia later in life.S = Sleep: Mounds of research have linked sleep issues such as insomnia and sleep apnea to ahigher risk of memory issues and dementia. A 2021 study in Nature Communications foundthat people in their 50s and 60s who sleep less than 6 hours per night are more likely todevelop dementia later in life. Sleep matters!