Brain Health: The Race Against Alzheimer's

The thought of losing our memories and cognitive abilities strikes deep fear in many of us. In fact, for people over 55, Alzheimer's disease has become the most feared diagnosis of all. But what if simple lifestyle choices could significantly reduce your risk?

In this eye-opening conversation with dementia expert Lisa Skinner, we dive into the crucial differences between dementia (a collection of symptoms) and Alzheimer's (a specific brain disease). Lisa shares a powerful personal story about her grandmother that launched her 30-year career in dementia care, revealing how this devastating condition affects not just patients but entire families who essentially "lose their loved ones twice."

The episode breaks down the risk factors into those we can't control (age, biological sex, genetics, and ethnicity) and those we can modify through lifestyle changes. Cardiovascular disease tops the list of modifiable risks, followed by diabetes, sleep apnea, and surprisingly, hearing loss. We explore why women face significantly higher risk than men—a complex interplay of hormonal changes, exercise habits, sleep patterns, stress management, and nutrition.

Most compelling is the evidence that exercise has double the protective effect of brain games for preventing cognitive decline, while combining physical activity with mental stimulation triples the benefit. We discuss why proper sleep is non-negotiable for brain health, how strength training preserves cognitive function, and why supplementing with creatine monohydrate might be worth considering.

With Alzheimer's cases projected to triple in the next 25 years, this conversation couldn't be more timely. The choices you make today directly impact your brain's future—and while nothing provides absolute protection, the science is clear that we have more control than we might think.

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