What if I told you that Dementia can be a preventable illness?

I’m going to let you think about that for a minute because when I first heard it, it blew my mind. In fact, it started a snowball of thoughts questioning everything I thought I knew about the disease.

This is why I love doing my podcast, Stop Faking Fine. I learn something every time from amazing people like Dr. Sally Good (CLICK FOR HER WEBSITE). Dr. Good is a seasoned practitioner with over 20 years of experience. She says dementia, while often viewed as an inevitable consequence of aging, is—in fact—a preventable illness, in many cases. From dental hygiene to the gut-brain connection, dementia prevention is rooted in our everyday routines. 

Everyday routines. We are talking simple habits-and doing crosswords ISN’T one of them! 

Dementia is a term that strikes fear into the hearts of many but I find it comforting to think that we could have power over this illness which robs so many people of their quality of life and leaves loved ones in lonely isolation.

HERE’S A FEW OTHER MIND BLOWING THINGS I LEARNED ON THIS EPISODE (CLICK TO LISTEN)

• Oral Hygiene Matters: Yep, you read that right. Taking care of your pearly whites isn’t just about a pretty smile. It’s also about keeping your brain sharp. So, don’t skip those dentist appointments! Research shows individuals who brush their teeth twice a day have a significantly lower chance of developing dementia. The reason behind this correlation lies in the role of inflammation in brain health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation, a known risk factor for dementia.

• Stay Social, Stay Sharp: Time to dust off that social calendar. Turns out, staying connected with friends and family is like a workout for your brain. So, plan those coffee dates and girls’ nights ASAP. Engaging in social activities, such as dancing or playing games, not only fosters connections but also provides mental stimulation. Learning new skills or languages, challenging the brain to adapt and grow, can help build cognitive reserves that protect against dementia.

• Feed Your Gut, Feed Your Brain: Support gut health by consuming probiotics and prebiotics, such as those found in supplements like Happy Juice (ADD LINK), to nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Trust us, your brain will thank you.

• Chill Out with Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Feeling stressed? Take a deep breath. Literally. Stimulating the vagus nerve through various techniques, such as cold showers or singing, can promote relaxation and enhance gut health, thereby reducing the risk of dementia.

EMPOWERING THROUGH KNOWLEDGE

The journey to dementia prevention is paved with lifestyle choices that support brain health. By understanding the underlying mechanisms and implementing practical strategies, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their cognitive function as they age. 

Wait until you hear how this episode changed the way I put on my shoes! #truestory. 

Listen to the whole episode here

Together, we can build a future where dementia is not a foregone conclusion but a preventable and manageable condition.