“Roughly one-quarter of people living in the US carry a genetic variant of the apolipoprotein E gene, called APOE4, the most important genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Many lifestyle behaviors can mitigate risk, especially sleep hygiene, which provides an opportunity to rid the brain of toxic metabolic byproducts that can contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk.”
“Dietary fiber is a broad term that refers to the non-digestible components of fruits and vegetables. Gut microbes break down certain types of fiber, releasing micronutrients trapped in the fiber matrix and producing beneficial metabolic byproducts, such as short-chain fatty acids.”
“Sugar substitutes are food products or additives that provide the sweet taste of sugar, without the calories. Evidence suggests that sugar substitutes have surprising effects on human metabolism and these effects vary person-to-person, based on the overall makeup of an individual's gut microbiome.”
“Choline is particularly important during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but some evidence suggests that choline supplementation could carry some risks. In this Aliquot, I talk about the science surrounding choline.”
“Meditation is a form of mental training geared toward improving aspects of a person's core neurocognitive function, such as the regulation of attention and emotion. Research suggests that meditation may protect the brain from the negative effects of stress and promote mental health.”
“Meditation, in its various forms, has powerful effects on the brain and body. In this second part of our two-part series on meditation, we'll discuss some of the different ways to engage in meditation as well as some of its parallel practices, such as running or communing with nature.”
“Migraine is a neurological disorder that typically manifests as an intense, debilitating headache and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Roughly 15 percent of people worldwide experience migraines, with women reporting them more often than men.”
“Vascular dysfunction, the loss of normal endothelial tone and permeability of blood vessels, is a common feature of most forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. People who carry the APOE4 gene are at greater risk for vascular dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease.”
“Preventing dementia requires a lifelong and multipronged approach that involves keeping inflammation (and its aging effects) at bay and making healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising and consuming omega-3 fatty acids.”
“Genetic predisposition, altered glucose uptake in the brain, high blood pressure, and other factors can weaken the barrier's integrity, allowing endotoxins and inflammatory immune cells to infiltrate the brain and increasing a person's risk for dementia.”
