When should we start thinking about dementia prevention? Can it even be prevented?
How common is dementia?
What are early signs of dementia we should watch for?
What are some of the biggest myths around dementia?
What causes dementia?
To what extent do our genes influence our risk of dementia?
Do sudoku and crossword puzzles help ward off dementia, or is that just another myth?
These are just some of the questions I answer for Tiffanee Cook on her podcast Roll with the Punches.
Click here to listen to our lively conversation.
Photo credit: I took this photo at the Museum of Carouge in Geneva, where I gave three presentations at the Alzheimer Europe Conference in October 2024. There were several reasons I felt this image was suitable for this Health-e-Byte.
- When you first looked at the photo, I suspect it came as a surprise and aroused your curiosity. Curiosity keeps our brain sharp and our body young.
- Secondly, creating and appreciating art also stimulates our brain and encourages the growth of new connections between brain cells.
- Thirdly, I wanted to remind you that good dental health is critical for good brain health because the bacteria that causes gum disease (called Porphyromonas gingivitis) can travel to the brain and damage areas involved in memory and learning, particularly a region called the hippocampus.
- And finally, fresh cherries are a good source of fibre, polyphenols, vitamin C, potassium, serotonin, tryptophan, melatonin and fibre. All good for brain health. Eat them in season and don’t eat more than one cup at a time as they also contain sugar.
Please share this Health-e-Byte with anyone interested in the health of their brains.
