With more than 60 million people worldwide affected by dementia-related conditions, most of us know someone dealing with it. It’s heartbreaking. And it can also make you worried – will I get like that as I age? It can start sooner than you think. “According to neurologist and brain coach Louisa Nicola, Alzheimer’s disease may begin developing decades before symptoms appear,” shares Dr. George Olar, who runs 360 Chiropractic in Lacey with Dr. Stefanie Olar, his wife. “While memory loss often shows up in our 60s or 70s, the neurological changes associated with cognitive decline can start as early as our 30s.” Drs. George and Stefanie share tips you can do to keep your brain healthy as you age.
Research Shows Alzheimer’s is Influenced by Lifestyle Factors
Dementia is an umbrella term, Dr. Stefanie shares, that includes Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. “Research increasingly suggests that Alzheimer’s disease is heavily influenced by lifestyle factors, meaning many risks may be modifiable long before symptoms begin,” she adds.
We all know exercise is good for us, especially as we age. “A body in motion stays in motion,” as the saying goes. And this is a scientific fact! But what you may not know is that your outward activity is doing wonders for inside activity in your brain. The approximately 87 billion neurons in your brain form thousands of connections for memory, movement, focus, processing speed and emotional regulation.
“These connections strengthen through consistent stimulation – especially physical activity,” shares Dr. George. “Exercise is now considered one of the most powerful tools for protecting long-term brain health.”
Studies show that regular exercise:
- Improves cognitive reserve (the brain’s ability to tolerate stress and aging).
- Stimulates growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain
- Increases release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), often called “fertilizer for the brain.”
- Reduces inflammation associated with neurodegenerative disease.
- Improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain.
Interestingly, resistance training is especially important. “Individuals with greater leg strength and muscle power consistently show larger brain volume and better-preserved cognitive function later in life,” shares Dr. Stefanie.
If you have a desk job, like many of us, you are sitting far too much. One suggestion is to do 10 air squats every hour, which research says can counteract all that sitting at your desk. “Small movement breaks throughout the day improve circulation, glucose regulation, muscle activation, and neurological stimulation,” shares Dr. George.
Lack of Sleep a Contributor to Alzheimer’s?
Be honest – do you get enough sleep? Most adults would say no. Kids, pets, stress, too much work – there are many reasons why we burn the midnight oil. But lack of sleep, or lack of quality sleep, can contribute to poor brain health.
“Research suggests that even one night of poor sleep may increase amyloid-beta accumulation, a hallmark protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” shares Dr. Stefanie.
Over time, chronic sleep deprivation, stress, poor diet, and inactivity can contribute to:
- Loss of neuron connections
- Shrinking gray matter volume
- Reduced processing speed
- Memory decline
- Mild cognitive impairment
So, What’s Chiropractic Got to Do with Brain Health?
If keeping active boosts brain health as we age, then routine chiropractic care supports that effort. At 360 Chiropractic, they believe in whole body treatment – from the inside out. Because of this, they offer chiropractic adjustments, cold laser therapy, supplements, stretching and strengthening recommendations, and massage therapy. All of these contribute to keeping your body moving, which can help keep your brain healthy.
“In chiropractic, we often emphasize that movement is medicine, not only for the joints and spine, but also for the nervous system and brain itself,” shares Dr. George. “One of the most important concepts in brain health is ‘cognitive reserve,’ the brain’s ability to withstand aging and stress before symptoms appear. Just as strength training builds physical reserve, mentally and physically challenging activities help build neurological reserve.”
Healthy brain-supporting habits include:
- Resistance training
- Aerobic exercise
- Reading and handwriting
- Meaningful conversation
- Quality sleep
- Consistent movement throughout the day
On the other hand, excessive screen scrolling and constant short dopamine stimulation may negatively affect focus, attention span, and sustained concentration.
If you don’t stay active because your body hurts – I get it. I have joint issues as well as a neck that curves the wrong way. But regular chiropractic adjustments allow me to continue to work out, work my horses and do stuff around the farm. I also find I sleep better after – especially if I follow Dr. George’s instructions for traction at home! I also find I think better, even at work.
“As chiropractors, our goal is not simply pain relief, it is helping patients move better, function better, and support lifelong neurological health,” shares Dr. Stefanie. “Because memories are precious, and preserving them starts long before symptoms appear.”
To learn more about their services, visit the 360 Chiropractic website.
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