ADHD LINKED TO DEMENTIA?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. It is simply information found through experience and/or research. Always follow the directives of a licensed health professional. Neither Anita Bastian nor the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research.
Most of us think of ADHD as kids or adults with struggles keeping their focus and completing tasks. It turns out, that it may be more than that.
This 2017 Study in Taiwan shows that “those with ADHD were 3 times more likely to develop dementia.”
ADHD is also linked to dementia with Lewy bodies as shown in this 2011 article. Of those in the study with ADHD symptoms, 47.8% developed Dementia with Lewy Body (DLB) and only 15.1% of those in the control group developed DLB. Dementia with Lewy Body was significantly more prevalent in those who had previously diagnosed ADHD symptoms. Nearly half the people in the study developed DLB!
This is very concerning given the rise in both conditions. Between 1997 and 2016, those diagnosed with ADHD increased by around 40%. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s.” This number is expected to nearly double by 2050. Alzheimer’s is the most commonly diagnosed type of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association also states that not even “1 in 5 Americans are familiar with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be an early stage of Alzheimer’s.” Let’s be among those who are aware and do something about it.
Here are some questions I would like to pose. Why are so many more people struggling with brain issues like ADHD and dementia? What are the underlying causes? Are there some commonalities? Are there ways of addressing the underlying causes that may be linked to ADHD, dementia, and brain issues in general? In addition to traditional medications, are there safer, more effective ways to support people with ADHD or brain health issues that could be considered?
There are other options. Thankfully, more people are digging in and finding them. I encourage you to look for other options too. This side of heaven, there are no quick fixes. But there are ways of identifying underlying causes and very effective methods of supporting the body with natural tools that can assist the body to obtain a better state of function and balance. I have seen it happen for countless people and have personally experienced it myself.
Often, I hear people say that the medications help their child focus. That is fantastic. But I also meet with people who have had their child on medications for a few years and now they’re experiencing additional problems. Their child may be battling depression, fatigue, or anxiety, and struggling to be productive in life. Parents are worried. I would like to help change that feeling of worry to feelings of empowerment.
Parents and all people can be empowered by the great number of natural solutions to neurological struggles. We can be empowered to learn about what foods or products put us more at risk for toxins that negatively affect brain function. We can learn about what foods support brain function. Then we can take it a step further and learn how to safely remove toxins that are impairing brain function. Because our brains don’t just atrophy or become dysfunctional for no reason. There are likely multiple factors that play into impaired cognitive function. That can be sorted out by a practitioner.
WHAT FOODS NEGATIVELY AFFECT BRAIN FUNCTION?
1. Food products containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Examples of bad PUFAs are: corn oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, and soybean oil. These are commonly found in crackers, chips, granola, granola bars, cereal, salad dressings, and other condiments. Dr. Ben Azadi teaches to stay clear of these bad PUFAs. They cause inflammation and are linked to increased rates of cancer. In a training I attended, Dr. Azadi explained that people who smoke 2 packs of cigarettes a day are far less likely to develop cancer than people who consume PUFAs every day in processed foods. I have also seen research that shows that some of these bad fats have a half-life of around two years! Unless you support your body with potent tools to remove them, they will accumulate in your cells and body.
2. Food products containing MSG or monosodium glutamate. MSG is a common additive to enhance the flavor of foods. Most junk foods, such as chips or candies with intense flavors, likely contain some sort of MSG. MSG is especially bad for the brain. It is a neurotoxin. It damages brain cells.
3. Food products containing artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Artificial sweeteners are also neurotoxic. They overexcite brain cells, causing damage, inflammation, or death to brain cells. Artificial sweeteners are in many beverages, like diet sodas, vitamin waters, seltzer or carbonated drinks, and sports drinks.
4. Food products containing high amounts of refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup are also over-excitatory to the brain and can lead to insulin resistance or diabetic issues. Some researchers call Alzheimer’s type III diabetes. They must see a link!
WHAT FOODS SUPPORT HEALTHY BRAIN FUNCTION?
1. Healthy fats, like good-quality organic cold pressed olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed butter or ghee, are very supportive to the brain.
2. Grass-fed meats, like beef, bison, or lamb, are good sources of healthy protein.
3. Wild caught fish, like salmon, is good to include to support healthy brain function.
4. Avocados contain many nutrients and healthy fats for the brain.
Making healthier choices is a great place to start to improve brain function, but we all know it is nearly impossible to completely avoid foods that contain unhealthy fats and sweeteners. To be truly healthy we need to go beyond diet and support our body’s natural, God-given ability to remove toxins. Connect to learn more about how to support your body’s natural ability to detox and enjoy greater function.
Blessings,
Anita