Risk factors increased the likelihood of memory issues, accelerated aging, and Alzheimer’s disease
Enhancing your memory requires a comprehensive understanding of the various elements that can undermine it. Reflecting on the wisdom of Jesus, who stated, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32, NCV), it’s clear that embracing the truth, especially about our lifestyle choices, is pivotal. Initially, this realization might be uncomfortable as it confronts our ingrained habits, weaknesses, and susceptibilities. Acknowledging these truths is essential for genuine, lasting change, steering us away from transient trends and ineffective quick fixes.
The journey to improvement is multifaceted. Relying on a single solution to combat memory deterioration, aging, or Alzheimer’s disease is insufficient. The complexity of these conditions demands a multifront battle strategy.
I’ve designed the SMARTER WAY model to categorize key risk factors, assessing their impact on your brain health and memory. In subsequent chapters, I’ll delve into these risk factors in detail, offering practical advice to mitigate each one. To begin, it’s crucial to understand your current standing.
Identify the risk factors that resonate with you. If you’re uncertain about a specific risk, refer to the designated chapter for further insights. At the conclusion of the assessment, tally your score. The numbers provided next to each risk factor illustrate the increased likelihood of memory issues, accelerated aging, and Alzheimer’s disease relative to those without these risks.
Here’s how it translates: 1.3 = 30 percent increased risk; 1.5 = 50 percent increased risk; 2 = double the risk, 3 = triple the risk, and so on.
Blood Flow
1. History of a stroke (5)
2. History of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and heart arrhythmias (2)
3. Prehypertension or hypertension in midlife (2); low blood pressure in later life (1.3)
4. Erectile dysfunction (1.7 for all ages; 6.1 between 50 and 64; and 27.2 for men over age 65)
5. Limited exercise (less than twice a week) (2)
Retirement/Aging
6. Age: 65 to 84 (2), 85 and older (38)
7. Too much television viewing (more than two hours a day) (2)
8. A job that does not require new learning (2) or retirement without new learning endeavors
9. Loneliness or social isolation (2)
Inflammation
10. Periodontal (gum) disease (2)
11. Presence of inflammation in the body, indicated by high homocysteine or C-reactive protein (2)
12. Low omega-3 fatty acids (see information on the Omega-3 Index test, page 102, chapter 7) (2)
Genetics
13. One family member with Alzheimer’s or dementia (3.5); more than one family member with Alzheimer’s or dementia (7.5)
14. One apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 gene (2.5) or two APOE e4 genes (10) (if known, based on genetic testing)
Head Trauma
15. A single head injury with loss of consciousness (2)
16. Several head injuries without a loss of consciousness (2)
17. Loss of one’s sense of smell (2)
Toxins
18. Smoking cigarettes for 10 years or longer (currently or in past) (2.3)
19. Alcohol dependence or drug dependence (currently or in past) (4.4)
20. History of radiation for head and neck cancers (3); chemotherapy for breast cancer (1.5), colorectal cancer (1.25), and possibly other cancers
21. Chronic exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, or aluminum (1.5)
22. Chronic mold exposure (1.5)
23. Kidney dysfunction (2)
Mental Health
24. Post-traumatic stress disorder (4), bipolar disorder (2), schizophrenia (2), depression (3.5), or chronic stress (2)
Immunity/Infection Issues
25. Autoimmune issues, such as multiple sclerosis (1.5), rheumatoid arthritis (3), systemic lupus erythematosus (2), Crohn’s disease (1.5), severe psoriasis (3)
26. Adult asthma (1.3)
27. Chronic Lyme disease or other infectious process in brain/body not fully treated (2)
28. Cold sores or genital herpes (2)
Neurohormone Deficiencies
29. Low in thyroid, estrogen (in females), or testosterone (males and females) (2 for each one)
30. Hysterectomy without estrogen replacement (2)
31. History of prostate cancer with testosterone-lowering treatment (2)
Diabesity
32. Prediabetes or diabetes (3)
33. Being overweight or obese in middle age (3)
34. Being underweight in older age (2)
Sleep Issues
35. Chronic insomnia (2.3)
36. Sleep apnea (2)
Total Score: Add up the total number of risk factors you have plus the total of all the numbers in parentheses (relative risk factors).
___ Total number of risk factors
___ Relative risk factors (the total score from the parentheses)
Interpretation of Relative Risk Factors:
If the score is 0–6: You likely have a low risk of developing AD.
If the score is 7–14: You have a moderate risk; consider annual screening (lab tests, repeat of WebNeuro cognitive testing, and checkup with health-care provider) after age 50.
If the score is greater than 14: Consider annual screening (lab tests, repeat of WebNeuro cognitive testing, and checkup with health-care provider) after age 40.
Looking at memory loss risk, based on risk factors, has a precedence in a large study from Finland. Specifically, researchers looked at age, gender, education, blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and physical activity in a large sample of middle-aged adults. They found a significant increase in dementia within 20 years among those with a higher number of risk factors.