A new study says that taking care of your bones can help prevent dementia - here is how to do

An orthopedic surgeon shares his best advice to keep the bones strong.


Dementia is a frightening condition - and the one who is increasing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 55 million people around the world are Live currently with dementia , and nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year.

This is particularly alarming since there is no remedy for dementia, which is an umbrella term for a range of diseases that cause a cognitive decline. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, representing around 60 to 70% of cases, reports the WHO. The other causes include vascular dementia, dementia of Lewy's body, stroke and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects memory and thought and can have a considerable impact on the ability of people to perform daily activities.

A study published by the journal Neurology in March 2023 showed a correlation between bone health and dementia, and Better life stretched out Meredith Warner , MD, a certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of Well theory , to discover what we can withdraw from this new research. Read the rest to discover what she said - and how you can take care of your bones and your brain at the same time.

Read this then: Scientists have just found a surprising link between grocery store and dementia .

Bone health is linked to general well-being.

X-Ray of Bones
Impact photography / Shutterstock

Warner stresses that this new study does not say that poor bone health causes dementia: "What this study does is showing a strong correlation between a lack of good quality bone and dementia. It is not A causal link. The authors take care to point this out, "she explains.

So, what does bone health have to do with dementia? "Bone health is closely linked to overall health," said Warner. "As people age, many develop fragility and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass). Many also develop osteopenia or osteoporosis. These conditions are developing not so much because time has passed, but Because people get involved in less and less exercise as they age. "

She notes that people who remain active and continue to exercise as they age are likely to preserve most of their bone mass, which prevents them not only from becoming fragile, but increases their brain. “When the bone is used, especially for resistance exercise, it will release certain hormones that promote brain health.

Read this then: 58% of Americans increase their risk of dementia by doing this: are you?

Medicines and supplements for bone health will not reduce the risk of dementia.

Woman taking tablet with glass of fresh water. Close up of woman holding a glass of water and medication in her hand
istock

Prescription drugs are available to help treat osteoporosis, which means that bones become weak and brittle . However, Warner says they will not help prevent dementia. "Taking an osteoporosis medication will certainly help the loss of the bone structure, but will do nothing for the brain," she said Better life . "The simple fact of taking medication like bisphosphonates, which stop the bone loss of osteoporosis, or anabolic bone drugs which can add bones will not reduce the risk of dementia." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

As for The different supplements Confined to improve bone health, Warner says that although they may not directly affect cognition, it is always worth taking them. "Certain supplements are wonderful for bone health, and I constantly recommend them," she said, adding that they will also strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation and help prevent Vascular calcifications . "Those I like are vitamin D3, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2 and omega-3 fatty acids."

The exercise is "the most powerful treatment available" for dementia.

white woman and black woman dancing together at an exercise class
istock

Warner's main point of view of this new study is less on bones and more about exercise. "The study shows a correlation between the poor health of bones and the risk of dementia. In my opinion, it really shows a correlation between a lack of activity And the risk of dementia, "she explains." The brain has a huge amount of space devoted to movement. Those who maintain movement and activity as they age will not only have better health of bones and muscles, but will keep brain connections with the body and will also improve cognition. ""

In fact, she says that exercise is the best thing you can do to prevent cognitive decline. "Many in the world of anti-aging and well-being have recommended for years now that exercise is the most powerful treatment available to prevent and treat dementia. It is true and will always be true."

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The weight lifting strengthens your bones and your brain.

woman struggling to lift weights
Dropout

If you want to keep your bones strong and your brain live, Warner says that the exercise is essential, but not just any type of exercise. "The use of load and muscle attraction on the bone will allow the release of osteocalcin, will promote more BDNF (nootropic factor derived from the brain) and will reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. This will help cognition. "

In other words, pump ! "I find that with many women, especially the oldest, once I suggest weightlifting, they are interested and ready to try," explains Warner. "No one generally tells women that they should lift weights. Admittedly, they do not receive advice. My clinic and physiotherapists have developed fast and effective methods to improve force for elderly women, and it is the 'Ultimate tool for bone and brain health. "

Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.


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