ONE Move Dials DOWN Dementia Risk
When it comes to your health, you’re either building it up or tearing it down.
The same is true of your brain.
The dramatic rise in dementia and Alzheimer’s over the past few decades is NOT due to bad luck or bad genes… but bad choices.
But this is good news because it means YOU’RE in control.
You can make a choice that will BOOST your brain health and dial down your Alzheimer’s risk as you age.
We know that exercise is linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s.
Now, a recent study finally sheds light on why.
The research confirms that physical activity increases a hormone called irisin.
Irisin is ALREADY known for regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in fat tissue. However, the study ALSO revealed that the hormone can directly reduce Alzheimer’s risk as well.
It turns out irisin increases the secretion of neprilysin from our brain cells. In turn, neprilysin breaks down the harmful beta amyloid plaque that’s the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
So, the process goes like this:
- Exercise increases the hormone irisin.
- Irisin increases neprilysin levels.
- Increased neprilysin reduces amyloid beta plaque in the brain.
- Ultimately, this reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s.
All exercise protects your brain. But, researchers say resistance exercises (such as squats, wall pushups, and using resistance bands) are especially effective at increasing irisin levels.
The choice is yours. But in MY book, it’s the very definition of a no-brainer.
You can choose the couch potato life and watch your health decline and the risk to your brain grow. Or you can improve your health—and protect your brain—by adding exercise into your daily routine.
For some inspiration, try searching YouTube for free videos on exercises for beginners or seniors. Just be sure to check in with your doctor before you begin.
P.S. Tomorrow—Sunday, September 24th at 3pm Eastern time—I’ll be joining three other physicians for the Alzheimer’s Reversal: Meeting of the Masterminds. We’ll be discussing how to naturally help prevent, fight, and even in some cases reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Don’t miss out on your chance to join this FREE live webinar. CLICK HERE to reserve your spot.
SOURCE:
Eunhee Kim, et Al., “Irisin reduces amyloid-β by inducing the release of neprilysin from astrocytes following downregulation of ERK-STAT3 signaling,” Neuron, 2023; DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.08.012