The shocking new study

I’ve been writing to you a lot lately about Alzheimer’s disease — more specifically, steps you can take to delay its onset or prevent it altogether.

These include factors like consuming more olive oil, exercising, and taking care of your teeth.

Today, I want to share with you another study that quite frankly made me shout “I told you so!” when I read it.

It has to do with a certain “night habit” that could be skyrocketing your risk of Alzheimer’s.

And mainstream’s solution to this underlying factor — more drugs — is NOT the answer.

Here’s why.

Your body has an internal biological clock called the circadian rhythm.

It uses light stimulation to regulate your wake/sleep patterns.

It’s the reason why you sleep at night and are awake during the day.

But it does so much more than that.

Your circadian rhythm influences functions ranging from sugar absorption and body temperature, to immune responses and inflammation.

And as this latest study showed, your circadian rhythm could also impact your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

There’s a circadian rhythm gene called YKL-40 that is believed to modulate the activation of immune cells called microglia in your brain.

Microglia consume and remove neuron-killing amyloid beta plaques – a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Think of them like microscopic Pac-Men that gobble up the bad guys.

Unfortunately, too much YKL-40 seems to stop microglia from being activated and removing the gunk that could otherwise contribute to Alzheimer’s.

And what causes too much YKL-40?

A disrupted circadian rhythm.

A mouse study and a human study confirmed this.

First, in the mouse study, mice that had a mutation that prevented the formation of YKL-40 had MORE beneficial microglia, and HALF as many harmful amyloid plaques.

In the human study, researchers analyzed genetic data from 778 people who participated in aging and dementia studies.

One quarter of the individuals carried a genetic variant that reduced levels of YKL-40.

The cognitive skills of these individuals declined 16 percent slower — confirming that less is better when it comes to this particular circadian gene.

The researchers suggested that the solution is to create a drug that reduces levels of YKL-40.

I have a better idea: Fix the underlying problem that’s causing higher levels to begin with.

How do you do that?

By fixing your circadian rhythm!

The best routine you can follow to set your body’s internal clock is to get plenty of morning light in your eyes, and reduce exposure to blue light at night.

I believe the benefits truly are endless — and lowering your odds of Alzheimer’s is another one to add to the list.

Dr. Richard Gerhauser