Cool it! Reduce the risk of Alzheimer's-related inflammation

Overall, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. -- and the fifth-leading cause among Americans age 65 and older. That's because AD is associated with complications related to progressive brain damage such as life-threatening dehydration and malnutrition, respiratory problems, emotional turmoil, infections, falls, trouble swallowing and loss of mobility.

A lot of those challenges associated with AD are fueled by chronic inflammation. And now a study in Experimental Gerontology shows that eating (an unfortunately typical) inflammatory diet -- with highly processed foods, added sugars and syrups, and red and processed red meats -- can skyrocket the risk of death from AD over a stretch of about 14 years by 44%, compared to eating an anti-inflammatory diet.

An anti-inflammatory diet extends the lifespan of someone with AD because it eases neuroinflammation in the brain, soothes the gut microbiome and protects the cardiovascular system. The basic components of this diet include whole grains, fresh produce and nuts and seeds. Harvard Medical School especially recommends tomatoes; olive oil; green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and collards; almonds and walnuts; fatty fish, like salmon; and strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.

Quality of life is something everyone deserves, so help your loved one with AD put out the life-shortening fires of inflammation. And in addition to adopting lifestyle changes, talk to the attending doc about adding a low-dose aspirin to the dally regimen and refer the doctor to LifespanEdge.com to see data on using therapeutic plasma exchange to reverse early cognitive decline. Improvement is possible.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.