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Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most dreaded ailments. It robs us of the memories of our life’s joys, accomplishments, hurts, and lessons learned—the very things that make up the essence of who we are. When our memory is damaged by Alzheimer’s, it diminishes our ability to make sense of the world, creates a disconnect with loved ones, hijacks our independence, and ultimately steals our life. It’s utterly heartbreaking. Many people believe Alzheimer’s disease is inevitable or that it strikes randomly without warning. It’s common for medical professionals to tell their patients who are complaining about forgetfulness that age-related memory loss is normal. And the vast majority of us believe there is nothing we can do to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or to stop it from deteriorating further. That’s wrong! The truth is, Alzheimer’s is a lifestyle disease—similar to heart disease or type 2 diabetes—and your everyday habits contribute greatly to your level of risk. New research confirms this. The truth is, Alzheimer’s is a lifestyle disease—similar to heart disease and type 2 diabetes—and your everyday habits contribute greatly to your level of risk.
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11 Lifestyle Factors that Increase the Risk for Alzheimer’s

Currently, over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to triple by 2050. If you don’t want to be one of them, you need to know the 11 major risk factors of memory loss. The lifestyle factors that contribute to a heightened risk for Alzheimer’s disease can be summed up with the mnemonic BRIGHT MINDS. Here’s what each letter stands for.

B is for blood flow problems.

Healthy blood flow is essential for a good memory. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that low blood flow is the #1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer’s.

R is for retirement and aging.

Advancing age is the strongest risk factor for memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Brain SPECT imaging shows that the activity in the brain generally decreases with age.

I is for Inflammation.

Smoking, eating a high-sugar diet, and carrying excess body fat are associated with chronic inflammation that can harm the brain and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

G is for genetics.

Having first-degree family members with Alzheimer’s can be a sign that you need to make serious lifestyle changes to protect your memory.

H is for head trauma.

Several studies show a link between traumatic brain injuries or repeated mild head trauma (like repetitive helmet-to-helmet tackles in football) and the risk for dementia.

T is for toxins.

Toxic substances, such as air pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol, and drugs are associated with memory issues.

M is for mental health problems.

A wealth of research has shown that untreated depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic stress, and ADD/ADHD significantly increase the risk of memory problems. (See below for new research on the ADHD connection to Alzheimer’s.)

I is for immune system problems and infections.

In a 2016 editorial in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 33 scientists expressed concern that infectious diseases were being overlooked as a major cause of memory problems and dementia.

N is for neurohormone problems.

When hormones are out of balance, it creates an increased risk for illness, including Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and more.

D is for diabesity.

The unhealthy combination of obesity and diabetes seriously impacts brain health and memory. Research in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has linked abnormal insulin levels, which are a hallmark of diabetes, to Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.  The correlation is so strong, some scientists have labeled Alzheimer’s “type 3 diabetes.”

S is for sleep issues.

A growing body of research links sleep problems, such as insomnia and sleep apnea, to a higher risk of memory problems and dementia.

The Link Between ADHD and Alzheimer’s Disease

As mentioned above, mental health issues increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. New research sheds light on the link between ADHD and the disease. A 2021 multi-generational study out of Sweden shows that the grandparents and parents of those with ADHD are more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease compared with older people who have no ADHD relatives. And the increase in risk is substantial. Parents of a child with ADHD have a 55% greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and grandparents of ADHD kids have an 11% increased risk of the disease. The study doesn’t show that ADHD causes Alzheimer’s. However, it’s important to look at how ADHD makes people more vulnerable to lifestyle risk factors for memory loss. Many of the symptoms of ADHD—including short attention span, impulsivity, distractibility, disorganization, and procrastination—lead to poor decision-making and increase the vulnerability to lifestyle risk factors for memory issues. People with ADHD are at greater risk for traumatic brain injuries, obesity, substance abuse, and smoking. In turn, these lifestyle factors increase the chances of developing some form of dementia.

Know the Side Effects of Not Treating Mental Illness

Some people are wary of treating psychiatric issues with medication due to possible side effects. This is a valid concern, and it’s generally a good idea to try the least toxic, most effective solutions for any mental health problem. However, it’s equally important to understand that not treating mental illness also comes with side effects. In some cases, those potential side effects include an increased risk for memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. That is too high a price to pay. Memory loss, ADD/ADHD, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.

While most people are focusing on ways to fight the coronavirus pandemic, few are prepared for the other pandemic that is already spreading more rapidly around the nation and across the globe—a mental health pandemic.

Recent reports show:

And that’s just the beginning.

An article in the April issue of JAMA Internal Medicine warns of an impending mental health epidemic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors write, “These consequences are of sufficient importance that immediate efforts focused on prevention and direct intervention are needed to address the impact of the outbreak on individual and population-level mental health.”

The outlook for our mental wellbeing is grim with spikes expected in anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, and other issues.

What can you do now to avoid falling victim to this impending crisis? Start taking care of your brain and body by addressing your BRIGHT MINDS risk factors.

Change Your Brain, Heal Your Mind with BRIGHT MINDS

In Daniel G. Amen’s book The End of Mental Illness, he reveals that it’s time to discard the term “mental illness” and recognize that these conditions are actually brain health issues that steal your mind. When you understand that your brain is the organ that creates your mind, you can take the necessary steps to change your brain and heal your mind.

B is for blood flow.

Low blood flow is the #1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also associated with depression, schizophrenia, and ADD/ADHD. Did you know that as blood pressure goes up, blood flow to the brain goes down?

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: To boost blood flow, exercise, eat foods that enhance blood flow to the brain (such as beets, cayenne pepper, oregano, and rosemary), and take supplements like ginkgo biloba.

R is for Retirement/Aging.

When you stop learning your brain starts dying. The older you get the more likely you are to struggle with your memory, and as the brain deteriorates with age it leads to a greater risk of mood problems, anxiety, irritability, temper flare-ups, and irrational behavior.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: The older you are the more serious you need to be about your physical, cognitive, and emotional health.

I is for Inflammation.

The word inflammation comes from the Latin “Inflammare” which means “to set on fire.” When you have inflammation in your body, it’s like a low-level fire that’s destroying your organs, including your brain. Inflammation has been linked to depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, personality disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids (take a high-quality supplement like Omega-3 Power), try probiotics to promote better gut health (ProBrainBiotics), and floss your teeth to avoid gum disease.

G is for Genetics.

If you have a family history of mental health problems, understand that your genes are not your destiny. Think of it as a wakeup call.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Don’t use genetic vulnerabilities as an excuse to give in to bad habits, such as overeating or excessive drinking.

H is for Head Trauma.

Mild traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of mental illness, but nobody knows it because traditional psychiatrists never look at the brain. Head injuries are associated with depression, anxiety and panic disorders, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug and alcohol abuse, ADD/ADHD, memory problems, and more.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: If traditional treatment for a psychiatric condition isn’t working, consider brain SPECT imaging to see if you have underlying brain trauma that is contributing to your mental health symptoms.

T is for Toxins.

Drugs, alcohol, mold, chemicals in household cleaners, and other toxins are major causes of brain health/mental health issues that traditional psychiatrists almost completely ignore. Exposure to toxins increases the risk of depression, ADD/ADHD, memory problems, autism, temper outbursts, psychotic behavior, dementia, and more.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Detoxify your home as much as possible. Read the labels of the disinfectants you’re using during the pandemic and choose products that aren’t toxic.

M is for Mind Storms.

Abnormal electrical activity in the brain has been associated with temper outbursts, depression, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, distractibility, and confusion.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Avoid things that increase mind storms, such as high stress, lack of sleep, drug and alcohol abuse, and skipping meals.

I is for Immunity and Infections.

Things like Lyme disease and autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis) cause multiple brain health/mental health issues.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Strengthen your immune system and seek treatment for chronic infections like Lyme disease.

N is for Neurohormones.

Hormonal imbalances of key neurohormones, such as thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone can cause symptoms—such as depression, anxiety, attention problems, and psychosis—that mimic mental health conditions.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Know and optimize your hormone levels.

D is for Diabesity.

Being obese and/or having diabetes is detrimental to brain health and leads to a greater risk of depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, addictions, agoraphobia, and more.  

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Many obese people with type 2 diabetes are able to overcome the condition with a brain healthy diet, increased physical exercise, and supplements like berberine that help support healthy blood sugar levels.

S is for Sleep.

Over time, sleep problems lead to an increased risk of depression, ADD/ADHD, panic attacks, memory problems, and dementia.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Make sleep a priority and aim for 7-8 hours a night.

Anxiety can’t wait. Depression can’t wait. Addiction can’t wait. Your mental health can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever, and waiting to get treatment until the pandemic is over is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.

At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples, as well as in-clinic brain scanning to help our patients. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

Advanced age, obesity, smoking—these are some of the biggest risk factors that make you more likely to develop a severe illness or to die from COVID-19, according to emerging research. They are also many of the same risk factors that attack brain health and contribute to mental illness and memory problems. BRIGHT MINDS is a mnemonic for the 11 major risk factors that steal your mind, and as researchers are discovering, they may also raise the risk for more severe illness or death from the coronavirus.

Know how many of these risk factors you have and follow the tips to minimize your risk.

B is for Blood flow.

The World Health Organization reports that people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease are among those at highest risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19. Statistics compiled by the state of New York show that hypertension, coronary artery disease, and high cholesterol are among the top 10 co-morbidities among patients who died from COVID-19.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Even though you may be sheltering at home, it’s still critical to exercise to get your blood pumping.

R is for Retirement/Aging.

Research in Clinical Infectious Diseases shows that people of old age are at the greatest risk for poor outcomes from COVID-19. Having dementia, which is typically seen in older people, was listed as one of the top 10 co-existing conditions in people who died from COVID-19, according to statistics from the state of New York.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: New learning keeps your brain young. When quarantined or self-isolating, keep your mind active.

I is for Inflammation.

A study in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that people with high levels of C-reactive protein—a marker for inflammation—are more likely to have severe coronavirus illness.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Avoid pro-inflammatory foods, such as sugar and refined carbohydrates, that drive inflammation.

G is for Genetics.

Researchers suggest the reason why some younger people with no underlying health conditions become seriously ill from COVID-19 may have to do with their genes.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Know your genetic risks and be proactive about minimizing them.

H is for Head Trauma.

Although research has yet to show a direct connection between head trauma and coronavirus outcomes, having a head injury increases the likelihood of mental health issues, such as depression, which has been linked to inflammation and immune system dysfunction. In addition, people who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are also more likely to suffer from addictions to toxic substances that may impact pulmonary health. (See T is for Toxins below.)

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Protect your brain—wear a helmet while biking, avoid climbing ladders, hold the handrail when you walk down stairs.

T is for Toxins.

Smoking anything—cigarettes, marijuana, or methamphetamine—poses a greater risk for severe COVID-19 illness. According to a release from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Because it attacks the lungs, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape.” NIDA also suggests that people with addictions who abuse opioids or methamphetamine may also be at increased risk because these substances negatively affect respiratory and pulmonary health. In addition, kidney disease ranked among the top 10 co-occurring conditions in people who died from COVID-19 in New York state. The kidneys are one of the body’s 4 organs of detoxification—the other 3 are the skin, gut, and liver. Environmental toxins can harm these organs. This damage reduces your detoxification system’s ability to do its job, creating an even greater buildup of toxins.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: During highly stressful times like during a pandemic, eliminate alcohol and drugs and support your 4 organs of detoxification—liver, kidneys, gut, and skin—by minimizing your exposure to environmental toxins.

M is for Mental Health.

Having depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions can interfere with immune system function and make you more susceptible to viral infections.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Seek treatment for mental health issues but be sure to see a healthcare provider who looks at the brain and treats the root causes of mental illness, rather than just treating symptoms.

I is for Immunity and Infections.

Having a chronic infection, such as Lyme disease, may increase vulnerability to COVID-19 and may worsen outcomes, according to Mark Filidei, D.O., the director of integrative and functional medicine at Amen Clinics in Costa Mesa, California.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Shore up immunity with vitamin D, zinc, therapeutic mushrooms, and garlic.

N is for Neurohormones.

A recent report in The New York Times shows that men are dying from COVID-19 at nearly twice the rate as women. Science suggests it may be due, in part, to hormones. Research shows the female sex hormone estrogen stimulates the immune system, giving women more robust immunity, while the male sex hormone testosterone inhibits the immune system.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: As a general rule, it’s a good idea to check your hormone levels regularly and optimize them if necessary.

D is for Diabesity.

The word “diabesity” combine diabetes and obesity, both of which are associated with poorer outcomes from COVID-19. Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for hospitalization and critical illness, according to a pre-print study (which means it is not yet peer-reviewed) of over 4,000 people in New York who had tested positive for COVID-19. Having diabetes doesn’t increase the risk of becoming ill from COVID-19, but an analysis in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation reports that people with diabetes could be up to twice as likely to die from coronavirus.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Eat healthy foods—lean protein, colorful vegetables and fruits, and smart carbs (ones that don’t spike your blood sugar)—not just what’s left on the store shelves during the pandemic.

S is for Sleep.

Even though sleep has not been directly associated with worse outcomes from coronavirus, it is tightly linked to immunity. Research on identical twins in the journal Sleep shows that chronic sleep deprivation lowers immune system function.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Sleep is often the most affected during a crisis, but you need to make sleep a priority. Aim for 7 hours a night.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, or other mental health issues, you aren’t alone—45% of Americans say the coronavirus pandemic has impacted their mental health. Just because you’re sheltering at home doesn’t mean you have to wait for the pandemic to be over before seeking help. In fact, during these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever, and waiting to get treatment is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.

At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples, as well as in-clinic brain scanning to help our patients. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

Have you ever misplaced your keys or completely forgotten a recent conversation? Have you ever gotten lost while driving a familiar route? We’ve all experienced these moments. And asked ourselves, “Was it a ‘senior moment’ or something more?” Be warned: Seeing your local doctor about these situations may be fruitless and frustrating. With all the latest medical advances and discoveries, traditional medical practices aren’t up-to-date in dealing with early warning signs of memory loss. A traditional physician may ask you a few questions and do some elementary memory tests, then he or she will most likely say, “Everyone has memory problems as they age. It’s normal.” But is it? Despite what many healthcare practitioners would have you believe, losing your memory or developing brain fog in your forties, fifties, sixties, or even seventies is not normal—it’s a sign of trouble. But memory loss is not inevitable. If you’re experiencing symptoms of memory problems, early intervention is key to getting results. Now is always the best time to get serious about brain health. To outsmart your genes, put the brakes on aging and start rescuing your memory, try these three practical strategies:

1. Become a Lifelong Learner

In the BRIGHT MINDS mnemonic, R is for Retirement and Aging. One of the keys to aging well is to continually engage in new learning. Like a muscle—the more you use your brain, the stronger it gets. Whenever you learn something, new neural connections are created. Regardless of your age, mental exercise has an overall positive effect on your brain. On the other hand, when you stop learning, your brain starts dying. Cognitive performance starts to suffer as the internal connections in your brain begin to break apart.

2. Avoid Repetitious Activities

Even if your routine tasks are fairly complicated, such as teaching a college course or fixing a crashed computer network, they won’t help your brain as much as learning something new. Whenever the brain does something over and over, it learns how to do it using less and less energy. Just doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku won’t give you the maximum benefits the brain needs from practicing new learning.

3. Dedicate 15 Minutes a Day

One of the most popular excuses for not taking care of your health is “I don’t have time.” Well, if you don’t have 15-minutes to spare, you may not have a life. Research shows that with just 15 minutes a day, you can significantly improve your brain health. Try a new hobby like painting or playing a musical instrument. Try a new activity like yoga or dancing. Or try learning a new subject matter or language. 15-minutes a day may just change your life. The best way to sharpen recall, reduce brain atrophy, and address Alzheimer’s disease is to eliminate all of the risk factors with the BRIGHT MINDS strategy. Memory is the fabric of our souls. It houses our joys, our hurts, and all of life’s lessons. It enables us to recall the important events in our lives. Memory also provides us with a sense of purpose that gives our lives meaning. Our memory is so integral to who we are that it’s easy to take it for granted. But when our memory is damaged, the costs can be high. A deteriorating memory can rob us of our ability to make good decisions and disconnect us from those we love. Memory problems limit our success at work and steal our independence. When memory risk factors like high stress, lack of sleep, and an unhealthy diet aren’t addressed, it can lead to memory loss and symptoms dementia, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia—estimated to account for 60 to 80 percent of cases. However, other forms of dementia also create serious problems. They include: Vascular dementia – the second most common type of dementia, vascular dementia typically occurs as a result of one or more strokes that have created blockages to the brain’s blood vessels. Lewy body dementia – refers to both Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, abnormal protein deposits that disrupt the brain’s normal functioning. Frontotemporal lobe dementia – is precipitated by progressive nerve cell loss in the frontal or temporal lobes, stemming from various uncommon disorders that cause the affected lobes to atrophy. Though there are different forms of dementia, many of their symptoms are the same. Here are 9 early warning signs of dementia:

1. Difficulty performing familiar tasks

People can get distracted and sometimes forget an ingredient when they’re cooking. A person with early warning signs of dementia may have trouble remembering all the ingredients and even how to cook their favorite dish.

2. Problems with words and language

People can stumble over words sometimes. That’s natural. But someone with early warning signs of dementia may completely forget an obvious word, use an inappropriate word, and may even be difficult to understand. They may also have trouble understanding you.

3. Disorientation of time and place

Someone with early symptoms of dementia may have trouble remembering how to get to a familiar place or forget where they are.

4. Decreased judgment

Someone with early warning signs of dementia may start neglecting their hygiene and grooming. He or she may have used to style their hair, and now you rarely see them put together, not even for special occasions.

5. Gradual memory loss

It’s normal to occasionally forget an appointment. But someone with early warning signs of dementia will completely forget appointments more often than normal and totally forget what they are for.

6. Misplacing things

Everyone misplaces their keys and phone sometimes. A person with early warning signs of dementia may leave them in unusual places and may even become suspicious and accuse someone else of hiding or stealing their things.

7. Problems with abstract thinking

Sometimes people forget to pay a bill. Hopefully, that’s a rare occurrence. A person with early warning signs of dementia may have difficulty handling money, paying bills, and even understanding what the numbers mean.

8. Personality changes

Everyone can be moody at times. A person with early warning signs of dementia may have more intense mood swings, more often.

9. Loss of initiative, apathy

It’s natural for people to sometimes not want to be social. A person with early warning signs of dementia may lose interest in social activities and hobbies. They may become more isolated and withdrawn. Have you noticed any of the above warning signs in yourself or a loved one? To get a better idea of how healthy your memory is, try taking a memory assessment. Did you know that in spite of the natural aging process, you actually have a choice in how fast your brain ages? Your behavior and habits can speed up or slow down the rate at which your brain declines with age. Being mentally and physically active, eating nutritious foods and avoiding unhealthy habits can help you maintain optimal brain health and ward off dementia. The best way to sharpen recall, reduce brain atrophy, and eliminate all of the risk factors that steal the mind is with a BRIGHT MINDS approach, which addresses memory problems, aging and Alzheimer’s disease. To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE. To schedule a visit with our clinic, please call 888-288-9834 or tell us more online. Mental fog can have a lot of causes, but one of the more surprising and distressing culprits is Lyme disease. Yes, the bite of an infected tick can lead not just to flu-like symptoms and fatigue, but also to grasping for words, forgetting directions moments after hearing them and a general sense of mental slowness. Lyme is just one example of how protecting your brain is tied to bolstering your body’s immunity. This natural defense system is designed to fight off outside invaders like bacteria (the cause of Lyme), viruses and parasites. It also helps you tolerate allergenic triggers like pollen, peanuts and bee stings, as well as internal attacks from autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treating infections and autoimmune disorders is an important and often overlooked path to a clearer, sharper memory. When you support your immune system, your reward is also better health and well-being and less fatigue. Immunity and infection issues are addressed together in the Amen Clinics’ new BRIGHT MINDS Program, which identifies and treats the 11 risk factors that can rob you of your memory and cloud your mind. This breakthrough, science-backed program is the most effective way to better your brain, reverse forgetfulness and keep Alzheimer’s disease and dementia at bay. The 11 risks are all contained in the words BRIGHT MINDS so you can recall them easily: B – Blood Flow R – Retirement/Aging I – Inflammation G – Genetics H – Head Trauma T – Toxins
M – Mental Health I – Immunity/Infection Issues N – Neurohormone Deficiencies D – Diabesity S – Sleep Issues If your memory is foggy and you suspect an infection or immune system problem, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider and ask about these tests: Take action to shore up your immune system with these simple steps: Try an elimination diet for a month. This will tell you if you have food allergies, which could be harming your immune system: In the video below, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses immunity and infections and the role they play in rescuing your memory today! To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE. When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll do anything to help that person. Dr. Daniel Amen recounts a story that really brought this to light in his family: I know because a number of years before David, a 62-year-old pastor, became my father-in-law, he was told he had Alzheimer’s disease. I convinced my wife, Tana, that we should evaluate her dad and scan his brain. We’re so glad we did: It turned out that instead of Alzheimer’s, David had pseudodementia, a form of depression that masquerades as Alzheimer’s. The medications he was on at the time only worsened his symptoms. With treatment, David’s depression and mental confusion lifted and his life was renewed. Mental illness is still such a taboo subject in the U.S., many people don’t know that depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic stress and other problems affecting the mind can wreak havoc on the brain and memory. A well-respected study on depressive symptoms and cognitive decline, for example, found that elderly women with six or more depressive symptoms had a 230 percent risk of cognitive deterioration. In fact, failing to seek early treatment for depression is one of the key factors that, if controlled, could prevent one in three cases of dementia, according to recent research published in the Lancet. Getting your mind right is critical if you want to get your memory back, and your whole life will benefit—your energy, self-confidence, and outlook will all improve.   You can heal your mental health issues and strengthen your memory by following Amen Clinics new BRIGHT MINDS Program. This research-based program identifies and provides treatment for the 11 risk factors that damage your mind and memory. The risks are summed up in the words BRIGHT MINDS, which makes it simple to remember them: B – Blood Flow R – Retirement/Aging I – Inflammation G – Genetics H – Head Trauma T – Toxins
M – Mental Health I – Immunity/Infection Issues N – Neurohormone Deficiencies D – Diabesity S – Sleep Issues The most important step is to get treated for any mental illness you may have. Schedule a visit to your health-care provider to discuss your mental health and decide whether you need to be evaluated by a local therapist or psychiatrist. Addressing your problem doesn’t necessarily mean taking psychiatric drugs. At Amen Clinics we recommend natural treatments whenever possible. However, if they aren’t working, it’s important to consider medications. We have found that neurofeedback and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can also be helpful for depression and other mental health issues. One lab test we recommend is the Omega-3 Index, which measures the red-blood-cell levels of EPA and DHA, two fatty acids critical to the brain and emotional health. You can do a lot to improve your mental and emotional health. Here are easy steps to take: Start every day with the phrase, “Today is going to be a great day”; positive self-talk has a powerful influence on the brain For general mental health support, use more saffron (which helps mood and memory), turmeric, peppermint and cinnamon (attention) in your cooking. And boost your diet for these specific issues: In the video below, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses toxins and the role they play in rescuing your memory today! Be vigilant about your brain health and you could be rewarded with excellent recall and many dementia-free years. To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE. In September 2015, big wave surfer Shawn Dollar met the challenge of his life. Not a giant wave like those he’s in the record books for conquering, but a boulder he struck when he dove under a wave. The impact broke his neck in four places and gave him a concussion. Fortunately, he made it to shore and then to his car and the hospital without becoming paralyzed. Within months Dollar’s doctors pronounced him healed, but he was far from well. When he sought help at the Amen Clinics, he was suffering from migraines, intense mood swings, anxiety, a failing memory and more. SPECT imaging revealed why: Like the NFL players’ brains we had examined previously, Dollar’s brain showed the porous pattern of a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our treatment plan helped him recover his focus and memory; he’s even surfed again, though he no longer rides the big waves. A blow to the head from a fall, a car accident, a football tackle (or other sports trauma), domestic violence or a combat injury—even if you don’t lose consciousness—can scramble your mind and memory. Your brain is like soft custard, and the skull’s sharp ridges can cause severe damage. Repeated blows, like those boxers and football players often endure, can result in CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), which researchers recently found in the brains of 87 percent of the 202 deceased former football players’ brains they examined.

Here is the great news: You can recover from a TBI. We developed a plan, tested it in athletes and published the findings that show it works.

Our protocol for head trauma is part of the Amen Clinics’ new BRIGHT MINDS Program, which identifies and treats the 11 risk factors that can steal your memory and your mind. The risks are summed up in the words BRIGHT MINDS, which makes it easy to remember them: B – Blood Flow R – Retirement/Aging I – Inflammation G – Genetics H – Head Trauma T – Toxins
M – Mental Health I – Immunity/Infection Issues N – Neurohormone Deficiencies D – Diabesity S – Sleep Issues If you have had a head injury or concussion (ask your mom if you can’t recall one; in many cases, you won’t remember it) and/or you notice a loss of your sense of smell, it’s essential that you check in with your health-care provider and ask about these tests: Adopt these easy preventive (and healing) strategies: In the video below, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses head trauma as they “H’ in BRIGHT MINDS: Be hypervigilant about your brain health and you could be rewarded with excellent recall and many dementia-free years. To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE. Most of us assume that as we get older our memory is bound to deteriorate like an old radio with faulty reception. We figure that losing keys, struggling with names and other signs of forgetfulness are the natural outcome of having lived past 60. This common attitude is usually summed up with a shoulder shrug and four words: “What can you do?” The two-word answer: a lot. Even when your memory has already started unraveling. Even though aging is the single most important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. Mental decline is not a foregone conclusion as you age. You can have a vibrant, agile memory long past retirement. You just have to be serious about protecting it. Take Sherman, a 71-year-old artist who came to see us at Amen Clinics because his memory and decision-making had been slipping and he felt increasingly estranged from himself. We evaluated him using our new BRIGHT MINDS Program, which is designed to identify and treat all 11 risk factors that contribute to memory problems. Here is what the words BRIGHT MINDS stand for: B – Blood Flow R – Retirement/Aging I – Inflammation G – Genetics H – Head Trauma T – Toxins
M – Mental Health I – Immunity/Infection Issues N – Neurohormone Deficiencies D – Diabesity S – Sleep Issues In addition to being 20 pounds overweight, Sherman had a number of BRIGHT MINDS vulnerabilities, including low blood flow to his brain on SPECT imaging as well as high blood glucose, homocysteine and ferritin, or iron—all tied to faster aging. Sherman took his situation seriously and donated blood to lower his iron, adopted our Memory Rescue Diet (more on that, below) and started exercising. Within three months he had lost 22 pounds and felt his memory had improved; within six months he was healthier than before his problems had started. In addition to getting older, the general risk factors associated with living past retirement age are: It’s a good idea to have a checkup with your health-care provider to evaluate your current state of health. Request these specific lab tests: You can take these simple steps to make sure your mind and memory are sharp for years to come: Watch this video below to hear Dr. Daniel Amen explain the important role retirement and aging plays in BRIGHT MINDS & how to prevent memory problems. To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE. Do you floss regularly? Brush your teeth after every meal? If you do, you might be preventing more than just cavities and gum disease. A study found that people who keep their teeth and gums healthy with regular brushing may have a lower risk of developing dementia later in life.

What Research Says

Researchers at University of California that followed nearly 5,500 elderly people over an 18-year-period found that those who reported brushing their teeth less than once a day were up to 65 percent more likely to develop dementia than those who brushed daily.

Why?

Inflammation stoked by gum disease-related bacteria is implicated in a host of conditions including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Some studies have also found that people with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, have more gum disease-related bacteria in their brains than a person without Alzheimer’s. It’s thought that gum disease bacteria might get into the brain, causing inflammation and brain damage.

The Results

All were free of dementia at the outset, when they answered questions about their dental health habits, the condition of their teeth and whether they wore dentures. When the researchers followed up 18 years later, they used interviews, medical records and in some cases death certificates to determine that 1,145 of the original group had been diagnosed with dementia. Of 78 women who said they brushed their teeth less than once a day in 1992, 21 had dementia by 2010, or about one case per 3.7 women. In comparison, among those who brushed at least once a day, closer to one in every 4.5 women developed dementia which translates to a 65-percent greater chance of dementia among those who brushed less than daily.

Men vs. Women

Among the men, the effect was less pronounced with about one in six irregular brushers developing the disease, making them 22 percent more likely to have dementia than those who brushed daily. Statistically, however, the effect was so small it could have been due to chance, the researchers said.

Can Other Factors Contribute?

Head injury and malnutrition are also important causes of tooth loss in adults, and either of those might increase the dementia risk, said Amber Watts, who studies dementia at the University of Kansas and wasn’t part of the study. It’s probably a bit of a stretch to say that by brushing your teeth you will not develop Alzheimer’s Disease, but certainly keeping a good dental hygiene regimen is never a bad idea.

We Can Help

Did you know that despite the natural aging process, you have a choice in how fast your brain ages? Your behavior and habits can speed up or slow down the rate at which your brain declines with age. Being mentally and physically active, eating nutritious foods and avoiding unhealthy habits can help you maintain optimal brain health and ward off dementia. The best way to sharpen recall, reduce brain atrophy, and eliminate all the risk factors that steal the mind is with a BRIGHT MINDS approach, which addresses memory problems, aging and Alzheimer’s disease. To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE, or call 888-288-9834.