5-Step Alzheimer's Prevention Plan

Learn how to stop forgetfulness in its tracks and literally grow your brain so it’s stronger than ever.

Posted on | Comments ()

Maybe you forgot where you set your keys. It happens to everyone, right? But what about forgetting a good friend’s name? Or an important appointment? Left on its own, your brain actually begins to shrink when you hit midlife.

Whether you’ve had a family member who’s suffered from Alzheimer’s, you’re starting to notice your memory is not as sharp as it used to be, or you want to protect yourself for the future, it’s time to strengthen your brain. Research now shows that you can not only slow down brain shrinkage, but you can actually increase the size of our brain at any age. Here, Dr. Oz and renowned neurologist Dr. Majid Fotuhi reveal their memory cure – a plan to help you prevent Alzheimer’s in just five simple steps.  

Brain Booster 1: DHA Supplement

If you’re only going to take one supplement, DHA is the one you need. DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid that makes up a significant portion of your brain tissue. Lower DHA levels are associated with a smaller brain size, so it’s important to supplement your natural DHA intake (which comes primarily from cold-water seafood). Taking a DHA supplement reduces inflammation, combats the plaque buildup associated with Alzheimer’s, and increases blood flow to your brain. In fact, studies have shown that taking 600mg of DHA supplement daily for 6 months boosts your brain so much that it functions as though it were 3 years younger!

Brain Booster 2: Brain Stimulating Switch-Ups

Just as it’s important to add variety to your physical exercise routine, adding variety to your daily mental routine cross-trains different muscles in your brain. Simple switch-ups, such as putting your watch on your opposite wrist, using your opposite hand while brushing your teeth, doing your hair and eating, and even writing backward activate brain regions that might otherwise go unstimulated. This stimulation can lower your risk of memory impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.  

Brain Booster 3: The 7-7-7 Stress-Busting Breath

We all know stress is bad for our health, but you may not have known it can be deadly when it comes to your brain. Stress is like poison for your hippocampus – the part of brain responsible for memory – as it leads to chronically high levels of the hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels can cause brain cell dysfunction, kill brain cells, and cause atrophy of the brain. Busting stress, therefore, is vital to preserve your memory.