Cognitive Decline Starts at 18 – and So Should Alzheimer’s Prevention
By Patrick Holford
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In one alarming case that underscores the need to promote prevention as early as possible, researchers in South China recently diagnosed probable Alzheimer’s disease in a 19-year-old male – the youngest ever recorded – highlighting the fact that dementia, while rare in youth, is not exclusively a condition of old age (1). This makes early prevention not only relevant but essential.
This isn’t a message of fear. It’s one of hope and empowerment, emphasising that it’s never too early to start supporting your brain health. (This is why we created the Smart Kids & Teens COGNITION Programme.) Cognitive slippage doesn’t happen to everyone – it’s possible to maintain or even improve brain function with optimal nutrition and lifestyle habits. Food for the Brain’s research also found that those whose Dementia Risk Index is in the top quarter, in ‘the green’- are not expected to come close to the zone of cognitive decline before age 100. A person’s Dementia Risk Index is calculated from completing the COGNITION diet and lifestyle questionnaire that follows the free Cognitive Function Test.
The five most impactful prevention steps are:
- Sufficient intake of B vitamins
- Omega-3 from seafood and supplements
- More vegetables and fruit, and less sugar and refined carbohydrates
- More exercise
- Less alcohol
See the Alzheimer’s Modifiable Risk Factor chart below:
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Understanding that decline can start early in life means you can take steps now – whether you’re 18 or 80 – to protect your brain. This is also where our Citizen Scientist FRIEND community plays a vital role! Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, youth worker, mentor, or simply someone who cares about young people, you can help the next generation build lifelong resilience – by becoming a FRIEND of Food for the Brain, accessing your personalised six-month Brain Upgrade Programme and encouraging as many as possible to take the free Cognitive Function Test to become ‘dementia-proof’.
How to ‘Dementia-Proof’ Yourself
We describe someone as ‘dementia-proof’ when the projection of their Cognitive Function Test results suggest they will remain in the healthy ‘green zone’ (optimal cognitive health) beyond the age of 100, as shown in the graph above.
Food for the Brain is helping thousands of people achieve this dementia-proof status through our COGNITION programme, which identifies a person’s ‘quick wins’ and supports behaviour change with personalised, interactive emails and live group health coaching. For some, this means going to bed earlier for more sleep. For others, it might mean avoiding foods with added sugar, cutting back on alcohol or getting outdoors to exercise. For many it means optimising intake of B vitamins, omega-3, vitamin D, and antioxidants.
(Do you know what your levels of these important brain-protecting nutrients are? If not, make sure you order our accurate at-home pinprick DRIfT test, another way to support our research and upgrade your brain.)
Start Young to Prevent Cognitive Decline
Brain fog, poor concentration, low mood, or forgetfulness aren’t just part of “being busy” or “getting older.” These can be early signs that your brain isn’t getting what it needs. Better sleep, nutrition, regular activity, and lower stress levels all help preserve cognitive function as you age.
Investing in your brain health early means:
- Sharper focus and concentration for study, work, and everyday life
- Greater emotional resilience, reducing anxiety and improving your mood
- Improved memory and creativity, helping you perform optimally in all areas of life
- More energy and better sleep, to improve the way you feel and function every day
When you support your brain health, you support every other aspect of your health too!h. Be it that outer glow on the skin, more balanced hormones, or improved gut health, all of it starts with brain health. It’s never too late, and it’s never too early – it is only important to make a start!
Whether you’re a teenager, a student in your 20s, raising a family in your 40s, or retired in your 70s, your brain is changing every day – and the good news is that it can respond positively to lifestyle changes at any age.
Remember: there is so much you can do to help to prevent Alzheimer’s and optimise your brain health – whatever your age.
Ready to take control of your brain’s future?
- Use our Smart Kids programme if you have kids/grandchildren
- Complete the Cognitive Function Test today – it’s quick, free, and potentially life-changing. ( Encourage anyone you know over the age of 18 to do it too!)
Order your at-home DRIfT pinprick blood test to contribute to our research and discover your unique levels of essential brain-supporting nutrients.
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We are one of the few charities focused on independent research and education around prevention – join our mission today and become a FRIEND.
As a FRIEND, you’ll receive:
- Access to your 6-month personalised Brain Upgrade Journey
- Entry to our Education Hub
- Monthly live group health coaching
Further reading: This idea is echoed in the work of Associate Professor Tommy Wood, Head of Research at Food for the Brain, in his article Use it or Lose it: Why an Active Lifestyle is a Brain Essential.