Don't Wait, Start Now: Protecting Your Child's Brain From Dementia
Mar 11, 2025•12 min
Episode description
Story at-a-glance
- Childhood cardiovascular risk factors, such as higher body mass index and rapid weight gain, are associated with structural differences in the brains of young adults, particularly in regions vulnerable to dementia later in life
- Studies show a direct link between better cardiovascular health in adolescence and enhanced cognitive functions like executive function and increased brain volume
- Fostering healthy habits early in life, like sufficient sleep, daily movement, stress management and a whole-food diet, is important for children’s long-term brain health, even reducing dementia risks
- Simple lifestyle changes focused on improving mitochondrial function, such as reducing seed oils, minimizing endocrine-disrupting chemicals and EMF exposure, and eating whole foods, positively impacts brain health at any age
- Prioritizing cardiovascular health from childhood through adulthood is not just about heart health; it's a key strategy for building and maintaining a healthy brain and reducing the risk of cognitive decline