Introduction
If you have a certain blood type, you may be at an increased risk for developing dementia. While there is no surefire way to prevent dementia, there are certain dietary changes you can make to reduce your risk. In this article, we’ll discuss which blood type puts you at risk for dementia and what foods you should eat and avoid to reduce your risk. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make healthier food choices. By making the right dietary changes, you can help reduce your risk of developing dementia.
This Blood Type Puts You at Risk for Dementia — Eat This Not That
If you have type A blood, you may be at an increased risk for developing dementia. A recent study published in the journal Neurology found that people with type A blood were more likely to develop dementia than those with other blood types.
The study looked at over 1,600 people aged 65 and older who did not have dementia at the start of the study. After following the participants for an average of seven years, researchers found that those with type A blood were more likely to develop dementia than those with other blood types.
The researchers also found that people with type A blood were more likely to have a gene variant associated with an increased risk of dementia. This gene variant is known as APOE4.
The findings of this study suggest that people with type A blood may be at an increased risk for developing dementia. However, it is important to note that this study does not prove that type A blood causes dementia. More research is needed to understand the link between blood type and dementia.
While there is no sure way to prevent dementia, there are some lifestyle changes that may help reduce your risk. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all important for maintaining good brain health.
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help reduce your risk of dementia. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, can also help protect your brain. Additionally, avoiding processed foods and added sugars can help reduce your risk.
Exercising regularly can also help reduce your risk of dementia. Exercise helps improve blood flow to the brain, which can help protect against cognitive decline. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, five days a week.
Finally, getting enough sleep is important for maintaining good brain health. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep.
While having type A blood may increase your risk of dementia, there are still steps you can take to reduce your risk. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can all help protect your brain health.
The progressive brain disorder known as dementia remains one of the most mysterious disorders—researchers aren’t sure why some people get it, how to prevent it, or how to cure it. But in recent years, science has uncovered some intriguing clues, including some red flags in the blood that may indicate an increased risk of dementia. One is this blood type, which almost doubles your risk of developing the disorder. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
According to a study published in the journal Neurology, people with blood type AB are 82 percent more likely to develop thinking and memory problems that can lead to dementia than people with other blood types.
“Our study looks at blood type and risk of cognitive impairment, but several studies have shown that factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia,” said study author Mary Cushman, MD, MSc, of the University of Vermont College of Medicine. “Blood type is also related to other vascular conditions like stroke, so the findings highlight the connections between vascular issues and brain health. More research is needed to confirm these results.”
RELATED: Proven Ways to Prevent Dementia, Say Experts
The potential culprit: Factor VII, a protein that helps blood to clot. People with AB blood have a higher average level of factor VII than people with other blood types, and high levels of factor VII are associated with a higher risk of dementia.
RELATED: This Makes You 15 Times More Likely to Die of COVID, Says New Study
Having type AB blood has been shown to carry a higher risk of stomach and pancreatic cancer. AB blood has also been linked to a higher risk of symptomatic and severe COVID-19.
RELATED: Signs You Need to Lose Your Visceral Fat Now
Dementia is an umbrella term for several disorders of the brain that involve changes to memory, thinking, personality, and judgment. Ultimately, these changes interfere with a person’s ability to function and live an independent life. Most cases of dementia are diagnosed in people older than 65. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting about 6.2 million Americans.
RELATED: Over 40? Here’s How to Lose Abdominal Fat
Experts aren’t sure why some older people develop dementia and others don’t. But blood type isn’t the only factor that studies have found increase your risk of the disease. Other risk factors include:
- Age
- Family history of dementia
- Unhealthy lifestyle (poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity)
- Cardiovascular disease (including high blood pressure or poorly controlled diabetes)
- Head injury
- Low social or cognitive engagement
And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.