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 is unfortunately becoming more common. That’s simply because the number one risk factor is advancing age, and more of us are living longer. But there are things you can do to lower your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The first step is being aware if you have higher odds of developing the disease. Research has found that people with a certain blood type are at greater risk. 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.
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.
Factor VII makes blood “stickier,” or more likely to clot. Having too little Factor VII means blood doesn’t clot effectively; that’s the case in people with hemophilia. But having too much is dangerous too—blood that clots too easily can lead to heart attack and stroke.
But experts have said that people with type AB blood shouldn’t be overly worried; there are bigger risks for dementia than blood type—such as obesity and smoking—and the Neurology study was small and has yet to be confirmed by more extensive research.
Having AB type blood is rare. In fact, the least common blood type in the U.S. Only about 4 percent of Americans have type AB blood.
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. Northwestern Medicine advises that if you have type AB blood, you should emphasize cancer-fighting foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in your diet.
Dementia is a category of brain disorders that involve changes to memory, thinking, personality, and judgment. Ultimately, these changes interfere with a person’s ability to function independently. 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.
Experts aren’t sure why some older people develop dementia and others don’t. The major riisk factors for dementia include:
- Age
- A family history of dementia
- An unhealthy lifestyle (poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Head injury
- Social isolation or a lack of cognitive engagement
And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Michael Martin