In the pursuit of a resilient and healthy brain, lifestyle choices play a pivotal role in fortifying our cognitive well-being and defying neurodegenerative trends. At Longevity, we believe in empowering our guests with the knowledge and practices that can serve as a blueprint for brain resilience. Let’s explore some key lifestyle habits that form the foundation of our neurodegenerative defense strategy, with the corresponding supporting scientific literature.
- Exercise: The Neuroprotective Powerhouse: Exercise emerges as the single most powerful tool in our preventive toolkit against neurodegenerative diseases. Both endurance and resistance exercises have been shown to promote brain health. Regular physical activity enhances vascular health[1], maintains glucose homeostasis, and mitigates the risk of cognitive decline.[2] With regards to Parkinson´s disease specifically, exercise is the only intervention shown to delay the progression of it.
- Glucose Metabolism and Metabolic Health: Research has shown that disturbances in glucose metabolism can contribute to cognitive decline. Ensuring stable blood sugar levels through a balanced diet, rich in whole foods and low in refined sugars, forms an integral part of our Brain Resilience Blueprint. The link between metabolic health and cognitive function is well-documented in a study by Verdile et al, which reinforced the association between Type 2 Diabetes and neurodegeneration[3].
- Sleep: A Vital Pillar of Brain Resilience: Good quality sleep is a relevant tool against neurogenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s. Studies indicate that optimizing sleep patterns contributes significantly to brain health, because it is during sleep that intracellular waste (e.g., amyloid beta and tau protein) that builds up between neurons is swept away[4]. At Longevity, our Sleep Optimization program delves into strategies to enhance sleep quality and duration for comprehensive neuroprotection.
- Hypercortisolemia: Managing Stress for Cognitive Wellness: Chronic stress, leading to elevated cortisol levels, poses a threat to the brain. The mechanism which underpins this is that hypercortisolemia inhibits the release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. As we´ve seen previously, poor sleep is a driver of increased risk of dementia. Our Brain Resilience Blueprint emphasizes stress management techniques, including mindfulness practices and relaxation therapies, as crucial components in the defense against hypercortisolemia.
- Dry Saunas: Harnessing the Power of Heat: Emerging research suggests that the use of dry saunas may have neuroprotective effects[5], via improved vascular, reduced whole body insulin resistance and improved mitochondrial function[6]. At Longevity, we incorporate dry sauna experiences into our wellness programs for holistic brain health.
In conclusion, Longevity offer programs designed to align with our Brain Resilience Blueprint. Our programs, including Longevity Metabolic Optimization, Longevity Sleep Optimization, and Longevity Fitness, are crafted to empower you with practical tools and expert guidance for a resilient and thriving brain. Embark on a journey with us towards lasting cognitive well-being and explore how our wellness programs can be tailored to your individual needs, providing a roadmap to a healthier and more resilient brain. Your journey to brain resilience starts here.
[1] AT;, B.J. (2018) Exercise improves vascular function, but does this translate to the brain?, Brain plasticity (Amsterdam, Netherlands). Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30564547/ (Accessed: 02 December 2023).
[2] Esteban-Cornejo I;Ho FK;Petermann-Rocha F;Lyall DM;Martinez-Gomez D;Cabanas-Sánchez V;Ortega FB;Hillman CH;Gill JMR;Quinn TJ;Sattar N;Pell JP;Gray SR;Celis-Morales C; (no date) Handgrip strength and all-cause dementia incidence and mortality: Findings from the UK biobank prospective cohort study, Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35445560/ (Accessed: 02 December 2023).
[3] RN;, V.G.S. (no date) The role of type 2 diabetes in neurodegeneration, Neurobiology of disease. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25926349/ (Accessed: 02 December 2023).
[4] DM;, W.C. (2020) Bidirectional relationship between sleep and alzheimer’s disease: Role of amyloid, TAU, and other factors, Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31408876/ (Accessed: 02 December 2023).
[5] JA;, L.T.S.J. (2017) Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and alzheimer’s disease in middle-aged Finnish men, Age and ageing. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27932366/ (Accessed: 02 December 2023).
[6] Von Schulze AT;Deng F;Morris JK;Geiger PC; (2020) Heat therapy: Possible benefits for cognitive function and the aging brain, Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985). Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32969779/ (Accessed: 02 December 2023).
