76. Keep A Sharp Mind: Unlock the Secrets to Brain Health and Avoid Dementia with Dr. Mitch Clionsky

What is dementia? And how can we avoid it? This episode, Diane Gilman dives deep into the realm of brain health with renowned dementia expert and author of Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain, Dr. Mitch Clionsky, as they explore the best strategies to ward off dementia and keep a healthy mind.Understanding Dementia: Beyond Alzheimer'sDr. Clionsky explores the complexity of dementia which comes in various forms including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. He highlights that while Alzheimer's is one prominent strain of dementia, it's important to be aware of other types of dementia too. .Preventability of Dementia: A Lancet InsightDr. Clionsky unveils a striking statistic from the Lancet commission, suggesting that up to 50% of dementia cases are preventable. He breaks down the conclusion that they reached and what it means for the rest of us.The Role of Lifestyle: A Holistic ApproachDr. Clionsky advocates for a balanced diet rich in olive oil, vegetables, legumes, and fish, while moderating red meat and carbohydrates intake. He also discusses the effects that intermittent fasting can have in terms of brain health, and suggests caution when it comes to alcohol. Mental Health, Mental Stimulation, and Sleep HygieneDiane and Dr. Clionsky discuss how quality sleep, mental health, mental stimulation all play a vital role in dementia prevention, with Dr. Clionsky specifically highlighting the dangers of untreated sleep apnea. He explains the ways in which depression can worsen symptoms of dementia and how keeping the brain active can slow down or prevent symptoms. Early Intervention and Prevention StrategiesDr. Clionsky advocates for early action to mitigate dementia's progression. He introduces a dementia prevention checklist on his website and underscores the importance of proactive measures.Five Essential Factors for Cognitive HealthDr. Clionsky outlines five crucial factors for maintaining cognitive activity:Manage current medical conditionsExercise regularlyAvoid long term use of benzodiazepinesAvoid harmful substances like alcohol and cigarettesAddress hearing loss Dr Clionsky’s Details:Book: https://a.co/d/jm2upo3 Website: www.braindoc.comDementia Prevention Checklist: https://braindoc.com/checklist-intro/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2braindocs Twitter: https://twitter.com/2braindocsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/2braindocs/Connect with DianeFacebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman  Website: thedianegilman.com