During a study period from 2011 to 2021, cases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) increased by 80%. Healthcare experts remain puzzled and speculate on various possible causes.
Data on brain health, including memory-related illnesses, show that deaths due to such conditions have increased roughly 20-fold in the past 50 years, even after adjusting for aging populations. This trend makes hereditary explanations largely irrelevant.
The current trajectory is disastrous for society and the economy. Cognitive abilities, and therefore work capabilities, decline for decades before AD develops. This is a key reason why older workers are often undervalued, and productivity suffers.
The root causes of AD are numerous, and most are worsening due to increasing obesity and poor lifestyle habits. The major environmental factors include:
- Smartphones and Radiation: A new factor since 2010, the widespread use of smartphones and exposure to associated radiation.
- Obesity and Poor Diet: AD is often referred to as “Type 3 diabetes” due to its link with excess sugar consumption.
- Hormonal Disruption: Caused by industrial chemicals such as those in plastics, contributing to both hormonal imbalances and obesity.
- Nutrient-Deficient Diets: Processed foods lacking in fiber and essential nutrients have become prevalent, reducing the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids and critical B vitamins (B12, B9, B6), all essential for brain health.
- Loneliness and Depression: Both have increased with aging populations and fragmented family structures.
- Decreased Physical Activity: Especially outdoor exercise. Sedentary activities like streaming, social media, and other entertainment discourage movement.
- Poor Sleep Habits: Deterioration in sleep quality due to various factors, despite its critical role in brain health.
- Increased Sitting: Traditional sitting positions with a rounded back impair blood flow to the brain and lead to shallow breathing, further exacerbating inactivity-related issues. Unfortunately, ergonomic solutions like rocking saddle chairs remain underutilized.
- Increased Alcohol Use: Senior alcohol consumption has risen alongside improved financial means.
- Drug Misuse and Substance Abuse: Both have become more common.
- Reduced Intellectual and Cultural Activities: Declines in hobbies like music, church involvement, and cultural participation.
- Stressful Work Environments: Constant learning of new devices, IT systems, and methods has added stress to daily life.
- Decline in Rural Living: Traditional rural living, with its associated physical chores and routines, has become rare.
The dramatic rise in AD is the result of these factors acting in combination, collectively exceeding the body’s ability to adapt.
Prevention
A bold, comprehensive evaluation of all contributing factors is needed, followed by targeted interventions to reduce each risk. Unfortunately, such preventative approaches have yet to gain traction in society.