How These Greek Islanders May be Avoiding Dementia : The Hearty Soul

Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, which may surprise many given its commonality.

While the risk of developing Alzheimer’s does increase with age, it can also affect individuals under 65. For those impacted by the disease, symptoms like memory loss worsen over time.

Research indicates that about 200,000 Americans under 65 have Alzheimer’s, and while there is no cure, treatments are available to slow its progression. Much research focuses on disease prevention, with the Greek island of Ikaria potentially holding key insights.

Ikaria boasts a population of 10,000 individuals who live, on average, eight to ten years longer than Americans. They experience lower rates of heart disease, cancer, and dementia, with only 10% of elderly Ikarians over 85 affected by Alzheimer’s compared to 33% of Americans in the same age group.

How Ikarians Avoid Alzheimer’s Disease?

1. The Mediterranean Diet

Ikarians adhere to a strict Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, modest amounts of red wine, and olive oil. Their diet includes fewer fish and meat, and more antioxidant-rich wild and garden greens.

2. Herbal Teas and Diuretics

Ikarians consume herbal teas daily, using fresh herbs and leaves like dandelions, sage, rosemary, and oregano. These herbs possess anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that may assist in regulating blood pressure.

Diuretics aid in sodium elimination and blood pressure control. Studies show that potassium-sparing diuretics can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, while other antihypertensive medications offer some risk reduction as well.

While the exact impact of herbal teas on Ikarians’ reduced dementia risk is not definitive, their diuretic and antioxidant properties could potentially support long-term cognitive health.

3. Regular Exercise

Living in a mountainous region, Ikarians engage in constant low-intensity physical activity, attributed to their daily uphill walks. This differs from the sedentary lifestyle often observed in Americans who sit in offices for extended periods.

4. Village Living

In Ikaria, social interactions are inherent in community traditions, festivals, and mutual check-ins. This constant engagement helps combat loneliness and depression, factors known to increase dementia risk.

5. Don’t Wait

Ikarians emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy habits throughout their lives, rather than waiting until older age to prioritize health. Initiating these habits early can positively impact long-term well-being and prevent the need for drastic lifestyle changes later on.

1. Switch to a whole-food, plant-based diet.
2. Incorporate regular physical activity.
3. Cultivate in-person social connections and community involvement.

It’s crucial to adopt these healthy practices consistently and early on for a fulfilling and robust life.