The Nutrient: DHA prevents dementia, risk factors for cancer, Mormons and mushrooms

Research

Red Blood Cell DHA Is Inversely Associated with Risk of Incident Alzheimer’s Disease and All-Cause Dementia

Here's a link between diet, more specifically Omega-3 fatty acids, and brain health. This study measured DHA levels in 1,490 dementia-free participants at the beginning of the study and then again 7 years later. Overall, 131 cases of Alzheimer's disease were documented.

Researchers then compared red blood cell levels of DHA between those who had Alzheimer's and those who didn't.

Here's the summary:

"...based on our estimations, changing from the lowest quintile (<3.8% of DHA in RBC membranes) to the top quintile (>6.1%) could translate into an estimated gain of 4.7 years free of AD [Alzheimer's Disease]."

This is relevant for any of us who don't want to lose their mind, but especially for those who people who are APOE4 positive–the strongest risk factor gene for Alzheimer's disease.

How do you raise DHA levels in your blood? Eat fatty fish like salmon and sardines, or supplement with Omega-3s at a dose ranging from 1-4g daily determined by your individual needs.

News

Risk factors such as smoking behind almost half of cancer deaths, finds study

Largest research project of its kind also points to alcohol and being overweight as major contributors

The GuardianAndrew Gregory

"Smoking, alcohol use, and a high body mass index (BMI) are the biggest contributors. In total, risk factors are responsible for nearly 4.45m cancer deaths a year."

Article

These Mormons Have Found a New Faith -- in Magic Mushrooms

Worshippers are leaving the Church of Latter-day Saints in record numbers, and some are finding solace with an apostate band of psilocybin-loving spiritual explorers looking for God — one trip at a…

Rolling StoneCassady Rosenblum

This was an interesting (long) read about the unlikely pairing of god, religion, and psychedelics. I don't know much about Mormonism, or psilocybin, but I'm my interest is piqued when someone says an experience made his "soul snap back into place."

Enjoy your weekend.

--Dr. Rondo