Food For The Brain With Patrick Holford - Alzheimer's is Preventable

by Dr Ruth Allan | 28 November 2022

Patrick Holford joins Dr Ruth Allan on the 57th Episode of 'Brain Health: Unchaining Your Pain' and 17th Episode in series 3

Patrick Holford, BSc, DipION, FBANT, NTCRP, is a leading spokesman on nutrition and mental health and founder of both the Food for the Brain Foundation, and the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, an educational charity that offers degree accredited training in nutritional therapy

Originally trained in psychology, Patrick was involved in groundbreaking research showing that multivitamins can increase children’s IQ scores – the subject of a Horizon television documentary in the 1980s

He was one of the first promoters of the importance of zinc, essential fats, low-GL diets and homocysteine-lowering B vitamins and their importance in mental health and Alzheimer’s prevention, working closely with David Smith, Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford. He is currently directing the Alzheimer’s is Preventable campaign for Food for the Brain

Patrick is author of 46 books, translated into over 30 languages, including The Optimum Nutrition Bible, Optimum Nutrition for the Mind, Optimum, Food is Better Medicine than Drugs, the Ten Secrets of Healthy Ageing and The Hybrid Diet (co-authored with Jerome Burne)

He is a retired visiting professor at the University of Teeside and is in the Orthomolecular Medicine Hall of Fame and on the Editorial Board for the Orthomolecular News Service, and has over 40 years of research and experience in the field of nutrition

In this episode Patrick shares his wisdom on the role of Omega-3, Vitamin B12 and homocysteine in cognitive decline and what you can do to reverse it

He discusses why the brain is the final frontier in medicine, the risk factors associated with cognitive decline and the science behind the steps you can take to support and enhance your cognitive function

Patrick talks about the impact of your genes in the context of cognitive decline, the key blood tests that you need to take to understand your key risk factors and the eight steps that are within your control to support your cognitive health

I absolutely loved this episode as Patrick provided simple, practical advice, underpinned by scientific research and places the power back in the hands of the people to reverse cognitive decline

If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode please connect with us so we can find the appropriate support for you

"No one is going to save you, but you can save yourself."

"Better to light a candle than rage against the darkness."

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Further Support To Understand Your Blood Markers Related to Cognitive Health and take action

If you wish to get your Vitamin B12 or Omega-3 levels checked, you can do so very simply at home at low cost using the following links. Alternatively please speak with your Healthcare Provider:

• Vitamin B12 blood test - £39 available in the UK
• Omega-3 blood test - £69.95 available globally. Not currently available through the NHS
• Homocysteine - £149 available in the UK, currently requiring a visit to a London clinic.

You can purchase high quality Omega-3 and Vitamin B12 in a multivitamin through Brain MD, as well as other suppliers. For more information on appropriate blood tests and supplements to suit your cognitive or overall health needs, please connect with us to schedule a consultation.

Listen to Episode 057 with Patrick Holford on Apple Podcasts

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Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute, or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Connect with Patrick Holford

• Website - Food For The Brain | LinkedIn

Connect with Dr Ruth Allan

• For more information about the programs Dr Ruth has to unchain your pain, unlock the secrets to greater mental clarity and performance and unleash your full potential by optimising your unique brain, connect here
• Learn more about the Wellbeing Warrior Academy for you, your family and your organisation to support you in taking charge of your wellbeing
• Access all Episodes of the show 'Brain Health - Unchaining Your Pain'

Related episodes, books, topics and events

• Nutritional Medicine Summit 2022
• Reverse Brain Disorders - Brain Health Summit 2022
• Book - 'H Factor Solution: Homocysteine, the Best Single Indicator of Whether You Are Likely to Live Long Or Die Young' by Patrick Holford and James Braly
• Book - 'The Web of Life: A New Scientific Understanding of Living Systems' by Fritjof Capra
• Vitamin B12 blood test - £39 available in the UK
• Omega-3 blood test - £69.95 available globally. Not currently available through the NHS
• Homocysteine - £149 available in the UK, currently requiring a visit to a London clinic.

• High quality Omega-3 supplement

• High quality Vitamin B12 in a multivitamin

Discussed in this podcast

• 04.28 - Optimal Brain Health for Patrick Holford
• 12.58 - Findings from brain scans of patients with Alzheimer's
• 13.48 - The impact of Omega-3 and B12 vitamins on brain shrinkage
• 18.43 - "The only thing that defines the requirement for a nutrient is the removal of symptoms" 
• 19.25 - The role of DHA in the brain
• 21.15 - Why they needed to revisit studies on omega-3 and Vitamin B12
• 22.21 - How one third of the total risk of Alzheimer's is to do with Omega-3 and vitamin B12 levels
• 23.45 - The importance of having your homocysteine levels checked
• 25.30 - The official cost of dementia
• 28.30 - The Dementia Risk Index questionnaire
• 29.59 - The genetic risk
• 30.49 - Organising your cognitive and overall wellbeing risk factors into eight domains (cogs) 1) B vitamins, 2) brain fats inc vitamin D, 3) Anti-oxidants and polyphenols, 4) blood sugar - low carb and glycemic load, 5) healthy gut, 6) active body, 7) active mind, 8) Sleep and stress
• 34.20 - The need to be emotionally engaged to make changes to your lifestyle
• 35.46 - Patrick's inspirational role models
• 39.45 - The processes of cognitive decline
• 48.00 - The Five Pillars of Brain Health: the craziest thing Patrick has ever done
• 56.20 - What needs to change nationally to help reverse Alzheimer's disease
• 59.30 - The need to shift away from double blind placebo controlled trials for multi-factorial effects. "No one is going to save you, but you can save yourself and you're not alone."
• 1.00.45 - Patrick's one piece of advice for anyone struggling with cognitive decline.  "Better to light a candle than rage against the darkness." The impact of nutrition on cognition and emotional stability

Please note this show is for educational purposes only. If you need professional support to optimise your brain and whole body health, please contact us directly or speak to your healthcare professional.

DISCLAIMER: Please always seek the advice of your general practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Ruth Mary Allan is a Partner with Medichecks Blood Tests, OmegaQuant Blood Tests and BrainMD.