Because forgetting to fight Alzheimer’s would be pretty ironic, wouldn’t it?
I’ve been in my 40s for a while now, and the older I get, the more I think about my overall health. If I’m being honest, I’ve put my body through its fair share of things over the years—late nights, indulgences, maybe a little too much stress—but lately, something has been weighing heavily on my mind.
My mum, who is only in her mid 70’s, is in a nursing home, suffering from Alzheimer’s. It’s a terrifying thing to watch someone you love slowly fade away, losing pieces of themselves day by day. What makes it even harder is that this isn’t just something that happened to her—it runs in my family. My grandmother had it, my mum has it and now my aunt (her younger sister) is showing signs too.
We were too late when it came to incorporating any of these strategies with Mum. She progressed so quickly, much earlier and more severely than my grandmother did. We did try a few herbal remedies, but by that point, it was too little, too late. But this doesn’t have to be the case for me—or for anyone else out there who still has the chance to take action.
And yet, despite everything I’m doing to be proactive, I still worry. Some days, I feel like I just can’t find the information in my brain—like it’s on the tip of my tongue, but just out of reach. Of course, we all get forgetful with the sheer number of things we juggle in daily life, but I won’t lie—it worries the shit out of me.
Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia: What’s the Difference? Many people use Alzheimer’s and dementia interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing. Dementia (Umbrella Term): A syndrome caused by various brain disorders that impact memory, reasoning, problem-solving and communication. Alzheimer’s is just one type of dementia.
Alzheimer’s Disease (A Specific Type of Dementia): A progressive brain disorder that leads to nerve cell damage due to amyloid plaques and tau tangles. It accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases and causes gradual memory loss and cognitive decline.
Is Alzheimer’s Hereditary?
The short answer? It can be. There are two forms:
Early-onset Alzheimer’s (before age 65) is highly genetic and linked to specific gene mutations.
Late-onset Alzheimer’s (the more common type) isn’t directly inherited, but certain genes can increase your risk significantly.
With multiple cases in my family, it’s highly likely there’s a genetic component for me. But that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable—I believe in being proactive rather than waiting for fate to decide.
What Am I Doing to Protect My Brain?
My partner and I started following the carnivore way of eating (WOE) last year—though
Christmas and New Year’s did throw us off track a little. Realistically, I’d call it more of a keto-vore or "dirty carnivore" approach, since we’re still mindful about what we eat but not 100% strictly meat. The biggest thing? No carbs, no sugar. Why? Because sugar fuels inflammation and inflammation is the root of so many diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Cutting out sugar is one of the most important steps for protecting the brain, reducing oxidative stress and keeping those "nasties" (toxins, amyloid build-up, gut imbalances) at bay.
I’ve also started taking herbal supplements again—gradually increasing them, especially those that support gut health, which in turn is better for brain health. The gut-brain connection is huge and I’m making sure I focus on both.
Can the Brain Heal After Alzheimer’s?
The idea that the brain is doomed after Alzheimer’s starts is only partly true. While we can’t fully regrow a brain ravaged by the disease, new research suggests that neuro-regeneration and cognitive improvement are possible under the right conditions.
The adult brain can generate new neurons (neurogenesis), particularly in the hippocampus (the memory centre).
Alzheimer’s disrupts this process, but with the right strategies, we may be able to slow progression, support repair and promote new neural connections.
So, rather than passively waiting to see what happens, I’ve put together a list of natural strategies that can help strengthen the brain, reduce inflammation and possibly slow the disease.
Brain Health Strategies to Slow Alzheimer’s Progression
1. Nutrition for Brain Health
· Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Reduce brain inflammation and protect neurons.
· Curcumin (Turmeric) – Anti-inflammatory and may break down amyloid plaques.
· Antioxidants & Polyphenols (Berries, Green Tea, Dark Chocolate) – Help protect brain cells from damage.
· No sugar, no carbs – Reduces inflammation, supports gut and brain health.
2. Herbs & Natural Supplements for Cognitive Support
· Brahmi – Enhances memory, reduces stress, and protects brain cells.
· Ginkgo Biloba – Improves blood flow to the brain and may slow dementia symptoms.
· Lion’s Mane Mushroom – Stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF), helping brain cell repair.
· Gotu Kola – May help regenerate nerve cells, improving memory and focus.
· Rhodiola Rosea – Reduces stress-related brain fog and improves cognitive resilience.
· Ashwagandha – Helps lower cortisol levels, reducing stress-induced brain damage.
· Sage & Rosemary – Traditional memory enhancers; rosemary’s aroma alone has been linked to improved cognition.
· Green Tea (EGCG) – May help prevent harmful brain plaques from forming.
· CBD (Cannabidiol) – Shows promise in reducing neuroinflammation.
· Cacao (Raw Chocolate) – Enhances blood flow to the brain and supports memory retention.
3. Lifestyle & Mental Stimulation
· Exercise – One of the best ways to boost neurogenesis and overall brain health.
· Lifelong Learning – Reading, puzzles and learning a new skill or language can strengthen neural pathways.
· Social Engagement – Meaningful conversations and interactions help keep the mind sharp.
· Quality Sleep – Essential for the brain’s detox process.
4. Brain Biohacking & Alternative Therapies
· Intermittent Fasting – May help remove damaged cells in the brain.
· Red Light Therapy – Some studies suggest it can enhance synaptic function.
· Acupuncture & Sound Therapy – May improve stress management and neural balance.
We may not be able to completely stop Alzheimer’s, but we can fight back—through nutrition, herbs, movement, learning and holistic health practices. So, if you’re like me and have this concern hanging over you, consider this your sign to start protecting your brain today. Let’s keep our minds strong.
Side Note:
I’m not a doctor—or even a naturopath (didn’t finish that degree, haha!)— so I'm just someone who’s worked in alternative health for many years with a passion for herbal remedies, in particular ones that can help my family and self. I also care a lot about people not getting ripped off by buying inferior products. Just because it’s sitting on a supermarket or chemist’s shelf doesn’t mean it’s high-quality—many are filled with useless fillers. E.g. did you know that turmeric—if it’s not activated, then you’re wasting your time! Bet your local supermarket employee can’t tell you that! (not having a go at supermarket workers). Anyway get me started on this and you’ll be stuck with me for hours. But hey, you might learn something—so that’s a plus!
All of the above mentioned products can be purchased instore at Splendiferous. And be safe in knowing that we make sure all our products are pure, organic and most importantly genuine and beneficial for your health!!
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