Neurologist Debunks Brain Health Myths

CLICK HERE to download soundbites, b-roll, script and web article.

For download password, contact ccnewsservice@ccf.org.

CLEVELAND - For those looking to improve their brain health, you may want to think twice about buying supplements that claim to do just that.

“There are no supplements that have been proven to preserve brain health. One of the ways to really think about brain health is that you want to try and come as close to nature as you can,” said Dylan Wint, MD, neurologist at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Wint said omega-3 fatty acids, for example, are touted as beneficial for brain health.

And while you could buy supplements containing omega-3’s, research shows it’s better to get them from food sources instead, like salmon or flaxseed.

And speaking of diet, Dr. Wint said some people may think it’s harmless to eat large amounts of red meat, but that’s not completely true.

Studies have found that high levels of red meat consumption can increase a person's risk for dementia.

He notes that meat may not be inherently bad for you, but too much of it can be tough on our bodies.

"High amounts of red meat contain high amounts of saturated fats. Red meat and processed red meat may also, as we digest them, give off waste products, that are toxic to the brain,” said Dr. Wint. “And red meats and processed meats also can be loaded up with salt, which can increase problems with high blood pressure."

Another brain health myth Dr. Wint often hears is that you can only get Alzheimer’s and other kinds of dementia if it runs in your family.

He said genetics can play a role, but it’s not the only factor.

Lifestyle matters too, which is why it’s important to keep a healthy diet, exercise and avoid bad habits like smoking and drinking alcohol.