Research developments in Alzheimer’s disease, including newly approved blood tests for early detection, have helped patients get diagnosed sooner.

As the common dementia has been on the rise among younger individuals, the spotlight is on ways to prevent or slow the disease.

Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California, spoke with Fox News Digital in an interview about Alzheimer’s risk and management.

FIRST BLOOD TEST FOR ALZHEIMER'S DIAGNOSIS CLEARED BY FDA

"Alzheimer's starts in your brain decades before you have any symptoms," he said. "So, a 59-year-old woman I diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease likely had negative changes in her brain in her 20s."

"It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind."

Amen, who also authored the book "Preventing Alzheimer’s," confirmed that half of Alzheimer’s cases are preventable, according to recent findings.

This can be done through nurturing brain health and treating the 11 major risk factors that "steal your mind," he said.

To remember the factors that can help ward off Alzheimer's, Amen created the acronym "BRIGHTMINDS" as follows.

Low blood flow is the No. 1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the doctor.

Alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, nicotine, sedentary behavior and excess weight or obesity can all decrease blood flow, thus should be avoided.

To promote blood flow, Amen suggests "walking like you’re late," which could entail walking 30 minutes a day — alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of fast walking.

"Do that five times for 30 minutes, and it increases blood flow to your brain," he said. 

Along with retirement and aging can come a slowdown in learning and cognitive activity, leading to a higher Alzheimer’s risk, Amen said.

'I'M A NEUROLOGIST — HERE'S WHY DEMENTIA IS RISING AND HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK’

He encourages retirees to learn something new every day to keep the brain active and healthy.

Inflammation is a "major cause" of psychiatric issues, Amen revealed, as well as conditions like cancer, arthritis and heart disease.

Flossing is an easy way to reduce inflammation in the gums and help prevent gum disease, which is a gateway to brain disease, according to the doctor.

"Genes aren't a death sentence," Amen said. "What they should be is a wake-up call."

The doctor said everyone should take steps to discover which diseases run in the family and then follow a daily prevention program.

STROKE, DEMENTIA AND DEPRESSION SHARE THESE 17 PREVENTABLE RISK FACTORS

"I have heart disease and obesity in my family," he said. "I don't have heart disease, and I'm not overweight. Why? Because I'm on an obesity heart disease prevention program every day of my life."

Concussions and head trauma are a "major cause" of psychiatric problems, Amen described, and should be avoided.

"Don't text and drive," he warned.

Some well-known toxins like alcohol, marijuana and other drugs are known to have negative impacts on overall health.

But some not-so-obvious toxins can include lead, mold, mercury from fish, and even general anesthesia, Amen cautioned.

"You always want to support your organs in detoxification," he said. "Drink more water, as it helps flush things through your kidneys … eat more fiber for your gut, and hold the alcohol."

Amen also suggested eating brassicas, which include vegetables in the cabbage family, as they have a detoxifying effect.

The expert also highlighted the benefits of sauna use as a detox tool.

"The people who take the most saunas have the lowest incidence of Alzheimer's disease," he stated.

A healthy mental state will help support a healthier brain, experts agree.

"Stop believing every stupid thing you think," Amen advised.

Keeping your body healthy and immune from infections is key to overall health, according to Amen.

The doctor suggested optimizing vitamin D intake, which can help support the brain and immune system.

The brain specialist recommends having a hormone balance check done every year, as any imbalances can interfere with the brain and increase Alzheimer’s risk.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Diabesity," a term referring to the parallel occurrence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, can be a major threat to overall health, the doctor warned.

"You really want to care about your weight," Amen said.

Weight and diet play an important role in brain health, as Amen's research has shown that as weight increases, the size and function of the brain decreases.

"Being overweight, you automatically have 10 of the 11 risk factors, because being overweight lowers blood flow, accelerates aging, increases inflammation and changes your hormones in a negative way," he said.

"Be mindful of only loving food that loves you back."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Sleep is crucial for a high-functioning mind, as an adequate night’s slumber "washes" the brain every night, Amen noted.

Better sleep translates to improved memory, energy, blood flow and decision-making, the doctor said, and should be a priority when working to prevent Alzheimer’s. 

Titusville: Johnson & Johnson has submitted a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based upon long-term data evaluating the safety and efficacy of CAPLYTA (lumateperone) for the prevention of relapse in schizophrenia.

CAPLYTA is the newest addition to Johnson & Johnson’s portfolio of schizophrenia therapies, which now offers the broadest range of oral and long-acting injectable treatment options.

“For people living with schizophrenia, relapses can be devastating as they disrupt lives, undo hard-earned treatment progress toward patients’ goals, and increase the risk of hospitalization with each episode,” said Christoph U. Correll, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York. “CAPLYTA substantially lowers the chance of relapse for patients compared to placebo, which is often a major source of anxiety and suffering for them and their families.”

The submission is supported by positive results from a Phase 3, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal trial, which on the primary endpoint found time to relapse during the 26-week double-blind treatment phase was significantly longer in patients receiving CAPLYTA compared to those receiving placebo (p=0.0002). Treatment with CAPLYTA was also associated with a 63 percent reduction in risk of relapse versus placebo (hazard ratio [95% CI] = 0.37, [0.22, 0.65]). The key secondary endpoint showed a significantly delayed time to all-cause discontinuation, including relapse, compared with placebo during the double-blind phase (p=0.0007). The safety profile of CAPLYTA was consistent with the existing body of clinical data, and no new safety concerns were identified. The most commonly reported adverse event that was observed at a rate greater than or equal to 5% and twice the rate of placebo was headache.

Schizophrenia affects up to an estimated 2.8 million adults in the United States, yet it remains insufficiently treated, with approximately 40 percent of people not receiving care. When left untreated, this complex mental health disorder can lead to episodes of psychosis, hallucinations, or other disruptive behaviors, which can damage and interrupt the lives of those living with schizophrenia as well as their loved ones. Relapses, or a recurrence of symptoms, are associated with significant functional decline, increased caregiver burden, and a greater likelihood of hospitalization. On average, an adult with schizophrenia experiences nine relapses in less than six years.

“Relapse prevention is a critical goal for the long-term care and management of this debilitating disorder,” said Bill Martin, Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Neuroscience, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “These Phase 3 results provide compelling evidence of meaningful relapse prevention, which is critical in preserving long-term patient stability, breaking the cycle of hospitalization, and helping to control symptom progression. We’re committed to building on the decade of research reinforcing the robust efficacy, proven safety, and favorable tolerability of CAPLYTA and providing additional data to support the long-term use of this medicine in neuropsychiatric disorders.”

While its exact mechanism of action is unknown, CAPLYTA is characterized by high serotonin 5-HT2A receptor occupancy and lower amounts of dopamine D2 receptor occupancy at therapeutic doses. In short-term clinical studies, CAPLYTA was similar to placebo in weight change, metabolic effects, and extrapyramidal symptoms, which are often cited as reasons for treatment discontinuation. CAPLYTA can be taken at any time of day with or without food and does not require titration, allowing adult patients to start treatment at the effective dose.

CAPLYTA is FDA approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, as well as depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder in adults, as monotherapy, and as adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate. An sNDA for CAPLYTA as an adjunctive treatment for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) is currently under FDA review. If approved, CAPLYTA has the potential to become a new standard of care to treat some of today’s most prevalent and debilitating mental health disorders.

THERE ARE many diets that people will attempt or complete in their quest to lose weight. Some persons might go for low-calorie or reduce the amount of food that they consume within a 24-hour period. Other people may choose low-carb diets, including...

The growing demand for medical care outside the United States and other high-cost markets has strengthened the Dominican Republic‘s position as a regional benchmark for health tourism.

International patients, especially Dominicans residing in the United States and U.S. citizens with limited coverage, come to the country for the combination of clinical quality, short wait times, and competitive prices offered by the country’s private centers.

This was reported by the Dominican Association of Health Tourism ( ADTS ), indicating that the network of member institutions operates under international standards and has bilingual staff, modern infrastructure, and global certifications.

Initiatives such as SENASA’s Larimar plan, which allows Dominicans abroad to receive local care with guaranteed coverage, and “health remittance” projects (prepaid medical packages) further expand the potential market.

“With more than two million Dominicans residing in the U.S. and a significant number of underinsured Americans, the demand for procedures such as preventive checkups, minimally invasive surgery, advanced dentistry, and fertility treatments continues to rise,” they report.

Data from The Commonwealth Fund indicates that some 30 million people in the U.S. lack health insurance, while 45 million have limited coverage, driving the search for affordable, quality alternatives.

For local healthcare providers, this scenario presents a concrete opportunity to expand their portfolio of services geared toward international patients, integrate telemedicine and remote postoperative follow-up solutions, strengthen alliances with insurance companies and medical facility providers, generate foreign currency and specialized employment opportunities, and raise the standard of the national healthcare system.

Backed by its air connectivity, favorable investment climate, and renowned hospitality, the Dominican Republic strengthens its leadership as a health and wellness destination in the Caribbean, offering a cost-effective, high-quality alternative for patients from around the world.

Santo Domingo.— Nineteen tests were positive for the virus in respiratory samples analyzed by the Dr. Defilló National Reference Laboratory, according to the epidemiological bulletin for week 25 of this year.

According to reports, respiratory viruses continue to be detected, with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) predominating, both with a 10.5% positivity rate.

The bulletin for week 25 records a decrease in COVID-19 transmission, with a positivity rate of 5.3%.

Recommendations

The Ministry of Public Health urges the population to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19, especially those in at-risk groups.

It also recommends wearing a mask indoors, washing your hands frequently, and maintaining a well-ventilated room.

It indicates that if the patient experiences a persistent fever or difficulty breathing, they should visit a health center immediately.

It also suggests seeking guidance only from official sources and avoiding the dissemination of unverified information.

Dengue and malaria

In the last four weeks, 16 cases of dengue fever have been confirmed. Through week 24 of this year, 134 cases had been confirmed, and two additional cases were reported last week.

The largest concentrations were in Espaillat province, with 14 cases; La Vega, with 12; Puerto Plata, with 11; San Pedro de Macorís, with nine; Duarte, with eight; Monte Cristi, with six; and Santo Domingo, with six.

The latest two cases involve a three-year-old boy from Santiago and a 13-year-old girl from Santo Domingo Este.

Meanwhile, as of last week, 23 cases of malaria have been confirmed, 22 of which are women and one is a man.

The provinces with the highest number of cases are La Altagracia, with five; San Cristóbal, with three; Santo Domingo, with two; San Pedro de Macorís, with two; and La Romana, with two cases.

From week 1 to week 25, a total of 450 confirmed cases of malaria were reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE), with 60% of the cases involving men.

According to the Ministry of Public Health report, the hotspots of transmission are centered in San Juan province, with 226 cases, and Azua province, with 183 cases.

Maternal deaths

The epidemiological report indicated that two maternal deaths were reported last week involving women aged 18 and 33.

As of this week, the country has recorded 81 maternal deaths nationwide.

He noted that 46% of the cases came from Santiago, with 15; Santo Domingo, with 12; and La Altagracia, with 10.

Forty-three of the cases are Dominicans, and 38 are Haitians.

Infant Deaths

In the penultimate epidemiological week, 31 infant deaths were reported. In comparison, so far this year, there have been a cumulative total of 809 deaths, which, according to health authorities, represents a 24% decrease compared to the same period last year.