For many college students, back-to-school prep isn’t just about dorm decor and classroom supplies. A growing number of parents are reportedly sending their kids back to school with Narcan.

Narcan is a popular brand name for naloxone, a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose.

Once a prescription medication, it is now available over the counter for anywhere from $40 to $80, according to industry sources.

SUPPLEMENT SOLD AT GAS STATIONS SPARKS HEALTH FEARS AS PEOPLE REPORT ADDICTION SYMPTOMS

In a TikTok video shared on a Wednesday episode of "Outnumbered," a mother detailed the "college health kit" she made for her daughter to take to college. 

"If anyone is ever at a party, or if anyone is in the dorm and has an overdose, it's probably good to throw in some Narcan," she said, holding up the nasal spray.

The "Outnumbered" hosts discussed the potential risks of students administering Narcan.

A recent article in the BU School of Public Health reported that few college students actually know how to administer the nasal spray, said Molly Line, Fox News correspondent.

"This huge comprehensive study was done a few years ago, and it talked about [how] just 15% or so could actually administer it effectively and be able to reverse the actual effects of the opioids in the case," she continued. 

Some students could be concerned about being held responsible in the event of an overdose, Line also noted.

"Some universities have put in place what's called a ‘good Samaritan policy’ … In the event of someone having a drug overdose or alcohol issues, it’s OK to step in and to do something," she said. 

DEADLY DRUG STRONGER THAN FENTANYL SPREADS RAPIDLY ACROSS THE AMERICAS, EXPERTS WARN

Anchor and host Harris Faulker noted that some parents wouldn't choose for their children to receive Narcan. 

"Maybe they would want somebody to call 911 first," she said. "I know you don't have a lot of time for a fentanyl, for example, overdose, but maybe your choice would be, no, you don't empower the kids to do this. You have somebody on hand who's a pro."

Paul Mauro, a Fox News contributor, said he supports college kids taking Narcan back to school, "just because the stakes are so high. You have people who could die … in seconds." 

He also pointed out that most college students are 18 and can make their own decisions.

"You can go fight in a war. You can do all kinds of other stuff. Let's not infantilize them. Go out, be an adult now. These are the metrics. These are things you need to worry about. Go forth and make your own choices."

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Co-host Emily Compagno noted that the U.S. has been "totally afflicted" by fentanyl poisonings.

"This isn't our college anymore. This isn't a Bud Light in a bottle anymore. Things could get really scary," she said. "So you need to be aware before you make those choices of putting something up your nose or in your mouth."

Kayleigh McEnany reiterated that "the stakes are so high and Narcan saves lives," calling it a "miracle drug."

"Obviously, we also need to continue fighting the fentanyl and opioid crisis," she said. "We need to fight the cause of these overdoses."

The panelists also noted that on some campuses, there will be people who are trained to use Narcan, and there could even be dispensers in dorms.

Mell McCracken, a certified alcohol and drug counselor and also executive director of No Matter What Recovery in Los Angeles, has seen more parents focusing on safety and education when it comes to substance use.

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"This kind of open dialogue is prevention, and has already shown real benefits in addressing the opioid crisis," the expert told Fox News Digital. "Narcan saves lives."

McCracken recommends that kids and parents receive Narcan training, which is "very simple, accessible and straightforward."

"Kids and parents can complete a short, five-minute online course to learn how to administer it correctly," the counselor said. 

"It is very low-risk, especially compared to the risk of not giving it during an overdose. If someone isn’t actually overdosing on opioids, giving Narcan won’t hurt them."

McCracken counters the idea that talking to kids about Narcan encourages substance use. 

"If anything, education and honest information about substance abuse is prevention. It’s these conversations that save lives."

Cases of dengue virus continue to surge in Hawaii, with the state recently reporting the 12th case so far this year.

One case was confirmed on the island of Maui, with the remaining 11 occurring on Oahu.

In the latest case, the person was exposed while traveling in a region where dengue is common, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) reported.

TIGER MOSQUITOES BLAMED FOR SPREAD OF DENGUE FEVER: ‘MOST INVASIVE SPECIES’

Dengue fever is a virus spread through bites from an infected mosquito. 

It is common in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, as well as many Caribbean destinations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Other countries reporting spikes in dengue fever include Mexico, Fiji, French Polynesia, Tonga, Samoa, the Philippines, Colombia and Brazil. Puerto Rico also has an ongoing dengue outbreak, along with American Samoa. 

In 2024, there were 1,984 dengue cases in the U.S., according to CDC data.

While mosquitoes carrying dengue may be present in Hawaii, the disease is "not endemic" in the state, the DOH stated, adding that "cases are currently limited to travelers."

Typical symptoms of dengue include aches and pains (in the eyes, muscles, joints, or bones), nausea, vomiting and rash — usually experienced within two weeks of being bitten.

Most people experience symptoms for two to seven days before recovering.

DENGUE FEVER CASES RISING IN POPULAR SPRING BREAK LOCATIONS, CDC ALERTS

"It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death," Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a leading medical and security services company, previously told Fox News Digital. 

There is not currently any medication to treat dengue, according to the CDC. 

Infected people are advised to rest, take acetaminophen for pain and fever, stay hydrated and see a doctor.

There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and are living in areas where the infection is common.

In its alert, the Hawaii DOH called for travelers returning from dengue-endemic areas to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks.

"If dengue symptoms develop within two weeks of return, travelers should seek medical evaluation," the health agency advised.

Experts also recommend eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Some examples include buckets, water-catching plants (such as bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left outside, per the DOH. 

"Pouring out containers of standing water can significantly reduce the potential for mosquito breeding," the agency stated.

Fischer added, "It’s important to wear insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or lemon and eucalyptus oil, as these ingredients are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects."

"Those who live in areas with mosquito populations should try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially at dusk and in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, to avoid getting bitten on exposed skin."

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Keeping screens on windows and doors is also a good way to prevent insects from entering and potentially causing the spread of disease, he said. 

"If you live in an area that has a high level of mosquito-borne diseases, you should use mosquito nets when sleeping and eliminate any standing water in and around the home, since still bodies of water are breeding grounds for the insects," Fischer added.

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Experts recommend using EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outdoors in areas where mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent.

Those who are spending prolonged time outdoors should consider treating their clothing with permethrin, which helps to repel insects.

Colorectal cancer rates have soared among younger Americans, new research has found — and there might not always be obvious symptoms.

The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) is one in 24 for men and one in 26 for women, according to the American Cancer Society.

It is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth in women, but is the second most common cause when the numbers for men and women are combined.

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While there may be no symptoms of CRC before diagnosis, especially in the early stages, the following signs and symptoms should not be overlooked, experts say.

According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, some symptoms of the disease can be similar to other causes, like hemorrhoids, infection or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

But a change in bowel habits — including diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools or feeling like your bowels are full even after a movement — can be a sign of CRC.

COLORECTAL CANCER DIAGNOSES SOAR AMONG YOUNGER ADULTS FOR ONE KEY REASON

Fight Colorectal Cancer, a leading patient advocacy group, noted on its website how bowel movements can change due to diet, infections, medications and other medical issues.

A change in bowel movement schedule or stool appearance could also signal CRC.

Fight CRC recommends calling a doctor if your stool is consistently abnormal, if you have sudden urges to pass stool but can’t control it, if the stool is black, clay-colored, red or white, or if there is mucus or pus in the stool.

Skinny, thin or pencil-like stool may also indicate an obstruction in the colon, like a tumor, but can also be caused by other harmless, temporary conditions.

Persistent discomfort in the abdomen is another CRC symptom, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance reported on its site.

This can include feelings of pain, nausea, cramping, bloating or feeling unusually full, even after not eating much.

Severe, "knife-in-my-stomach type" abdominal pains warrant a visit to the emergency room, Fight CRC instructed — but even mild pains shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Blood in the stool, toilet or when wiping with toilet paper can be a major sign of colorectal cancer.

Fight CRC stressed that any amount of rectal bleeding is not normal and should be brought to a doctor’s attention for proper diagnosis.

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Since blood in the stool is a common symptom, Fight CRC instructed paying attention to where the blood is found, how often it occurs and whether bowel movements are painful.

Unexplained weight loss can sometimes be caused by cancer and should be brought to the attention of a doctor, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

Weight loss is the result of cancer cells "consuming the body’s energy" as they multiply, Fight CRC explained, as the immune system expends more energy to fight and destroy cancer cells.

This can also lead to feeling fatigue, weakness or shortness of breath.

These symptoms may also be a sign of anemia, which can develop from bleeding somewhere inside the body, like from a cancerous tumor.

Weight loss can also be caused by a tumor blocking the colon or intestinal tract, which prevents proper nutrient absorption.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Paul Oberstein, M.D., medical oncologist at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, commented that the most concerning symptoms are those that are persistent or recurrent.

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"These include pain in the abdomen, changes in bowel habits (including thin, pencil-like stools), diarrhea or new constipation, though these symptoms are very general and are usually only concerning if they are sustained," he said.

Alarming symptoms that warrant prompt medical attention include any sign of rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, unintentional weight loss, or new fatigue that is accompanied by evidence of anemia or low blood counts, according to the doctor. 

Researchers have uncovered a new factor that could contribute to Alzheimer’s disease development.

A study by Harvard Medical School has identified low lithium levels in the brain as a possible trigger for the common dementia.

Lithium is known to have many functions in the brain, including balancing mood-regulating chemicals, protecting neurons and managing emotional processing. It has also been used to treat bipolar disorder and depression.

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Now, new findings show that the metal could be a "missing link" in Alzheimer’s risk, according to a Harvard press release.

The researchers tested lithium’s effects in mice, as well as human brain tissue and blood samples.

The human brain samples were obtained in partnership with the Rush Memory and Aging Project in Chicago, which maintains post-mortem brain tissue from thousands of donors. 

The samples represented the full spectrum of cognitive health, ranging from no sign of disease to mild cognitive impairment to advanced Alzheimer’s, the release stated.

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They discovered that lithium levels became lower as signs of the disease increased, showing as "greatly diminished" in advanced Alzheimer’s patients.

As toxic amyloid plaques build up in the brain — a hallmark of Alzheimer's — they begin to attach to lithium, keeping it from performing its protective functions.

When the mice were fed a "lithium-restricted diet," their brains' lithium levels decreased, causing accelerated aging, formation of amyloid-beta plaques, greater inflammation, memory loss and cognitive decline.

"Lithium turns out to be like other nutrients we get from the environment, such as iron and vitamin C," said senior author Bruce Yankner, professor of genetics and neurology in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, in the release.

"It’s the first time anyone’s shown that lithium exists at a natural level that’s biologically meaningful without giving it as a drug."

ALZHEIMER'S RISK COULD RISE WITH SPECIFIC SLEEP PATTERN, EXPERTS WARN

The researchers also discovered a new type of lithium compound — lithium orotate — that did not bind to amyloid. When mice drank water containing this compound, it helped to restore memory and reverse brain damage, even for those who had advanced signs of disease.

The findings were published in the journal Nature.

"What impresses me the most about lithium is the widespread effect it has on the various manifestations of Alzheimer’s," said Yanker. "I really have not seen anything quite like it in all my years of working on this disease."

"The idea that lithium deficiency could be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease is new and suggests a different therapeutic approach."

While the study did suggest that the amount of lithium in the brain could be related to amyloid beta buildup, it did have some obvious limitations, according to Ozama Ismail, Ph.D., director of scientific programs for the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago.

"Animal models do not directly replicate Alzheimer’s in humans; rather, they can provide some insights into the biology of disease progression and development," Ismail, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"The mouse models have been modified to accumulate amyloid beta, a hallmark protein that builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s."

While studies in mouse models are a "vital early step" in therapeutic research, Ismail emphasized that much more research is needed to understand the health effects of lithium levels in the brain.

"Understanding if lithium can be therapeutic for Alzheimer's requires large clinical trials in representative populations," he said.

Much like other major diseases, it is likely that Alzheimer's treatment will require multiple approaches combining medication and lifestyle changes, Ismail predicted.

The researchers agreed that more research in human clinical trials is needed.

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"You have to be careful about extrapolating from mouse models, and you never know until you try it in a controlled human clinical trial," Yankner noted. "But so far, the results are very encouraging."

If future studies confirm these findings, the scientists say that routine blood tests could potentially screen for lithium levels and identify people at risk.

In the meantime, Yankner cautioned against people taking lithium compounds "on their own."

"My hope is that lithium will do something more fundamental than anti-amyloid or anti-tau therapies, not just lessening but reversing cognitive decline and improving patients’ lives," he said.

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The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Ludwig Family Foundation, the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and the Aging Mind Foundation.

James van der Beek has revealed the first warning sign of his colon cancer — and it’s one that did not seem alarming at the time.

The "Dawson’s Creek" actor, 48, who announced his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, recently told Healthline that "there wasn’t any red flag or something glaring."

"I was healthy. I was doing the cold plunge," he said. "I was in amazing cardiovascular shape, and I had stage 3 cancer, and I had no idea."

COLORECTAL CANCER DIAGNOSES SOAR AMONG YOUNGER ADULTS FOR ONE KEY REASON

The one symptom that he did experience was a change in bowel movements, which the actor chalked up to an effect of his coffee consumption.

"Before my diagnosis, I didn’t know much about colorectal cancer," van der Beek said. "I didn’t even realize the screening age [had] dropped to 45; I thought it was still 50."

He ultimately underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed that the actor had stage 3 colon cancer.

Professor Eitan Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., an oncologist and founder of The Suzanne Levy-Gertner Oncogenetics Unit at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel, confirmed that changes in bowel habits is the primary red flag that should raise the suspicion of colorectal cancer.

Others include fatigue as a result of anemia, blood in stool, weight loss, loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort, Friedman, who has not treated van der Beek, told Fox News Digital.

Dr. Erica Barnell, M.D., Ph.D., a physician-scientist at Washington University School of Medicine — and co-founder and chief medical officer at Geneoscopy — noted that van der Beek’s experience of having no "glaring" signs is common.

"Many colorectal cancers develop silently, without obvious symptoms," Barnell, who also did not treat the actor, told Fox News Digital. "By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced."

Symptoms are "especially worrisome" for those 45 and older who have at least one first-degree relative with colon cancer or other GI malignancies, and those with active inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, added Friedman, who is also an advisory board member at SpotitEarly, a startup that offers an at-home breath test to detect early-stage cancer signals.

The overall chance of an average-risk person getting colorectal cancer over a lifetime is 4% to 5%, according to Friedman.

"Colonoscopy at age 45 onwards, at five- to 10-year intervals, has been shown to lead to early detection of polyps that have the potential to become malignant, and to allow for their removal as an effective means of minimizing the risk of malignant transformation," he said. 

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Unfortunately, Barnell noted, "screening compliance in the U.S. remains below national targets, and gaps are widest in rural, low-income and minority communities."

To help close those gaps, she called for greater access to "accurate, noninvasive screening technologies," along with efforts to increase public awareness.

"Most people don’t like talking about bowel habits, but paying attention to changes can save your life," Barnell said. "Screening gives us the chance to find problems early — often before you feel sick — and that can make all the difference."

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Fox News Digital reached out to van der Beek’s representative for comment.

A man with the deadliest form of brain cancer has no signs of the disease after taking an experimental drug.

Ben Trotman was 40 when he was diagnosed in 2022 with glioblastoma, the most aggressive cancerous brain tumor. Patients typically live an average of 15 months after diagnosis, and the five-year survival rate is just 6.9%.

Trotman was referred to The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), where he was treated by consultant UCLH medical oncologist Dr. Paul Mulholland, as detailed in a press release.

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As the only person enrolled in a trial that ultimately closed due to lack of patients, Trotman received a medication called ipilimumab, a targeted immunotherapy treatment.

Ipilimumab is an antibody that binds to a protein on immune cells (T cells). It keeps cancer cells from suppressing the immune system so it can then attack and kill the cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Trotman also received radiation and chemotherapy. 

More than two years later, his quarterly scans show no signs of cancer.

"It is very unusual to have a clear scan with glioblastoma, especially when he didn’t have the follow-up surgery that had been planned to remove all of the tumor that was initially visible on scans," his oncologist, Mulholland, said in the release. 

"We hope that the immunotherapy and follow-up treatment Ben has had will hold his tumor at bay — and it has so far, which we are delighted to see."

Two months after receiving the ipilimumab, Trotman married his wife, Emily. In April 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Mabel.

"Getting this diagnosis was the most traumatic experience — we were grappling with the fact that Ben had gone from being apparently perfectly healthy to having months to live," Emily Trotman said in the release. 

"Had we not met Dr. Mulholland, that would have been it for us. We felt we had a lucky break in an otherwise devastating situation."

Ben Trotman added, "We obviously don’t know what the future holds, but having had the immunotherapy treatment and getting these encouraging scan results has given [us] a bit of hope."

"We are focused on rebuilding the life we thought we had lost and enjoying being parents."

Mulholland and his team have now opened another clinical trial for patients who have been newly diagnosed with glioblastoma.

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Sixteen patients will be recruited for the trial, which is sponsored by UCL. 

The treatment will be administered at the NIHR UCLH’s Clinical Research Facility and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, according to the press release.

The patients will receive ipilimumab before proceeding to standard treatments that may include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

"The crucial element of this trial is that patients will have their immune system boosted by the drug before they have any other treatment, when they are fit and well enough to tolerate the immunotherapy," Mulholland said in the release.

The Win-Glio trial — nicknamed "Margaret’s Trial" — is funded by the efforts of Dame Siobhain McDonagh, sister of Margaret McDonagh, a London woman who died of glioblastoma in 2023 and was treated by Mulholland.

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Ben Trotman said he is "delighted" that the new trial is moving forward with the same immunotherapy drug he received. 

"It will give people newly diagnosed with glioblastoma some hope."

Reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s could be as simple as eating the right food.

A new study by researchers in Boston, Chicago and Washington, D.C., found that eating foods high in choline could lower the risk of developing the common dementia.

Choline is an essential micronutrient found in various foods, including poultry, dairy products (such as milk, yogurt and eggs), cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, beans and some fish, according to the USDA.

THE KEY TO LIVING LONGER COULD BE TIED TO A SURPRISING SUBSTANCE, STUDY SUGGESTS

Dietary choline intake has been associated with a lower risk of cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia, the researchers concluded.

In the study, participants averaging 81 years of age who did not have Alzheimer's completed dietary questionnaires and underwent annual neurological exams.

After an eight-year follow-up, researchers determined that consuming about 350 milligrams of choline per day was associated with the lowest risk of clinical Alzheimer’s diagnoses in older adults.

Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein has also backed the impact of choline on brain health, citing a 2024 China-based study that found intake improves cognitive function, especially among women.

"This is the study that inspired me to start supplementing choline," she said. "My memory has gotten worse over the years. I first wrote it off as ‘pregnancy brain,’ then ‘mommy brain,’ but eventually realized I should do my best to help it." 

"I already sleep well, exercise regularly, play mahjong and limit my alcohol, so choline was the next obvious tool worth trying." 

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Muhlstein shared that more than 90% of the choline in eggs comes from the yolk. For those who choose to eat egg whites for dietary reasons, taking a choline supplement may be a better option.

Choline intake should be tailored to each person's individual needs, the nutritionist noted, referencing guidance from the Harvard School of Public Health.

"Premenopausal women may have lower requirements for dietary choline, because higher estrogen levels stimulate the creation of choline in the body," the university wrote.

In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California, emphasized the importance of eating the right foods for brain health.

"Your brain uses 20% to 30% of the calories you consume," he said. "So, nutrition is critical to help your brain or hurt your brain." 

Walnuts are one of Amen’s favorite brain-healthy food options, as they contain choline as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

He also recommends including wild salmon as a dietary staple, as it's high in omega-3s and healthy protein, as well as organic blueberries and green, leafy vegetables.

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"If you had a salad every day, and you put blueberries and salmon and walnuts on it with a little lemon and olive oil, that would be a perfect brain-boosting lunch," he said.

The doctor also suggested considering certain supplements to foster better brain health, including vitamin D, omega-3 or fish oil, or a daily multi-vitamin.

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"Nearly two-thirds of the American population is low in vitamin D," he said. "And if it's low, it's a universal risk factor for every bad thing related to your brain, but also to your body, including obesity and cancer … Know and optimize your vitamin D level."

Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.

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

With dementia 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. (See the video at the top of this article.) 

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."

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

Amen, author of the book "Change Your Brain Every Day," 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.

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"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."

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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. 

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.

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"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."

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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. 

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