Brain's blood flow could change how we understand and treat Alzheimer's

Medical Xpress / Univ of S Cali / Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring ^ | Aug. 25, 2025 | Vasilis Marmarelis et al

[ConservativeMind]

Fifteen years ago, Marmarelis made a serendipitous observation: Alzheimer's patients show impaired vasomotor reactivity.

"They cannot dilate the cerebral vessels to bring more blood in and provide adequate blood perfusion to the brain. This means they don't get the oxygen, nutrients and glucose that we need for cognition in a timely manner," he said.

In their new study, Marmarelis's team tested this observation, developing a novel "physio-marker" called the Cerebrovascular Dynamics Index (CDI). This noninvasive test uses noninvasive Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow velocity in some main arteries of the brain, and near-infrared spectroscopy to measure oxygenation in the front part of the brain's cortex.

This profound shift in the understanding of Alzheimer's could pave the way for new treatment and prevention strategies focused on improving the regulation of brain blood flow and oxygenation. Marmarelis said this could involve several promising avenues that are still being evaluated for their potential efficacy:

—Lifestyle changes: Marmarelis said a good approach would involve regular aerobic exercise, as simple as a 20–30-minute daily walk to activate mechanisms that restore healthy blood flow regulation. This would also be backed up with a healthy diet, avoiding excessive blood fats and sugars, as well as reducing stress. Marmarelis noted that a recent study by the Alzheimer's Association strongly corroborates this therapeutic approach, with results showing marked cognitive benefits in participants who took part in a two-year program of aerobic exercise and adherence to the MIND diet, which emphasizes leafy greens, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fish, and limits sugar and unhealthy fats.

—Induced intermittent hypoxia and hypercapnia: This involves controlled inhalation of slightly reduced oxygen and increased CO2 using a mask. Similar to training methods athletes use to enhance performance, preliminary data show that it can improve cerebral blood flow regulation.

---

TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS:

[ConservativeMind]

There more to the article, but the blood flow oxygenation issue appears addressable via a 20+ minute walk a day and a healthy diet. Also, occasional breathing of more CO2 or reducing your oxygen can also improve brain blood flow.

So go walking and breathe using a paper bag, and after awhile, you may notice brain improvements.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[MayflowerMadam]

The other day I found myself lost down rabbit holes online and ran across this. It could be crap, but FWIW...

“Chewing Like This Could Boost Your Memory
Chewing gum can actually improve your memory and cognitive function! The rhythmic jaw movement increases blood flow to your brain by up to 40%, enhancing focus and recall. Studies show people who chew gum while studying perform 35% better on memory tests than those who don’t.”

[AlmaKing]

Very encouraging

The acceptance of amyloid plaque as the problem hasn’t been questioned enough.

[Flaming Conservative]

From everything I’ve read, A high fat ketogenic diet is healthier than any diet out there for just about any disease process.