085: Kids Are Showing Signs of Alzheimer's, and No One Is Worrying with Dr. Kristina Bosnar

Alzheimer’s and dementia are some of the scariest realities for adults to consider. No one wants to feel like they’re going to lose their mind!

But in this day and age, it feels like cognitive decline is inevitable for many of us, “just a normal part of aging.”

Similarly, our culture has come to accept that many kids are neurodivergent, that their brains are wired differently. We diagnose it as ADHD or ASD, or we see that 1/3 of our teens have clinical anxiety and we think, “It’s just the way the world is. We’ll help them navigate.”

My guest today, Dr. Kristine Bosnar, wants us all to push back against acceptance. In fact, she says that the neuro-inflammation at the root of Alzheimer’s and dementia is the SAME as what we see in kids with ADHD and other mental health struggles! Their brains are on fire.

Buckle up and get ready to learn:

• why brain health is in a steep decline the last 20-30 years
• how it’s affecting kids and the projected statistics
• alarming correlations between the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and ADHD, autism, anxiety
• clear red flags of brain inflammation that we mustn’t ignore in our kids
• what to DO to help kids thrive and reduce neuro-inflammation
• how the 3 S’s - sugar, sedentary lifestyle, and sleep - are pivotal players in the inflammation game
• simple tips for how to start the day right for brain health
• the epidemic of loneliness that we must stop NOW for our kids' generation
• why cooking together with your kids is a powerful (and efficient) step toward brain health for the whole family

Resources We Mention for Brain Inflammation in Kids

• Get Dr. Kristina’s Brain Boosting Foods for Kids resource
• 3 Ways Parents Can Help Prevent Depression in Their Kids
• Hear more on ADHD from Mike McLeod and Dana Kay
• Subscribe to the Monday Missions for quick tips to more natural living! And start with safe sunscreens and green cleaners for your home. 
• Make-ahead egg cups have a ton of protein for breakfast!
• The Science of Friendship (and Why That Matters to Our Health) with Psychologist Dr. Marisa G. Franco
• Visit Dr. Bosnar’s website or find her on Instagram @drkristinabosnar

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