It has been shown that the clearing of molecular debris from the interstitial spaces in the brain is an important pathway in dementia development. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) washes through the brain and clears the debris away. When that function is obstructed through an occlusion of the cribiform plate, CSF flow is impeded and molecular debris accumulates in the brain and dementias start developing.
One way of impacting this pathway, is through the facilitation of CSF flow. There are some practical ways in which you can impact this flow, through specific exercises and head/body positioning.
Here is an interesting presentation illustrating this:
I wanted to ask āyogaā? And skipping quickly to the end of the video ,he did in fact mention the ādownward dogā or some other exercises wherein the head is lower than the body. Did he mention other methods? (Sorry, lacking in time to watch the entire video, may try to do so later - was in fact about to start a yoga session ).
Yes, basically, the idea is to strengthen the CSF flow around the brain, especially through atypical positions, such as holding the head down like in that yoga position. There are also tables you can strap yourself down to in an inverted position etc. The speaker mentions that he starts his day with a few minutes of these position, also moving the head from side to side and claims to derive immediate tangible benefits in clearing any morning brain fog, fwiw.
I think the research is good about the cribiform plate, the association with Alzheimerās is already known. But the cribiform plate is not robust bone, as he points out it degrades as one gets older, he does not go into how but one mechanism is by way of CSF erosion. So putting oneself in a Trendelenburg position (feet higher than head ~30 degrees) may have unforeseen consequences in the elderly. I get his point, more circulation of CSF from the lumbar cistern, and it might be ok to do daily in a younger person, but I would be cautious doing that in the elderly or to suggest it. I think his device is an interesting idea but it is invasive and any skull-based surgery has risks. The cribiform plate is already well-known to be involved in CSF leaks (spontaneous and otherwise). Lastly something like 30% of elderly (> 60 yrs) have positional vertigo which can be multifactorial (e.g. otoliths or vestibulopathy, etc.), therefore caution is advised with this idea. Iād like to see a study that supports his idea first with safety considerations noted.
Agreed. But I donāt think the situation is completely tabula rasa. There have been any number of studies looking at yoga and dementia, although of course, something focused more precisely at safety and prevention would be ideal.
Here is one example of at least some hints:
Yoga Prevents Gray Matter Atrophy in Women at Risk for Alzheimerās Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Again, there are a number of studies out there on yoga and the elderly, and it doesnāt seem like yoga in the elderly is associated with massive increases in injuries, but yes, more focused research is certainly needed.
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