Diet

Here is one of multiple different studies we discuss in the book:

Coming out of Finland, “The FINGER Study.”

The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability, which somehow spells FINGER as their acronym, is a two-yearlong, double-blind randomized control trial looking at whether or not modifying the modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline would, in fact, reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Two groups were randomized either to receive help with their diet, exercise, cognitive training and vascular risk monitoring or just to receive general health advice.

The recommended diet was heavy in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and plant-based oils, and participants were encouraged to greatly reduce or avoid milk and meat products.

After two years, the intervention group scored better on their mental screening tests than the control group. Most notably, there were substantial improvements in the patients’ executive functions and processing speed.

(Tia Ngandu et al, 2015.)

The FINGER study points out two things.

Number one: a program that attacks multiple problems at once, like our KYM program, works. Moving your body, eating highly nourishing foods, controlling your stress and getting a good nights sleep improved the brains speed and horsepower. All the while greatly reducing the chances of cognitive decline.

Number two: trusting status quo health advice does not work.

To alter your health and cheat your genetic destiny, you have to color outside the lines. As the old saying goes: “Any cold, dead fish can float downstream." Only a live, healthy fish can fight against the current, swim up the waterfalls and avoid the bears.

Said another way, if you eat, drink, and act like everyone else, do not be shocked when you end up just as sick as everyone else.

The other good thing about the FINGER study (and our program!!) is that the intervention arm worked for all participants regardless of where they were on the socioeconomic ladder, how healthy or sick they were, or really what age or even gender they were. (Anna Rosenberg et al, 2018.)

This type of program works for everyone.