04/20/2026
A dementogen is a substance that damages the brain, leading to dementia. World renowned brain expert Dale Bredesen has found 36 causes of dementia, but here are the 10 most important to avoid.
1) Heavy metals: mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium; often found in drinking water, soil, and food sources. Even small amounts accumulate over time and end up settling in our brain.
2) Environmentally acquired illnesses: mold and Lyme disease and their coinfections.
3) Anti cholinergic medications: these block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. They include analgesics, Benadryl, drugs for incontinence, Parkinson’s drugs, antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti seizure meds, proton pump inhibitors, motion sickness and vertigo meds, and muscle relaxants.
4) Excessive copper: risk is greatest when zinc levels are low, which happens as we age, zinc will bind to excess copper and create balance.
5) Artificial sweeteners: aspartame is broken down by our body and converted into formaldehyde, this is highly toxic and kills brain cells.
6) Alcohol: increases your risk of cognitive decline, especially if you carry the ApoE4 gene (the Alzheimer’s gene)
7) Trans fats: the brain is 60%-70% fat, these unhealthy fats get into the brain’s cell membranes and cause them to become stiff, distorted and unable to pass nutrients, ultimately causing inflammation.
8) General anesthesia: after the age of 60, the risk of dementia after anesthetic increases dramatically. If surgery is necessary, supplement with choline and glutathione before and after surgery.
9) Recreational drugs: THC levels in cannabis have risen up to 30% in the last 30 years. Studies have shown that long term, heavy use reduced the size of the hippocampus, especially in adolescents. The effects of co***ne and amphetamines is much worse.
10) Chronic infections: these can be viral or bacterial and can include Epstein Barr, West Nile, Heroes, long Covid, gum disease, chronic sinus or ear infections.
