It’s not every day you hear that something as simple as eating chicken breasts could play a big role in preventing dementia. But according to experts, getting enough protein—around “two and a half chicken breasts” worth per day—might significantly reduce your risk of developing this memory-robbing disease. This advice comes from a new report highlighting four key ways to fend off dementia, including diet, exercise, managing chronic health conditions, and staying socially connected.
They have part of this equation correct; protein does help prevent dementia and improve brain health. What they have wrong is chicken. In the study, they didn’t use chicken but used it as an example of how much protein you need to prevent dementia. This was very misleading!
Chicken may have been a fine protein to use in the past, but due to crowded farming practices, these “dirty birds” have misfolded proteins called amyloids in them that could cause dementia and Alzheimer’s, not prevent these diseases.
What Are Amyloid Proteins?
Amyloid proteins are essentially misfolded proteins that the body can’t properly break down or eliminate. Instead of being processed into usable amino acids, they form deposits in tissues and organs. Over time, these deposits interfere with how your body functions, particularly in areas like the brain, kidneys, and digestive tract.
The buildup of amyloid proteins is a key factor in diseases like Alzheimer’s, where they accumulate as plaques in the brain. But it doesn’t stop there—amyloids can also disrupt gut health, creating an environment where harmful bacteria, candida, and fungi thrive. This leads to conditions like dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) and leaky gut syndrome, both of which weaken the immune system and increase your risk of illness.
How Amyloid Proteins Encourage Pathogens
Here’s where it gets even more concerning. By consuming foods that contain amyloid proteins, you may be fueling harmful pathogens like:
- Streptococcus
- Mycobacterium
- Staphylococcus
- Salmonella
- Candida
- Lyme bacteria
These pathogens can promote further amyloid formation, creating a vicious cycle where bad bacteria and viruses multiply, and your body struggles to fight them off.
What Is Amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis is a rare but serious condition that occurs when amyloid proteins build up in your organs, preventing them from functioning properly. Organs commonly affected include:
- Heart
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Spleen
- Nervous system
- Digestive tract
Symptoms of Amyloidosis
Symptoms of amyloidosis can vary widely but often include:
- Severe fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet
- Swelling in the ankles and legs
- Digestive issues like diarrhea (sometimes with blood) or constipation
- Enlarged tongue with rippling around the edges
- Skin changes, such as thickening, bruising easily, or purplish patches around the eyes
- Autoimmune diseases
These symptoms may overlap with other conditions, making amyloidosis tricky to diagnose.
The Spike Protein and Amyloid Formation
Here’s something that’s been on everyone’s radar: the Spike Protein. Whether through illness or other exposures, we’ve all encountered it. Studies, including one from the Journal of the American Chemical Society, have found that the spiked protein can promote the formation of amyloids in the body.
What does this mean for us? The spiked protein is believed to disrupt hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, insulin, and sex hormone-binding globulin, leading to a range of symptoms like:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Autoimmune diseases
- Low libido
- Brain fog and fatigue
- Estrogen dominance
- Suppressed immune function
The connection between the spiked protein, amyloids, and increased vulnerability to pathogens and brain decline highlights the importance of paying attention to our diet and overall health.
Why Protein Matters for Brain Health
The article did have it right that eating sufficient amounts of animal protein is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to preventing frailty, a condition researchers now believe can predict dementia up to a decade before symptoms appear.
Frailty refers to an age-related inability to recover quickly from common health setbacks like a cold, fall, or infection. When someone is frail, even minor illnesses can spiral into serious problems, increasing the risk of disability, hospitalization, or long-term care.
Australian researchers in this JAMA Neurology study found a striking link between frailty and dementia. In their study of over 30,000 participants, they discovered that people who developed dementia often showed signs of frailty four to nine years before cognitive symptoms surfaced. Frailty increased the risk of a dementia diagnosis by as much as 73%.
The good news? Frailty—and by extension, dementia—might be preventable. That’s where protein comes in.
How Much Protein Do You Need?
Building and maintaining muscle is a key part of avoiding frailty, and a protein-rich diet can help. According to NHS guidelines, older adults should aim for 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. For example, if you weigh 70 kg (about 154 pounds), that’s 70 to 105 grams of protein daily.
I recommend double that and shooting for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight.
So, what does that look like? Not two and a half chicken breasts but the equivalent in wild animal protein like bison, venison, elk, eggs, and wild fish.
The Right Proteins to Prevent Frailty and Dementia
When it comes to maintaining strength and preventing frailty as we age, protein plays an irreplaceable role. It’s not just about eating any kind of protein; it’s about choosing the right sources that fuel your muscles, support your brain, and keep your body in balance.
Proteins to Focus On
Wild Animal Proteins
Wild animal proteins are a goldmine of essential nutrients that are no longer abundant in fruits and vegetables due to the soil being depleted. They’re not only packed with high-quality protein but also deliver a thermic effect, which means about 25% of the calories consumed are burned during digestion. This is a major win for keeping fat storage at bay while building muscle.
Wild proteins also help curb sugar cravings and suppress appetite naturally, making them a cornerstone of a balanced, muscle-friendly diet. Examples include:
- Bison
- Elk
- Deer
- Lamb
- Cornish game hen
- Wild cold-water fish (like salmon or mackerel)
These proteins are easily digestible and loaded with vitamins and minerals that fuel energy, support muscle growth, and optimize overall health. To maximize the benefits, aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of your ideal body weight. For example, if your goal is 150 pounds, you’ll want to aim for 150 grams of protein daily.
Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)
If you’re serious about building muscle and supporting brain health, supplementing with essential amino acids (EAAs) can be a game-changer. Products like Accelerated Aminos provide the equivalent of 30 grams of whey protein with only 2 calories per serving. This means you can support muscle growth without the extra calories or fat gain often associated with traditional protein sources.
Proteins to Avoid
Vegan Proteins
While plant-based diets have their benefits, vegan protein sources often fall short when it comes to muscle building. Here’s why:
- They lack the full spectrum of essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth.
- “Leftover” amino acids from incomplete proteins are often converted into fat instead of being utilized efficiently.
- Soy protein is especially problematic, as it’s commonly loaded with glyphosate and GMOs, which can increase harmful estrogen levels in the body.
- Pea protein is another concern due to its susceptibility to mold, which can trigger inflammation, leaky gut, and other health issues.
Protein Powders, Vegan Proteins, and Bars
Many protein powders and bars might seem convenient, but they’re far from ideal. Most of them turn up to 80% of their content into sugars, promoting fat storage instead of lean muscle growth. Unlike wild animal proteins, they lack the thermic effect that helps burn calories during digestion.
What’s more, they often contain artificial ingredients that:
- Cause inflammation
- Strain the liver
- Hinder nutrient absorption
Whey, pea, and soy proteins are common culprits in shakes and bars, and they’re far less efficient in muscle building. Only about 18% of their amino acids are used to create new proteins, with the rest being converted to sugar. This can lead to increased estrogen levels, leaky gut, and allergies, especially in individuals sensitive to dairy-derived proteins like whey and casein.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
BCAAs have been heavily marketed as muscle-building supplements, but here’s the truth: they include only 3 of the 9 essential amino acids your body needs to produce protein. Without all 20 amino acids, your body can’t efficiently create new proteins. Instead, most BCAAs are converted to sugar, failing to build muscle and potentially leading to fat storage.
My Personal Takeaway
Protein is the foundation of a healthy, strong body—especially as we age and want to prevent frailty or cognitive decline. Choosing the right proteins, like wild animal sources and essential amino acids, ensures you’re giving your body the tools it needs to thrive.
I’ve seen the difference firsthand in how prioritizing these high-quality proteins can improve energy, maintain muscle, and even curb cravings. On the flip side, I’ve learned the hard way that relying on overly processed powders, bars, or incomplete vegan proteins can leave you feeling sluggish and not seeing the results you’re after.
The key is to focus on nutrient-dense, complete proteins that work with your body, not against it. With a little planning, you can make protein your ally in staying strong, vibrant, and sharp for years to come.
Supplements To Prevent Frailty and Dementia
Due to nutrient malabsorption, leaky gut, and toxins hindering protein from reaching your muscles and brain, adding in the following supplements can optimize your results, preventing frailty and dementia.
Acceleradine® Iodine: Energize Your Cells and Burn Fat
Iodine is often overlooked, but it’s a game-changer for mitochondrial function which positively affects muscle formation, protein absorption, immunity, and brain health. Acceleradine® Iodine tackles iodine deficiency, a common issue that slows ATP production (the energy currency of our cells), leading to a sluggish metabolism and cognition.
By boosting ATP production, this supplement not only supports energy levels but also enhances cellular detoxification, helping the body rid itself of harmful substances. The result? Improved fat oxidation, muscle protein synthesis, and brain firing on all cylinders.
Accelerated Aminos
If you’re looking to gain muscle and support brain health, Accelerated Aminos go beyond the typical amino acid supplement. It provides not only pure essential amino acids in the exact ratio your body needs to build new proteins, making it 99% efficiently utilized, but also has additional anti-catabolic ingredients to prevent muscle breakdown, improve gut health and absorption of amino acids, reduce inflammation, increase energy, and so much more.
What I love is that one serving of Accelerated Aminos is equivalent to 30 grams of whey protein but with only 2 calories. This makes it perfect for those who have a hard time consuming enough protein in their diet.
Accelerated Thyroid®: Optimize Your Thyroid for Energy and Fat Loss
Your thyroid is the master regulator of metabolism, controlling your brain, protein metabolism, energy, and many other factors related to preventing frailty and dementia. Accelerated Thyroid®, made with grass-fed thyroid glandular, essential peptides, amino acids, and nutrients, supports thyroid function, cellular energy, protein assimilation, detoxification, and hormonal balance.
What makes it unique is the addition of Scalar frequencies, which enhance its effectiveness in restoring thyroid health. The result? Increased fat oxidation, improved energy for better workouts, optimized protein synthesis to build muscle, improved cognition, and a metabolism that works in your favor.
Accelerated Cogniblast®
When it comes to brain health, Accelerated Cogniblast® is in a league of its own. Combining traditional Ayurvedic herbs, cutting-edge nutraceuticals, and Scalar frequencies, it’s designed to optimize brain function and protect against cognitive decline.
The benefits, short and long-term from the ingredients include:
- Improved mood and focus
- Lowered risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Enhanced ATP production for brain energy
- Lowered anxiety and stress levels
- Reduced inflammation and better circulation
It even works to detoxify harmful halogen toxins and decalcify the pineal, pituitary, and hypothalamus glands, supporting overall brain and hormonal health. If preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s is on your radar, this is one supplement you don’t want to miss.
Accelerated Methylene Blue™
When brain fog or fatigue sets in, Accelerated Methylene Blue™ is like hitting the reset button. This powerful antioxidant fights oxidative stress and boosts mitochondrial function, which is critical for keeping your brain sharp and preventing cognitive decline long term. Methylene Blue has been shown to help prevent age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
What sets it apart is its antimicrobial properties, which combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can contribute to low energy and mental slumps. It even supports mood by increasing serotonin and enhances blood flow to the brain by improving nitric oxide levels.
Crafted with 100% pure ingredients and enhanced with the GRANDER® Water System, Accelerated Methylene Blue™ delivers the most potent Methylene Blue available.
Why These Supplements Matter
As we age, frailty and cognitive decline can feel inevitable, but they don’t have to be. By focusing on the right nutrients and supplements, we can strengthen our muscles, protect our brains, and optimize our overall health.
What I love about these products is how they work together:
- Acceleradine® Iodine jumpstarts energy and metabolism while detoxing the brain for improved cognition.
- Accelerated Aminos and Thorne Creatine ensure strong, lean muscles.
- Accelerated Thyroid® balances hormones for sustained energy, lifts brain fog and depression and increases circulation to the brain and the muscles.
- Accelerated Cogniblast® and Methylene Blue™ keep your brain sharp and resilient, short term and long term.
This isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better. Taking proactive steps with these supplements has been a game-changer for me, and I’m confident they can do the same for you. Whether you’re looking to prevent frailty, boost your brainpower, or just feel your best, this lineup has you covered.
The Other Three Pillars of Dementia Prevention
Protein is just one part of the equation. Experts emphasize that the “four pillars” work best together, creating a comprehensive strategy for reducing dementia risk.
1. Keep Moving
Exercise is another non-negotiable. For adults over 65, the NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity—like walking or cycling—or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running or swimming, per week.
Strength training, like lifting weights or practicing yoga, is equally important for maintaining muscle mass and balance. It’s never too late to start moving, and even small steps can make a big difference.
2. Manage Chronic Conditions
Long-term health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease can contribute to frailty and increase dementia risk. Keeping these conditions under control with proper medical care and lifestyle changes is crucial for protecting your brain health.
3. Stay Connected
Loneliness and isolation can be surprisingly harmful as we age. Maintaining strong social ties—whether through friends, family, or community groups—has been shown to improve mental health and cognitive resilience.
The Big Picture: Preventing Dementia Through Frailty Prevention
One of the most exciting findings from this research is that frailty isn’t inevitable. By focusing on these four pillars—protein-rich nutrition, regular exercise, managing chronic conditions, and staying socially connected—we can not only delay frailty but also reduce the risk of dementia.
David Ward, one of the study’s authors, put it best: “With every four to five additional health problems, there is on average a 40% higher risk of developing dementia.” That might sound daunting, but it’s also empowering. It means that small, consistent changes can have a massive impact on your long-term health.
Sara Banta
Sara Banta is a Stanford University Graduate with a Degree in Economics and Psychology, and a certified Natural Supplement Expert & Graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Sara is the Founder of Accelerated Health Products and host of the health & wellness podcast, Accelerated Health Radio.
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