A simulation that lets you feel dementia

Today is ‘National Be an Angel Day.’ 🥹 This day encourages you to spread your wings and find small ways to spread kindness, or acknowledge someone who’s helped you. Kindness is a beautiful cycle. It boosts longevity and physical functioning, and it inspires others to spread kindness too.

Let’s go!

Would you try simulations to experience life with dementia?

At the Baycrest Centre for Education and Knowledge Exchange in Aging, people can go through physical and virtual simulations to experience what it’s like to live with dementia 🧠 — a confronting experience known to end in tears.

This Toronto-based television host vividly describes his experience. Imagine being fitted with weighted jumpsuit, then having tight bands constrict your joints. Finally, sensory deprivation tools dull the world around you. Nothing makes sense anymore.

💡 But there’s a purpose.

Understanding the patient experience makes you “feel something," says simulation manager Meaghan Adams. You learn to build empathy and emotional connection... find the human beneath the disease.

📊 The numbers: Alzheimer’s disease, the most severe type of dementia, impacts more than seven million Americans age 65 and older. It contributes to more than 100,000 deaths annually.

If caregiving trends mirror Canada’s (🇨🇦 where 50% of Canadians will become caregivers at some point), there could be more opportunities to cultivate empathy and personalize care for patients with dementia. Empathy can strengthen social connections and act as a safeguard against loneliness and depression, both of which can worsen disease progression.

🔬 Researchers in South Korea have pinpointed a surprising driver of biological aging. Protein. Don’t worry–it’s not the kind you eat.

This protein, called ReHMGB1 (reduced high mobility group box 1), acts like a messenger that travels through your bloodstream and sends aging signals—even in healthy cells and organs.

📖 The science: In a study of mice with injuries, blocking ReHMGB1 improved performance and slowed signs of cellular aging. It also blocked inflammation.

ReHMGB1 works by sending signals that trigger cellular senescence 🛑, a state where cells stop dividing and can no longer repair tissue. Senescence basically fuels inflammation, earning it the title ‘the origin of aging.’

Under healthier circumstances, ReHGMB1 is not bad. It flags areas of the body that need repair. 🔥 However, when overactive, ReHGMB1 can trigger cellular senescence and spread aging signals throughout the body.

Key takeaways

Sponsored by CookUnity

Get 30% off your first week of chef-made meals. Choose from 300+ rotating dishes crafted by 150+ chefs and delivered fresh each week—no prep, no stress. Whether you're planning ahead or simply want a reliable, delicious option on your busiest days, CookUnity helps you stay nourished without slowing down. Real ingredients. Flexible plans. Ready when you are.

Top Story

…in diet & nutrition 😌

🥩 The beef: While TikTok influencers continue to push for moisturizing your skin with beef tallow (rendered beef fat), tallow is becoming a go-to for cooking and frying food in lieu of controversial seed oils 🌻. ‘Make America Healthy Again’ leader Robert F. Kennedy claims seed oils are some of the most dangerous ingredients on the planet, but science might not necessarily agree. 🍔 Tallow is being served at fast food chains like Steak n’ Shake, and other restaurants are also making plans to phase out seed oils. Despite being higher in saturated fat (a risk factor for cardiovascular disease), tallow is still seen by many as the healthier option.

Short reads

🏡 Did you know that Americans spend nearly 87% of their lives indoors. Of that, 62% of our waking hours are spent at home. Home is more than a place to live. It’s a sacred space that offers the biggest opportunity to directly support your well-being.

Here’s three strategies to immediately optimize your space for health.

Declutter 🧹
Decluttering reduces physiological and mental stress. Simplify your space with The Core 4 Organizing Method:

Replace, add, optimize…slowly 🛠️
Health is prevention. Small, intentional swaps can promote healthier diet, fitness, air quality, and sleep:

Challenge your beauty counter 💄
Many cosmetics contain hidden endocrine and neurological disruptors. Look for transparent, safe brands, and try:

Sebastian Conti from T.A. Sciences will unpack the science of aging. Sign up here to claim your spot at the upcoming webinar.

Dr. Erin Faules from Wild Health broke down the most important markers of longevity. Get all her practical and actionable insights.

Until next time,

Look good, feel better, live longer