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THE SENSORY DIET. Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
The human brain is the master regulator in charge of receiving, interpreting, and responding to various sensory inputs from the environment. However, disturbances of this process have an effect on general brain health and can manifest as hyper-sensitivity, or hypo-sensitivity thereby impinging upon an individual's capacity to function optimally in daily life. The five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing. The “sensory diet” is not food but a program of structured ac

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Jul 123 min read


Microglia: the sentinels of the brain. Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
Our brain is considered a “protected” organ in the body since it is surrounded by an anatomical structure made of different cell types that controls what can go inside and what can exit. The structure is called “the blood brain barrier” and as the name suggests, it is a “barrier” that acts like a gatekeeper to the brain. Normally, it keeps harmful things out and hold “good” things in. It also controls how various chemical molecules (including compounds we need or even make ou

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Jun 214 min read


What is Longevity? Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
What is longevity? In a nutshell human longevity can be defined as the ability to live beyond the average one’s life expectancy. However, longevity should not be confused with “lifespan”, the number of years we live, it should be intended more like the “health span” since it refers to a longer than average life but with an emphasis on maintaining both physical and mental well-being. In recent years, longevity has become also a field of medicine and biology which focuses on st

Dr. Domenico Pratico
May 114 min read


Sarcopenia: the silent killer. Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
Sarcopenia is a clinical condition that is often overlooked; consequently, it can easily lead to a cascade of events that seriously compromise the general health and independence of the affected individual. The word "sarcopenia" originally derives from the ancient Greek and is formed by the combination of two words: sarx (σάρξ), meaning "muscle" or "flesh," and penia (πενία), meaning "poverty" or "deficiency." Thus, when we speak of sarcopenia, we are referring to a condition

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Apr 264 min read


Hippocrates, the father of the exposome. Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
During a recent trip to the Greek island of Kos, the birthplace of Hippocrates, I rediscover some of the reasons why its most famous son is considered a giant not only for medicine, but for human civilization. Born around 460 BC, Hippocrates is typically considered the "father of modern medicine" because he was the first to separate medicine from religion. He transformed healing from superstition into a rational, evidence-based type of science. He was a revolutionary for his

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Apr 94 min read


Lifestyle choices and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic degenerative disease of the Central Nervous System that impairs primarily the motor skills and speech of the individual who is affected by. It belongs to a group of medical conditions generally called "movement disorders". From a clinical point of view, it is characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor at rest, a slowing of physical movement, and, in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. Symptoms of PD have been known since ancient t

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Mar 114 min read


Why are we obsessed with proteins? Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
High protein diets are becoming among the most popular particularly among young-adult people. While some dietary plans promote the daily use of a supplement (like protein shakes for body builders or gym goers), others suggest simply a larger than usual portion of a protein-rich diet to be consumed regularly. The question is: is this good for our health?

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Mar 14 min read


Can we stave off APOE4 effects on brain health? Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
Age is the best-known risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease. Besides age, another strong risk factor is a gene (a piece of DNA) called apolipoprotein E (APOE), which can exist as E2, E3 or E4.
Of the three variants, only APOE4 increases the risk of Alzheimer’s significantly. Having APOE4 gene means you need to be proactive about prevention and follow healthy lifestyle (exercise, diet, socialize) to riduce the negative impact of APOE4 on brain health.

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Feb 24 min read


What is Lewy Bodies Dementia? Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
Lewy Body Dementia is an overlooked and often misunderstood clinical condition.
When we think of dementia, very often we think of Alzheimer’s disease since it is the most frequent cause of dementia in the elderly. However, Lewy body dementia (LBD) is another common type of progressive dementia, and one of the most complex to diagnose and manage.

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Jan 214 min read


New Year, New Healthy Habits~ Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
At the onset of a new year, it's a common practice for many of us to formulate resolutions, driven by sincere intentions to uphold them. Resolutions centered around embracing a healthier lifestyle often claim the top spot on our lists. The appeal lies in their simplicity and the assurance of long-term benefits. While understanding the benefits of a healthy lifestyle is straightforward, embodying these principles daily is where the challenge often lies. The crux of this challe

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Jan 73 min read


Microbiota vs. Microbiome ~ Dr. Domenico Pratico' MD, FCPP
Microbiota vs. Microbiome - Definitions and Distinctions. Learn about both terms; how use them correctly and chart a path to a healthy gut.

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Jul 8, 20254 min read


Vaccines & Alzheimer's Disease ~ Dr. Domenico Pratico' MD, FCPP
Usually when we think of a vaccine, we imagine a substance that is administered to stimulate an individual's immune response to a...

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Jun 24, 20254 min read


Mitochondrial Abnormalities Are Among the Earliest Changes in Alzheimer's Disease ~ Dr. Domenico Pratico' MD, FCPP
Mitochondria are vital to brain health. Research indicates that abnormalities a among the earliest indicators of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Jun 16, 20254 min read


Our Longevity? Genetic Code vs. Postal Code Impact ~ Dr. Domenico Pratico' MD, FCPP
Which, genetics vs. postal code, is likely the most impactful on our longevity? One might be surprised to learn that a study points to the significant and more poignant impact of our postal code, and the environmental, health, food factors associated vs. the genetic code with which we are born.

Dr. Domenico Pratico
May 22, 20254 min read


2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts & Figures ~ Dr. Domenico Pratico' MD, FCPP
Overall, the report unveils in the 2025 facts and figures the tremendous burden that Alzheimer's disease and dementia poses on the individuals affected, the caregivers, the government and the nation's health care system.

Dr. Domenico Pratico
May 6, 20252 min read


Strides in Parkinson's Disease ~ Dr. Domenico Pratico' MD, FCPP
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is more than just a medical condition; it impacts the lives of millions around the world. Since its initial diagnosis in the early 19th century, thanks to substantial research, many strides in Parkinson's disease and clinical focus have evolved our understanding of this complex neurodegenerative disease.

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Apr 21, 20255 min read


The Macro Importance of Micronutrients ~ Dr. Domenico Pratico' MD, FCPP
The macro importance of micronutrients is clear. Without them there can be serious health consequences. What, why and how of micronutrients.

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Apr 14, 20254 min read


Connecting the Gut Microbiota and Brain Health ~ Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
Preliminary research suggests a complex relationship between the gut microbiota and brain health possibly even impacting cognitive decline.

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Mar 29, 20254 min read


Understanding Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or Doggy Dementia ~ Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or doggy dementia is real. Dogs exhibit and experience similar characteristics to Alzheimer's in humans.

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Mar 24, 20253 min read


Sleep is the Ultimate Brain Fuel: To Cleanse, Recharge and Reboot ~ Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
Sleep is the ultimate brain fuel needed to cleanse, recharge and reboot. Learn about the glymphatic system and the importance of good sleep.

Dr. Domenico Pratico
Mar 17, 20253 min read
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