Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health The Surprising Role of Cortisol in Alzheimer's
Nov 26, 2025
Discover the link between elevated cortisol and Alzheimer's risk, revealing how chronic stress impacts brain health long before memory loss starts. Learn about the significance of the cortisol-to-DHEA-S ratio in gauging neurodegeneration. Explore how lifestyle choices like diet, sleep, and breathwork can naturally rebalance these hormones. Hear about the critical midlife vulnerability and the role of thyroid health in regulating cortisol. Plus, get practical tips for managing stress and an integrated two-week plan to support your brain health.
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Cortisol-DHEAS Ratio Predicts Early Decline
- Higher cortisol with unchanged DHEAS raises the cortisol:DHEAS ratio in Alzheimer's patients.
- The ratio matters more than either hormone alone for early risk detection.
Midlife Hormone Swing Signals Vulnerability
- DHEAS shows a nonlinear pattern across ages with a midlife dip that may signal failing compensation.
- That midlife downswing creates a vulnerable window between 65 and 75 for stress-driven damage.
Cortisol Damages; DHEAS Protects Neurons
- Elevated cortisol promotes inflammation, oxidative stress, and impairs neurogenesis in memory centers.
- DHEAS counters these harms by stabilizing neuronal survival and energy metabolism.