Can Botox Cut The Risk of Alzheimer's?

Can cosmetic procedures do more than enhance your appearance? Some experts suggest they might have unexpected benefits for brain health, including reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s. 

Sound far-fetched? Think again. Groundbreaking studies show that boosting self-esteem and reducing depression—outcomes often linked to aesthetic treatments—could play a critical role in brain chemistry and cognitive health. But how much can they really help? Let's take a closer look...

Key Takeaways

• Positive Attitudes Matter: People with positive attitudes about aging exhibit healthier brains with less shrinkage and fewer Alzheimer’s markers.

• Botox and Depression: Botox treatments can alleviate depression, which is closely tied to cognitive decline and dementia.

• Lifestyle and Longevity: Cosmetic surgery may enhance life expectancy by boosting self-esteem and promoting healthier habits.

Can Looking Younger Keep Your Brain Healthier?

As I age, I’m resigned to not being as fresh and pretty as someone in their twenties. Looking in the mirror can be a bit depressing, but I don’t dwell on it. However, it gets to some people in a really big way. This has given rise to what might seem an unlikely proposition: The idea that cosmetic surgery can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

Could a face-lift, nose job, breast implant, or tummy tuck possibly help some of us delay dementia?

Superficially, the idea might seem silly, but not if you look into the matter deeply. At least, that's what a leading plastic surgeon suggests.

Physical Appearance Affects Mental Health

Foad Nahai, MD, FACS, is a Professor at the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta.

In an article entitled Could Aesthetic Surgery Impact Alzheimer's Risk?, he suggests that if people have a negative attitude about aging and their own appearance, this can have adverse effects on their mental health.

By looking at a younger face in the mirror, self-esteem can be boosted, and this can benefit the brain.

For evidence of the connection between attitudes and mental health, he draws on several studies.

In the first, a team from Yale interviewed 158 people in their forties. Nearly three decades later, the same participants had brain scans.

The researchers found those with negative views about growing older had three times as much brain shrinkage in the hippocampus - an area critical to memory - than those with positive views. The people who fretted about getting old also had increased levels of amyloid plaques and tau tangles that are associated with Alzheimer's.

Botox Relieves Depression

There is a close association between late-life depression and cognitive impairment. In a recent study, depression was shown to increase the progression that leads from mild cognitive impairment to full-blown dementia.

This fascinating study shows the role Botox can play.

85 people with major depression received either a single treatment of Botox in the 'frown muscles' between the eyebrows or a saline solution as a placebo. Six weeks later, levels of depression fell by 47% in the Botox group compared to only 21% in those given saline.

This suggests Botox and other cosmetic treatments, by decreasing depression, can reduce the risk of dementia.

Dr. Nahai puts it this way: "People might think that linking cosmetic surgery with Alzheimer's trivializes it; however, studies have repeatedly shown that Botox can be an effective treatment for depression, another serious condition."

Botox has also been shown to fight wrinkles and relieve anxiety at the same time. 

Have a Facelift, Live Longer

For further evidence, he points to a 2001 Mayo Clinic study of 250 women with an average age of 60 who had face-lifts between 1970 and 1975.

Although life expectancy at the time was 73, the average age of those who had died was nearly 81¾, while two-thirds of the group were still alive with an average age of 84.

The face-lift patients had a life expectancy of more than a decade beyond the general female population. However, the study begs the question of whether people in this group are more affluent or simply take better care of themselves.

Affluent people, in general, live longer. And it seems likely that people who care enough about their looks to have a facelift would also develop healthy habits, e.g. keeping their weight down.

But, let us give cosmetic surgery the benefit of the doubt. At the very least, the Mayo study suggests it could translate to a longer and healthier life. It may enhance self-esteem and optimism, and possibly spur people to make a more significant commitment to health and fitness,

Dr. Nahai certainly thinks so.

"Attitudes about aging could, directly or indirectly, through stress or other mechanisms, affect brain chemistry. Having a more positive attitude toward growing older may result when individuals feel empowered to exert greater control over their own personal aging process through aesthetic intervention." 

While some people turn to cosmetic procedures for younger-looking skin, there are also natural options available. For example, cosmetic acupuncture, which some claim offers results that rival Botox. 

Our Takeaway

I guess if the wrinkles and sags are getting you down – and you can afford the procedures – get the cosmetic surgery. But it seems to me it might be wiser to be less attached to material things and learn to rejoice in life the way it is. If you’re stressing about your looks, what else are you worrying about? A lot would be my guess. And that’s not good for you.

As we discuss in this newsletter and in our books, there are a great many things you can do to prevent or reverse dementia – regular exercise, good sleep, a healthy diet, balanced blood sugar, wholesome food, and carefully selected supplements. Cosmetic surgery is low on the list. And by the way, all those healthy habits will make you look better, too – without expensive and uncomfortable procedures.

Summary

Emerging research suggests cosmetic surgery may influence brain health by improving mental well-being and self-esteem. A study showed that individuals with a positive attitude toward aging experienced less brain shrinkage and lower levels of Alzheimer’s-related plaques than those with negative views. Additionally, Botox has been shown to significantly reduce depression, a condition linked to faster cognitive decline. A Mayo Clinic study found that facelift patients lived longer than average, potentially due to their positive outlook and commitment to health. While cosmetic surgery may have indirect benefits for cognitive health, traditional dementia prevention strategies like diet, exercise, and stress management remain more critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cosmetic surgery reduce Alzheimer’s risk?

Cosmetic surgery may indirectly reduce dementia risk by boosting self-esteem, reducing depression, and promoting positive attitudes about aging.

How does Botox impact mental health?

Studies show Botox can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, which is linked to faster cognitive decline.

Does a facelift make you live longer?

A Mayo Clinic study found facelift patients lived over a decade longer than the average life expectancy at the time, potentially due to healthier habits and improved mental outlook.

What is the link between aging attitudes and brain health?

Negative attitudes about aging are associated with brain shrinkage and higher levels of Alzheimer’s markers, while positive views are linked to healthier brain function.

Are there better ways to prevent dementia than surgery?

Yes, regular exercise, a healthy diet, balanced blood sugar, quality sleep, and stress management remain the best strategies for dementia prevention.