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BRAIN HEALTH
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Brain Health
BRAIN HEALTH
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="1">Discuss the latest in Alzheimer’s and dementia treatment as well as the latest brain games to keep your gray matter more engaged.</font>
The brain can continue to grow and improve for as long as we live. Scientists now agree that it is possible forthe brain to grow, improve and even mend as we grow older. Some effort has to
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Cat:91a4afbf-9555-4e02-b9d3-9eef604476f6Forum:0c20bb8c-1804-4762-8bd6-5392c732365e
Cat:91a4afbf-9555-4e02-b9d3-9eef604476f6Forum:0c20bb8c-1804-4762-8bd6-5392c732365eDiscussion:1ccaca3d-850a-4669-89eb-3d0464465876
Forums » Health » Brain Health » BRAIN HEALTH
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Re: BRAIN HEALTH
posted at March 8, 2012 7:51 AM EST
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Posts: 23748
First: August 22, 2008 Last: May 14, 2013 |
In Response to Re: BRAIN HEALTH: In Response to BRAIN HEALTH : Hi Maggie. What I find exciting is not only that the brain continues to grow, improve, and mend, but it is developing in ways that make it better, with capabilities that younger brains don't have! I wrote an article on this called "The Amazing Aging Brain," plus a review of the book The Mature Mind: the Positive Power of the Aging Brain . If interested, they are on by blog at < http://blog.appliedcreativethinking.com/page/2.aspx> I'm new to the AARP discussion boards, and I'm wondering if I might submit articles and reviews like this somewhere. Thanks! Frank Posted by FrankM64 You need to contact AARP to find out. You might email community@aarp.org if you don't find better contact info on the site's homepage.
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Re: BRAIN HEALTH
posted at March 8, 2012 7:57 AM EST
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Posts: 23748
First: August 22, 2008 Last: May 14, 2013 |
Being one of the youngest of my mother's children, and her being the youngest of 7 who grew to adulthood, I've been able to enjoy family members who lived into their 80's. My father's family wasn't so fortunate, living only into their 60's but they were very poor. At any rate, there has been zero indications of any of the dementia diseases. However, remaining mentally sharp is a priority for me. I play Sudoku almost daily and also a couple of games I found on FaceBook that encourages you to remember just where a bunch of objects were several months ago. They're really fun and quite challenging at times. Also, I attend regular yoga classes twice each week and ride my bike two more days per week.
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Re: BRAIN HEALTH
posted at March 15, 2012 12:31 PM EDT
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Posts: 601
First: December 16, 2009 Last: May 17, 2013 |
In response to "Re: BRAIN HEALTH": Being one of the youngest of my mother's children, and her being the youngest of 7 who grew to adulthood, I've been able to enjoy family members who lived into their 80's. My father's family wasn't so fortunate, living only into their 60's but they were very poor. At any rate, there has been zero indications of any of the dementia diseases. However, remaining mentally sharp is a priority for me. I play Sudoku almost daily and also a couple of games I found on FaceBook that encourages you to remember just where a bunch of objects were several months ago. They're really fun and quite challenging at times. Also, I attend regular yoga classes twice each week and ride my bike two more days per week. Posted by LeCherie I agree with LeCherie that exercise and challenging your mind are very important to maintaining brain health. I do Yoga, Pilates, and low impact aroebic classes 4 or 5 times a week in addition to using a treadmill at home occasionally. Walking is also excellent. I have always loved doing Crossword Puzzles, Cryptograms, and Sudoku and rarely sit down to watch TV without a puzzle to work. I enjoy playing games on the AARP site because you are playing against the clock and this forces your brain to work more quickly. I also eat mainly vegetables, fruits, and whole grains,take fish oil capsules and use only olive and canola oils. My genetic family is predisposed to early heart attacks and strokes so I began modifying my diet and exercise habits in my twenties. It seems to me that my mind works even better than it did when I was in my twenties and I am now in my '60's. |
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Re: BRAIN HEALTH
posted at March 17, 2012 3:57 PM EDT
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Posts: 939
First: September 16, 2011 Last: May 21, 2013 |
In Response to Re: BRAIN HEALTH: I am interested in ADHD and I had heard the vitamins had reduced the affects of ADHD. Since I order many of my daily necessities, including vitamins from Melaleuca, the Wellness Company, I Googled "ADHD" and "Melaleuca". I found several articles stating positively that Melaleuca's children's vitamins reduced the affects of ADHD. One article was by an MD stating that most of his ADHD patients benefited. Several Melaleuca/ADHD articles also stated that the children were able to quit taking mind numbing meds. I also searched "ADHD" with both "One-A-Day" and "Centrum" with no luck, only that vitamins were used along with doctor prescribed meds. Posted by karenandjim Dear karenandjim, I don't specifically about ADHD and nutrition, but, here is an article on the brain and nutrition: http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-10-2011/b12-level-affects-brain-size-health-discovery.html |
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Re: BRAIN HEALTH
posted at July 22, 2012 1:51 PM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: July 22, 2012 Last: July 22, 2012 |
In Response to Re: BRAIN HEALTH: In Response to Re: BRAIN HEALTH : Dear karenandjim, I don't specifically about ADHD and nutrition, but, here is an article on the brain and nutrition: http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-10-2011/b12-level-affects-brain-size-health-discovery.html Posted by BettyCM ADHD can be dealt with more than just nutrition. I've handled my ADHD with meditation, diet, exercise, and good sleep. Meditation is key IMO. http://sideeffectsadderall.org/im-quitting-adderall
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Re: BRAIN HEALTH
posted at September 1, 2012 11:55 AM EDT
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Posts: 1447
First: August 27, 2012 Last: May 21, 2013 |
In Response to BRAIN HEALTH: The brain can continue to grow and improve for as long as we live. Scientists now agree that it is possible forthe brain to grow, improve and even mend as we grow older. Some effort has to be made to srimulate and improve the brain. Nutrients for the brain matter, and mental stimulation, as well. This is an exciting. concept. Posted by maggiemac2 Most important is your diet. You should eat low-fat foods — at least five servings of fruits and vegetables (primarily vegetables) and no more than a slice of whole grain bread a day, along with a minimum of high-glycemic carbohydrates — and drink filtered fluoride-free water. Carbohydrates are classified as to how fast they are absorbed and converted to simple sugars. Those easily converted and absorbed are considered high-glycemic; others are called low-glycemic carbohydrates. The best diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is higher in protein (mainly fish), high in vegetables and extra virgin olive oil, and low in carbohydrates. Seafoods can be high in mercury (methylmercury), so caution must be exercised. It is best to get your omega-3 oils from supplements. Omega-3 oils are composed of two components, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is the most important for protecting and nurturing the brain. In one study, those who consumed omega-3 fatty acid–containing foods once a week or more had a 60 percent reduction in Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, DHA has been shown to powerfully protect the brain from excitotoxins. The EPA component had little effect. Pure DHA can be obtained from most health supplement suppliers. Another source of omega-3 fatty acids is from special eggs that contain high amounts of this beneficial fat. The highest contents are found in Christopher Eggs. The chickens producing these eggs are fed a special diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, which then enters the egg yolks. A single egg supplies 600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Fruits and especially vegetables contain some of the most powerful chemical antioxidants found naturally. They also contain powerful anti-excitotoxic, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating and antiviral components as well. Eating at least five servings of vegetables a day also plays a major role in preventing these neurodegenerative diseases. A recent study found that of 1,367 people over age 65 followed for five years, those with the highest intake of flavonoids from fruits and vegetables had a 51 percent lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Of particular interest has been blueberry extract. In one study, it was found not only to slow the aging of the brain but also to reverse some of the aging changes. A more recent study found that blueberry extract could completely prevent Alzheimer’s disease in a hereditary animal model of the disease. This means that blueberry extract might prevent the disease even in those inheriting both of the APOE4 genes. It is important to appreciate that these experiments were done using blueberry extracts and not whole blueberries. The extracts contain much higher concentrations of the blueberry flavonoids than found in a bowl of blueberries. One of the hottest areas of research has been brain protection through caloric reduction by fasting. It has been known for almost half a century that animals placed on low-calorie diets live significantly longer than those on regular or, especially, high-calorie diets. As we have seen, high-calorie intake is especially harmful to the brain. Dr. M.P. Mattson, of the Laboratory of Neurosciences at the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore, Md., has shown how this works. Previously, it was assumed that reducing calories reduces the number of free radicals produced by cells, which it does. Dr. Mattson and his co-workers also found that it greatly increased the concentration of two brain-protecting chemicals called nerve growth factor and telomerase. These two chemicals can protect the brain’s cells against the beta-amyloid of Alzheimer’s disease, strengthen synapses and protect against excitotoxicity. In other words, they can protect against all the processes seen in Alzheimer’s disease. The best results were found with fasting one day a week, exactly what was proclaimed in the Old Testament. Weekly fasting also helped correct insulin excess, something also connected with these diseases. While you should increase your intake of all of the antioxidant vitamins, including vitamins C, E, D, K, carotenoids and all the B vitamins, you also should supplement with additional antioxidants. Some of the more powerful are the flavonoids, spe- cial components isolated from plants. These include hesperidin, quercetin, green tea extract, artichoke extract, grape seed extract and bilberry, all available from natural supplement suppliers. One supplement found to provide major protection to the brain is melatonin. Most people think of it as nothing more than a sleep aid. In fact, it is one of the brain’s most important antioxidants and actually increases the antioxidant enzyme content of the brain. This is especially important because recent studies have shown that these antioxidant enzymes are low in people who develop Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease. With aging, the amount of melatonin begins to decline, one of the reasons for the high frequency of insomnia in the elderly. If you notice you no longer dream, your melatonin levels are probably low. Low levels are rarely seen below age 45. All cells contain a very powerful antioxidant called glutathione. It is especially important for protecting the brain, especially against excitotoxicity and mercury poisoning. Low levels of this antioxidant are seen in all cases of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Ironically, it is fairly easy to increase the levels of glutathione in all your cells. The supplement N-acetyl-L cysteine (NAC) has been shown to dramatically increase glutathione levels. Magnesium, vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid and a high intake of vegetables also increase glutathione levels. An additional benefit is that high glutathione levels also help prevent cancer. A high intake of MSG and other excitotoxins dramatically lowers brain glutathione levels. When brain cells are weakened, either by disease or a lifetime of free-radical damage, they become much more vulnerable to injury by toxins of various types. It is for this reason that you must avoid further injury by avoiding known brain toxins. Avoid fluoride, MSG, pesticides, aluminum, mercury in fillings. |
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Re: BRAIN HEALTH
posted at September 2, 2012 9:34 AM EDT
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Posts: 1447
First: August 27, 2012 Last: May 21, 2013 |
A new UCLA study is the first to show how a steady diet high in fructose can damage your memory and learning. The study was published in the Journal of Physiology. Researchers investigated the effects of high-fructose syrup, similar to high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a cheap sweetener six times sweeter than cane sugar, which is used in most soft drinks, processed foods, condiments, and even many baby foods. The team sought to study the effects of a steady intake of this super-processed, concentrated form of fructose, which is quite dissimilar from the naturally occurring fructose in fruits. They fed rats a fructose solution as drinking water for six weeks, then tested their ability to remember their way out of a maze.The results certainly grabbed the researchers' attention. |
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Re: BRAIN HEALTH
posted at September 7, 2012 7:50 PM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: September 7, 2012 Last: September 7, 2012 |
I work with well known Naturopathic physicians who are in the business of reversing Fibromyalgia, dementia and just about everything else. No need to suffer. Dr. Joel Wallach has been reversing disease for 15 years with Dr. Peter Glidden. Here are some YouTube videos so you can learn about them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhauny85HNE This one is Dr. Joel Wallach, listen to this, you will like it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XANMvhMgKZE&feature=relmfu This one is on Fibromyalgia (It's reversible) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JF7TcPsmvI&feature=fvsr Dr. Peter Glidden http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZzpKOLgMfE SALT - my favorite video with Dr. Joel Wallach Take Care. |
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Re: BRAIN HEALTH
posted at September 10, 2012 11:24 AM EDT
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Posts: 2
First: September 7, 2012 Last: September 10, 2012 |
In Response to Re: BRAIN HEALTH: Hmmm the study suggest that type 2 diabetic medicine hinders proper vitamin b12 absorption. It might be the same in my case. I tend to forget this days since I've taken medicine for my ailment. In Response to Re: BRAIN HEALTH : Dear karenandjim, I don't specifically about ADHD and nutrition, but, here is an article on the brain and nutrition: http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-10-2011/b12-level-affects-brain-size-health-discovery.html Posted by BettyCM |
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Re: BRAIN HEALTH
posted at May 9, 2013 4:11 PM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: May 9, 2013 Last: May 9, 2013 |
I am sorry for my English, I am stranger. I wonder if antipsychotic drugs improve or heal from serious cognitive loss. Do exist drugs that cure cognitive lacks, or is it impossible to heal from cognitive problems? |
Forums » Health » Brain Health » BRAIN HEALTH
