Nature Knows and Psionic Success

Recent findings from an 18-month international study suggest that a Green Mediterranean diet, which improves blood sugar control, can slow brain aging and potentially reduce cognitive decline risks, as evidenced by significant MRI-based changes in brain structure. Improved blood sugar control and a Green Mediterranean diet may slow brain aging. This large study highlights dietary interventions as a promising approach to preserving brain health.

Brain atrophy, marked by the gradual loss of neurons and shrinking of brain tissue, is a normal part of aging and can contribute to cognitive decline and other neurological challenges. While aging itself remains unavoidable, recent research from an 18-month dietary intervention provides promising evidence that lifestyle and dietary adjustments may help slow the brain’s aging process.

A new international study, led by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev as part of the DIRECT PLUS Brain MRI trial, has brought to light how blood sugar control can significantly impact brain health.

Brain age, as evaluated by MRI measurements of the hippocampus and lateral ventricles, reflects the biological aging of the brain, which can differ from a person’s chronological age. Chronological age is the number of years lived, while brain age indicates the brain’s actual health.

Typically, as we age, the hippocampus shrinks and the lateral ventricles expand, serving as markers of brain aging. Some individuals have a brain age younger or older than their chronological age. A younger brain age suggests better cognitive health, while an older brain age may indicate accelerated aging and an increased risk of cognitive decline.

The study, which was published recently in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition was conducted by an international team of brain and nutrition experts, including researchers from Ben-Gurion University, Harvard University, Leipzig University, and more. The research was primarily carried out by Ph.D. student Dafna Pachter and overseen by Prof. Iris Shai, along with several international collaborators.

A previous study published two years ago reported that Mediterranean (MED) and green-MED diets significantly attenuated age-related brain atrophy by ∼50% within 18 months.

In the current study, the researchers aimed to understand the mechanism by which the slowing of brain atrophy occurs.

The study found that a decline in HbA1c, and key markers of long-term blood sugar levels, are associated with significant positive changes in specific brain regions commonly affected by age-related atrophy. Brain MRI results showed that lower HbA1c levels corresponded to greater deviations in the thalamus, caudate nucleus, and cerebellum – areas crucial for cognitive function, motor control, and sensory processing. The study suggests that improved blood sugar control could be one of the most important factors in slowing down age-related brain changes. The Green Mediterranean Diet Shows Promise

Earlier research has highlighted the benefits of the Green Mediterranean (Green-Med) diet, including better blood sugar control. The Green-Med diet is rich in polyphenols from plant-based sources like Mankai (a high-protein aquatic plant) and green tea, while being low in red and processed meats.

The current study further strengthens this connection by suggesting that the Green-Med diet may not only support metabolic health but also exert protective effects on brain structure and function. DIRECT PLUS Trial – One of the Largest Brain MRI intervention Studies in the World

The DIRECT PLUS trial, one of the longest and largest brain MRI studies conducted to date, involved approximately 300 participants who were divided into three dietary groups. Whole-brain MRI measurements were taken before and after the 18-month trial to track changes in brain health.

The researchers used Hippocampal Occupancy (HOC), as a proxy for brain age which predicts future risk of dementia. HOC typically decreases with age. Interestingly, some participants exhibited a brain age either younger or older than their chronological age.

Using NeuroQuant, an FDA-authorized fully automated tool, the research team quantified and segmented the brain MRI-derived data. The study aimed to examine whether improved glycemic control and specific dietary components could slow down brain aging. The results indicated that participants who managed to improve their blood sugar levels and achieve normal glucose status experienced a more pronounced attenuation of brain aging. Notably, those who consumed higher amounts of green tea and Mankai duckweed shakes demonstrated the most significant improvements in both blood sugar levels and brain health. Glycemic Control and Polyphenols: The Key to a Younger Brain Age?

The study’s lead researcher, Prof. Iris Shai, from Ben-Gurion University, an adjunct professor at Harvard University, and an Honorary Professor at Leipzig University, explains, “Maintaining low blood sugar levels, even within the normal range, shows promise for preserving a younger brain, especially when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Specifically, polyphenols found in plant-based foods may cross the blood-brain barrier and help reduce brain inflammation, which is crucial for memory.”

Dafna Pachter, a Ph.D. student and the first author of the paper, adds, “This trial offers a safe approach to potentially slow down our brain aging—by adopting the components of a green-Mediterranean diet.” A Pathway to Reducing Age-Related Cognitive Decline

This study is one of the first large-scale trials to directly link dietary changes, particularly those associated with the Green-Med diet, to improved glycemic control and slower brain aging. While further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play, these results suggest a potential avenue for reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline through relatively simple dietary adjustments.

Reference: “Glycemic control contributes to the neuroprotective effects of Mediterranean and green-Mediterranean diets on brain age: the DIRECT PLUS brain-magnetic resonance imaging randomized controlled trial” by Dafna Pachter, Alon Kaplan, Gal Tsaban, Hila Zelicha, Anat Yaskolka Meir, Ehud Rinott, Gidon Levakov, Moti Salti, Yoram Yovell, Sebastian Huhn, Frauke Beyer, Veronica Witte, Peter Kovacs, Martin von Bergen, Uta Ceglarek, Matthias Blüher, Michael Stumvoll, Frank B Hu, Meir J Stampfer, Alon Friedman and Iris Shai, 14 September 2024, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition .
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.09.013

The DIRECT PLUS trial was funded by grants from the German Research Foundation (DFG), Israel Ministry of Health, Israel Ministry of Science and Technology, and the California Walnuts Commission. None of the funding providers were involved in any stage of the design, conduct, […]

Read more at scitechdaily.com

Let this successful election of Donald J. Trump usher in the New Golden Age of education and evolution of our nation, for children, teens, young professionals and adults of all ages. After suffering so many years of Democrats and perverted Liberals in charge of our education system, it needs a total overhaul in so many facets, from curriculum to social interactions, from research tools to project guidelines, and from testing protocols to real-world applications of math, technology and resources. Most science and social studies textbooks, supplement materials, and curriculum guidelines need to be trashed and new ones created and issued to schools

Both the public and private sectors of most schools in America have swaths of books, supplement materials and curriculum that is based on completely fabricated “facts” about climate change and global warming. Climate alarmism programming and videos flood school science curriculum, YouTube and popular extension programming for hands-on experiments, activities and projects, like Bill Nye the fake “ Science Guy ,” anti-biological science perv Neil DeGrasse Tyson , and global warming propagators “ Generation Genius .”

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been wasted producing these propaganda-laden textbooks, workbooks, videos and science pamphlets in order to brainwash students into believing in the false climate change narrative. Globalists and communists want these kids to become adults who believe in these lies so they will vote for politicians who run these racketeering and embezzlement schemes at the expense of education.

The Democrats and Liberals have embedded their communist hate machine into education at all levels, teaching students to hate themselves, anyone who disagrees with their own (warped) opinions, and to think about sex and sex partners all day long. Most children and teens are suffering from gender dysphoria now, thanks to all the perverted, anti-science literature and social media claiming there’s no difference between male and female, that men can breastfeed, have babies and get their period, and that boys and men who claim to be pan-something can compete in female sports, which ends up being a total disaster for the females. So, here are some ways for the incoming Trump administration to deconstruct and reconstruct America’s education system:

#1. End Climate Change (Global Warming) – the big lie has infiltrated science curriculum and social studies books across all public schools. Show students how “ Climate Change ” is manipulated by weather weapon technology and modification systems and educate them properly about carbon and Co2.

#2. Get rid of Critical Race Theory (CRT) – it’s just reverse racism and teaching minorities to hate everyone who is white.

#3. Eliminate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and everything else that represents “Woke” in schools – it just gives students unfair advantages they did not earn.

#4. Ban Gender Fluidity (PC Pronouns), Drag Queen Story Hour, and Furry Animal Identity – no more tampons in boys’ bathrooms or litter boxes for “furries” (kids who try to identify as cats, dogs, or other furry animals). Plus, stop allowing boys to compete in girls’ sports, at all levels.

#5. Improve Curriculum for more Inquiry-Based Learning and Critical Thinking Skills – Have much less standardized testing of multiple-choice answers, rote memorization and closed-ended questions.

#6. Promote self-esteem, self-respect, and individualism as a prime motivational tool.

#7. Reveal how social media manipulates thoughts , actions, purchases, desires and enables cyber-bullying, violence and human trafficking.

#8. Focus more on real-world math applications of skills and strategies.

#9. Teach students how to do research outside of the highly biased Google search engine (and other mainstream poor sources like Wikipedia).

#10. Promote project-based learning – where students incorporate multi-media projects, technology and innovations in small groups and working with partners, preparing them to function like entrepreneurs and most successful businesses.

Tune that internet dial to RealScienceNews.com for updates on ways schools can incorporate actual science in the curriculum instead of fake science propaganda, like climate change alarmism.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

FoxNews.com

Read more at www.naturalnews.com

Summary: New research reveals that cells outside the brain can store and process memories, challenging the view that memory is limited to neurons. Scientists found that non-brain cells, when exposed to spaced chemical signals, activated a “memory gene” similarly to neurons.

This discovery suggests that learning from repetition could be a fundamental property of all cells. Findings not only broaden our understanding of memory but could also inspire new treatments for learning and memory-related conditions.

The study suggests our bodies might store information in ways previously thought unique to the brain. Future research may explore how organs “remember” past experiences, with implications for health and disease.

Key Facts : Non-brain memory : Cells from nerve and kidney tissue activated a “memory gene” after spaced stimulation, similar to neurons.

Massed-spaced effect : Non-brain cells retained signals more strongly with repeated, spaced chemical cues than continuous signals.

Future insights : This could lead to innovative treatments for memory conditions and a deeper understanding of organ function.

Source: NYU

It’s common knowledge that our brains—and, specifically, our brain cells—store memories. But a team of scientists has discovered that cells from other parts of the body also perform a memory function, opening new pathways for understanding how memory works and creating the potential to enhance learning and to treat memory-related afflictions.

“Learning and memory are generally associated with brains and brain cells alone, but our study shows that other cells in the body can learn and form memories, too,” explains New York University’s Nikolay V. Kukushkin, the lead author of the study, which appears in the journal Nature Communications .

The research sought to better understand if non-brain cells help with memory by borrowing from a long-established neurological property—the massed-spaced effect—which shows that we tend to retain information better when studied in spaced intervals rather than in a single, intensive session—better known as cramming for a test.

In the Nature Communications research, the scientists replicated learning over time by studying two types of non-brain human cells in a laboratory (one from nerve tissue and one from kidney tissue) and exposing them to different patterns of chemical signals—just like brain cells are exposed to patterns of neurotransmitters when we learn new information.

In response, the non-brain cells turned on a “memory gene”—the same gene that brain cells turn on when they detect a pattern in the information and restructure their connections in order to form memories.

To monitor the memory and learning process, the scientists engineered these non-brain cells to make a glowing protein, which indicated when the memory gene was on and when it was off.

The results showed that these cells could determine when the chemical pulses, which imitated bursts of neurotransmitter in the brain, were repeated rather than simply prolonged—just as neurons in our brain can register when we learn with breaks rather than cramming all the material in one sitting.

Specifically, when the pulses were delivered in spaced-out intervals, they turned on the “memory gene” more strongly, and for a longer time, than when the same treatment was delivered all at once.

“This reflects the massed-space effect in action,” says Kukushkin, a clinical associate professor of life science at NYU Liberal Studies and a research fellow at NYU’s Center for Neural Science.

“It shows that the ability to learn from spaced repetition isn’t unique to brain cells, but, in fact, might be a fundamental property of all cells.”

The researchers add that the findings not only offer new ways to study memory, but also point to potential health-related gains.

“This discovery opens new doors for understanding how memory works and could lead to better ways to enhance learning and treat memory problems,” observes Kukushkin.

“At the same time, it suggests that in the future, we will need to treat our body more like the brain—for example, consider what our pancreas remembers about the pattern of our past meals to maintain healthy levels of blood glucose or consider what a cancer cell remembers about the pattern of chemotherapy.”

The work was jointly supervised by Kukushkin and Thomas Carew, a professor in NYU’s Center for Neural Science. The study’s authors also included Tasnim Tabassum, an NYU researcher, and Robert Carney, an NYU undergraduate researcher at the time of the study.

Funding: This research was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (R01-MH120300-01A1). About this genetics and memory research news

Author: James Devitt
Source: NYU
Contact: James Devitt – NYU
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News

Original Research: Open access.
“ The massed-spaced learning effect in non-neural human cells ” by Nikolay Kukushkin et al. Nature Communications Abstract The massed-spaced learning effect in non-neural human cells The massed-spaced effect is a hallmark feature of memory formation. We now demonstrate this effect in two separate non-neural, immortalized cell lines stably expressing a short-lived luciferase reporter controlled by a CREB-dependent promoter.We emulate training using repeated pulses of forskolin and/or phorbol ester, and, as a proxy for memory, measure luciferase expression at various points after training.Four spaced pulses of either agonist elicit stronger and more sustained luciferase expression than a single “massed” pulse.Spaced pulses also result in stronger and more sustained activation of molecular factors critical for memory formation, ERK and CREB, and inhibition of ERK or CREB blocks the massed-spaced effect.Our findings show that canonical features of memory do not necessarily depend on neural circuitry, but can be embedded in the dynamics of signaling cascades conserved across different cell types.Join our Newsletter I agree to have my personal information transferred to AWeber for Neuroscience Newsletter ( more information )Sign up to receive our recent neuroscience headlines and summaries sent to your email once a day, totally free.We hate spam and only use your email to contact you about newsletters. You can cancel your subscription any time.

Read more at neurosciencenews.com

Multiple factors can increase a person’s risk for dementia, including mild cognitive impairment. Gemma can fly/Stocksy Both major depressive disorder in remission (rMDD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can increase a person’s risk for dementia.

Researchers from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health say a combination of two “active” therapies may help slow cognitive decline in high-risk older adults.

Scientists saw this decrease, especially in participants with rMDD and those at a low genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers estimate that more than 55 million people around the world live with dementia — a chronic condition negatively impacting a person’s memory, concentration, and thinking skills.

Past studies show that both major depressive disorder in remission (rMDD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can increase a person’s risk for dementia.

“It is important to slow cognitive decline to maintain independence in day-to-day functioning and ultimately prevent dementia in older adults, especially those at high risk of developing dementia, like in older adults with depression,” Tarek Rajji, MD , chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the UT Southwestern Medical Center and former senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at the University of Toronto explained to Medical News Today .

Rajji is the lead author of a new study recently published in JAMA Psychiatry that has found a combination therapy of computerized memory and thinking exercises with non-invasive mild electrical stimulation may help slow cognitive decline in high-risk older adults, especially those with rMDD — with or without MCI — and those at a low genetic risk for a type of dementia called Alzheimer’s disease . A combo of CR and tDCS therapies for dementia

For this study, researchers recruited 375 older adults with an average age of about 72 years, who had either rMDD, mild cognitive impairment, or both.

Participants either received a “sham” control intervention or the combination of two “active” therapies — computer-based Cognitive Remediation (CR) techniques and a type of non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

“CR consists of computerized memory and thinking exercises that are meant to improve these abilities,” Rajji said.

“The way we delivered them was in a classroom-like setting where groups of six to eight individuals were training on these exercises with the support of one or two coaches. We administered the classes five days a week for eight weeks and then five days a week every six months as boosters until the end of the study or until an individual left the study or progressed from having normal cognitive function to MCI or from MCI to dementia. In between boosters, individuals were asked to exercise on their own at home online for 20 to 40 minutes a day,” he explained.

“tDCS is a form of non-invasive mild electrical stimulation that is delivered by a portable machine the size of a smartphone,” he continued. “It delivers a 2 milliAmp current to the frontal region of the brain to enhance brain plasticity, i.e. the brain’s ability to change and learn. We delivered it for 30 minutes at the beginning of each class and while the individuals were performing thinking exercises. The goal was to prime the brain and optimize the ability to learn and benefit from the computerized exercises.” “We chose these two therapies because we thought that they have synergistic effects. tDCS on its own was less likely to be effective but when combined with another therapy like CR — which typically has had mild benefit — it would increase its effect by priming the brain and increase its plasticity.”
— Tarek Rajji, MD Combo therapy slows cognitive decline compared to no therapy

Throughout the study, researchers conducted participant assessments at the start of the study, two months in, and then yearly for three to seven years.

During these assessments, Rajji and his team found that participants receiving the combination therapy experienced slower cognitive decline over an average follow-up period of four years, compared to those receiving the “sham” intervention.

“We were very happy to see that our prediction was correct because, to date, no other therapy has been shown to have such an effect in these patients,” Rajji said.

Scientists reported the benefits of the combination therapy was more notable in participants with a low genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, study participants with rMDD, with or without MCI, experienced better outcomes than those with MCI only.

“Individuals with low genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease are likely to be ineligible for the antibody intravenous infusion therapies so a therapy like ours could offer hope to these patients,” Rajji explained.

“The fact that we found the effect mainly in those individuals with remitted rMDD irrespective of whether they also had MCI or not is very exciting because this group has been consistently shown to be at double the risk of developing dementia yet none of the current treatments for MDD reduce this risk. Our treatment offers this possibility for these patients,” he said. Cognitive decline is multifactorial in nature

MNT also spoke with David Merrill, MD, PhD , a board certified geriatric psychiatrist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Singleton Endowed Chair in Integrative Brain Health, about this study, who commented that this study highlights the potential benefits of combination therapies in addressing the multifactorial nature of cognitive decline. “Unlike monotherapies that target isolated pathways, combination approaches recognize that cognitive decline often results from an interplay of genetic, lifestyle, vascular, and neuroinflammatory factors. Leveraging a combination strategy could address these varied risk factors more effectively, potentially delaying the onset of more severe cognitive impairment in at-risk populations. This aligns well with preventative strategies we are increasingly exploring in clinical practice, emphasizing early and multidimensional interventions.”
— David Merrill, MD, PhD Building on this research, Merrill said it would be beneficial to see larger-scale studies that validate these findings across more diverse populations.

“Furthermore, exploring the interaction between combination therapies and individual genetic profiles — particularly among those with known risk factors such as the APOE ε4 allele — could illuminate […]

Read more at www.medicalnewstoday.com

Multiple factors can increase a person’s risk for dementia, including mild cognitive impairment. Gemma can fly/Stocksy Both major depressive disorder in remission (rMDD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can increase a person’s risk for dementia.

Researchers from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health say a combination of two “active” therapies may help slow cognitive decline in high-risk older adults.

Scientists saw this decrease, especially in participants with rMDD and those at a low genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers estimate that more than 55 million people around the world live with dementia — a chronic condition negatively impacting a person’s memory, concentration, and thinking skills.

Past studies show that both major depressive disorder in remission (rMDD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can increase a person’s risk for dementia.

“It is important to slow cognitive decline to maintain independence in day-to-day functioning and ultimately prevent dementia in older adults, especially those at high risk of developing dementia, like in older adults with depression,” Tarek Rajji, MD , chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the UT Southwestern Medical Center and former senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at the University of Toronto explained to Medical News Today .

Rajji is the lead author of a new study recently published in JAMA Psychiatry that has found a combination therapy of computerized memory and thinking exercises with non-invasive mild electrical stimulation may help slow cognitive decline in high-risk older adults, especially those with rMDD — with or without MCI — and those at a low genetic risk for a type of dementia called Alzheimer’s disease . A combo of CR and tDCS therapies for dementia

For this study, researchers recruited 375 older adults with an average age of about 72 years, who had either rMDD, mild cognitive impairment, or both.

Participants either received a “sham” control intervention or the combination of two “active” therapies — computer-based Cognitive Remediation (CR) techniques and a type of non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

“CR consists of computerized memory and thinking exercises that are meant to improve these abilities,” Rajji said.

“The way we delivered them was in a classroom-like setting where groups of six to eight individuals were training on these exercises with the support of one or two coaches. We administered the classes five days a week for eight weeks and then five days a week every six months as boosters until the end of the study or until an individual left the study or progressed from having normal cognitive function to MCI or from MCI to dementia. In between boosters, individuals were asked to exercise on their own at home online for 20 to 40 minutes a day,” he explained.

“tDCS is a form of non-invasive mild electrical stimulation that is delivered by a portable machine the size of a smartphone,” he continued. “It delivers a 2 milliAmp current to the frontal region of the brain to enhance brain plasticity, i.e. the brain’s ability to change and learn. We delivered it for 30 minutes at the beginning of each class and while the individuals were performing thinking exercises. The goal was to prime the brain and optimize the ability to learn and benefit from the computerized exercises.” “We chose these two therapies because we thought that they have synergistic effects. tDCS on its own was less likely to be effective but when combined with another therapy like CR — which typically has had mild benefit — it would increase its effect by priming the brain and increase its plasticity.”
— Tarek Rajji, MD Combo therapy slows cognitive decline compared to no therapy

Throughout the study, researchers conducted participant assessments at the start of the study, two months in, and then yearly for three to seven years.

During these assessments, Rajji and his team found that participants receiving the combination therapy experienced slower cognitive decline over an average follow-up period of four years, compared to those receiving the “sham” intervention.

“We were very happy to see that our prediction was correct because, to date, no other therapy has been shown to have such an effect in these patients,” Rajji said.

Scientists reported the benefits of the combination therapy was more notable in participants with a low genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, study participants with rMDD, with or without MCI, experienced better outcomes than those with MCI only.

“Individuals with low genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease are likely to be ineligible for the antibody intravenous infusion therapies so a therapy like ours could offer hope to these patients,” Rajji explained.

“The fact that we found the effect mainly in those individuals with remitted rMDD irrespective of whether they also had MCI or not is very exciting because this group has been consistently shown to be at double the risk of developing dementia yet none of the current treatments for MDD reduce this risk. Our treatment offers this possibility for these patients,” he said. Cognitive decline is multifactorial in nature

MNT also spoke with David Merrill, MD, PhD , a board certified geriatric psychiatrist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Singleton Endowed Chair in Integrative Brain Health, about this study, who commented that this study highlights the potential benefits of combination therapies in addressing the multifactorial nature of cognitive decline. “Unlike monotherapies that target isolated pathways, combination approaches recognize that cognitive decline often results from an interplay of genetic, lifestyle, vascular, and neuroinflammatory factors. Leveraging a combination strategy could address these varied risk factors more effectively, potentially delaying the onset of more severe cognitive impairment in at-risk populations. This aligns well with preventative strategies we are increasingly exploring in clinical practice, emphasizing early and multidimensional interventions.”
— David Merrill, MD, PhD Building on this research, Merrill said it would be beneficial to see larger-scale studies that validate these findings across more diverse populations.

“Furthermore, exploring the interaction between combination therapies and individual genetic profiles — particularly among those with known risk factors such as the APOE ε4 allele — could illuminate […]

Read more at www.medicalnewstoday.com

Tags: #nutrition , aging secrets , Alcohol , Alzheimer’s disease , badhealth , blood cholesterol , blood pressure , blood sugar , brain function , brain health , cardiovascular health , cognitive function , cognitive health , dementia , diet , health science , lifestyle , Mind , mind body science , quit smoking , remedies , tips Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging. A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing the condition. A study has found that nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented through improved lifestyle choices.

Currently, over 55 million people around the globe are suffering from dementia. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that this number will double approximately every 20 years , with estimates reaching 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050.

Although age, genetics and family history are beyond anyone’s control, there are modifiable risk factors that can be addressed to decrease the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Lancet collaborated with prominent academic and charitable institutions, including University College London , Alzheimer’s Society, ESRC and Alzheimer’s Research UK, to establish a Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care. Led by Professor Gil Livingston, the commission analyzed the best evidence available to offer guidance on preventing or managing the dementia epidemic.

The Commission’s findings suggest that around 40 percent of dementia cases worldwide are attributable to a dozen or so modifiable risk factors , underscoring the importance of addressing both health-related and social determinants in preventing dementia. Modifiable risk factors for dementia

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how various factors increase the risk of developing dementia , especially at a young age: Physical factors

Blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) can damage brain blood vessels, increasing the risk of vascular dementia and other cognitive impairments. To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to regularly monitor blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, reduce your salt intake, manage stress and follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Blood sugar. Elevated blood sugar levels, particularly in diabetes, can lead to vascular damage and brain inflammation, raising the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Preventive measures include maintaining normal blood sugar levels through a balanced diet, regular exercise and reasonable weight management.

Cholesterol. High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in blood vessels, which increases your risk of stroke and reduces blood flow to the brain– a contributing factor to cognitive decline. To prevent these issues, adopt a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, engage in regular physical activity and take medications if needed. Incorporating omega-3-rich foods, such as oily fish, into your diet can also support both heart and brain health.

Body mass index (BMI). Both obesity and being underweight can negatively impact brain health. Obesity is linked to inflammation and vascular problems, while being underweight may indicate nutritional deficiencies that can affect cognitive function. To maintain a healthy BMI, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, monitor your weight and body composition and consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Lifestyle factors

Nutrition. A poor diet high in processed foods and sugar can lead to inflammation, vascular issues and impaired brain function, while nutrient deficiency can decrease cognitive function. To prevent these effects, consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Foods packed with antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens and nuts, are particularly beneficial to brain health.

Physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to poor cardiovascular health, which leads to impaired brain function and increases dementia risk. To counteract this, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly, such as walking, swimming or cycling, to boost cardiovascular and cognitive health.

Sleep. Poor sleep quality and disorders like sleep apnea can lead to cognitive decline and dementia, as chronic sleep deprivation negatively affects memory and brain function. To improve sleep quality, establish a regular sleep schedule, create a calming bedtime routine and address any sleep disorders. Aim to get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. (Related: New risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease revealed: Are you getting enough good sleep ?)

Alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the brain and lead to cognitive decline; long-term heavy drinking is linked to an increased risk of dementia. To mitigate these risks, limit alcohol intake to moderate levels — only one drink per day for women and two for men. Avoid binge drinking and seek help if you’re struggling with alcohol dependence.

Smoking. Smoking damages blood vessels and raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which can negatively impact brain health and increase the likelihood of dementia. Quitting smoking is crucial to reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Social-emotional factors

Stress. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation and damage brain cells, increasing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. To manage stress effectively, practice techniques such as mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing exercises, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Social relationships. Social isolation and lack of meaningful interactions can elevate your risk of cognitive decline and dementia, while social engagement stimulates cognitive function and provides emotional support. To maintain optimal cognitive performance, build social connections through friendships, community activities and family interactions and participate in group activities or volunteer work to stay socially active.

Meaning in life. A lack of purpose or meaning in life can contribute to cognitive decline and poor mental health. To counteract this, engage in activities that provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, pursue hobbies, set personal goals and find activities that bring joy and satisfaction.

Learn more about dementia at Dementia.news .

Watch the following video about ” These lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s .”

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com . More related stories:

Dr. Michaek Nehls proposes Unified Theory of Alzheimer’s Disease (UTAD) to prevent, cure dementia .

The CURE for Alzheimer’s disease can be found in our synapses .

MIND diet, healthy fats and smoothies are crucial for preventing Alzheimer’s disease, research shows […]

Read more at www.naturalnews.com

by Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne Setup of the experiment.(A) Spatial navigation task. Each block started with an encoding period during which participants were consecutively presented with three objects at specific locations and asked to memorize their position. After encoding each object multiple times, a cue was shown during the retrieval phase with the image of one of the objects and the participant had to navigate to the location of the object. (B) Temporal interference stimulation concept. Two pairs of electrodes are placed on the head and deliver two HF currents I1 and I2 at a frequency f1 and f2 = f1 + Δf, respectively. On the bottom of the panel, the combination of the two fields is shown with high envelope modulation inside the target region and low envelope modulation outside. (C) Theta burst protocols. A specific shift in frequency between the two signals was applied with a specific timing to mimic either iTBS or cTBS. During iTBS, central panel, trains of 2 s are applied every 10 s, each one composed of 10 bursts at 5 Hz. Each burst is composed of three pulses at 100 Hz. In the 8-s break, no shift is applied between the two sources, leading to a flat envelope. During cTBS, bursts at 5 Hz are applied continuously without breaks. The bursts are composed of three pulses at 100 Hz as for the iTBS protocol. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado4103 As we age, it becomes more difficult to remember where things are—whether it’s recalling where we left the keys or where we parked the car. This spatial memory deteriorates further with the onset of dementia, a condition that someone in the world develops every three seconds, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International.

Researchers at two EPFL labs have joined forces to give a boost to spatial memory by creating a unique experimental setup that combines non-invasive deep- brain stimulation , virtual reality training , and fMRI imaging—all housed within Campus Biotech in Geneva. Published in Science Advances , the study demonstrates that targeted, painless electric impulses to the hippocampus and adjacent structures, a deep brain region implied in memory and spatial navigation, can improve the brain’s ability to recall locations and navigate more effectively.

“By finding ways to improve spatial memory without surgery or medication, we are addressing a serious concern for a large and growing population: the elderly, as well as brain trauma patients and those affected by dementia,” says Friedhelm Hummel, head of the Hummel Lab.

The study is the result of a collaboration between the Hummel Lab and Olaf Blanke’s Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience (LCNO), both at EPFL’s Neuro X institute. By combining Hummel’s expertise in non-invasive brain stimulation with Blanke’s cognitive research of spatial navigation in virtual reality environments, the researchers developed a unique neuro-technological setup. A one-of-a-kind combination of neuro-technologies

The experiment began with researchers placing four harmless electrodes on the heads of healthy individuals to stimulate the hippocampus and adjacent structures. This non-invasive technique, called transcranial temporal interference electric stimulation (tTIS), sends targeted pulses without causing any discomfort for the participant.

Next, volunteers are immersed in a virtual world using VR goggles. Building on previous research by co-first-author Hyuk-June Moon, the scientists tasked the participants with navigating through a series of locations and remembering key landmarks. This immersive virtual setting allowed the researchers to precisely measure how well participants could recall and navigate spatial information while receiving tTIS.

“When stimulation was applied, we observed a clear improvement of the participants’ recall time—the time it took to start moving toward where they remembered the object to be,” says Elena Beanato, the other first author of the study. “This leads us to believe that by stimulating the hippocampus, we temporarily increase brain plasticity, which when combined with training in a virtual environment , leads to better spatial navigation.”

The entire experiment was conducted within an fMRI scanner. This provided researchers with real-time images of brain activity, allowing them to monitor how the hippocampus and surrounding regions responded to tTIS during the spatial navigation tasks. The fMRI data revealed changes in neural activity associated with the observed behavioral changes, specifically in the regions responsible for memory and navigation, giving the researchers deeper insight into how non-invasive stimulation modulates brain function.

This integration of advanced technologies at EPFL’s Neuro X Institute makes Campus Biotech one of the few places where all three experimental techniques can be combined in a single study.

“The alliance of tTIS, virtual reality, and fMRI offers a highly controlled and innovative approach to studying the brain’s response to stimulation and its impact on cognitive functions,” adds Blanke. “In the long term, we envision using this approach to develop targeted therapies for patients suffering from cognitive impairments, offering a non-invasive way to enhance memory and spatial abilities.”

More information: Elena Beanato et al, Noninvasive modulation of the hippocampal-entorhinal complex during spatial navigation in humans, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado4103

Provided by Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne

Read more at medicalxpress.com

Tags: alternative medicine , Alzheimer’s , ancient spice , anticonsulsant , antiinflammatory , antioxidant , antiseizure , Coriander , essential oils , functional food , goodfood , goodhealth , goodmedicine , goodscience , linalool , natural cures , natural medicine , neuroprotective , Parkinson’s Disease For thousands of years, coriander has been a trusted natural remedy across many cultures.

From early times, coriander seeds (crushed, ground or whole) were prized as a remedy for digestive troubles, pain and even joint inflammation. People brewed coriander into teas or made decoctions to manage gas, bloating, nausea or diarrhea, relieve mouth sores or ulcers and soothe eye redness. Some even believed coriander could help speed up digestion by encouraging the liver to release bile and other enzymes, which kept food moving comfortably through the digestive system.

In modern times, researchers have found that coriander is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that might help the brain. These effects are largely due to the plant’s essential oils, especially one called linalool, which has shown promise for calming the mind, reducing pain and potentially supporting brain health.

A study published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine in 2021 summarized several of linalool’s effects on the brain – showing its potential as a natural approach to calming the mind and supporting brain function. Has anticonvulsant and antiseizure effects

Linalool has shown remarkable potential as an antiseizure agent, especially in cases related to overactive glutamate receptors – a key neurotransmitter involved in seizure activity.

In experimental studies, linalool reduced the onset and intensity of seizures caused by excessive glutamate release. In particular, it delayed the time to seizures in response to N-methyl-D-aspartate or NMDA (a compound that overstimulates glutamate receptors), as well as seizures triggered by quinolinic acid, which is linked to certain types of epilepsy. Linolool’s effect was comparable to traditional antianxiety and antiseizure medications – offering a natural alternative for seizure management. Helps guard against oxidative and inflammatory damage

In situations of brain inflammation and oxidative stress – common factors in many neurodegenerative diseases – linalool has shown promise in reducing these damaging effects.

Studies indicate that linalool can reduce the release of harmful inflammatory proteins, including cyclooxydenaise-2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide (NO). Additionally, linalool’s action against oxidative stress helps neutralize free radicals, which are known to accelerate brain cell damage. By decreasing these inflammatory responses, linalool may help preserve brain health over time. Helps enhance memory and prevent Alzheimer’s

Linalool also shines in its potential to support cognitive health and memory, especially in models of Alzheimer’s disease.

In studies using a triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s, linalool improved memory retention and spatial awareness – suggesting it may help slow cognitive decline and memory loss. Additionally, linalool helped reduce the buildup of Alzheimer’s features, including amyloid beta plaques, degenerating cell fragments and tau neurofibrillary tangles – twisted filaments that accumulate neurons. Its ability to decrease inflammatory markers and protect against oxidative damage in the brain could provide long-term support for cognitive health. Helps reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Research has highlighted the potential of linalool in reducing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, particularly those affecting motor control, like dyskinesia (involuntary movements) and tremors.

In animal models where symptoms were induced by the drug tacrine, linalool significantly improved movement control and reduced symptoms, such as involuntary jaw movements and tongue protrusions. This improvement was also linked to linalool’s antioxidant benefits, as it increased levels of protective compounds, like catalase (CAT) superoxide dismutase (SOD), while reducing oxidative damage in the brain . Helps protects against neurotoxicity

Linalool also appears to protect nerve cells from damage caused by toxic substances. For example, in cases of glucose and serum deprivation – a model for nutrient loss in the brain – linalool improved cell viability, which is essential for preventing nerve cell death.

In studies of acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity (a condition caused by a toxic compound often found in industrial products), linalool reduced damage by lowering oxidative stress and enhancing antioxidant levels. This reduction in oxidative stress helped protect the nervous system – supporting healthy brain function and reducing the impact of environmental toxins. Helps reduce anxiety and depression

When inhaled in small amounts (one to three percent), linalool has been found to help people relax in a way similar to the antianxiety medication diazepam. It has been shown to extend sleep, lower levels of aggression in behavioral tests and reduce body temperature. It also seems to promote feelings of relaxation, enhancing social interactions and helping people stay calm in stressful situations. The findings suggest that even low doses of linalool could provide natural relief from mild anxiety and stress.

Red more stories like this at Herbs.news .

Eating coriander helps maintain optimal heart health. Watch this video .

This video is from the Natural News channel on Brighteon.com . More related stories:

Coriander shown to be a potential natural remedy for diabetes .

Super herb CILANTRO shown to help remove HEAVY METALS from the body .

Coriander oil (cilantro) can be used to treat food poisoning and drug-resistant infections . Sources include:

PMC.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 1

PMC.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 2

Brighteon.com Take Action:

Support Natural News by linking to this article from your website.

Permalink to this article:CopyEmbed article link:CopyReprinting this article:Non-commercial use is permitted with credit to NaturalNews.com (including a clickable link). Please contact us for more information.

Read more at www.naturalnews.com

3 min read

A heart attack unleashes immune cells that stimulate neurons in the brain, leading to restorative slumber

By Mariana Lenharo & Nature magazine Ample sleep after a heart attack dampens inflammation in the organ, aiding recovery. show999/Getty Images Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

Immune cells rush to the brain and promote deep sleep after a heart attack , according to a new study involving both mice and humans. This heavy slumber helps recovery by easing inflammation in the heart , the study found.

The findings, published on October 30 in Nature , could help to guide care for people after a heart attack , says co-author Cameron McAlpine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, who studies immune function in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. “Getting sufficient sleep and rest after a heart attack is important for long-term healing of the heart,” he notes.

The implications of the study go beyond heart attack , says Rachel Rowe, a specialist in sleep and inflammation at the University of Colorado Boulder. “For any kind of injury, your body’s natural response would be to help you sleep so your body can heal,” she says. On supporting science journalism

If you’re enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing . By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. The heart needs its sleep

Scientists have long known that sleep and cardiovascular health are linked . People who sleep poorly are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, for example, than are sound sleepers. But how cardiovascular disease affects sleep has been less explored.

To learn more, the authors induced heart attacks in mice and investigated the animals’ brainwaves. The researchers found that these mice spent much more time in slow-wave sleep — a stage of deep sleep that has been associated with healing — than did mice that hadn’t had a heart attack.

Next, the authors sought to understand what was causing that effect. One obvious place to look was the brain, which controls sleep , notes McAlpine. After a heart attack, immune cells trigger a massive burst of inflammation in the heart, he says, and the researchers wondered whether these immune changes also occurred in the brain.

The team found that, after a mouse’s heart attack, immune cells called monocytes flooded its brain. These cells produced large amounts of a protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNF), which is an important regulator of inflammation and also promotes sleep.

To confirm that these cells were linked to the increased sleep, researchers prevented monocytes from accumulating in the rodents’ brains. As a result, “the mice no longer had this increase in slow-wave sleep after their heart attack,” McAlpine says, supporting the theory that the influx of monocytes to the brain contributes to the post-heart-attack sleep boost. Similar experiments confirmed TNF’s role as a messenger to sleep-inducing brain cells. Slumbering towards recovery

To understand the purpose of the extra sleep, the researchers repeatedly interrupted slow-wave sleep in mice that had had a heart attack. The team found that these mice had more inflammation in both the brain and the heart, and had a much worse prognosis than mice that were allowed to sleep undisturbed after a heart attack.

The authors also studied humans who had experienced acute coronary syndrome , a term for conditions, including heart attack, that are caused by a sudden reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle. Those who reported poor sleep in the weeks following such an episode had a higher risk of developing heart attacks and other serious cardiovascular problems over the next two years than did those who were good sleepers.

Given the findings, “clinicians need to inform patients of the importance of a good night’s sleep” after a heart attack, says Rowe. This should also be considered at the hospital, where tests and procedures would ideally be conducted during the daytime to minimize sleep interruptions.

She adds that the findings highlight the bidirectional relationship between sleep and the immune system. “When your grandma says, ‘if you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll get sick’, there’s a lot of truth to that.”

This article is reproduced with permission and was first published on October 30, 2024 .

Read more at www.scientificamerican.com

Scientists have identified brain-produced peptides that help regulate the immune system, providing a potential new approach to treating diseases like MS and Alzheimer’s. Credit: SciTechDaily.com Scientists have discovered that the brain produces “guardian peptides” that maintain its immune balance, potentially offering new treatments for neuroinflammatory diseases like MS and Alzheimer’s.

The brain is in constant communication with the body’s immune system, working to maintain a delicate balance between defending against infection and protecting healthy tissue.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have now uncovered how this balance is achieved. In a study with mice, they discovered that the brain and spinal cord produce fragments of immune-stimulating proteins, known as “guardian peptides,” which help the central nervous system regulate its immune activity. These peptides maintain a stable, healthy exchange of information with the immune system.

Published today (October 30) in Nature , this research could pave the way for new treatments for diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s, where immune regulation is crucial. Understanding Guardian Brain Peptides

“We have found guardian brain peptides that actively engage with the immune system to keep it in check, possibly preventing destructive immune responses,” said Jonathan Kipnis, PhD, the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Pathology & Immunology and a BJC Investigator at WashU Medicine. “We think such peptides help the immune system to maintain a state of ‘immune privilege.’ We are intrigued by the possibility of developing such proteins from healthy brains into a therapy to suppress inappropriate immune responses and develop better disease-modifying therapies for neuroinflammatory diseases.”

Immune surveillance involves a subset of T cells that can initiate an immune response when alerted to a threat. That alert comes in the form of a tiny protein fragment – a sample of the potential threat – displayed on the surface of another group of presenting immune cells. If T cells deem the protein fragment threatening, they mount an attack. Immune Interactions at the Brain’s Borders

The researchers found that guardian peptides were presented by immune cells at the interface of the brain’s borders, where they attracted and activated a subset of immune T cells whose function is regulatory, such that these cells dampen abnormal immune reactions.

Min Woo Kim, a graduate student in WashU Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program and a researcher in the Kipnis lab, examined presenting immune cells from the brain and its associated immune tissues in healthy mice. He found an abundance of brain proteins presented by such cells, with the dominant protein being a component of myelin sheath, the protective cover on neurons that becomes damaged in MS.

The researchers found that in mice with MS, such proteins were drastically depleted. By adding the missing brain-derived peptides through injection of vesicles – membrane-bound compartments – into the cerebrospinal fluid of mice with MS, the scientists found that the therapy activated and expanded a subset of suppressor T cells. Motor function improved, and disease progression slowed in the treated mice compared with mice that received control vesicles. Novel Diagnostic Opportunities for Neurodegenerative Diseases

“We have identified a novel process in the brain where the organ actively engages with the immune system to present a healthy image of itself,” Kim said. “That image looks different in mice with multiple sclerosis. We think that other neuroinflammatory and even neurodegenerative diseases may have unique protein signatures presented to the immune system, opening the exciting possibility of using such signatures as a diagnostic tool for early diagnosis.”

Reference: “Endogenous self-peptides guard immune privilege of the central nervous system” by Min Woo Kim, Wenqing Gao, Cheryl F. Lichti, Xingxing Gu, Taitea Dykstra, Jay Cao, Igor Smirnov, Pavle Boskovic, Denis Kleverov, Andrea F. M. Salvador, Antoine Drieu, Kyungdeok Kim, Susan Blackburn, Clair Crewe, Maxim N. Artyomov, Emil R. Unanue and Jonathan Kipnis, 30 October 2024, Nature .
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08279-y

WashU Medicine collaborators on the study include Cheryl Lichti, PhD, an associate professor of pathology & immunology; Clair Crewe, PhD, an assistant professor of cell biology & physiology; Maxim N. Artyomov, PhD, the Alumni Endowed Professor of Pathology & Immunology; and the late Emil R. Unanue, PhD, who died before seeing the study’s completion. Unanue, a 1995 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award winner, was a pioneer in describing the interactions between T cells and presenting cells that make it possible for the former to recognize and respond to foreign invaders.

Read more at scitechdaily.com

Tags: aging secrets , alternative medicine , anti-aging , exercise , goodhealth , goodmedicine , goodscience , healing arts , health science , lifestyle , longevity , men’s health , natural health , natural medicine , Naturopathy , physical activity , research , sedentary life , tips , women’s health A recent study by researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia has found that midlife exercise can help adults maintain a high quality of life and promotes longevity. The importance of midlife exercise

The study, published in PLOS Medicine , emphasizes that starting an exercise routine in midlife can significantly improve lifespan and health outcomes . This research tracked over 11,000 women as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), providing valuable data over many years.

The findings show that regular exercise during midlife (ages 40-50) is linked to better physical health in later years, including increased strength, a lower risk of falls and better cardiovascular health. Notably, even women who weren’t active in their younger years experienced significant benefits from exercising in their 50s. This suggests that it’s never too late to adopt healthy habits and improve one’s health trajectory.

“Our research indicates that to maintain a good physical health-related quality of life around age 70, individuals can potentially compensate for a lack of earlier activity by becoming active in their mid-50s,” the researchers explained. Unexpected benefits of exercising in midlife

Women who adhered to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as brisk walking or cycling, for about 15 years, showed significantly better physical functioning in later life. These include balance, strength and performing daily activities.

Starting to exercise in midlife can help offset the effects of earlier inactivity. Women who began exercising regularly in their 50s showed similar levels of physical health to those who had been active all their lives. This demonstrates that adopting healthy habits later in life can still yield substantial benefits.

Lead researcher Binh Nguyen noted: “Our findings support the idea that making lifestyle changes, like becoming more physically active in midlife , can help improve future health. This suggests that even if someone hasn’t made the healthiest choices in the past–making positive changes in midlife can significantly impact their well-being.”

However, the study has some limitations, including relying on participants to report their physical activity levels and not accounting for all possible influencing factors. Additionally, the results may not apply to all middle-aged Australian women or those in other countries. Nevertheless, the study highlights the huge impact exercise has on one’s overall health and well-being. Advantages of exercising in midlife and later years

Engaging in regular physical activity is essential for reducing the risk of age-related health issues , including: Osteoporosis

Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, running or strength training, helps to increase and preserve bone density. This strengthens the bones, making them less prone to fractures, and reduces one’s risk of developing osteoporosis – a condition where bones become weak and brittle. Cardiovascular disease

Exercise benefits the heart by strengthening the heart muscle, improving blood circulation and helping to manage blood pressure. These effects can significantly lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems during midlife and beyond. Cognitive decline

Physical activity promotes better blood flow to the brain, which can help maintain cognitive function and memory. Research indicates that regular exercise may even lower the risk of dementia. By enhancing muscle strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility and balance, regular exercise supports one’s ability to perform daily tasks independently as one ages, leading to a higher quality of life and greater self-reliance. (Related: Research finds exercise increases brain size, memory function as you age .) Tips for starting exercise in midlife

If you’re in your 40s, 50s or older and haven’t been very active, now is a great time to start focusing on your health and well-being. Here are some suggestions based on recent research: Start gradually

Begin with light activities like short walks or gentle exercises and slowly increase the duration and intensity over time. Choose activities you enjoy

It’s important to find exercises that you like, whether it’s walking, cycling, dancing, gardening, swimming or any other form of movement. Enjoyable activities are more likely to become a regular part of your routine. For more ideas, check out Aging Today ’s article on “Exercises for Seniors,” which offers a variety of low-impact exercises that are perfect for staying active . Be consistent

To get the most health benefits, it’s important to be consistent with your exercise. Try to include moderate-intensity activities in your weekly routine, aiming for at least 150 minutes spread throughout the week. Regular activity is more beneficial than sporadic workouts. Make it social

Exercising with friends or joining group activities can make working out more fun and help keep you motivated. Consult your doctor

Before starting any new exercise program, it’s crucial to check with a health care practitioner, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions. They can help you create a safe and effective exercise plan tailored to your needs.

Remember, the goal is to move more and sit less. Even small amounts of physical activity, like doing household chores, can contribute to better health. It’s never too late to start making positive changes for your health through regular exercise.

WomensFitnessFocus.com has more on the health benefits of regular exercise.

Watch the following video about how a small but meaningful change in midlife exercise can reverse years of inactivity .

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com . More related stories:

Exercise 13 minutes every day to increase your life expectancy by 3 years, advise experts .

Physical fitness equals brain fitness for older men, according to study .

Regular exercise increases brain volume, protects against age-related dementia .

Sources include: Earth.com Journals.PLoS.org AgingToday.com Brighteon.com View Synonyms and Definitions Take Action:Support Natural News by linking to this article from your website.Permalink to this article:CopyEmbed article link:CopyReprinting this article:Non-commercial use is permitted with credit to NaturalNews.com (including […]

Read more at www.naturalnews.com

Wendy Suzuki , Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at New York University. The author of two books about anxiety and cognitive health, she’s also an expert on the lifestyle choices that have the biggest benefits for our brains.

Through her research, Suzuki has tapped into the habits we can form in order to make the most of our minds, including reducing the risk of dementia — and she knows they work, because she practices them herself. At TODAY’s Making Space Wellness Weekend w i th Hoda Kotb , sponsored by Miraval Resorts & Spas, Suzuki shared with TODAY.com the routine she follows seven days a week to keep her feeling energized and focused. Prioritizing sleep

Suzuki gets a solid eight hours of sleep per night, and wakes up at the same time every day. “I like to wake up early, between 5 and 5:30 a.m.,” she says.

“Sleep is so important for my long-term cognitive health. I’m more energized and can shove more things into my schedule … because I sleep,” Suzuki says. “I make that a huge priority, and everything else kind of falls out from there.” Wendy Suzuki speaks about the importance of exercise for brain health at TODAY’s Making Space Wellness Weekend in Austin, Texas. Courtesy Rebecca Brenneman Recent research has also shown that regularly sleeping less than five or six hours a night can make a person anywhere from 30% to twice as likely to develop dementia, compared to those who sleep seven or eight hours a night. Meditation

Once she’s awake, Suzuki begins her day with tea and meditation. “It’s meditation over the brewing and drinking of tea,” she explains. As she boils water for her tea and lets it steep, she uses that time to get centered.

“I was a yo-yo meditator,” Suzuki admits, but that was before giving this kind of meditation a try. Now, she’s got a process she’s committed to.

Meditation may also help reduce the risk of dementia because it can reduce high blood pressure and anxiety, both risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, research shows . Regular exercise

Research shows aerobic exercise for a little as 10 minutes a day, such as dancing, gardening or even power walking around the grocery store, is enough to give the brain a boost, says Suzuki.

The goal is “getting your heart rate up,” she explains, adding that you can get aerobic exercise from things you’re already doing — just “add a little bit of a jump in your step, and there it is.”

That’s because “aerobic (exercise) has the most evidence for brain benefits, including the growth factors that could help grow your hippocampus, make your memory (better), make your prefrontal cortex better,” Suzuki says.

Suzuki also makes sure to add strength training to her workout routine because of its benefits for bone health as women age. She says she does 30 minutes of cardio-strength-training seven days a week. “That’s a great way to get it all in one,” she says.

Her favorite workouts are cardio-strength and yoga classes led by trainers at her gym. And when she’s traveling, she’ll take an online workout class so as not to disrupt her routine. 0 seconds of 5 minutes, 16 secondsVolume 90% Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts

Play/PauseSPACE

Increase Volume↑

Decrease Volume↓

Seek Forward→

Seek Backward←

Captions On/Offc

Fullscreen/Exit Fullscreenf

Mute/Unmutem

Decrease Caption Size-

Increase Caption Size+ or =

Seek %0-9 00:00

05:16

05:16 How to boost brain health and improve your memory 05:16 A brain-health focused diet Suzuki, like many health experts, is a fan of the Mediterranean diet , often celebrated as the healthiest one to follow.The meal plan prioritizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and leans proteins such as fish, which are high omega-3 fatty acids, and have been shown to boost brain health. The plan is also low in sugar, sodium and ultraprocessed foods . Studies have shown that the diet can help with weight loss, heart health and increasing longevity. She maintains her friendships “We are a social species,” says Suzuki. And forming and maintaining social relationships, she says, correlates with longevity. Suzuki has made a priority of fostering friendships, and says it’s “part of my brain health formula in my own life.” Research has shown that maintaining a robust social network can reduce the risk of developing dementia by 26%, compared to people with fewer social connections. Read more stories from TODAY’s Making Space Wellness Weekend with Hoda Kotb: Hoda reveals the ‘platter trick’ that helped her realize her life was ‘totally out of whack’ Maria Shriver reveals to Hoda the important parenting lesson she learned growing up in a famous family See Hoda join Rachel Platten on stage to sing ‘Fight Song’ at her Making Space retreat Hoda recalls struggling with ‘imposter syndrome’ after adopting daughters: ‘I wonder if I deserve them’ Aryelle Siclait Health Reporter/Editor

Read more at www.today.com

A heart attack unleashes immune cells that stimulate sleep neurons, leading to restorative slumber. Facebook

Email

Ample sleep after a heart attack dampens inflammation in the organ, aiding recovery. Immune cells rush to the brain and promote deep sleep after a heart attack , according to a new study 1 involving both mice and humans. This heavy slumber helps recovery by easing inflammation in the heart , the study found.

The findings, published today in Nature , could help to guide care for people after a heart attack , says co-author Cameron McAlpine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, who studies immune function in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. “Getting sufficient sleep and rest after a heart attack is important for long-term healing of the heart,” he notes.

The implications of the study go beyond heart attack , says Rachel Rowe, a specialist in sleep and inflammation at the University of Colorado Boulder. “For any kind of injury, your body’s natural response would be to help you sleep so your body can heal,” she says. The heart needs its sleep

Scientists have long known that sleep and cardiovascular health are linked . People who sleep poorly are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, for example, than are sound sleepers. But how cardiovascular disease affects sleep has been less explored.

To learn more, the authors induced heart attacks in mice and investigated the animals’ brainwaves. The researchers found that these mice spent much more time in slow-wave sleep — a stage of deep sleep that has been associated with healing — than did mice that hadn’t had a heart attack. Your brain could be controlling how sick you get — and how you recover Next, the authors sought to understand what was causing that effect. One obvious place to look was the brain, which controls sleep , notes McAlpine. After a heart attack, immune cells trigger a massive burst of inflammation in the heart, he says, and the researchers wondered whether these immune changes also occurred in the brain.

The team found that, after a mouse’s heart attack, immune cells called monocytes flooded its brain. These cells produced large amounts of a protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNF), which is an important regulator of inflammation and also promotes sleep.

To confirm that these cells were linked to the increased sleep, researchers prevented monocytes from accumulating in the rodents’ brains. As a result, “the mice no longer had this increase in slow-wave sleep after their heart attack,” McAlpine says, supporting the theory that the influx of monocytes to the brain contributes to the post-heart-attack sleep boost. Similar experiments confirmed TNF’s role as a messenger to sleep-inducing brain cells. Slumbering toward recovery

To understand the purpose of the extra sleep, the researchers repeatedly interrupted slow-wave sleep in mice that had had a heart attack. The team found that these mice had more inflammation in both the brain and the heart, and had a much worse prognosis than mice that were allowed to sleep undisturbed after a heart attack. How the brain senses a flu infection — and orders the body to rest The authors also studied humans who had experienced acute coronary syndrome , a term for conditions, including heart attack, that are caused by a sudden reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle. Those who reported poor sleep in the weeks following such an episode had a higher risk of developing heart attacks and other serious cardiovascular problems over the next two years than did those who were good sleepers.

Given the findings, “clinicians need to inform patients of the importance of a good night’s sleep” after a heart attack, says Rowe. This should also be considered at the hospital, where tests and procedures would ideally be conducted during the daytime to minimize sleep interruptions.

She adds that the findings highlight the bidirectional relationship between sleep and the immune system. “When your grandma says, ‘if you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll get sick’, there’s a lot of truth to that.”

Read the related News & Views, ‘ Deep sleep helps the heart to heal’ References

data-track-component=”outbound reference” data-track-context=”references section”> Huynh, P. et al. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08100-w (2024).

Article Google Scholar

Download references

Read more at www.nature.com

Credit…Josie Norton It makes sense in principle: You exercise your muscles to make them stronger and prevent frailty and decline; shouldn’t your brain work the same way?

That premise launched multiple brain training websites and apps, and most likely contributed to the sale of countless Sudoku, crossword and logic puzzle books over the past two decades. It also inspired numerous academic researchers to explore whether cognitive training really can make people smarter and even lower the risk for dementia.

But, as often happens in science, a seemingly straightforward idea is more complicated than it appears. Because the answer to, “is training your brain helpful?” depends on what type of exercises you’re doing and what benefits you’re seeking.

When psychologists conduct research on whether it’s possible to improve cognition, they mostly use computer games developed to enhance a specific aspect of how we think. Some brain training games teach people strategies to improve a skill or recognize patterns. Others gradually increase speed and difficulty to challenge the brain, said Lesley Ross, a professor of psychology at Clemson University.

Many studies have shown that playing these games can improve people’s cognitive abilities — not just on the specific task they’re working on, but related tasks, too. That “isn’t terribly surprising,” said Adrian Owen, a professor of cognitive neuroscience and imaging at Western University in Ontario, Canada, just as someone who practiced memorizing phone numbers would probably get better at remembering dates.

Evidence that playing one type of game will make you smarter overall or help you improve on a completely different kind of task is less compelling.

“Brain training works in the sense that, if you want to learn to play the violin,” you will get better if you practice the violin, Dr. Owen said. But if you learn to play the violin, “do you get any better at the trumpet? Well, the obvious answer is no.”

Some brain training companies have said that their games can also help stave off cognitive decline, but research investigating the connection is slim. One of the few studies that has looked at this found that healthy older adults who played a game designed to improve processing speed had a 29 percent lower risk of dementia a decade later. People who played two other games, a memory task or a problem-solving task, also had decreased risk, though the benefit wasn’t significant compared to people who didn’t play any games.

Experts said this study suggested that brain training games have promise, but additional clinical trials are needed. Editors’ Picks

There is more research on how everyday hobbies and behaviors — like doing crossword puzzles, playing board games, reading books or newspapers, or learning another language — may protect against cognitive decline.

Several studies have suggested that the more often people engage in cognitively stimulating activities, the lower their risk for cognitive impairment or the later they receive a dementia diagnosis . For example, one found that, among adults who developed dementia, those who regularly completed crossword puzzles delayed the onset of memory decline by more than two years compared to those who didn’t.

If something is mentally challenging, “chances are that’s probably pretty good for your brain,” Dr. Ross said. But, she added, those studies of everyday activities are not randomized controlled trials — the gold standard in science and medicine — that would provide a definitive link between cognitively stimulating hobbies and a lowered risk of dementia. In other words, the current evidence only shows an association, not a direct cause and effect.

When asked why either of these types of activities, whether it’s a specially designed game or a crossword puzzle, might help the brain, experts mentioned the theory of “cognitive reserve.” The idea is the more “mental muscle” someone has built up, the more resilient they are to dementia, said Dr. Joe Verghese, the chair of the neurology department at the Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine.

These activities likely won’t prevent the brain damage that leads to dementia. But if someone does get Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive reserve “can mask the effect and delay the onset of symptoms for a few years,” Dr. Verghese said.

Support for this theory comes from research demonstrating that people with more education have a lower risk of developing dementia, said Dr. Samuel Gandy, associate director of the Mount Sinai Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in New York City. Other studies have shown the same for people with cognitively challenging jobs . It’s possible that mentally stimulating hobbies might have a similar effect.

However, there is no way to directly measure cognitive reserve, Dr. Owen said. As a result, it’s difficult to say whether brain training games can also enhance it.

Instead, some researchers point to evidence that the games can increase and strengthen the connections between neurons , called synapses. It could be that “by having more synapses, you may be able to lose some and not notice it,” Dr. Gandy said.

The experts generally agreed that, much like physical exercise or staying socially active , cognitively stimulating activities could potentially help protect against cognitive decline, and they have virtually no downsides.

When it comes to specially designed brain training games, their opinions were more mixed and largely came down to whether the cost of a subscription to a brain training website was worth it. Dr. Verghese said the games deliver “cognitive stimulation in a systematic way,” making them a worthwhile expense for those who can afford it.

Dr. Owen countered that people should save their money, since many of the brain training sites’ claims about improving cognition or staving off dementia “are simply not scientifically defensible.”

Perhaps Dr. Gandy summed up the debate best: “I don’t think it’ll hurt,” but he added, “I can’t promise you that will help either.”

Read more at www.nytimes.com

Dementia is a devastating neurological disease that can cause memory loss, confusion, challenges with thinking and comprehension and changes in mood and behavior. According to the Alzheimer’s Association , there are 6.9 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s dementia. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 4% of adults age 65 and older had a dementia diagnosis, and the number continues to grow: The National Institutes of Health report that by the year 2060, the number of Americans with dementia could grow to 13.8 million.

Thankfully, there are steps we can take to at least somewhat reduce dementia and Alzheimer’s risk and improve brain health. One critical piece of dementia prevention is diet.

� SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week �

“Diet is so critical in the prevention of dementia because the brain relies on a steady supply of nutrients to function at its best and maintain cognitive health, memory and emotional health,” says Dr. Stefan Mindea, MD , neurologist, neurosurgeon and director at Minimally Invasive and Spinal Oncology Surgery . “More and more, we are realizing that dietary patterns can either reduce or increase the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, by influencing brain inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular health—meaning healthy blood vessels that are the highways for oxygen in your brain—all of which are closely tied to cognitive and neurological decline.”

One type of diet has been well studied and proven to help prevent dementia: the Mediterranean diet , which is rich in fruits, vegetables, unprocessed grains, healthy fats (especially from olive oil) and fish and low in other animal fats or animal protein (think red and processed meats especially).

Related: Doing This One Thing Every Day Could Lower Your Risk of Dementia, According to a Cleveland Clinic Neuropsychologist The One Snack a Neurologist Eats Every Day for Dementia Prevention

Hands down, the one snack that Dr. Mindea eats everyday for dementia prevention is walnuts.

“Walnuts are a great rich plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is crucial for brain health,” says Dr. Mindea. “This type of fat can also be found in fish. It’s critical because it reduces brain inflammation and promotes neuroplasticity, meaning that it helps in sustaining the connections we have between neurons (the cells in our brain).”

He explains that a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging found that individuals who consumed walnuts regularly experienced better memory performance and higher cognitive test scores compared to those who did not eat walnuts.

“This suggests a potential protective effect against age-related cognitive decline and dementia,” adds Dr. Mindea.

Try eating a serving of walnuts everyday (which is one ounce or ¼ cup) to gain dementia-preventing benefits.

Related: A Change in This Daily Habit Could Be an Early Sign of Dementia, According to New Research Diet Tips for Dementia Prevention

Besides eating walnuts everyday, here are a few more nutrition tips to try to keep your brain healthy and prevent dementia. Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity is directly linked to dementia. One study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that obese women had a 39% greater risk of dementia compared to women who were not obese.

To maintain a healthy weight and ward off obesity, Dr. Mindea recommends eating an appropriate amount of calories for your age and engaging in physical activity. He also advocates for adding foods high in antioxidants and flavor that have anti-inflammatory effects, such as avocado, nuts, raisins, seeds, cilantro or very thinly sliced ginger, to your diet. Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods

Replace sugary drinks and processed foods with foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats , which can significantly improve long-term cognitive health.

“Processed foods and sugary drinks promote brain inflammation and the ‘rusting’ of our brain, if you will, scientifically known as oxidative stress,” says Dr. Mindea. “Aside from inflammation and oxidative stress, these types of foods increase insulin resistance (slowing your metabolism down and predisposing you to feeling hungry, craving sweets and gaining weight).”

Dr. Mindea also notes that processed foods can cause cardiovascular damage, including damaging the blood vessels in your brain, which he says “can impair brain function and brain health and increase the risk of dementia.”

Two drinks Dr. Mindea is strongly against consuming: Both regular soda and diet soda. He is against regular soda due to its high sugar content, but says diet soda isn’t a great alternative because it’s been linked to a possible increased risk of metabolic syndrome and a possible increased risk of dementia .

Related: Adding This Delicious Staple to Your Diet Could Lower Your Risk of Dying from Dementia by 28%, According to New Research Cut down on alcohol intake

Alcohol is not good for your brain, especially if you are drinking in excess. Dr. Mindea pointed to a study in The Lancet Public Health , which found that alcohol use disorders “were the strongest modifiable risk factor for dementia, especially early-onset dementia.” That means it’s the biggest factor that we can actually control when it comes to altering our own risk for dementia and early-onset dementia.

Reducing your intake of alcohol may help prevent dementia risk. To determine how much (and if any) alcohol you should be consuming, talk with your medical care provider.

Up Next:

Related: These Are the Early Dementia Signs That Are Missed the Most Often, According to Neurologists Sources

Read more at www.yahoo.com