Nature Knows and Psionic Success

The immune system has various means to detect infectious invaders, like bacteria and viruses. and non-infectious ones, like cancer. Some cancers, however, can evade immune surveillance and even switch off our immune system. To assist the immune system, several cancer immunotherapies have been developed and have shown beneficial for many cancer patients, including those in advanced stages and with metastatic cancers. These therapies work by either stimulating the immune system’s normal defenses or using lab-made materials that mimic immune system functions.

For patients with tumors that lack immune cells and other cancer fighting molecules in and around the tumor, also known as cold tumors, the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies can be low. To help these patients, Honggang Cui , Feihu Wang, Hao Su, and other colleagues, investigated a possible combination chemo-immunotherapy approach using a known chemotherapy drug called camptothecin (CPT) and activating a cell signaling pathway called stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which stimulates the immune system.

Cui is a core faculty member at the Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT) and associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Whiting School of Engineering. Wang is a postdoctoral fellow in Cui’s lab and Su is a former PhD student in the Cui lab and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at Eindhoven University of Technology.

CPT is often administered intravenously. However, this drug delivery method often has off-target effects, meaning that the drug can interact with anything it encounters in body besides the tumor, which creates side effects. It also does not allow for long-term release of the drug and the contents lose their potency as it circulates the body before it reaches the tumor. To address this, the team converted CPT into a self-assembling hydrogel, a gelatin-like substance. As a hydrogel, CPT could be administered directly into the tumor and would provide long-term drug release by degrading over a two-month period.

The hydrogel form also allows the team to incorporate cyclic dinucleotide c-di-AMP (CDA), a molecule that activates the STING pathway. When CPT, the chemotherapeutic drug, kills the cancer cells, it inflames the tumor microenvironment and attracts immune cells to the tumor sites. This process works synergistically with the STING pathway activation, provoking a stronger immune response and helping the immune cells penetrate the tumor to destroy it. Now that the tumor has the assistance of the immune system, it is referred to as an immune-stimulating tumor, and immune-stimulating tumors allow for immunotherapies to be more effective.

“The hydrogel we designed has a twofold role. First, it is a drug that helps create an immune responsive environment, and secondly, it a delivery medium that allows for the sustained release, over a two-month period, of the drug,” said Cui. The illustration depicts the hydrogel’s design, the delivery method, and immune response. Image credit: Feihu Wang and Zongyuan Wang, Johns Hopkins University The team tested their therapy on mouse models with subcutaneous brain, breast, and colorectal tumors. Their results showed near tumor regression in most of their models with no obvious side effects. Not only that, when the tumors were destroyed, their contents leaked into the surrounding environment. This caused inflammation, which further stimulated an immune response to the area by activating other immune cells such as natural killer cells, T cells, and dendritic cells.

After the primary tumors were treated, the researchers reintroduce the same cancer back into the mice, a process known as rechallenging the tumor. Remarkably, the tumors did not regrow. By delivering CPT and CDA via the hydrogel form directly into the primary tumor, the immune system produced memory T cells, which provides the immune system with long-term memory and surveillance for the same tumor in the future.

The team published their finding in a recent journal article in Nature Biomedical Engineering and it offers promising results for patients with cold tumors, but it can also help with tumor recurrence and metastasis.

Story by Gina Wadas More Information

More recently, Cui, Wang, and coauthors reported on the use of a drug-based supramolecular hydrogelator for local delivery of immune checkpoint inhibitors to boost the host’s immune responses against tumor. They found that supramolecular hydrogels could serve as a reservoir for sustained co-release of CPT and anti-PD-1 antibody, resulting in an immune-stimulating tumor microenvironment for boosted PD-1 blockade immune response, which elicited robust and durable systemic anti-cancer immunity, inducing tumor regression and inhibiting tumor recurrence and metastasis.

Read more at inbt.jhu.edu

( Natural News ) It turns out, you can “hack” your diet to reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease, says a recent study by Wake Forest School of Medicine in North Carolina. In the report, a team of researchers showed how diet could influence gut bacteria, which, in turn, can stop the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In particular, they identified several distinct microbiome signatures in the gut microbiome of patients with MCI.

The team also revealed how a modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet affects the gut microbiome, in particular, when it comes to reducing biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.

“The relationship of the gut microbiome and diet to neurodegenerative diseases has recently received considerable attention, and this study suggests that Alzheimer’s disease is associated with specific changes in gut bacteria and that a type of ketogenic Mediterranean diet can affect the microbiome in ways that could impact the development of dementia,” explained Dr. Hariom Yadav, a professor molecular medicine at Wake Forest and a co-author of the study.

The team published their findings in EBioMedicine . Exploring the brain-gut connection

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects memory, thinking and behavior. The disease affects more than 5 million Americans , according to the Alzheimer’s Association . Despite its prevalence, the exact cause of the disease remains unclear. There are also no accepted mainstream cures or therapies for treating it outside of adopting healthier habits, such as exercising and cutting back on foods that can affect brain health. (Related: The risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease .)

Scientists have recently begun to explore the feasibility of nutritional approaches in reducing the risk of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s. For the most part, this emerging area of research is borne out of the idea that gut health might be linked to brain health.

A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine and Public Health and the University of Gothenburg reported back in 2017 that the gut microbiome might be linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s .

This report came about after the team isolated fecal samples from Alzheimer’s patients to compare their gut microbiome to that of control participants. They found that the gut microbiome of those in the Alzheimer’s group had less microbial richness.

The Alzheimer’s group also had more pro-inflammatory bacteria in their gut. This finding is significant because chronic inflammation raises the risk of Alzheimer’s and exacerbates its symptoms in patients.

Based on their findings, the researchers thus concluded that determining the role of gut bacteria in the progression of Alzheimer’s can lead to treatments in the future that modulate gut microbiome for better brain health. MMKD alters gut bacteria and reduces Alzheimer’s risk

In support of these findings, researchers of the EBioMedicine study affirmed that the risk of Alzheimer’s is tied to gut health after finding similarities among the gut microbiome signatures of 11 MCI patients but not among those of the six cognitively normal (CN) participants.

It should be noted that MCI is not a form of dementia , but it does cause neurological problems that cannot be considered a normal part of aging. MCI also places patients at a greater risk of dementia in later life.

Upon analysis of fecal samples, the team found that MCI patients had a higher amount of bad gut microbes called Firmicutes. These bacteria are linked to metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity.

In addition, the MCI patients had inadequate amounts of Bacteroidetes, a genus of beneficial gut bacteria. Their guts also lacked bacterial diversity. All three findings are signs of an imbalanced gut or poor gut health.

Furthermore, the gut microbiome similarities across the MCI patients also corresponded to increased biomarkers of Alzheimer’s. This suggests that poor gut health is linked to a greater risk of the disease.

The team then conducted a randomized, double-blind trial on both groups to see if changes in diet can alter the gut microbiome and, in doing so, minimize the risk of Alzheimer’s.

For the dietary intervention, the team randomly assigned each participant either an MMKD or a low-fat diet for six weeks. After a six-week washout period, each participant should then follow the other diet for another six weeks.

The researchers took fecal samples from all participants before and after each dieting period to monitor changes in their gut microbiome. They also measured ketones from blood samples and biomarkers of Alzheimer’s from the participants’ cerebrospinal fluid.

Past studies found that greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet is linked to reduced incidences of chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s. On the other hand, the ketogenic diet has been found to alter the gut microbiome in mice.

For these reasons, the researchers combined both diets to form a modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet comprised of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, extra-virgin olive oil , lean meat and fish. Many of these foods are thought to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The other diet also featured fruits and vegetables, but it restricted fat intake to less than 40 grams per day. Additionally, 50–60 percent of the total caloric intake under this diet is expected to come solely from fiber-containing carbohydrates.

After both dieting periods, the team found that the MMKD did produce changes in the gut microbiome that corresponded to reduced levels of biomarkers of Alzheimer’s in both groups.

Therefore, MMKD did slash not only the risk of Alzheimer’s in MCI patients but also reduced biomarkers of Alzheimer’s in those that had normal levels of cognition.

The study findings also underscore the need for future clinical studies that focus on the role of the gut microbiome in reducing the risk of and stalling the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

The team further noted that these findings could be used in the creation of nutritional and therapeutic approaches against the disease in the future that take the role of gut health into account.

Sources include: Alz.org Nature.com TheLancet.com

Read more at www.naturalnews.com

TORONTO, ON – A new study by a team of researchers from the University of Toronto (U of T) has identified the region of the brain’s hippocampus that links low income with decreased memory and language ability in children.

Previous research has shown that children from lower income families on average score lower in memory and language abilities than their higher income peers.

It is also known that a brain region that supports these abilities — called the hippocampus — is sensitive to the chronic stress that can be associated with lower socioeconomic status and that it is smaller in volume in children from lower income families.

Surprisingly, previous research had failed to show that the hippocampus underlies income-related gaps in cognition.

“What we found — and what makes this result novel — is that it’s the anterior hippocampus that is associated with differences in cognition related to income,” says Alexandra Decker, lead author of a study published today in Nature Communications.

Decker is a PhD candidate in the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts & Science at U of T. Her co-authors are professors from the department and include co-senior-author Amy Finn, Katherine Duncan and Donald J. Mabbott who is also with The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto.

Decker and her colleagues arrived at their result by analyzing data previously gathered from a diverse sample of over 700 children, adolescents and young adults that included assessments of memory and vocabulary, as well as annual family income. They also studied MRI scans of participants.

[subhead] Stresses and availability of resources associated with low socioeconomic status

The hippocampus is located in the brain’s temporal lobe. As part of the limbic system, it plays a vital role in learning and memory.

Previous research linked socioeconomic status and decreased levels of cognition but did not identify the hippocampus as the underlying cause, in part because the hippocampus was viewed as a single, homogeneous structure.

The result produced by Decker and her colleagues was based on growing evidence that the hippocampus comprises two distinct regions — the posterior and anterior. According to Decker, “These regions develop differently and play different roles in cognition — and they have different sensitivities to stress.”

The researchers found that lower socioeconomic status was associated with reduced size of the anterior hippocampus but not the posterior or whole hippocampus.

Although the data used in the study was limited to family income, Decker and her colleagues describe factors associated with socioeconomic status that could play a role in the effect — including stress and the availability of material and non-material resources.

“Parents from families with higher incomes are more able to take time off work and are less likely to be working multiple jobs,” says Decker. “They’re also generally able to consistently afford enrolment in enriching programs and nutritious meals.”

What’s more, she says, children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds can experience a range of stressors. “For example, the stress borne by their parents about being able to make rent, pay bills and afford groceries.”

[subhead] Insight for researchers, educators and policy makers

In addition, the researchers found that increases in income benefited brain development only up to a certain threshold.

“The relationship between income and the anterior hippocampus seems to be significant up to about an annual family income of about $75,000,” says Decker. “There appear to be diminishing benefits at higher levels — which raises the question, why?

“More research needs to be done to answer this,” she says. “But it could be that at around $75,000, particular needs have been met.”

The researchers say the finding may be helpful to researchers, educators, and policy makers interested in promoting brain and cognitive health in children from families with lower incomes. It may also provide insight into the types of cognitive processes that require more support in these children.

According to Finn, who is head of the Learning and Neural Development Lab at U of T, “These findings can help us understand how children from lower income backgrounds are uniquely disadvantaged compared to their peers from higher-income families on measures of cognitive ability.

“Understanding how these factors interact,” she says, “is central to designing means to boost cognitive performance in children from lower income backgrounds, with implications for social mobility, reducing achievement gaps and much more.”

“It raises the possibility,” adds Decker, “that we may eventually be able to prevent — at least to some extent — these negative effects on the brain. It suggests how we might be able to make a difference.”

###

The work was supported by Brain Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

MEDIA CONTACTS :Alexandra Decker Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Psychology University of Toronto alexandra.decker@mail.utoronto.ca Katherine Duncan Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology University of Toronto duncan@psych.utoronto.ca +1 416 946 0207Amy Finn Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology University of Toronto finn@psych.utoronto.ca +1 416 978 3904Sean Bettam Communications + Public Affairs, Faculty of Arts & Science University of Toronto s.bettam@utoronto.ca +1 416 946 7950 Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

Read more at www.eurekalert.org

Your brain is always working, despite evidence to the contrary (where did I put my keys again?). And how you fuel it directly affects its function. Eat high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and you’ll nourish and protect your brain from oxidative stress (the waste, or free radicals, produced when the body uses oxygen, which can damage cells). Canada’s recently revamped food guide , which put an emphasis on eating more fruits and vegetables , has been lauded for its potential benefits to brain health (not to mention mental health benefits ). Need more convincing? The findings from these three recent studies are a good reminder why you should always keep nutrition on the mind. Eat more flavonoids

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed the eating habits of 600 Americans over the course of 20 years and showed that the people who ate more foods high in flavinoids had a 40 to 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer disease and related dementias. What are flavonoids?

Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) found in almost all fruits and vegetables. They’re associated with all kinds of excellent activity, including skin protection, brain function, blood-sugar and blood-pressure regulation, plus antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. For this study, the intake of one type of flavonoid, anthocyanins, which are abundant in blueberries, strawberries and red wine, had the strongest association with lowered risk of dementia . Apples, pears, oranges, bananas and tea also contributed.

The best part? A little goes a long way. The monthly average intake from the healthiest cohort was about seven half-cup servings of strawberries or blueberries, eight apples or pears, and 17 cups of tea.

(Here are other healthy habits that’ll boost your brain health.) Dip into those pickled capers

Researchers from the School of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, published a new study that shows eating pickled capers is good for brain and heart health. They’re the richest known natural source of a bioflavonoid called quercetin, which regulates our potassium ion channels—their dysfunction is linked to diabetes, cardiac arrhythmia, and epilepsy. Quercetin can also directly regulate proteins required for bodily processes such as heartbeat, thought, muscular contraction, and normal functioning of the thyroid, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract. Not bad work for an inconspicuous condiment. Tap the protective power of fish

It irritates our eyes and throats, and damages our lungs, but air pollution also causes our brains to shrink and affects our memory and cognitive power as we age. A new study published in Neurology shows women who eat a diet high in omega 3s from fish can better withstand the detriment.

Next, learn the habits you should start today to keep your brain healthy at 80 .

The post 3 Changes to Your Diet That Could Benefit Your Brain appeared first on Best Health Magazine Canada .

Gallery: 35 Health News Stories You Need to Read This Week (Reader’s Digest Canada)

Read more at www.msn.com

Summary: Transcranial vagus nerve stimulation could significantly improve a person’s ability to learn the sounds of a new language. The non-invasive stimulation technique could have positive implications for boosting other types of learning also.

Source: University of Pittsburgh

New research by neuroscientists at the University of Pittsburgh and University of California San Francisco (UCSF) revealed that a simple, earbud-like device developed at UCSF that imperceptibly stimulates a key nerve leading to the brain could significantly improve the wearer’s ability to learn the sounds of a new language. This device may have wide-ranging applications for boosting other kinds of learning as well.

Mandarin Chinese is considered one of the hardest languages for native English speakers to learn, in part because the language — like many others around the world — uses distinctive changes in pitch, called “tones,” to change the meaning of words that otherwise sound the same. In the new study, published today in npj Science of Learning, researchers significantly improved the ability of native English speakers to distinguish between Mandarin tones by using precisely timed, non-invasive stimulation of the vagus nerve — the longest of the 12 cranial nerves that connect the brain to the rest of the body. What’s more, vagus nerve stimulation allowed research participants to pick up some Mandarin tones twice as quickly.

“Showing that non-invasive peripheral nerve stimulation can make language learning easier potentially opens the door to improving cognitive performance across a wide range of domains,” said lead author Fernando Llanos, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in Pitt’s Sound Brain Lab.

“This is one of the first demonstrations that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation can enhance a complex cognitive skill like language learning in healthy people,” said Matthew Leonard, Ph.D., an assistant professor, Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, whose team developed the nerve stimulation device. Leonard is a senior author of the new study, alongside Bharath Chandrasekaran, Ph.D., professor and vice chair of research, Department of Communication Science and Disorders, Pitt School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and director of the Sound Brain Lab.

Researchers used a non-invasive technique called transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), in which a small stimulator is placed in the outer ear and can activate the vagus nerve using unnoticeable electrical pulses to stimulate one of the nerve’s nearby branches.

For their study, the researchers recruited 36 native English-speaking adults and trained them to identify the four tones of Mandarin Chinese in examples of natural speech, using a set of tasks developed in the Sound Brain Lab to study the neurobiology of language learning.

Participants who received imperceptible tVNS paired with two Mandarin tones that are typically easier for English speakers to tell apart showed quick improvements in learning to distinguish these tones. By the end of the training, those participants were 13% better on average at classifying tones and reached peak performance twice as quickly as control participants who wore the tVNS device but never received stimulation.

“There’s a general feeling that people can’t learn the sound patterns of a new language in adulthood, but our work historically has shown that’s not true for everyone,” Chandrasekaran said. “In this study, we are seeing that tVNS reduces those individual differences more than any other intervention I’ve seen.”

“This approach may be leveling the playing field of natural variability in language learning ability,” added Leonard. “In general, people tend to get discouraged by how hard language learning can be, but if you could give someone 13% to 15% better results after their first session, maybe they’d be more likely to want to continue.”

The researchers now are testing whether longer training sessions with tVNS can impact participants’ ability to learn to discriminate two tones that are harder for English speakers to differentiate, which was not significantly improved in the current study.

Stimulation of the vagus nerve has been used to treat epilepsy for decades and has recently been linked to benefits for a wide range of issues ranging from depression to inflammatory disease, though exactly how these benefits are conferred remains unclear. But most of these findings have used invasive forms of stimulation involving an impulse generator implanted in the chest. By contrast, the ability to evoke significant boosts to learning using simple, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation could lead to significantly cheaper and safer clinical and commercial applications.

The researchers suspect tVNS boosts learning by broadly enhancing neurotransmitter signaling across wide swaths of the brain to temporarily boost attention to the auditory stimulus being presented and promote long-term learning, though more research is needed to verify this mechanism.

“We’re showing robust learning effects in a completely non-invasive and safe way, which potentially makes the technology scalable to a broader array of consumer and medical applications, such as rehabilitation after stroke,” Chandrasekaran said. “Our next step is to understand the underlying neural mechanism and establish the ideal set of stimulation parameters that could maximize brain plasticity. We view tVNS as a potent tool that could enhance rehabilitation in individuals with brain damage.”

About this language research article

Source:
University of Pittsburgh
Contacts:
Amerigo Allegretto – University of Pittsburgh
Image Source:
The image is credited to Leonard Lab/UCSF/Jhia Louise Nicole Jackson.

Original Research: Open access
“Non-invasive peripheral nerve stimulation selectively enhances speech category learning in adults” by Fernando Llanos, Jacie R. McHaney, William L. Schuerman, Han G. Yi, Matthew K. Leonard, Bharath Chandrasekaran. npj Science of Learning .

Abstract

Non-invasive peripheral nerve stimulation selectively enhances speech category learning in adults

Adults struggle to learn non-native speech contrasts even after years of exposure. While laboratory-based training approaches yield learning, the optimal training conditions for maximizing speech learning in adulthood are currently unknown. Vagus nerve stimulation has been shown to prime adult sensory-perceptual systems towards plasticity in animal models. Precise temporal pairing with auditory stimuli can enhance auditory cortical representations with a high degree of specificity. Here, we examined whether sub-perceptual threshold transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), paired with non-native speech sounds, enhances speech category learning in adults. Twenty-four native English-speakers were trained to identify […]

Read more at neurosciencenews.com

Advertisement Vitamin B3 may be the key to improving cognitive and physical functions of those with Alzheimer’s disease . In a recent report, scientists from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) said that a specific form of Vitamin B3 known as nicotinamide riboside (NR) helped normalize the levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD+ – a metabolite considered to be vital to several bodily processes, including DNA repair – in a specially-developed strain of mice.

These mice, in particular, were specifically developed and bred to mimic key features of human Alzheimer’s. As such, they exhibited characteristics such as mitochondrial dysfunction, lower neuron production and increased neuronal dysfunction and inflammation, as well as tau pathology, failing synapses, neuronal death and cognitive impairment.

The full report, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Scientists , detailed how researchers tested the effects of an NR supplement by adding it to the drinking water of the newly developed mice. The team then observed the mice over a three-month period, after which they were examined. (Related: A form of vitamin B3 significantly reduces the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer .)

The researchers noted that NR-treated mice exhibited less DNA damage , higher neuroplasticity and increased production of new neurons from neuronal stem cells, in addition to having lower levels of neuronal damage and death. The NR-treated mice also performed better than control mice on multiple behavioral and memory tests, such as water mazes and object recognition.

In addition, the team reported that the NR-treated mice had better muscular and grip strength, as well as higher endurance, and even improved gait, compared to their control counterparts. These physical and cognitive benefits, they added, could be due to the NR supplement’s rejuvenating effect on stem cells in both muscle and brain tissue.

Treating mice with NR, the researchers said, appeared to clear existing DNA damage in the hippocampus.

“We are encouraged by these findings that see an effect in this Alzheimer’s disease model,” explained Dr. Vilhelm Bohr, a senior investigator for NIA’s Molecular Gerontology Lab and a co-author of the study, adding that the team is now planning to further test NR and other similar compounds in order to study their therapeutic potential for Alzheimer’s patients. What is nicotinamide riboside?

Also known as niagen, nicotinamide riboside is an alternate form of vitamin B3, a micronutrient that the body uses for proper metabolism and nervous system function, among others.

Just like other forms of vitamin B3, nicotinamide riboside is converted by the body into NAD+ , a coenzyme or helper molecule responsible for the following bodily processes. Producing cellular energy

Repairing damaged DNA

Fortifying cells’ natural defense systems

Protecting the body against oxidative stress from free radicals

Setting the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm

First described in 1944, nicotinamide riboside — as with all forms of vitamin B3 — is an essential nutrient. This means that one must obtain it from food, as the body cannot produce it on its own. This means that problems can occur if one does not get enough amounts of this particular vitamin.

Some of the signs of vitamin B3 deficiency are: Sun-sensitive dermatitis, in which a thick, scaly, darkly pigmented rash develops symmetrically in areas exposed to sunlight.

Gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and ultimately, diarrhea.

Neurological symptoms such as headaches, apathy, fatigue, depression, disorientation, and, in extreme cases, memory loss.

Classified by the Food and Drug Administration as “ Generally Recognized as Safe ,” studies have shown that nicotinamide riboside is non-toxic and can be safely taken up to doses of 1000?milligrams per day .

One must note, however, that nicotinamide riboside, unlike other forms of vitamin B3, is only present in trace amounts in most food items. Given this fact, it may be better for individuals to take nicotinamide riboside supplements instead.

If whole foods and natural sources are more of your thing, however, you may want to increase your intake of the following food items: Raw, unpasteurized dairy

Wild-caught fatty fish

Organic, free-range chicken breast

Organic, free-range beef liver

Organic mushrooms

Yeast

Organic green, leafy vegetables Organic whole grains If you want to protect yourself against the possibility of developing neurological disorders in the future, it may be time to boost your vitamin B3 intake in general by eating foods and taking supplements containing this essential nutrient . Sources include: UPI.com NIH.gov AboutNAD.com FDA.gov Nature.com

Read more at www.food.news

Although it’s normal for brainpower to decline as people age, it’s not inevitable, studies show. Some people remain cognitively sharp into their 80s, 90s, and beyond, defying the common assumption that cognitive decline is a natural part of aging.

These lucky few, called cognitive super agers, perform demonstrably better on memory tests, such as remembering past events or recalling a list of words, compared with other adults their age. NIA-supported researchers are exploring the factors that set these people apart so the knowledge can be used to help others prevent or reverse age-related cognitive decline. “There is a tendency to equate aging with a decline in mental function,” said Molly Wagster, Ph.D., chief of the Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Branch in NIA’s Division of Neuroscience. “We want to study these cognitive super agers, who clearly break the expectation of cognitive decline, and unravel their secrets.” How the Brain Changes with Age

“Atrophy is the strongest correlate of age,” said Claudia Kawas, M.D., of the University of California (UC), Irvine. She leads the longitudinal 90+ Study of more than 1,800 people age 90 years and older — the fastest growing sector of the U.S. population.

According to Kawas, a 90-year-old brain typically weighs 1,100 to 1,200 grams, and this is 100 or more grams less than the typical 40-year-old brain. Brain shrinkage mostly affects the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and the cerebral cortex, which is important for complex thought processes. Over time, the brain can also be affected by declining levels of neurotransmitters, changing hormones, deteriorating blood vessels, and impaired circulation of blood glucose. These brain changes can affect thinking , making it harder to recall words and names, focus on tasks, and process new information. The Elite Brains of Cognitive Super Agers

Physically, the brains of cognitive super agers seem to defy wear and tear better than the average brain. Researchers at Northwestern University’s Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease in Chicago have tentatively identified a “brain signature” for cognitive super agers, which they define as people age 80 years and older who have performance on memory tests comparable to people two to three decades younger. The researchers conducted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on 12 cognitive super agers, 10 cognitively normal peers, and 14 cognitively normal people in the 50- to 65-year age range. Comparisons revealed that the cingulate cortex, a brain region considered important for the integration of information related to memory, attention, cognitive control, and motivation was thicker in super agers than in their same-age peers and showed no atrophy compared with the same brain region of the middle agers. In fact, a specific region of the anterior cingulate cortex was significantly thicker in the brains of cognitive super agers than in middle agers’ brains. In a separate study, the Northwestern researchers found that super agers’ brains contained a much higher density of a particular type of cell called von Economo neurons, which are linked to social intelligence and awareness. Their brains had more of these neurons even than the brains of younger adults.

In a third investigation, the Northwestern researchers used MRI to measure brain volume over an 18-month period in a small group of study participants age 80 and older. They measured a 2.24% average annual volume loss in the cognitively normal adults versus a 1.06% loss in the super agers. In short, the super agers’ brains shrank at a significantly slower rate.

At Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, researchers are studying younger super agers — people between age 60 and 80 who have memory recall abilities similar to those of 18- to 32-year-olds. They’ve identified distinctive thicknesses in two neural networks that connect parts of the brain important to memory function. The thickness is nearly the same as in the brains of younger adults. The researchers also found that super agers have a bigger hippocampus than other adults their age.

Researchers with UC Irvine’s 90+ Study have identified a curious and counterintuitive feature of the super ager brain: sometimes it shows the pathologies that characterize Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

“Everyone thinks there’s this really strong correlation — if you have plaques and tangles, you have dementia, and if you don’t have plaques and tangles, you shouldn’t have dementia,” said Kawas. Through both autopsies and PET scans of the brains of the oldest old, investigators have found that “both of those things are often not true.” Why Some People Retain Strong Brains into Old Age

Researchers are exploring several theories to explain why some people’s cognitive abilities stay intact to the end of life. Perhaps they start out in life with larger, stronger brains. Or perhaps their brains somehow change to compensate for aging’s damaging effects. Another theory being pursued is whether their brains have stronger defenses against the assaults of aging.

A person’s environment may be a factor. Human and animal studies by NIA-supported scientists have contributed to the growing body of evidence that enriching experiences, such as advanced education and mind-challenging occupations, can help brains last longer.

“Various exposures throughout the lifetime might help people maintain their brains better or maintain their cognition in the face of age- or disease-related brain changes,” explained Yaakov Stern, Ph.D., of the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia University Medical College, New York.

Other research focuses on genetic explanations. In an ongoing study of the Longevity Genes Project at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, investigators are comparing the genetic profiles of children of healthy centenarians with the genetic profiles of the children of parents who did not live as long. They are looking for genes that might support strong neural networks and offer protection against mental and physical decline.

Social factors also could play a role in healthy cognitive aging. In one of Northwestern University’s studies, investigators gave a 42-item questionnaire on psychological well-being to 31 cognitive super agers and 19 cognitively normal peers. The cognitive super agers reported more friends and family connections, a finding that builds on past research showing links between psychological […]

Read more at www.nia.nih.gov

image from https://www.insideedition.com/boy-11-dies-suddenly-suspected-allergic-reaction-smell-cooked-fish-49683 Fish is an extremely versatile food. It can be boiled, fried, steamed, grilled, and even roasted. On top of this, there are so many variations of fish, all packed with so many healthy nutrients, and at the same time extremely delicious. There is tilapia, Omena, fish fillet, salmon, Nile perch, tuna, and many others. All these have a unique taste and can be seasoned to bring out the taste even more. You have got to love fish!

Fish has very many nutritional benefits, and maybe that’s why it is such a popular source of protein in our world today. Here are a few of those benefits, and why you should include fish in your diet.

> Lowers cholesterol

High cholesterol in the body can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. This can lead to a heart attack or even stroke. Fatty fish has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce your triglycerides a type of fat found in blood, thereby lowering your cholesterol. You see, omega-3-fatty acids are actually healthy. They are considered good fats, unlike the bad saturated fat you find in most meats.

start=”2″> Brain health

In many households, fish is encouraged, and especially for young ones. I’ve heard people say over and over that fish can make you smarter. How true is this statement? According to Healthline , fatty fish is an excellent choice for brain health. Summary: Fatty fish is a rich source of omega-3s, a major building block of the brain. Omega-3s play a role in sharpening memory and improving mood, as well as protecting your brain against decline. The brain uses omega-3s to build brain and nerve cells, and these fats are essential for learning and memory.

By virtue of doing so, studies have suggested that fish can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, a lack of omega-3 in the diet is not linked to learning impairments. There is a substantial commonality in research findings to date around the positive influence of seafood consumption in reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Brain Food: 8 Foods That Promote Mental Health

start=”3″> Lowers the risk of autoimmune diseases

An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. Some examples include lupus, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, and temporal arteritis. These diseases can be fatal and even lead to death. A US study showed that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids was inversely associated with islet autoimmunity in genetically susceptible children. Fish intake has also been associated with a reduced risk of other autoimmune diseases in adults such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

start=”4″> Protect vision in old age

Issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and macular degeneration are common, especially in old age. That’s why we must do everything to protect this organ of the visual system. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to improving vision and eye health. This is because the brain and eyes are heavily concentrated in omega-3 fatty acids and need them to maintain their health and function. These fatty acids can contribute to visual development and the health of the retina in the back of the eye.

Studies have found that fish oil can reverse dry eye, including dry eye caused by spending too much time on a computer. Health: Vision 20/20 – Taking Care Of Your Eyes

start=”5″> Improves the quality of sleep

If you are battling with sleep issues such as insomnia or Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, then the solution for you may just be in fish. Research suggests omega 3 fatty acids from regularly consuming fish may boost your sleep quality, help you fall asleep more quickly, and improve your daytime performance. One study showed these improvements among a group of adult men who ate fatty fish three times a week for several months.

Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) stimulates melatonin, a key hormone that facilitates sleep . Melatonin works with the body’s circadian rhythms to help the body prepare for sleep by sending signals to the body that it is time to rest, helping you relax, diminishing levels of other hormones that stimulate alertness, lowering body temperature and blood pressure. Can’t Sleep? How To Avoid Or Beat Insomnia

start=”6″> Improves heart health

In our world today heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, and heart failure are common. We must, therefore, do everything it takes to keep our hearts healthy, and eating fish is one of those things. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that eating at least two 112 grams of fish servings per week can help to beat heart disease and heart attack.

The polyunsaturated fat called omega-3 has been shown to help lower blood pressure, which is something we should all strive for, as high blood pressure poses a serious threat to our health over time. According to Mayoclinic , eating at least two servings a week of fish, particularly fish that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, appears to reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly sudden cardiac death. What Should You Do to Keep Your Heart Healthy?

start=”7″> Contain development nutrients

A child’s diet is extremely important especially as they go through growth and development. Fish is not only a source of proteins and healthy fats, but also a unique source of essential nutrients, including long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, vitamin D, and calcium. The omega-3 fat docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is especially important for brain and eye development . For this reason, it’s often recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women eat enough omega-3 fatty acids.

start=”8″> Treats depression

Mental health issues are becoming increasingly common in Africa and in the world at large. In Kenya, the World Health Organisation data […]

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The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, found naturally in many fish, are plentiful

A new study looked at how fish consumption may reduce the effects of air pollution on the brain

Eating just one to two servings of fish a week can provide striking benefits

Fish is a phenomenal source of protein and healthy omega-3 fats. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that our bodies can’t produce, and must, therefore, come from our diet.

Among their benefits are: helping to control mood and cognition, preventing brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s, and anti-inflammatory properties. This means they can protect against heart disease, notes Women’s Health . And to add to this list is a new discovery: eating one to two servings a week of baked or broiled fish or shellfish may counteract the effects of air pollution on the brain.

This is according to a study published in the online issue of Neurology , the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology . The study results were based on the assessment of 1 315 older women who lived in areas with high air pollution and ate more than one to two servings a week of fish or shellfish per week.

Fried fish excluded Some fish are healthier and more sustainable than others as a result of contamination and overfishing, for example, and the link between nutrition levels and the way the fish is cooked is also vital. For the purposes of this study, fried fish was therefore excluded, as research indicates that deep-frying damages omega-3 fatty acids.

This 2010 study , for instance, found that cooking and microwave heating tuna better retain the health benefits of its fatty acids, compared to frying and canning. Another study published in the Natural Medicine Journal found that eating fried fish one or more times per week was associated with a 48% increase in risk of heart failure.

“Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to fight inflammation and maintain brain structure in ageing brains. They have also been found to reduce brain damage caused by neurotoxins like lead and mercury.

“So we explored if omega-3 fatty acids have a protective effect against another neurotoxin, the fine particulate matter found in air pollution,” said study author Ka He, M.D., Sc.D., of Columbia University.

Taking a deeper look

The women included in the study were on average 70 years old, and were reported not to have dementia at the start of the study. All participants completed questionnaires about their diet, physical activity, and medical history.

The diet questionnaires were used to calculate the average amount of fish each woman consumed each week, which included the following: broiled or baked fish, canned tuna, tuna salad, tuna casserole and non-fried shellfish.

This was followed by blood tests, which the researchers used to measure the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the women’s red blood cells. They were then divided into four groups based on the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood.

White matter: findings

Participants’ home addresses were used in order to determine their three-year average exposure to air pollution; they then underwent brain scans with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure various areas of the brain. These included white matter (tissue in the brain composed of nerve fibres) and the hippocampus (associated with memory).

After adjusting for age, education, smoking and other factors that could affect brain shrinkage, the research team found the following: Women who had the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood had greater volumes of white matter than those with the lowest levels.

Those in the highest group had 410 cubic centimetres (cm 3 ) white matter, compared to 403 cm 3 for those in the lowest group.

For each quartile increase in air pollution levels, the average white matter volume was 11.52 cm 3 smaller among people with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids and 0.12 cm 3 smaller among those with higher levels.

Another interesting finding was that women with the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood also had greater hippocampus volumes.

No proof that fish consumption preserves brain volume

“Our findings suggest that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood from fish consumption may preserve brain volume as women age, and possibly protect against the potential toxic effects of air pollution,” He said, adding:

“It’s important to note that our study only found an association between brain volume and eating fish. It does not prove that eating fish preserves brain volume.”

He also explained that separate studies have found some species of fish may contain environmental toxins, so it’s important that one talks to one’s doctor about what types of fish to eat before adding more fish to one’s diet.

Things to consider

As with most studies, this study also has its limitations in that the majority of the participants were older white women. As a result, the team cautioned that their findings won’t necessarily apply to other groups.More than this, they noted that they were only able to assess exposures to later-life air pollution and therefore encouraged further studies to look at early or mid-life exposures to air pollution. Image: Sebastian Coman Photography from Pexels Compiled by Zakiyah Ebrahim

Read more at www.health24.com