Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that can get progressively worse. It is characterized by dopamine drops in certain areas of the brain. These dopamine decreases can cause people to experience tremors (the most common symptom), stiffness, and loss of balance. Because there is currently no cure for the condition, treatment tends to focus on reducing the severity of symptoms and improving overall quality of life. 

Health experts encourage people with Parkinson’s disease to engage in different activities that focus on fine motor skills and cognition. Additionally, physical exercises that require mobility and balance are also beneficial. Staying active, both mentally and physically, can help strengthen muscles that may prevent dementia. Continue reading to learn about beneficial crafts and activities for those living with Parkinson’s disease. 

Singing

Have you ever seen those videos of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease who listen to a song that gives them a rejuvenating jolt? They know all the words and it triggers other memories that relate to that song. Singing, in addition to assisting with memory, works to strengthen the vocal muscles. That is especially important for people with Parkinson’s disease because vocal tremors or difficulty speaking can occur as the condition advances.

Playing Virtual Reality And Video Games

You can use technological advancements to exercise important skills. Virtual reality and video games require mind-body coordination. Most of these games also require problem-solving skills, memory, and strategy to win or complete. Depending on the game and gaming system, you may be required to use a controller or keyboard, which utilizes fine motor skills. There are also reflex games that do not involve screen time and yield the same benefits. 

Cooking

Cooking can help recall ingredients and measurements, and it offers the opportunity to follow steps in order. It can also be a social opportunity to connect with others while cooking and after when you enjoy the meal. As Parkinson’s progresses, it’s possible that patients may not be able to cook for themselves, or they may need assistance. Include someone with Parkinson’s disease in the cooking process as much as possible to enhance self-esteem and to create memories together. 

Knitting And Painting

Just like children, people with cognitive disorders can benefit from doing activities that require fine motor skills. People with Parkinson’s can experience tremors and have difficulty moving their hands. It’s also possible for them to experience feelings of depression as a result of declining physical and mental abilities. Creating something, such as a painting or a scarf, from scratch provides the opportunity to reduce stress, feel a sense of accomplishment, and focus on hand movements. 

Exercising

Daily physical exercise can benefit Parkinson’s patients. Walking, swimming, yoga, and cycling are all great physical exercises that can improve balance, mobility, and flexibility. According to research, physical activity benefits can continue for months after training ends. Some studies indicate that physical activity may slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. 

Solving Puzzles

Be it a jigsaw puzzle or a crossword puzzle, puzzles require concentration and memory. Solving puzzles, then, is a valuable cognitive exercise. Crossword puzzles also require word recall, while word searchers can help with word identification. People with Parkinson’s may experience cognitive changes that can affect attention, mood, and motivation. That’s why it is important to engage the brain with problem-solving activities.

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Whether you are a weekend warrior or an everyday gym rat, incorporating exercise into your weekly routine invites a long list of health benefits. According to a recent study, one or two longer exercise sessions on the weekends may be as beneficial for brain health as working out more frequently throughout the week. 

For the study, the researchers looked at survey data collected from roughly 10,000 people in Mexico City. The participants began the survey when they were an average age of 51 and cognitively healthy. During the 16-year follow-up period, nearly 2,400 participants developed mild dementia. Compared to participants who did not exercise at all, the weekend warriors who logged one to two hours of exercise per week were 13% less likely to develop dementia. 

Moderate To Vigorous Exercise Has The Biggest Impact

Researchers noted that the total duration of physical activity matters more than the pattern for disease risk, which includes cognitive decline. Health experts advise that 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week is a good rule of thumb. Ideally, you sustain the same effort of moderate intensity throughout the entire workout. That means that you are able to complete sentences during the workout, but you may be just out of breath so that you do not have the effort to sing. 

The researchers did not look directly at exercise intensity or focus on the benefits of exercising for 150 minutes per week. Additionally, the study did not aim to prove whether weekend warrior workouts directly benefit brain health. With that information in mind, the study authors still concluded that middle-aged people could reduce their dementia risk by 13% by simply exercising at least once or twice per week. A total sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of health problems, including those related to cognition. 

Concentrated Exercise Promotes Brain Health

One limitation of this study was that it relied on the participants to accurately recall and report their exercise habits. The study authors did not objectively measure how often participants worked out, nor did they measure the intensity of workout sessions. It makes sense, though, that the weekend warrior workouts may contribute to long-term brain health. Additional benefits of weekend workouts include improving cardiovascular fitness, managing blood sugar, building lean muscle, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Now, there are still some researchers who warn that the weekend warrior workout pattern may not prevent cognitive decline. Concentrated activity, however, had associations with lower risk of cognitive impairment that were just as beneficial as those observed with regular activity. More research is necessary on this topic, but this study shows promise and reaffirms the fact that exercise promotes a healthy brain and body.

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Sometimes, your mental battery is barely charged. You are able to function, but you notice that you aren’t operating at full mental capacity. Within the past century, there has been more research on how food can influence mental health or improve brain function. In fact, there is ongoing research that continues to show how the foods you eat affect your mental health.

With so much available research and information about food these days, you have a unique opportunity to fill your plate with brain-supporting foods. Which ones are the best to put on your plate, though? Continue reading to learn about five foods that researchers deem “power players” for your mental health. 

Lentils

A one-cup serving of lentils offers 15.6 grams of dietary fiber and 18 grams of protein. These legumes are underrated in the culinary world, and black beans or chickpeas tend to overshadow them. Because lentils are naturally rich in vitamin B9 (folate), they rank high on the antidepressant food scale. According to researchers, low levels of folate can increase the risk of both dementia and depression. Toss lentils in your salads, cook them in chili, or use them as a meat replacement for tacos. Lentils can be the stars of the show, but they can also take a supporting role to a main dish. 

Berries

These antioxidant superstars are low in sugar and pack a serious nutritional punch. Several studies indicate that berries are popular brain foods because they contain phytonutrients that encourage neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and healthy inflammatory response. If berries are not in season, or fresh berries cost too much, frozen berries are great. Just make sure to look at the ingredient list to ensure there are no preservatives or added sugars. Raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries go great in smoothies, salads, oatmeal, and beyond.

Microgreens And Sprouts

Microgreens and sprouts make great additions to any salad or sandwich. Think of microgreens like concentrated nutrient bombs of their larger green counterparts. The nutrient density of microgreens is very attractive to nutritional psychiatrists. This is because they offer lots of phytonutrients, just like berries, that support brain health. You don’t need to settle for watercress and other microgreens alone. Enjoy alfalfa sprouts, broccoli sprouts, black bean sprouts, and other options. Not only do sprouts add texture and flavor to your meals, but they offer lots of minerals that encourage brain cell growth.

Kefir

This fermented dairy product is a low-lactose option that is rich in both brain- and gut-boosting nutrients. Fermented foods work to increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in your gut. By improving microbiome diversity, you can support the brain via the gut-brain axis. A growing body of research on psychobiotics (probiotics that also benefit the brain) confirms that they can enhance overall cognition. Kefir, specifically, shows that it may help improve cognitive performance and reduce the risk of age-related memory decline. You can also consume kimchi, natto, miso, kombucha, and other fermented foods. 

Dark Chocolate

It’s important to understand that we don’t endorse scarfing down chocolate bar after bar. Dark chocolate can be a brain-supporting food, lead and cadmium concerns aside. Research indicates that enjoying well-sourced dark chocolate in moderation can benefit cardiovascular health and blood sugar balance. Some evidence even shows that dark chocolate may increase cerebral flow and improve memory, but more research is necessary.

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A new report suggests that nearly 50% of dementia cases could be prevented by addressing 14 preventable risk factors. Recently, high cholesterol and vision loss have been added to the list of modifiable risk factors for dementia. Taking care of your physical health and engaging in mentally stimulating activities during midlife can reduce your risk of dementia. Continue reading to learn more about the new report. 

This new report, which was written by 27 of the world’s leading dementia specialists, urges health officials to take action to reduce preventable risks of dementia. Some people will undoubtedly develop dementia, but addressing risk factors earlier in life may help them live a longer, healthier life. It may even help them delay development of the cognitive illness. It is never too early to take action, especially when these opportunities can make a big impact on your life. 

Preventing Physical Threats To Mental Acuity

According to the new report, there are 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which are:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Exposure to air pollution
• Vision loss
• Depression
• Diabetes
• High LDL cholesterol levels
• Social isolation
• Physical inactivity
• Traumatic brain injury
• Lower education
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Hearing loss

Physical risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and diabetes may increase the risk of narrowed or blocked arteries. By decreasing blood flow to the brain and brain cells, you increase the risk of cognitive decline. The brain and its cells require a sufficient supply of blood and oxygen to function optimally. Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol and smoking can also increase the risk of heart disease and cause brain cells to die because of the toxins. And finally, a traumatic brain injury can disrupt mental capabilities and how the brain functions. 

High Cholesterol And Vision Loss Contribute To Dementia Risk

The new guidelines added high cholesterol and vision loss in midlife (about age 40) to the list of preventable risk factors. According to researchers, 7% of dementia cases stem from high levels of LDL, or bad, cholesterol. That is because LDL cholesterol buildup can narrow the arteries and reduce blood supply to the brain. 

2020 was the last time this list was updated and available evidence indicated LDL cholesterol as a possible risk factor. At that point, evidence about it being a risk factor for dementia was inconclusive. Since then, however, compelling evidence indicates that LDL cholesterol increases the risk of developing cognitive decline. Additionally, vision loss was also a recent update. Hearing loss was already on the list, and it seems consistent that a decline in sensory functions can lead to confusion and problems processing information. In fact 2% of dementia cases were attributed to untreated vision loss later in life. 

How to Reduce Dementia Risks

People can take preventative steps to delay mental decline at any age. The longer you expose yourself to risk factors, the more harmful they are to overall cognition. Developing healthier habits during early life and midlife can form a strong base for behaviors later in life. Getting regular exercise and following a healthy diet can decrease your risk for some of the risk factors of dementia. Health experts have several suggestions that can help people keep the dangers of cognitive decline at bay, and they include:

• Making screenings and treatments for vision impairment accessible for all
• Treating depression effectively
• Providing all children with quality education and ensuring that they are cognitively active in midlife
• Prioritizing supportive community environments and housing to increase social contact
• Reducing the sugar and salt content in food sold in stores and restaurants
• Wearing helmets and head protection in contact sports and while riding bikes or skateboards
• Expanding measures to reduce smoking and increasing the minimum age of purchase
• Detecting and treating high LDL cholesterol in midlife
• Making hearing aids available for those with hearing loss
• Reducing exposure to air pollution via stricter clean air policies

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Known as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure affects about 45% of American adults. Data from 2017 to 2018 revealed that it was higher among men than women. About 70% of Americans will have high blood pressure at some point in their lifetimes. Only one in four patients with elevated blood pressure levels will have blood pressure under control. 

Medical experts call it “the silent killer” because it usually doesn’t exhibit symptoms. It does, however, increase the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral artery disease. It’s well-established that high blood pressure affects the heart, but new research indicates that it also affects brain health. Continue reading to learn what the latest research says about the relationship between high blood pressure and cognitive decline, and how you may be able to manage heart and brain health simultaneously. 

The Link Between High Blood Pressure And Cognitive Changes

Several studies indicate associations between high blood pressure and cognitive decline, dementia, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers note that the evidence is strongest between high blood pressure and cognitive outcomes during middle age. The links are less clear in older age, according to doctors. High blood pressure also increases the risk of stroke and not-so-silent stroke-like changes that can be seen on brain scans. All of those changes have been associated with cognitive alterations, such as dementia. 

Why Is High Blood Pressure In Middle Age Risky For Brain Health?

Health experts have a few theories as to why high blood pressure in midlife is integral for brain health. One theory is that it represents a time of vulnerability, while another is that people with high blood pressure in midlife likely have it for a longer period of time. Some people have factors that contribute to high blood pressure for years before ever being diagnosed. 

When a doctor diagnoses high blood pressure, a person has reached a tipping point. They have had relatively normal blood pressure (even if slightly elevated) and the body has adjusted to maintain normal changes under pressure. All of a sudden, though, the body can no longer adapt and some sort of intervention is necessary. Diet and exercise can help manage blood pressure, but some people require medication if they cannot keep levels in check with natural remedies. 

By examining data, researchers found that the trajectory for developing high blood pressure was similar. People generally have stable blood pressure until the systolic pressure (top number) approaches a range of 120 to 125 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Once a person passes that threshold, blow pressure increases at a relatively rapid rate until hypertension is diagnosed. Other factors that increase hypertension include chronic stress, smoking, lack of sleep, poor diet, and obesity. 

What Happens To The Brain In A Person With High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension can negatively impact the brain in several ways. Long-term hypertension impacts arteriolar and arterial health over time, which increases the risk of stroke or stroke-like changes that can impact overall cognition. Years of elevated blood pressure levels may cause small clots that make their way to the brain. The accumulation of plaque in the arteries also reduces blood flow. 

Researchers note that brain matter tries to adapt to the lack of oxygen that stems from partially blocked arteries. The brain grows support tissue around itself, but it isn’t neurological tissue. It is more akin to scar tissue that develops due to a lack of oxygen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the capacity or function that brain cells or neurons have. Although this is an adaptive response, the adaptation can cause its own harm because it is trying to defend itself in a state of low oxygen.

That gradual loss of cognitive function over time can lead to the loss of overall brain matter mass, and occasionally, dementia. Health experts believe that high blood pressure can change the efficacy of blood-brain barrier function. It may even impact how the glymphatic system functions. The glymphatic system, not the lymphatic system, is a pathway in the brain that seemingly removes waste from the central nervous system. It is a newer concept that is being discussed in the medical field. By removing toxins from the brain, you may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

The Takeaway

As of right now, most of the evidence from observational trials shows that there is a cognitive benefit from managing blood pressure. Physical activity and dietary changes are promising for both cardiovascular and cognitive outcomes. A meta-analysis from 2022 found that higher rates of physical activity were associated with decreased risk of all-cause dementia. It also improved vascular function and decreased risk factors for hypertension. 

High blood pressure is but one of the risk factors for cognitive decline that you can control. You can reduce blood pressure via a combination of healthy lifestyle habits, and medication when necessary. It is never too early to talk to your doctor about your blood pressure. Do what you can to keep it in a healthy range, and your heart and brain will thank you.

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It’s no secret that neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are on the rise. Various factors contribute to the diagnosis of such conditions, but certain lifestyle considerations increase a person’s risk of memory loss or accelerated brain aging. Researchers  from the University of Oxford identified three lifestyle factors that increase the rate of aging and cognitive decline. This article will explain what they found. 

About The Study

Nature Communications published the recent study, during which researchers looked at the brain scans of about 40,000 people over the age of 45. These participants belonged to the UK Biobank database. The primary area of interest was how genetic and lifestyle factors impact areas of the brain that are vulnerable to the effects of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. 

• Genetic factors: usually classified as non-modifiable, but lifestyle habits may influence whether or not certain genes turn on. 
• Lifestyle: considered a modifiable risk factor because you have the power to change your habits and choices. That can ultimately increase or decrease the likelihood of developing a certain disease or illness. 

3 Risk Factors That Age The Brain Faster

Study authors noted three things that drove earlier degeneration of certain brain regions. These factors were: traffic-related air pollution, type 2 diabetes, and the frequency of alcohol intake. Interestingly enough, both traffic-related air pollution and alcohol intake have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. 

• Air Pollution: You do not have full control of the amount of the air pollution you are exposed to on a daily basis. As a society, however, we can work to reduce the amount of pollution we produce. According to emerging data, exposure to pollution over time increases the risk of dementia.
• Diabetes: Previous studies have linked type 2 diabetes to an increased risk of dementia by as much as 60%.
• Alcohol frequency: Drinking alcohol, especially too much alcohol, can damage the brain. A 2023 study included over three million people in Korea and found that sustained heavy drinking increased the risk of dementia by 8%. Researchers noted that limiting alcohol consumption reduced the risk by 8%.

What differentiated this study from previous studies was the why factor. These factors are so dangerous to brain health because they target the brain’s weak spots. 

How Do Genetics Influence Cognitive Decline?

There have been some findings about the relationship between genetics and the way the brain ages. Most of this information is useful in research settings, and not in individuals. Certain genes, for example, code for immune and inflammatory recommendations to protect the most vulnerable parts of the brain that influence poor brain aging. Those genetic factors are also connected to some modifiable factors, so lifestyle improvements may help you overcome genetic predispositions to early brain aging. Such modifiable categories include blood pressure, body weight, smoking, depressive mood, inflammation, sleep, social patterns, physical activity, and education status. 

How To Protect The Brain And Prevent Dementia

Based on the findings in this study, the researchers encourage the following actionable recommendations to protect the most vulnerable parts of the brain:

• Invest in an air purifier: Although you cannot control the pollution outside the home, you can help keep the air inside the home as clean as possible. One of the best ways to do that is to invest in an air purifier. Just make sure that you get one with a HEPA filter because they are the best at removing particles from the air. 
• Increase your fiber intake: Researchers note that people who eat high-fiber diets are less likely to have type 2 diabetes. Fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate that works to stabilize blood sugar and promote healthy digestion. Only 5% of American adults consume the recommended daily amount (RDA) of fiber. Women should consume between 21-28 grams per day, while men should consume 30-38 grams per day. Get more fiber by focusing on fibrous foods, such as lentils, avocados, beans, chia seeds, and other fruits and vegetables. 
• Limit your alcohol intake: Alcohol is a known toxin, especially in regards to cognitive health. You don’t have to completely avoid alcohol, but mindful consumption is best. Reserve a drink or two for special occasions and spend less time indulging just because.

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Statistically, Black Americans are 1.5 to two times more likely than their white counterparts to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias. According to a new study, eating more whole grains may protect against cognitive decline, especially memory loss. During the study, participants consumed whole grains, including cereals, quinoa, and popcorn. We’ll discuss the outcome of the study and observations in this article. 

What Are Whole Grains?

Whole grains are foods eaten in their whole form and include grains like wheat, corn, quinoa, sorghum, spelt, rye, rice, and oats. They offer the “complete package,” so to speak, given that they differ from refined grains, which are stripped of valuable nutrients during the refining process. All whole grain kernels contain three parts: the bran, germ, and endosperm. Each part offers different nutrients, some of which include B-vitamins, copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. 

The Study

The research published in November 2023 monitored Black adult participants who consumed whole grains. Participants who ate more whole grains exhibited lower levels of memory decline, which equated to being a median 8.5 years younger that those who ate fewer daily servings of whole grains. Even those who ate fewer servings experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline. 

Study authors are excited by the fact that eating more whole grains may reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. However, overall diet factors into the equation. Sure, whole grains may help the cause, but only if other dietary modifications are in place. For example, eating more foods that support brain health is a great first step, but cutting out foods that harm the brain is an equally important step. 

A Benefit For Black Adults, But Not White Adults

The study took place over six years, with researchers following more than 3,000 adults with a median age of 75. None of the participants had dementia at the start of the study, and roughly 60% of the adults in the study were Black. Every three years, study participants filled out a questionnaire detailing how often they consumed whole grains. They also completed cognitive and memory tests after filling out the questionnaires. The tests involved recalling lists of words and remembering numbers to put back in correct order. 

Study authors divided the participants into five groups based on the amount of whole grains they consumed. The group that ate the lowest amount of whole grains averaged less than a half serving per day, while the highest group averaged 2.5 servings per day. According to study authors, the highest amount was less than the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggested. Those guidelines suggested three to five servings of whole grains per day. 

The analysis revealed that Black individuals with the highest whole grain intake showed slower rates of cognitive decline. The protective effects of whole grains were only observed in Black adults. A higher proportion of Black participants (67%) consumed more than one serving of whole grains compared to white participants (38%). Study authors observed that Black participants ate more oats, dark bread, bulgur, couscous, kasha, and other whole grain foods. 

Avoid Refined Grains For A Healthier Brain

Based on the results from the study, neurology professors note that whole grain consumption may improve cognitive function and slow memory decline. In fact, whole grains may even influence the ability to think and reason. Whole grains are commonly consumed in the Mediterranean diet, for example, which is associated with better cognitive function and heart health. The main takeaway is that experts discourage the consumption of refined grains, as they don’t encourage healthier cognitive function. Whole grains may offer these benefits because of the nutrients they provide. These nutrients may fight free radicals and reduce inflammation, which have previously been associated with mental decline.

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People forget things all the time, but forgetting things one too many times may be cause for concern. Not remembering why you came into the kitchen or a certain room can happen to anyone, but you may wonder whether or not you are developing dementia if this happens a lot and you are in a certain age range. 

What Is Dementia?

Dementia, or neurocognitive disorder, is the loss of thinking, reasoning, or remembering to the point where it interferes with everyday life/activities. There are several forms of dementia, but the most common is Alzheimer’s disease in people aged 65 and older, according to neurologists. The second most common form is vascular dementia, caused by conditions that affect blood vessels in the brain, such as stroke. Finally, the last form is a brain disorder known as Parkinson’s disease dementia.

Although dementia is more common as you get older, it is not a normal part of aging. People can live well into their 90s without ever being diagnosed with the condition. The National Institute of Aging (NIA) continues to research the disease to find out who is more susceptible and how it can be prevented. For now, the NIA considers the following signs and symptoms to be early warning signs of dementia. 

Changes In Judgment

Anybody has the opportunity to make a poor decision every so often. People with dementia, or early onset symptoms, may experience more frequent changes in judgment or decision-making. A great example is that people with dementia may not be able to manage a budget or, more commonly, they neglect their hygiene more regularly. 

Trouble Completing Tasks

A lot of older people, even those who aren’t so old, require assistance learning new technology or appliances. People with dementia typically find it much harder learn technology and complete routine tasks that they used to do with ease. Driving to a familiar location or creating a grocery list can become difficult and trivial, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Episodic Memory Loss

Memory loss tends to be one of the earlier symptoms of dementia, with episodic memory loss being the first noticeable sign. A person may remember going on vacation, for example, but they can’t remember where they went or what they did. Episodic memory involves remembering specific information about recent or past events. People with dementia may not remember where they parked the car or where they went for dinner the previous week. Oftentimes, the person with dementia does not notice that they have episodic memory loss; rather, a friend or family member points it out. 

Mood Changes

It is completely natural to become more set in your ways as you get older. It is easy to get upset if your normal routine is disrupted, but coping with stress and change is more challenging among older adults. In fact, depression in older adults is quite common as a result. People with dementia are occasionally unable to control their emotions, or they may become suspicious, confused, depressed, or fearful. It’s common for them to become upset at home, with friends, or when outside of their comfort zone. 

Problems With Language

It is not uncommon to search for the right word when trying to communicate verbally or in writing. People with dementia tend to have a much harder time with language, though. They may have trouble finding words for familiar things or call someone or something by the wrong name. It is also possible for them to repeat themselves or lose track of a conversation.

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Dementia is a symptom of Alzheimer’s. You may want to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice any warning signs that may point towards Alzheimer’s disease. An early diagnosis may provide benefits, like planning for the future.

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The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is rising at an alarming rate. A 2023 statistic estimated that 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older currently have Alzheimer’s disease. About 73% of those people are aged 75 or older. Currently, about one in nine people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s, and almost two-thirds of Americans with the disease are women. 

According to statistics, older Black Americans are almost twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias as older White Americans. Older Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as older White Americans. As the size of the U.S. population continues to grow, so too will the number of people with Alzheimer’s. In fact, the projected number of people with Alzheimer’s disease in 2050 is 12.7 million. That may change depending on medical breakthroughs and treatment options for the disease. 

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? 

Not only is Alzheimer’s disease difficult for the people afflicted with it, but also the loved ones around them. This form of dementia, as previously detailed, is on the rise, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The disease currently costs the U.S. $345 billion for treatment, and that cost is estimated to reach almost $1 trillion by 2050. The numbers are troubling and scary, illustrating the need for prevention.

New Study Finds That Alzheimer’s Patients Have Lower Levels Of Certain Nutrients

Researchers from RUSH University Memory and Aging Project in Chicago and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine whether or not nutrient levels differed from regular brains to those affected by Alzheimer’s. The hypothesis was that micronutrients are much lower in donor brains with Alzheimer’s than healthy elderly brains. What the researchers found was that brains of Alzheimer’s patients had lower levels of specific micronutrients.

In order to test the hypothesis, researchers had to examine samples of donor brains with Alzheimer’s. They dissected them into gray and white matter after analyzing cognitive performance and diets of participants in the 10-year study. Researchers focused on their intake of carotenoids specifically. What they found was that the brains of Alzheimer’s patients were significantly lower in the following carotenoids:

• Retinol
• Lutein
• Lycopene
• Zeaxanthin
• Alpha-tocopherol
• Anhydrolutein

What Does This Mean?

The researchers noted that study participants who followed the MIND diet had a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. MIND diet followers also showed better cognitive performance on tests and less Alzheimer’s-related brain pathology. Researchers attribute that to the fact that the MIND diet is rich in foods that contain carotenoids, antioxidants, and other micronutrients. 

For the first time, this is a study that demonstrates deficits in integral dietary antioxidants in Alzheimer’s brains. What’s more is that these results are consistent with large population studies. Other studies found that the risk of Alzheimer’s disease was significantly lower in people who ate carotenoid-rich diets. Not only that, but the study authors believe that carotenoid-rich diets can help with overall brain function, regardless of age. 

Studies like this one help inform health experts of how dietary shifts may aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, or at least slow the progression. The hope is that this data motivates people to keep their brains in optimum condition. It is true that you can eat for your brain! You can click here to learn more about that. The main thing is to eat a lot of colorful fruits and vegetables, as they have a diverse mix of antioxidants and carotenoids.

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