3 Ways to Prevent & Treat Brain Fog, Dementia, Alzheimer’s
Three Ways to Prevent and Treat Brain Fog, Dementia, Alzheimer’s
By Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, M.S.
The human brain is the most complex organ in the body. It produces our every thought, action, memory, feeling and experience. Up until recently, it was thought that if those nerve cells were damaged, they could not be repaired, but we now know that the brain has a remarkable capacity to regenerate. Over 15 percent of those living with Alzheimer’s in Canada are under the age of 65, so no longer do we see this as simply a disease of aging. Women make up over 72 percent of those with Alzheimer’s disease, and one in 10 adults will develop dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type. But, there are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.” One of the most promising areas of research in the improvement of dementia is in the area of nutritional supplements. The following four super-brain nutrients can provide the protection we need to keep our brain healthy.
Super-Brain Nutrients
Acetyl-L-carnitine Memory Booster
Acetyl-L-carnitine has extensive research showing it can protect brain cells, restore flagging energy, stimulate brain cells (prompting them to grow new connections to other neurons) and much more. But where acetyl-L-carnitine is most important is in combating brain aging and the prevention of dementia.
Studies of Alzheimer’s sufferers have reported improvements in memory compared to patients receiving a placebo. One study showed that when acetyl-L-carnitine was added to the typical drugs for Alzheimer’s (acetylcholin-esterase inhibitors) the improvement in a variety of functional and behavioral parameters was over 50 percent when compared to the drugs alone. Stanford University researchers state that acetyl-L-carnitine slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (the gold standard) using acetyl-L-carnitine in 500 mg to 2,000 mg doses for three months’ duration provided a significant improvement in symptoms, and the longer the nutrient was taken, the better the improvements. Other studies showed acetyl-L-carnitine improved hearing, increased energy, improved age-related macular degeneration of the eyes, improved heart function and reduced fatigue.
Recovery After Stroke
The benefits of acetyl-L-carnitine’s ability to regenerate lost brain function extends far beyond Alzheimer’s disease. It is an important nutrient in the treatment of stroke victims, improving memory, task performance and cognition during recovery, especially when combined with blueberry extract.
Acetyl-L-carnitine a Smart Nutrient
We know Acetyl-l-carnitine works to improve age-related memory decline, Alzheimer’s, and recovery from stroke, but what about boosting brain power in anyone? Acetyl-l-carnitine is used for energy utilization within cells. A dose of 500 mg with breakfast in the morning can “jump start” the brain, improving mental clarity, spatial learning, and energy.
Acetyl-l-carnitine should be part of everyone’s brain boosting, dementia/Alzheimer’s prevention program. Acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid in combination are known as the dynamic duo in anti-aging compounds today.
Anti-aging Super Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Found in every cell in the body, alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off infection and disease, protect organs from damage, and prevent premature aging. Alpha and R-lipoic acid also helps turn glucose into energy in the cells, making it an important treatment for diabetes and pre-diabetes. It is also the only recognized natural treatment to relieve painful diabetic neuropathy. Alpha lipoic acid has also been studied for post-stroke treatment due to its protective effect on brain and nervous tissue. Diabetes Type 3 is a newly discovered form of brain diabetes causing increased brain aging. The combination of acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid are super stars at improving overall brain function, thereby reducing memory decline.
Memory Enhancement with Blueberry Extract
Blueberries became news when old rats who were fed blueberries became young again. Now scientists have found that human research shows that blueberry extract improves memory in humans. Research showed that the group taking blueberry had a significant improvement on learning and memory tests. Twelve weeks of daily blueberry consumption improved the scores of two different cognitive tests involving memory in older adults. The study’s authors suggested blueberries could slow or postpone the onset of aging-related memory problems. In another study involving 48 obese participants with pre-diabetes, the consumption of blueberries for eight weeks lowered blood pressure and reduced bad LDL cholesterol.
Curcumin Brain Protector
Curcumin, the yellow pigment in the curry spice turmeric, was originally researched for Alzheimer’s disease because studies found there is a much lower incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer’s in India than in North America. Researchers investigated the association between the curry consumption and cognitive level in 1,010 Asians between 60 and 93 years of age. They found that those who ate curry foods performed better on a standard test (MMSE) of cognitive function than those who never or rarely ate curry. The process by which Alzheimer’s disease degrades the nerve cells in the brain is through inflammation in glial cells in the brain, the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, metal toxicity, and oxidative damage. Several studies have found that curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory in the brain, that it can break down plaques, improve memory and memory decline, and it is a powerful antioxidant. The research will continue, but it is compelling enough at this point to add curcumin to your brain protection program.
This is the first time in history that we have had more people over the age of 50 than under and we need to start early to improve brain function. We are living longer but dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are common. Fifteen percent of those suffering dementia are under the age of 65, so we need to start taking brain nutrients today.
Super Brain Foods
What we eat also plays a role in our overall brain power. Some foods just stand out when it comes to their powerful brain effects. Blueberries improve memory, cognition and motor skills. Blueberries not only slow age-related brain decline, but also reverse and improve memory. Add one cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to your daily diet.
Fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like wild salmon, sardines and herring are essential for brain function. Numerous studies have shown that eating about four ounces of wild salmon two to three times per week significantly reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Remember, wild is best.
Organic green tea is another brain-boosting food. Drinking two cups of organic green tea per day has been shown to lower the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults and protect you from Parkinson’s and other age-related brain disorders. Make sure it is organic to avoid any fungicides used in the processing.
Avocados are almost as powerful as blueberries at protecting the brain. The wonderful monounsaturated fats in avocado promote healthier blood flow in the brain.
3Brain Games
“Use it or lose it” is a very important adage when it comes to brain health. Play games like Scrabble, chess or cards, or learn a new language. Download the “Words with Friends” app on your iPhone or iPad, or play through Facebook. Playing games that require you to remember words, spell, do calculations or perform new thought patterns, keeps those neural networks strong.
We are living longer but dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are common. Start a brain boosting-program today and prevent dementia.
