Tag Archives: Alzheimer

Brain Training: Can it Improve Memory and Fend Off Alzheimer’s? : Brain Training

Article by Gene Millen

It may be time for some brain training.

A new survey indicates that Americans are more worried about Alzheimer’s disease than they are about having a heart attack.

And for good reason.

Alzheimer’s affects One in eight adults over 65. Those who are spared know they may end up with the burden of caring for a parent or a spouse who is affected.

Even though the number of older adults with dementias is rising rapidly, only a few drugs that have been approved to treat symptoms are on the market, and they slow down the disease but do not cure it.

Researchers, however, are more optimistic than ever about the potential of the aging brain, because recent evidence has challenged long-held beliefs by demonstrating that with brain training the brain can grow new nerve cells.

“For a long time, we held the assumption that we’re born with all the nerve cells we’re ever going to have, and that the brain is not capable of generating new ones — that once these cells die we’re unable to replace them,” said Molly V. Wagster, chief of the Neuropsychology of Aging branch of the National Institute on Aging. “Those assumptions have been challenged and put by the wayside.”

The birth of new nerve cells, she said, “has been shown to occur in the adult — not only in adult rats and monkeys, but also in older adult humans.” Most of the areas that show neurogenesis and that have been investigated so far are important for learning and memory, particularly the hippocampus, she added.

So how does one stimulate neurogenesis?

Studies of older people who have maintained their mental acuity provide some clues to brain training. They tend to be socially connected, with strong ties to relatives, friends and community. They are often both physically healthy and physically active. And they tend to be engaged in stimulating or intellectually challenging activities.

Some studies that have introduced older adults to brain exercise regimens have reported remarkable results. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recruited a group of sedentary adults between the ages of 60 and 75, assigning half of them to an aerobic exercise program that met three times a week to walk, while a control group did anaerobic stretching and toning.

The scientists measured the group’s cognitive function before and after the six-month program and found improvements among those who had done the walking.

“Six months of exercise will buy you a 15 to 20 percent improvement in memory, decision-making ability and attention,” said Arthur F. Kramer, a professor of psychology at the University of Illinois.

“It will also buy you increases in the volume of various brain regions in the prefrontal and temporal cortex, and more efficient neuronetworks that support the kind of cognition we examined.”

Other studies have found improvements in cognitive function after a combined regimen of physical exercise and cognitive training.

Regular physical activity may improve brain function, both by increasing blood flow to the brain and stimulating the production of hormones and nerve growth factors involved in neurogenesis.

Animal studies have found that physically active animals have better memories and more cells in their hippocampus. Exercise also plays a role in countering diseases like Type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of dementia.

Seeking out stimulation through interesting work, volunteer opportunities or continuing education is beneficial. Travel, read, take up a new language or learn to play a musical instrument. Staying socially connected is also associated with brain health, as is managing stress effectively.

One of the most enjoyable brain training methods is by playing scientific brain games.

Do they work? Some just don’t live up their advertising but I’ve found a couple of brain training games that have the research studies to back them up, won’t cost you an arm or a leg…and just may change your brain for the better.

Brain be nimble, brain be quick.Quicker than lightning, never missing a trick!

Do you sometimes wonder if Alzheimer’s is in your future? Are there times when your “forgetter” outwits your memory? This site explores the latest research about brain fitness and shows you how scientific brain games can revitalize your memory and keep Alzheimers at bay. Website: http://www.brainbequick.com










University of Michigan professor John Jonides shares his findings that show one can train their brain and increase short-term memory. Here are the links to the n-back tests mentioned in the video. dual-n-back.com brainworkshop.sourceforge.net
Video Rating: 5 / 5

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Natural Ways to Reduce Memory Loss and Improve Your Memory Skills : Memory Exercises

Article by Valerie Balandra

Do you occasionally have one of those “senior moments” where you walk into a room and then totally blank out on why you went in there, or scramble mentally to remember the name of a person to whom you were just introduced? These small memory lapses happen to everyone – they are simply part of the brain’s constant efforts to sort out, prioritize and file away the information it is constantly receiving.

Minor forgetfulness is a normal part of getting older and generally does not affect your life in any significant way. On the other hand, if lapses in memory start to get in the way of your ability to function normally, there may be some cause for concern. Getting lost in a familiar place or repeating the same sentence several times in a single conversation should raise a red flag signaling that there may be a more serious problem.

However, if you believe you are experiencing significant memory loss, you should not automatically assume that you are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Memory is a complex process involving many different areas of the brain, and there are many different causes of memory loss. Most of these are treatable, and even reversible. It is important to remember that in large part, maintaining healthy brain function is under your own control.

Memory loss can be caused by any of the following conditions:

* Stress, Depression, AnxietyThese common psychological disorders may damage the neural pathways in the affected areas of the brain, leading to confusion and a decreased ability to concentrate.

* Stroke Stroke can cause damage to many different areas of the brain, affecting the ability to process and recall memories.

* Head InjuriesConcussion and other head injuries can cause temporary memory loss.

* Impaired Thyroid FunctionHypo- and hyperthyroidism create hormonal imbalances which may affect memory.

* MedicationsCertain medications can cause dementia-like symptoms. Even some topical analgesics used for arthritis pain can cause memory lapses if the liver is not functioning properly and cannot flush these chemicals out of the body quickly enough.

* Environmental ToxinsCarbon monoxide, heavy metals such as lead and mercury, pesticides, and even the chemicals in certain hobby items can interfere with memory and concentration.

* MenopauseThe hormonal changes which occur during menopause can create temporary disconnects in memory recall.

* Dietary DeficienciesInsufficient levels of the vitamins B1 and B12 may impair cognitive ability.

* Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Drug UseAlcohol and recreational drugs deplete vitamin B1 levels, affecting cognition and memory.

* Natural AgingAging can cause brain function to slow down somewhat. Simply taking a bit longer to call up a memory may be misinterpreted as memory loss.

* Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)MCI may be diagnosed when memory loss moves beyond minor gaffs to more significant lapses like forgetting the names of your grandkids or getting lost in a familiar location. MCI can be a precursor of Azheimer’s disease, but it does not always lead to dementia. While it can be frightening and sometimes disruptive, most seniors with MCI are able to live more-or-less normal lives.

* Alzheimer’s DiseaseAD is the most common form of dementia. It is degenerative disease caused by the formation of protein deposits in the brain.

* Other Types of DementiaSenile dementia can have numerous causes, but the results are generally similar. Patients tend to display inappropriate social behavior, emotional disturbance, loss of communication skills, and a deteriorating ability to make judgments. Dementia can result from vascular blockages, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.

Now for the good news. Amidst all these threats to long-term mental agility, there are plenty of things you can do to improve your cognition and retain your memory skills into your later years. The benefits of these exercises are enormous, both for your mental and your physical well-being.

* DetoxA detoxification program is highly effective in flushing toxins from the body and improving liver function, ensuring that the body can continue to cleanse itself of harmful chemicals.

* Memory exercises – crossword puzzles, Sudoku, reading, writing, and specifically designed memory games all help to keep neural pathways humming along.

* Exercise is vital for a healthy mind and body. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and reduces the risk of memory loss.

* Diets rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh organic fruits and vegetables give you the nutrients you need while avoiding toxins from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

* Memory supplements are very useful in enhancing memory, even reversing memory loss in many cases.Some effective memory supplements:

– Gingko Biloba;- Ginseng;- Acetyl-L-carnitine;- Omega-3 fatty acids;- Vinpocetine, from the periwinkle plant;- Huperzine A (Chinese club moss);- Phosphatyl choline, found in egg yolks and soy;- Pirecetam, a synthetic memory enhancer.

By taking control now, you are giving yourself every chance at a healthy, fulfilling life. No matter what your age, you will benefit from some simple lifestyle choices and memory enhancing techniques.

For more information on memory loss and effective memory supplements that can help visit www.integrativepsychiatry.net Valerie Balandra NP uses an integrative and functional medicine approach to brain health. For consultations call 941 371-7997.