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Short Term Memory : Memory Loss in Alzheimer’s Disease

Article by Mike Herman

Memory Loss in Alzheimer’s Disease – Health

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Do you know your date of birth? The name of the President or Prime Minister? These are questions that are regularly used to test for memory loss – the first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.

Although memory loss occurs in all cases of Alzheimer’s disease, it can be difficult to detect in the early stages as many patients manage to cover it up well during tests as a matter of pride.

It’s the recent things we’ve done such as in the last hours, days or even weeks that are the first memories to be lost in Alzheimer’s patients.

However, while those things that are placed in our short term memory are the first to go it’s only much later as the Alzheimer’s condition has become much more severe does the past or longer term memory become affected.

This makes the degree or memory loss a very useful tool in assessing the presence and scope of the disease as if the patient is co-operative and asked in a pleasant way the results can be very revealing.

The following ten questions form part of a common test as they cover both the short and the long term memory and also test for orientation as well.

How old are you?

What is your date of birth?

What day is it today?

What month are we in?

What year is it?

When was the first world war?

What is the name of the President / Prime Minister?

Where are you now?

Can you please count backwards from 20 to 1?

Tell them an address, then ask them to repeat it back to you after five minutes.

Although the test is deceptively easy it is also very useful as it’s quick, cheap, non-evasive and helps diagnose Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and gives an indication of the areas in the patient’s memory that may be affected.

Care must always be taken as a low score on its own doesn’t prove dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, as not all people will know all the answers to the questions!

Instead it’s a guide or an indication that something may be wrong and requires further investigation.

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Learn More About Alzheimer’s and Dementia and Visit Us for Alzheimer Symptoms

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Mike Herman



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Use and distribution of this article is subject to our Publisher Guidelines

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Understanding Congenital Heart Disease : Brain Vitamin

Article by David Cowley

Arguable the heart is the most important organ in the human body. Without the heart life would not be possible, it is responsible for getting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body by way of the circulatory system. Modern medicine has advanced greatly within the last 30 years and almost all heart diseases can be treated successfully if detected in time.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a malformation of the large blood vessel near the heart. Congenital heart disease is one of the most common forms of major birth defects in newborns, affecting approximately 8 percent of infants and is normally diagnosed within one week from birth.

Prior to birth the fetus is not effected by this birth defect. The blood circulates differently prior to birth and the fetus derives oxygen and nutrients from the mother through the placenta. The fetal circulation has important communications between the upper heart chambers and the great blood vessels near the heart. Most types of congenital heart disease are well tolerated during fetal life and only present a problem after birth.

This disease can have different causes such as:

Environmental factors such as chemicals or drugs are sometimes to blame. If the mother develops measles or rubella, or consumes alcohol during pregnancy, the disease can impair the development of the fetus heart or other organs.

About 50 percent of children with Down’s syndrome also have CHD. Down’s Syndrome is caused by the presence of a single extra chromosome when the sperm cell and ovum join together. The general scientific option is that the extra chromosome produces extra enzymes in excessive quantity. It is believed that the excessive enzymes somehow cause them to interfere with each other and that the developing cells are inefficiently nourished and the bloodstream becomes clogged with the unused nutrients. As a result the organs and tissues do not mature properly. At birth the heart, lungs and brain are malformed and function poorly.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Heart Disease such as Boron, Vitamin E, Ginkgo, Vitamin B, Amino Acid, Oat Bran, and Vitamin C.

Boron is known as the calcium helper and assists calcium absorption and utilization in the body.

Vitamin E supplies Oxygen to the heart and the other muscles in the body. Accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Ginkgo Plus supplies a comprehensive range of important nutrients needed for the proper functioning of the vascular system and for improving blood circulation to the brain.

Vitamin B taken together as a team perform vital biological processes including aiding in the healing process for congestive heart failure and reduces fluid retention. It is required for the development of red blood cells.

Amino Acid helps regulate growth, digestion and maintaining the body’s immune system.

Oat Bran helps to regulate blood glucose levels, aids in lowering cholesterol, and helps in the removal of toxins.

Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies’ immune system. Take 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily.

If you are at risk from Congenital Heart Disease then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on heart disease. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to heart disease and how to treat them. Visit Heart Disease










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Making Vitamins Plain And Simple : Brain Vitamin

Article by Yvonne Volante

It’s no wonder we are pretty confused when shopping for vitamins. We’ve been told, for example, that a good vitamin supplement would boost our energy level. In fact, we’re told this constantly: in magazine arti- cles, television media, the plethora of vitamin- promoting infomercials, web sites, and pop-up ads on the Internet.

So when you arrive at the vitamin shop, you’re already at a complete loss (and may have forgotten altogether) why you’re even there, and end up like many of us, just not taking any vitamins at all because it’s all so…so…confusing!

Vitamin World, Vitamin Gallery, The Vitamin Patch, Vitamins for Vegeterians — the vast array of shops, whether online or in your neighborhood, all beckon, promising renewed everything. If you have any health problem or complaint known to man, you’ll find a good vitamin supplement (or 12 to 15 of them) to straight- en out your suffering right away.

The good thing about vitamins (just one of many) is that they’re really largely “natural,” with very few containing harmful or otherwise irritating, toxic chemicals.

To put it plainly, vitamins are good for us because they are derived largely from natural plants and min- erals. That’s the basic fact. And the benfits are many; it’s difficult to take the “wrong” vitamin, and it certainly can’t hurt you, so why not give it a swing? But remember: Take everything in moderation.

Beta-carotene, for example, is thought to protect against cancer and heart disease. It can dramatically boost the immune system and is a powerful antioxidant, which controls those “free radicals” we’ve all heard about and prevents them from causing damage to cells that lead to premature disease and aging.

Biotin metabolizes protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It also helps in energy production, and there is some proof that it can help people with diabetes by keeping glucose levels reduced. Other benefits include healthy hair, skin and nails, and reducing fatigue, heartburn and some allergies.

Folic acid is famous among women who are trying to conceive and those already pregnant. Other benefits include keeping your heart strong, increasing energy and helping ward off Alzheimer’s disease.

Vitamins and minerals are now seroiusly recognized in playing a role in the health and vitality of every organ in the body, from skin and bones to the nervous and immune systems, right up to the brain. Vitamins can lower cholesterol levels, help wounds heal more, raise your sperm count and make you more resistant to colds and flu, asthma, cataracts, and even gum dis-ease.

Again, you really can’t go wrong with vitamins. Look beyond the fancy marketing and packaging. The key is to focus on your particular ailment and go straight to the natural remedy. Don’t let all the hype distract or confuse you; all you really need to do is keep it plain and simple.

Yvonne Volante, the author, is a big fan of vitamins and writes for fluidvitamin.com, which is the premier vitamin resource on the internet. You can see all of the articles over at http://www.fluidvitamin.com










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Prevention of Memory Loss also Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease : Memory Exercises

Article by Susan Nickerson

It’s a startling fact that more than 5 million people in the U.S. suffer from memory loss. And it’s estimated that about 20% of the 78 million members of the now-graying baby boomer generation could develop heart-breaking and irreversible Alzheimer’s disease.

The good news is that the prevention of memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease are within your grasp. Through lifestyle changes and anti-aging techniques, it’s possible to actually increase your mental abilities — and maintain them well into your seventh and eight decades.

Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., President and Medical Director of the non-profit Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, has studied this dreaded disease for two decades. Dr. Dharma believes the best defense against Alzheimer’s disease is to prevent it in the first place.

He has developed a 4-pronged approach to the prevention of deterioration of memory function. Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona has endorsed his work, and The Alzheimer’s Association, the Mayo Clinic and UCLA have developed similar programs.

Dr. Dharma’s integrative, holistic medical program for the delay and prevention of memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease involves diet and nutritional supplements, physical and mental exercise, stress and relaxation, and the use of prescribed pharmaceuticals.

Diet and Supplements

Diet directly affects the health of your body, but also your brain. A healthy diet is one that should include fresh fruits and vegetables, be low in trans-fats and saturated fats, high in protein gained mostly from vegetables instead of animal protein. It should have the right amounts of the “good” fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates.

In addition, a high-potency multi-vitamin should be taken daily. And supplements of antioxidants and memory-enhancing vitamins and nutrients, like vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, acetyl-l-carnitine, ginkgo biloba and phosphatidyl serine, may be beneficial as well.

Avoid the use of tobacco and the excessive consumption of alcohol. Also, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause confusion and memory problems, as does being tired.

Physical and Mental Exercise

Exercise plays an important part in any health-promoting routine. Make it a goal to include physical activity in your schedule at least three or four times a week for one hour. Walk, ride a bicycle, jog, or join an exercise class.

In addition to your cardiovascular exercise, it’s important to also do mental exercises, or what Dr. Dharma calls “brain aerobics.” Spending at least twenty minutes three times a week doing mental exercise will stimulate your brain, helping to keep it functioning as it should through the years, and also sharpen your cognitive skills. You can exercise your brain in many ways, including playing stimulating board games, doing crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble, reading a book, learning a new song, or playing a musical instrument.

Of course, the best exercise of all combines both a physical activity with a mental one. Try singing your favorite song or listening to a language tape as you walk or jog. Read a book while riding your exercise bicycle.

Stress and Relaxation

Stress management is an important part of preventing memory loss. Chronic stress has been shown to have an adverse effect on brain health and memory performance. It can contribute to depression and anxiety disorders, which also interfere with normal memory function.

You can reduce stress in your life by preparing a schedule ahead of time, balancing work and leisure activities, set realistic expectations and goals. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises are all excellent ways of reducing stress and providing relaxation.

Prescribed Pharmaceuticals

Unfortunately, there are only a few pharmaceutical drugs currently being prescribed to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and those only for mild to moderate symptoms

Aricept (donepezil), Rasadyne (galantamine), Exelon (rivastigmine) and Namenda (memantine) have been found to slightly delay the deterioration of memory in patients with Alzheimer’s as well as improve some of the symptoms.

It’s important to note here that patients taking these drugs may experience serious side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. Your doctor should be notified immediately if you notice these or any other reactions to these drugs.

Hormone replacement therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be added to your pharmaceutical therapy program. A frank discussion with your physician will help you decide the right course of drug therapy for you.

Everyone forgets things. And that may increase as we age, causing us to experience “senior moments.” We notice a decrease in our ability to concentrate, and it may take longer to recall someone’s name. The good news is that age-related memory loss can be improved — and even prevented. Following these guidelines — diet, physical and mental exercise, stress management and pharmaceuticals — will help you keep your mind and memory healthy and youthful as you age. The strategies and techniques outlined here will provide you with an integrated and holistic program for the prevention of memory loss, and also help prevent Alzheimer’s disease as well.

About the Author:For more free tips, suggestions, and advice on memory-building tools you can use now — visit the non-profit Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation or ARPF today at alzheimersprevention.










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Vitamin E Supplement May Reduce Lung Disease Risk : Vitamins

Article by Kevin Agrawal

A healthy dose of Vitamin E as part of a daily vitamin regimen may offer a host of healthy benefits for promoting fitness and wellbeing particularly of the heart, lung, and immune system, according to steady stream of epidemiological research and clinical trials. Recent research has been shedding light on Vitamin E’s extensive role in promoting respiratory health.Science-Supported Vitamin E Benefits for Lung HealthA Cornell University study, led by Dr. Anne Hermetet Agler of the Division of Nutritional Sciences, analyzed the data of 38,597 women (smokers and non-smokers alike) who participated in a Women’s Health Study (WHS) that focused on the potential effects aspirin and vitamin E may have on cardiovascular disease and cancer. Female health professionals, aged 45 or older, participated in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Each received either a Vitamin E supplement (600 IU every other day) plus aspirin (100 mg every other day) or a placebo. During the ten-year follow-up, researchers documented new cases of chronic lung disease in the two control groups. At the end of the study, in 2004, the group that received Vitamin E supplementation reported only 760 new cases as compared to the placebo group that reported 846 new cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inference drawn from the analysis suggests that Vitamin E supplementation may reduce the onset of COPD, irrespective of the smoking status, by 10 percent in women over 45. The study’s findings were published in the journal, Thorax.1Men, however, do not seem to get the same benefits from Vitamin E supplementation according to Dr. Patricia Cassano, PhD, an associate professor of Nutritional Epidemiology at Cornell University. Analyzing data from the SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial) that evaluated the effects of Vitamin E and Selenium on prostate cancer and other diseases in more than 35,500 men, Dr. Cassano found that Vitamin E, neither alone or in combination with selenium, showed any improvement in reducing the risk of COPD in men, as compared to a placebo.2-3 The reason women tend to benefit more from Vitamin E supplementation is not clear, but Dr. Agler suggests it may be because women tend to have higher HDL (good cholesterol) than men. Since cells in the lung preferentially take up Vitamin E from HDL, women show higher benefits from Vitamin E supplementation than men.Lung Disease: Its Prevalence and Risk FactorsThe National Institutes of Health lists COPD, also known as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, as one of the major causes of disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Currently there are over 12 million people diagnosed with COPD and it is estimated that another 12 million may have COPD but not realize it. Both men and women suffer from COPD. Symptoms include a chronic cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. Cigarette smoking is listed as the most common cause of COPD accounting for 9 out of 10 COPD-related deaths. Other risk factors include long-term exposure to pollutants that irritate the lungs, such as certain chemicals, dust, or fumes in the workplace, or exposure to secondhand smoke.4Observational studies have consistently reported an association between high antioxidant status in lung tissues with low risk of COPD and asthma. Scientists theorize that the imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant in lung tissues may raise the risk of COPD.5 How Vitamin E Works to Protect Lung HealthVitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin that has long been studied for its potential preventive role in lung disease. As an antioxidant, Vitamin E is able to inhibit the oxidation of other molecules, thus reducing the production of unstable, harmful molecules, called free radicals. Free radicals are formed when the body converts food to energy, inhales cigarette smoke, or is exposed to air pollution and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Free radical activity results in cellular damage and is one of the proposed reasons for the development of lung disease and other degenerative diseases. Antioxidants, particularly Vitamin E, help to protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.Other Benefits of Vitamin E SupplementationGiven the sufficient body of evidence suggesting Vitamin E’s role in helping to promote respiratory health, high-quality supplement contract manufacturing, could be the solution for supplement business owners to boost their sales of Vitamin E supplements. Vitamin E also shows great potential benefits for:Heart Health – Vitamin E is believed to protect low density lipoprotein-cholesterol from oxidation. Epidemiological studies suggest that a higher intake of Vitamin E is associated with reduced risk of heart disease and cardiac deaths.6-7 Eye Health – A daily Vitamin E intake of 400 IUs combined with Vitamin C, beta cartone, zinc, copper for an average of 6.3 years could retard the progression of early-stage AMD according to a large, randomized clinical tried called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).8 Immune Health – Vitamin E plays a vital role for optimal immune functions and supplementation of Vitamin E is known to enhance immune response.9 A Vitamin E intake (200 IU to 800 IU) is associated with reduced rates of infection in the elderly, particularly age-related respiratory infections.10Manufacturing Vitamin E SupplementsIn the past Vitamin E supplement sales have suffered due to negative publicity, much of which had to do with discredited research studies. Commenting on these studies, Dr. Andrew Shao, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) says, “These analyses of very specific and narrow segments of the population do not address the vitamin E inadequacy of the American diet.” He further states that supplementation still plays an important role in filling this gap for Americans.11 Although true deficiency of Vitamin E is rare, marginal intake of Vitamin E in the United States is extremely prevalent. The survey results published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (2004) reveals that 90 percent of adults in the United States do not meet the daily recommendations for Vitamin E. 12Being a fat-soluble vitamin, the typical delivery form of Vitamin E is a gel capsule. Natural or synthetic Vitamin E can be derived from a variety of sources, such as rice bran and palm oil, and can be manufactured using different methods of extraction. While the synthetic process is the most cost-effective, the natural extraction process is done without chemicals and therefore gains the “green” advantage.Not only will supplement contract manufacturing help you meet consumer need for Vitamin E supplements, but more advanced studies on all eight forms of Vitamin E and their potential synergistic effects on health can be used to design science-backed formulas that target condition-specific benefits. Work with a knowledgeable, GMP-certified supplement manufacturer to meet your needs for well-researched, premium-quality Vitamin E supplements. References:

Randomised vitamin E supplementation and risk of chronic lung disease in the Women’s Health Study, Thorax. 2011 Apr;66(4):320-5. Epub 2011 Jan 21. PMCID: PMC3062677. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21257986Supplemental Se and Vitamin E and Pulmonary Function, Dr. Patricia A. Cassano, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. labome.org/grant/r01/hl/supplemental/se/supplemental-se-and-vitamin-e-and-pulmonary-function-7266295.htmlEffect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT), JAMA. 2009 Jan 7;301(1):39-51. Epub 2008 Dec 9. PMID: 19066370. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19066370Learn More about COPD, National Institutes of Health, nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/Antioxidant therapies in COPD, Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2006;1(1):15-29. PMCID: PMC2706605. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18046899Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 200.Effects of random allocation to vitamin E supplementation on the occurrence of venous thromboembolism: report from the Women’s Health Study. Circulation 2007;116:1497-1503. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17846285?dopt=Abstract Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8. Arch Ophthalmol 2001;119:1417-36. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11594942?dopt=Abstract Vitamin E and immune functions., Basic Life Sci. 1988;49:615-20. PMID: 3074789. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3074789 )Vitamin E and respiratory infection in the elderly, Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1031:214-22.(Will vitamin E continue its sales slide following new meta-analysis? Nutrition Business Journal, November 2010 newhope360.com/vitamins/will-vitamin-e-continue-its-sales-slide-following-new-meta-analysis )Intake of alpha-tocopherol is limited among US adults. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004;104(4):567-575. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15054342?dopt=Citation

Nutricap Labs is a full supplement contract manufacturing service. We primarily manufacture capsules, powders, gel capsule, liquids and creams.










Be My Friend – www.myspace.com Truth about Vitamins & Minerals Supplements Austin Nutrition Joseph explains what the best types of vitamin and mineral supplements are. He explains the differences between synthetic vitamins, natural vitamins, whole food vitamins and whole foods. Natural Vitamin Source Table www.nutritionaustin.com Visits Joseph’s Website at www.nutritionaustin.com This video was produced by Psychetruth http www.youtube.com psychetruth.blogspot.com Psychetruth is empowered by TubeMogul www.tubemogul.com © Copyright 2008 Zoe Sofia. All Rights Reserved.
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