Tag Archives: Reduce

Brain Training: It Works (to Improve Mental Skills) and It Doesn’t (to reduce Brain Age) : Brain Training

Article by Alvaro Fernandez

Copyright (c) 2009 SharpBrains

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic and USC Davis have just announced publication of their IMPACT study at the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The press release announces:

– “Of the 487 healthy adults over the age of 65 who participated in a randomized controlled trial, half used the Brain Fitness Program for 40 hours over the course of eight weeks. The Brain Fitness Program consists of six audio exercises done on a computer, and is intended to “retrain the brain to discriminate fine distinctions in sound, and do it in a way that keeps the user engaged,” Zelinski explained.” The other half of participants spent an equal amount of time learning from educational DVDs followed by quizzes.

This is a very interesting study, in that it shows both that brain/ cognitive training works, and that it doesn’t work.

What do I mean?

Well, it is time we move beyond this superficial discussion on it works/ it doesn’t work, and we started discussing Work for Whom? Work for What?

1) It works: the intervention (computerized cognitive training) showed cognitive benefits beyond the control (educational DVDs followed by quizzes). This is significant both in that it shows that people over 65 can improve their mental abilities, and that can be done in scalable ways, thanks to emerging technology tools. Obviously more research needs to be done, but results like these would have been considered impossible not so long ago.

2) It doesn’t work: those cognitive benefits were closely related to the trained auditory areas. The results don’t support grandiose claims that the program “helps rejuvenate one’s brain 10 years” or similar, which we hear all too often.

This is but one study in a rapidly growing area (this one is pretty large, and multi-site, and conducted by independent researchers). The key questions are becoming:

– 1) who may benefit most from improving on specific cognitive domains- auditory processing in this case?,

– 2) how can healthcare professionals support patients from a preventive and brain maintenance point of view (please note the study above had nothing to do with Alzheimer’s Disease, but with the enhancement of cognitive functions)

– 3) how can consumers navigate the growing number of products and claims?

I interviewed USC Davis’ Elizabeth Zelinski, one of the scientists involved in the study, and this is what she said:

– “The program we used, Brain Fitness 2.0, trains auditory processing. The people in the experimental group improved very significantly, which was not that surprising. What was very surprising was that there was also a clear benefit in auditory memory, which wasn’t directly trained. In other words, people who were 75-years-old performed auditory memory tasks as well as average 65-year-olds, so we can say they reversed 10 years of aging for that cognitive ability.”

In short, if you are considering buying some of these new programs, for yourself, your patients, a loved one…you do need to do a bit of homework. Yes, it would be easier if there were more specific and categorical answers…but for the time being there aren’t, apart from the general guidelines to stay active physically and mentally, manage stress levels, have a balanced nutrition.

So, ask yourself, what specific cognitive abilities would you like to work on and improve? what program offers credible evidence that it may help exercise and improve them? for what group of people (age, healthy or clinical problems,…) does the program seem like a better fit?

Alvaro Fernandez is the CEO and Co-Founder of SharpBrains.com, a website that reviews resources for brain fitness and offers brain teasers. SharpBrains has been recognized by Scientific American Mind, Newsweek, The New York Times, and more. Alvaro holds MA in Education and MBA from Stanford University, and teaches The Science of Brain Health at UC-Berkeley Lifelong Learning Institute. You can learn more at http://www.sharpbrains.com/










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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.










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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