Alzheimer's and dementia devastate lives. They destroy the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and they have a way of making us feel helpless. But maybe we're not as helpless as it seems. Maybe we can do something to keep these monsters at bay. We already -know that interventions like cognitive training and physical exercise -can delay dementia. But we also know from other conditions that almost...
Alzheimer's disease is the -most common form of dementia. While a single direct cause is still not entirely known, there are some things scientists are learning that may aid in the prevention. Sugary snacks, starchy foods and processed meats aren’t the healthiest options. But could these foods also increase your Alzheimer's risk? - The Apparent Sugar and Alzheimer's Link - Consuming too much sugar...
Sugar can be downright divine. Just thinking about all the sinful, sticky, gooey possibilities can get our mouths watering. Humans and animals alike are -programmed- to love the sweet stuff, but too much of it may trigger a nasty spiral that can be difficult to escape. Excessive sugar consumption can cause changes to the brain similar to those caused by drug addiction, leading to cravings, binges and...
As if we didn’t already have enough reasons to avoid trans fats, we may now also have to worry about their long-term effects on the brain. You might not see as many trans fats on labels as you used to, but they’re still out there, quietly wreaking havoc on our health. They might even increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Check this out. Trans Fats on the Body - Trans fats- used to be...
Many people claim tea enhances the brain’s performance and keeps this essential organ healthy. These claims were once considered anecdotal, but recent research reveals that tea may actually have positive benefits on the brain. Whether you want to fend off dementia or boost your mood, a warm cup of tea may be just what's needed. Tea warms you up on a chilly day, but it may also be a mood booster and...
Over 16 million people suffer from depression in a given year, and over 40 million struggle to cope with anxiety. Affective disorders like -depression and anxiety- have long been known to exacerbate physical illnesses such as IBD, stomach upset, and otherwise unexplained illnesses like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers have now added dementia to that list. Prematurely Aging the...
Today 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. By 2050 the number is projected to grow to nearly 14 million. Bracing against the disease, while standing alongside those diagnosed, are family and friends wrapped in an intricate web of perplexing emotion. Dementia plays out in stages. I think about - the arc of my mother’s life - as college sorority sister, to wife, mother...
About 5.7 million Americans currently suffer from -Alzheimer’s disease-, the most common form of dementia. Up until recently, doctors had no way of detecting the disease until symptoms had already presented and the disease was well underway. Now, -a simple blood test might be able to detect the presence of plaque-forming proteins decades in advance-, long before the disease they cause begins to develop....
Image source - We know a little about how to handle Alzheimer’s disease. For instance, good nutrition and exercise can prevent it. Keeping yourself mentally engaged can lead to an improvement in memory. There are also anecdotes from those who care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease that have revealed that music and storytelling can help temporarily lift the mental fog. A dramatic example of...
Whether we want to or not, we all experience stress in varying degrees. While stressful situations are a completely regular occurrence, there’s recent evidence that has shown links between chronic stress and mental health illnesses. The side effects of chronic stress commonly include depression and anxiety, as well as many other symptoms of mental health conditions. Newfound Claims Regarding Chronic...