It’s no secret that neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are on the rise. Various factors contribute to the diagnosis of such conditions, but certain lifestyle considerations increase a person’s risk of memory loss or accelerated brain aging. Researchers  from the University of Oxford identified three lifestyle factors that increase the rate of aging and cognitive decline. This article will explain what they found. 

About The Study

Nature Communications published the recent study, during which researchers looked at the brain scans of about 40,000 people over the age of 45. These participants belonged to the UK Biobank database. The primary area of interest was how genetic and lifestyle factors impact areas of the brain that are vulnerable to the effects of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. 

• Genetic factors: usually classified as non-modifiable, but lifestyle habits may influence whether or not certain genes turn on. 
• Lifestyle: considered a modifiable risk factor because you have the power to change your habits and choices. That can ultimately increase or decrease the likelihood of developing a certain disease or illness. 

3 Risk Factors That Age The Brain Faster

Study authors noted three things that drove earlier degeneration of certain brain regions. These factors were: traffic-related air pollution, type 2 diabetes, and the frequency of alcohol intake. Interestingly enough, both traffic-related air pollution and alcohol intake have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. 

• Air Pollution: You do not have full control of the amount of the air pollution you are exposed to on a daily basis. As a society, however, we can work to reduce the amount of pollution we produce. According to emerging data, exposure to pollution over time increases the risk of dementia.
• Diabetes: Previous studies have linked type 2 diabetes to an increased risk of dementia by as much as 60%.
• Alcohol frequency: Drinking alcohol, especially too much alcohol, can damage the brain. A 2023 study included over three million people in Korea and found that sustained heavy drinking increased the risk of dementia by 8%. Researchers noted that limiting alcohol consumption reduced the risk by 8%.

What differentiated this study from previous studies was the why factor. These factors are so dangerous to brain health because they target the brain’s weak spots. 

How Do Genetics Influence Cognitive Decline?

There have been some findings about the relationship between genetics and the way the brain ages. Most of this information is useful in research settings, and not in individuals. Certain genes, for example, code for immune and inflammatory recommendations to protect the most vulnerable parts of the brain that influence poor brain aging. Those genetic factors are also connected to some modifiable factors, so lifestyle improvements may help you overcome genetic predispositions to early brain aging. Such modifiable categories include blood pressure, body weight, smoking, depressive mood, inflammation, sleep, social patterns, physical activity, and education status. 

How To Protect The Brain And Prevent Dementia

Based on the findings in this study, the researchers encourage the following actionable recommendations to protect the most vulnerable parts of the brain:

• Invest in an air purifier: Although you cannot control the pollution outside the home, you can help keep the air inside the home as clean as possible. One of the best ways to do that is to invest in an air purifier. Just make sure that you get one with a HEPA filter because they are the best at removing particles from the air. 
• Increase your fiber intake: Researchers note that people who eat high-fiber diets are less likely to have type 2 diabetes. Fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate that works to stabilize blood sugar and promote healthy digestion. Only 5% of American adults consume the recommended daily amount (RDA) of fiber. Women should consume between 21-28 grams per day, while men should consume 30-38 grams per day. Get more fiber by focusing on fibrous foods, such as lentils, avocados, beans, chia seeds, and other fruits and vegetables. 
• Limit your alcohol intake: Alcohol is a known toxin, especially in regards to cognitive health. You don’t have to completely avoid alcohol, but mindful consumption is best. Reserve a drink or two for special occasions and spend less time indulging just because.

SHARE:

The post These 3 Factors Make Your Brain Age Faster appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Lemon Balm was used to attract honeybees to cultivate honey production. Lemon Balm has also been used for digestion, and using it as an essential oil can help with stress.

SHARE:

The post Lemon Balm: Can This Herb Help Alzheimer’s? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you are an older adult, you are well aware that your appetite isn’t what it used to be. Perhaps you’ve traded a plate of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and toast for a small bowl of oatmeal. Tackling the grandiose meals of your youth seems like an impossible feat in your older age. Why exactly is this and what happened to your body?

Older adults usually cut back on portions and reach for foods that are easier to digest. Eating smaller portions isn’t necessarily a bad thing if the meals provide ample nutrition. A problem can arise if loss of appetite stems from an underlying health issue. If you don’t address this issue, you may experience weight loss, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis, anemia, trouble balancing, or other illnesses. 

Dietitians state that, while proper nutrition is vital for everyone, it is especially important for older adults. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can help older adults retain energy and reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases. If you or someone you know has recently lost an interest in food more so than before, the following reasons may provide more explanation. 

Dental Issues

You can have problems with your teeth and gums from childhood into old age. The problem is that dental issues become more common as you get older. If you have problems with your teeth and gums, eating is less enjoyable, so you may eat less. Tooth loss, poor-fitting dentures, and other problems make it harder to chew. Untreated cavities or gum disease may cause pain while chewing.

Colds Or Infections

The immune system naturally declines with age, which makes older adults more susceptible to colds and infections. If you are sick, you may only have an appetite for some toast or a few bites of soup. Other food options that have more sustenance may not appeal to you. If the illness or infection causes dehydration, you are less likely to eat food, according to health experts.

Age-Related Physical Changes

As covered so far, your appetite can shrink as you get older. One cause that health experts attribute this to is your sense of taste and smell diminish with age, making food less appealing. If you are less active than you used to be, you may not require as much energy to fuel the body as you did as a young person, according to a 2020 review. The less fuel you need, the less likely you are to eat large amounts of food.

Changing Social Circumstances

What exactly do social circumstances have to do with your appetite, you ask? Well, your living situation may change and fewer people may live in your household. That means that you don’t cook for large groups of family any longer because you may live alone and eat by yourself. The unfortunate reality is that older people are twice as likely to have poor appetite when living alone. As your social circumstances change and increase loneliness, you may lose your appetite even more. One of the most common symptoms of depression is loss of appetite, so make sure to care for your mental health if this factors into your appetite. 

Cognitive Decline

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are common age-related cognitive disorders. In addition to loss of memory and forgetfulness, cognitive decline increases the risk for depression which often leads to weight loss due to lack of interest in food. Studies note that eating regular meals also proves to be challenging for people with Alzheimer’s disease. This may stem from overstimulation or too many food choices. They may also have trouble focusing on the food if there are other distractions present. Lastly, a person with Alzheimer’s may forget to eat or stop eating if the condition is more severe. 

Medications And Chronic Diseases

Chronic health issues can accompany old age if you do not take care of the body. As an older person, the risk of chronic pain, heart failure, kidney failure, liver disease, cancer, and more increases. All of those can decrease your appetite, and some conditions (such as arthritis) may affect your ability to hold utensils, which makes it harder to eat. Medications that doctors prescribe for some of these conditions also affect appetite. Additionally, medications can alter your taste preferences, cause dry mouth, or make you less hungry, according to health experts.

SHARE:

The post What Causes Loss Of Appetite In Older Adults? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Statistically, Black Americans are 1.5 to two times more likely than their white counterparts to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias. According to a new study, eating more whole grains may protect against cognitive decline, especially memory loss. During the study, participants consumed whole grains, including cereals, quinoa, and popcorn. We’ll discuss the outcome of the study and observations in this article. 

What Are Whole Grains?

Whole grains are foods eaten in their whole form and include grains like wheat, corn, quinoa, sorghum, spelt, rye, rice, and oats. They offer the “complete package,” so to speak, given that they differ from refined grains, which are stripped of valuable nutrients during the refining process. All whole grain kernels contain three parts: the bran, germ, and endosperm. Each part offers different nutrients, some of which include B-vitamins, copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. 

The Study

The research published in November 2023 monitored Black adult participants who consumed whole grains. Participants who ate more whole grains exhibited lower levels of memory decline, which equated to being a median 8.5 years younger that those who ate fewer daily servings of whole grains. Even those who ate fewer servings experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline. 

Study authors are excited by the fact that eating more whole grains may reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. However, overall diet factors into the equation. Sure, whole grains may help the cause, but only if other dietary modifications are in place. For example, eating more foods that support brain health is a great first step, but cutting out foods that harm the brain is an equally important step. 

A Benefit For Black Adults, But Not White Adults

The study took place over six years, with researchers following more than 3,000 adults with a median age of 75. None of the participants had dementia at the start of the study, and roughly 60% of the adults in the study were Black. Every three years, study participants filled out a questionnaire detailing how often they consumed whole grains. They also completed cognitive and memory tests after filling out the questionnaires. The tests involved recalling lists of words and remembering numbers to put back in correct order. 

Study authors divided the participants into five groups based on the amount of whole grains they consumed. The group that ate the lowest amount of whole grains averaged less than a half serving per day, while the highest group averaged 2.5 servings per day. According to study authors, the highest amount was less than the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggested. Those guidelines suggested three to five servings of whole grains per day. 

The analysis revealed that Black individuals with the highest whole grain intake showed slower rates of cognitive decline. The protective effects of whole grains were only observed in Black adults. A higher proportion of Black participants (67%) consumed more than one serving of whole grains compared to white participants (38%). Study authors observed that Black participants ate more oats, dark bread, bulgur, couscous, kasha, and other whole grain foods. 

Avoid Refined Grains For A Healthier Brain

Based on the results from the study, neurology professors note that whole grain consumption may improve cognitive function and slow memory decline. In fact, whole grains may even influence the ability to think and reason. Whole grains are commonly consumed in the Mediterranean diet, for example, which is associated with better cognitive function and heart health. The main takeaway is that experts discourage the consumption of refined grains, as they don’t encourage healthier cognitive function. Whole grains may offer these benefits because of the nutrients they provide. These nutrients may fight free radicals and reduce inflammation, which have previously been associated with mental decline.

SHARE:

The post A Diet Rich In Whole Grains May Slow Memory Decline In Black Adults appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

People forget things all the time, but forgetting things one too many times may be cause for concern. Not remembering why you came into the kitchen or a certain room can happen to anyone, but you may wonder whether or not you are developing dementia if this happens a lot and you are in a certain age range. 

What Is Dementia?

Dementia, or neurocognitive disorder, is the loss of thinking, reasoning, or remembering to the point where it interferes with everyday life/activities. There are several forms of dementia, but the most common is Alzheimer’s disease in people aged 65 and older, according to neurologists. The second most common form is vascular dementia, caused by conditions that affect blood vessels in the brain, such as stroke. Finally, the last form is a brain disorder known as Parkinson’s disease dementia.

Although dementia is more common as you get older, it is not a normal part of aging. People can live well into their 90s without ever being diagnosed with the condition. The National Institute of Aging (NIA) continues to research the disease to find out who is more susceptible and how it can be prevented. For now, the NIA considers the following signs and symptoms to be early warning signs of dementia. 

Changes In Judgment

Anybody has the opportunity to make a poor decision every so often. People with dementia, or early onset symptoms, may experience more frequent changes in judgment or decision-making. A great example is that people with dementia may not be able to manage a budget or, more commonly, they neglect their hygiene more regularly. 

Trouble Completing Tasks

A lot of older people, even those who aren’t so old, require assistance learning new technology or appliances. People with dementia typically find it much harder learn technology and complete routine tasks that they used to do with ease. Driving to a familiar location or creating a grocery list can become difficult and trivial, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Episodic Memory Loss

Memory loss tends to be one of the earlier symptoms of dementia, with episodic memory loss being the first noticeable sign. A person may remember going on vacation, for example, but they can’t remember where they went or what they did. Episodic memory involves remembering specific information about recent or past events. People with dementia may not remember where they parked the car or where they went for dinner the previous week. Oftentimes, the person with dementia does not notice that they have episodic memory loss; rather, a friend or family member points it out. 

Mood Changes

It is completely natural to become more set in your ways as you get older. It is easy to get upset if your normal routine is disrupted, but coping with stress and change is more challenging among older adults. In fact, depression in older adults is quite common as a result. People with dementia are occasionally unable to control their emotions, or they may become suspicious, confused, depressed, or fearful. It’s common for them to become upset at home, with friends, or when outside of their comfort zone. 

Problems With Language

It is not uncommon to search for the right word when trying to communicate verbally or in writing. People with dementia tend to have a much harder time with language, though. They may have trouble finding words for familiar things or call someone or something by the wrong name. It is also possible for them to repeat themselves or lose track of a conversation.

SHARE:

The post 5 Early Warning Signs Of Dementia appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Dementia is a symptom of Alzheimer’s. You may want to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice any warning signs that may point towards Alzheimer’s disease. An early diagnosis may provide benefits, like planning for the future.

SHARE:

The post Rare Dementia Can Turn You Into An Artist? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is rising at an alarming rate. A 2023 statistic estimated that 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older currently have Alzheimer’s disease. About 73% of those people are aged 75 or older. Currently, about one in nine people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s, and almost two-thirds of Americans with the disease are women. 

According to statistics, older Black Americans are almost twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias as older White Americans. Older Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as older White Americans. As the size of the U.S. population continues to grow, so too will the number of people with Alzheimer’s. In fact, the projected number of people with Alzheimer’s disease in 2050 is 12.7 million. That may change depending on medical breakthroughs and treatment options for the disease. 

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? 

Not only is Alzheimer’s disease difficult for the people afflicted with it, but also the loved ones around them. This form of dementia, as previously detailed, is on the rise, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The disease currently costs the U.S. $345 billion for treatment, and that cost is estimated to reach almost $1 trillion by 2050. The numbers are troubling and scary, illustrating the need for prevention.

New Study Finds That Alzheimer’s Patients Have Lower Levels Of Certain Nutrients

Researchers from RUSH University Memory and Aging Project in Chicago and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine whether or not nutrient levels differed from regular brains to those affected by Alzheimer’s. The hypothesis was that micronutrients are much lower in donor brains with Alzheimer’s than healthy elderly brains. What the researchers found was that brains of Alzheimer’s patients had lower levels of specific micronutrients.

In order to test the hypothesis, researchers had to examine samples of donor brains with Alzheimer’s. They dissected them into gray and white matter after analyzing cognitive performance and diets of participants in the 10-year study. Researchers focused on their intake of carotenoids specifically. What they found was that the brains of Alzheimer’s patients were significantly lower in the following carotenoids:

• Retinol
• Lutein
• Lycopene
• Zeaxanthin
• Alpha-tocopherol
• Anhydrolutein

What Does This Mean?

The researchers noted that study participants who followed the MIND diet had a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. MIND diet followers also showed better cognitive performance on tests and less Alzheimer’s-related brain pathology. Researchers attribute that to the fact that the MIND diet is rich in foods that contain carotenoids, antioxidants, and other micronutrients. 

For the first time, this is a study that demonstrates deficits in integral dietary antioxidants in Alzheimer’s brains. What’s more is that these results are consistent with large population studies. Other studies found that the risk of Alzheimer’s disease was significantly lower in people who ate carotenoid-rich diets. Not only that, but the study authors believe that carotenoid-rich diets can help with overall brain function, regardless of age. 

Studies like this one help inform health experts of how dietary shifts may aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, or at least slow the progression. The hope is that this data motivates people to keep their brains in optimum condition. It is true that you can eat for your brain! You can click here to learn more about that. The main thing is to eat a lot of colorful fruits and vegetables, as they have a diverse mix of antioxidants and carotenoids.

SHARE:

The post Study Finds That Brains Of Alzheimer’s Patients Are Lower In These Nutrients appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Have you heard of young-onset Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer disease can affect people in their 30s or 40s (sometimes even their 20s!) Regardless of when it’s detected, it’s still impacts you tremendously at any age. While there is no cure, identifying it earlier on in life can result in a better quality of overall life.

SHARE:

The post Can young people get Alzheimer’s? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Memory doesn’t work like a camera. Your mind won’t capture a memory. In fact, researches have never confirmed anyone who claims to have “photographic memory.” You can remember things well, but there’s no evidence to prove that photographic memory is real.

SHARE:

The post There’s No Such Thing As A Photographic Memory? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are different types of amnesia, but it isn’t the way that they depict it on TV shows. You won’t lose your entire identity.

SHARE:

The post Can You Trust Your Memory? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.