Brain Health News To Use

Stress wreaks havoc in our lives and can trigger illnesses ranging from ulcers to heart disease -- but stress can also threaten brain health and increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Stress Damages the Brain

 Stress accelerates brain aging, affects memory and processing speed. The stress hormone cortisol can kill brain cells and shrink the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for long-term memory and spatial navigation.

Swedish researchers report that...

A new 28-year study published in PLoS Medicine reports that "more frequent social contact during early and midlife may build cognitive reserve, which is maintained and delays or prevents the clinical expression of dementia."

In other words, spend time with friends to lower dementia risk.

Analysis of the study's data revealed that higher amounts of social contact at age 60 were the most significantly associated with a lower risk of developing dementia later in life. Data was less statistically...

Aside from the obvious stressors that come with work, family and finances, the modern world itself can simply be overwhelming. A continuous barrage of cell phones, televisions, social media and a stream of people demanding immediate decisions.

Not only can chronic stress compromise emotional health, it can actually increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

There is a simple, affordable, practical daily ritual that can immediately help to relieve stress:...

Go ahead and pour that glass of pinot. But only one.

A 23-year follow-up study, published in The British Medical Journal, reported that people who are teetotalers in middle age are at a greater risk of developing dementia by early old age, compared to those who were moderate drinkers -- with positive benefits particularly apparent in moderate wine drinkers. And, as alcohol consumption increases beyond "moderate consumption," the risk of...

Finally -- mainstream publications are reporting what wellness experts have been prescribing for years. Moderate exercise can slow cognitive decline in people at risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

Newsweek just reported that a Harvard Medical School study, published in JAMA Neurology, found that a total of 8,900 steps a day appeared to slow the rates of cognitive decline and brain volume loss in people who already had amyloid plaque -- a protein thought to play a role in...

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have long been known to have powerful effects on the body.

Green tea can improve brain function, increase fat loss, lower the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease,  inhibit bacteria and viruses, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels and many other impressive benefits.

And, it may also protect your aging brain.

Multiple studies show that green tea polyphenols can have protective effects on neurons...

Time again to re-consider your medicine cabinet.

Some widely-advertised over-the-counter acid blockers are again being linked with dementia and depression.

One common drug group used to treat indigestion and GERD are 'proton-pump inhibitors' (also called PPIs) and includes the brandnames Nexium, Prilosec, Prontonix, Prevacid and Aciphex. (Generic names include omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, dexlansoprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole, dexrabeprazole...

Mushrooms may indeed be magical.

A new study, published in the 'Journal of Alzheimer's Disease,' suggests that adding grocery store mushrooms to your daily diet may protect your memory.

In a 6-year study with 600 adults over the age of 60, researchers found that two portions of mushrooms a day (two ¾ cup servings) lowered the risk of mild cognitive impairment by 50%.

According to the study, even one portion may have a positive effect on cognitive decline.

Since about half of all mild...

If you’re over 40, you may already be on the road to Alzheimer’s Disease. Scientists say that damage to the brain starts 20 years or more before first symptoms appear. During this preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s, you may be symptom-free, but toxic changes are already taking place in your brain.

Not me, you say? Well, today’s statistics say 1-in-3 seniors will get Alzheimer’s and these odds are quickly declining to 1-in-2 seniors. That means that by the time we...