Tag: Alzheimer’s

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Healing Foods For Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Prevention

Mediterranian Diet

By Donnie Yance

“God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.” – J.M. Barrie

How Diet and Genes Affect Brain Health

Recent studies show that the brain strives to maintain a steady energy supply over time, a process called “energetic homeostasis.”1  This balance is important because energy metabolism affects how brain cells work, communicate, and adapt. These changes can influence thinking and memory.

What we eat plays a major role in brain function. Certain foods can have long-term effects on brain health by changing the way brain cells grow and connect. These effects happen through epigenetic regulation, which means that food can change how genes are expressed without changing the DNA itself. Eating the right nutrients helps support energy use in the brain and strengthens connections between neurons, much like exercise does. Research on brain injuries suggests that whole foods and supplements can help reduce damage to brain cells.2

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The Pros And Cons Of Coffee

I look forward to my morning cup of java and my afternoon cappuccino. Living in Ashland, Oregon, I am fortunate to have high-quality coffee and espresso available—fair trade, organic, locally roasted, and freshly ground. Delicious coffee is such an integral part of our daily lives that a beautiful and very old Pavoni Italian cappuccino/espresso machine occupies a prominent place in our kitchen at home.

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Herbs and Nutrients to Keep Your Memory Sharp

If you’ve ever walked into a room and couldn’t remember why you were there; misplaced your keys (or even your car in a parking lot); or forgotten the name of an acquaintance, you might have momentarily wondered about your memory or if you were losing your mind. If you’re over the age of 50, you might even be seriously concerned about the possibility of Alzheimer’s.

It’s a valid concern. According to the 2008 Alzheimer’s Association figures, more than five million Americans over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, approximately 500,000 Americans under the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Although a decline in memory and brain function is generally regarded as an inevitable part of growing older, in reality, brain aging is caused by poor cerebral circulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative damage, and decreased levels of anabolic-repair hormones, including DHEA and testosterone. All of these factors contribute to changes in the brain that lead to neuronal degeneration and cognitive impairment.

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