Key Points: Alleviating cognitive decline with omega-3s may only occur with adequate B vitamin levels. Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 break down the amino acid homocysteine, allowing for omega-3s to be incorporated into the membranes of brain cells. As we age, our brains progressively atrophy (deteriorate, shrink, degenerate), leading to cognitive decline. Cognitive decline can… Continue reading How B Vitamins and Omega-3s Could Prevent Cognitive Decline
Category: Brain & Neurons
New Study Shows Type 2 Diabetes Accelerates Brain Aging
Key Points: Age-related cognitive decline – progressive reduction in thinking capacity – is accelerated in type 2 patients. Neurodegeneration – brain deterioration – is accelerated by 26% in type 2 diabetes patients. As we age, our brains progressively deteriorate, making it increasingly more difficult to think. Among other faculties, we lose our ability to focus,… Continue reading New Study Shows Type 2 Diabetes Accelerates Brain Aging
Study Shows Lion’s Mane Restores Physical Performance in Aged Mice
Key Points: Oxidative stress opens the door to a myriad of biological complications, including damage to proteins and DNA. While our cells harness antioxidant defenses capable of neutralizing oxidative stress-inducing compounds, time fights back, tipping the scales and leading to oxidants outnumbering antioxidants in the aging brain. As oxidative damage builds up with age, we… Continue reading Study Shows Lion’s Mane Restores Physical Performance in Aged Mice
Study Shows that GM-CSF Improves the Memory of Middle to Older Age and Down Syndrome Mice
Key Points: Treatment with the immune protein GM-CSF improves the spatial memory of middle-aged to older mice. GM-CSF also improves the memory of a mouse model for Down syndrome. Treatment with GM-CSF increases neuronal organization in the hippocampus – a region of the brain associated with memory – in Down syndrome mice. Most of us… Continue reading Study Shows that GM-CSF Improves the Memory of Middle to Older Age and Down Syndrome Mice
USC Researchers Identify Genes Associated with Structural Changes to the Aging Brain
Key Points USC researchers pinpoint 15 loci – specific positions of a gene or DNA sequence on a chromosome – that accelerate or halt brain aging. Genetic analysis reveals an overlap between genes associated with schizophrenia, depression, insomnia, and cognitive functioning. Our genes, along with environmental factors, dictate how our brains change with age .… Continue reading USC Researchers Identify Genes Associated with Structural Changes to the Aging Brain
Phlorizin – a Compound Found in Common Foods – has Anti-Aging Benefits
Key Points: The plant-based compound phlorizin – found in foods like almonds, apples, and strawberries – increases antioxidant defenses, reduces inflammation, and prevents brain cell death in aged mice. Memory and cognitive abilities are improved by phlorizin treatment. Phlorizin-induced changes in gut bacteria are associated with improved antioxidant defenses and reduced cell death. When it… Continue reading Phlorizin – a Compound Found in Common Foods – has Anti-Aging Benefits
Scientists Link Excessive Napping to Alzheimer’s
Key Points: Older adults tend to nap longer and more frequently with aging. Longer and more frequent naps may be indicative of an increased the risk for Alzheimer’s dementia. Napping duration is also associated with lower cognitive performance in old age. Does napping too much cause our wakefulness neurons to die, or do dead neurons… Continue reading Scientists Link Excessive Napping to Alzheimer’s
Japanese Researchers Identify Soil Bacteria Compounds That Improve Alzheimer’s
Key Points: Researchers screened numerous compounds made by soil bacteria for the ability to affect the build-up of amyloid beta (Aβ) – a toxic protein that is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. The screen identified Verrucarin A, which reduced Aβ production by 80% in a cell-based Alzheimer’s model. These results suggest that the interactions between soil… Continue reading Japanese Researchers Identify Soil Bacteria Compounds That Improve Alzheimer’s
Trial Shows Increasing Brain NAD+ with NR Improves Parkinson’s
Key Points: Researchers from Haukeland University in Norway published a new study in Cell Metabolism detailing a double-blind phase 1 clinical trial with nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor to the energy-boosting coenzyme NAD+, in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Brakedal and colleagues show that supplementing Parkinson’s patients with 1000 mg NR for 30 days successfully boosts… Continue reading Trial Shows Increasing Brain NAD+ with NR Improves Parkinson’s
Huge UK Study Shows Even Light Alcohol Consumption Can Still Cause Brain Shrinkage in Adults
Key Points: Analysis of thousands of U.K. middle-aged and older adults shows increased alcoholic beverages consumed per day is linked to decreased brain volume. Predictions show that people who consume 2 drinks per week have brains that are 10 years older than people who do not drink. Alcohol consumption is associated with damaging parts of… Continue reading Huge UK Study Shows Even Light Alcohol Consumption Can Still Cause Brain Shrinkage in Adults