Pandemics may come and go, but neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s, unfortunately, remain a common occurrence among the older population. However, despite these conditions affecting millions of people worldwide, they are not an inevitable part of aging. Numerous natural brain-boosting agents can help improve brain health, one of which is PQQ. The role of PQQ … Continue reading 7 Health benefits of PQQ, a natural brain-boosting supplement
Which antioxidants can be used to protect brain function?
Antioxidants are compounds found in plants, especially those used as food by humans. These compounds play an important role inside the body as they prevent or slow the damage caused by free radicals to cells. Free radicals are byproducts of metabolism, specifically the breakdown of food into energy. If the body is unable to remove these unstable molecules, … Continue reading Which antioxidants can be used to protect brain function?
Chinese herbal medicines that can improve memory and cognition
Older adults often suffer from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It is defined as the stage between cognitive decline that comes naturally with aging and the more serious decline in brain performance (dementia). MCI affects many aspects of cognition, such as memory, language, judgment and thinking. Although researchers have yet to pinpoint a single cause of MCI, they are … Continue reading Chinese herbal medicines that can improve memory and cognition
Adding more dietary choline can cut back the risk of dementia
Multiple studies have suggested that choline, an essential nutrient found in eggs and meat, can be instrumental in keeping cognitive decline at bay. But evidence to support this connection has eluded researchers for quite some time. In a recent paper published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers from the University of Eastern Finland established that taking phosphatidylcholine (PC), the chemical precursor to choline, leads to … Continue reading Adding more dietary choline can cut back the risk of dementia
Middle aged women can experience cognitive decline as a side effect of stressful life experiences
Middle-aged women who experience stressful life experiences are more likely to develop dementia later in life, suggests a recent study from Johns Hopkins University. In their report, which was published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, the team noted that the findings were specific to women who experience chronic stress. This could also explain the disproportionate rates of … Continue reading Middle aged women can experience cognitive decline as a side effect of stressful life experiences
Yes, it’s REAL: Coronavirus patients are losing their sense of smell and taste – and aren’t getting them back
In addition to attacking the lungs, the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) can also rob patients of their sense of smell and taste. Now, as they begin to learn more about the disease, experts warn that these patients could be without these senses for much longer than expected. Healthcare personnel first noticed that COVID-19 patients were losing their ability to … Continue reading Yes, it’s REAL: Coronavirus patients are losing their sense of smell and taste – and aren’t getting them back
Performing aerobic exercises can improve overall endurance, even after a stroke
Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to recent reports from the World Health Organization (WHO). A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or interrupted. As a result, brain cells begin to die just minutes after the blockage or interruption has occurred. Stroke survivors can experience a wide range of disabilities, … Continue reading Performing aerobic exercises can improve overall endurance, even after a stroke
Scans show changes in brain caused by coronavirus-related loss of smell
We’re still learning about the effects of coronavirus on the body, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that one symptom that was previously considered uncommon may be a lot more prevalent than previously thought – and for some, it may be the only symptom they’ll experience. Italian researchers say they’ve seen images of the brain changes caused by … Continue reading Scans show changes in brain caused by coronavirus-related loss of smell
If they can’t cure your depression, maybe they can make you forget you have it: Common anticholinergic drugs increase dementia risk by 50 percent
The use of anticholinergic medications is widespread, especially among older adults. These medications are often prescribed by physicians to treat a wide variety of health problems, including bladder disorders, gastrointestinal issues, seasonal allergies and even depression. However, recent studies have found a connection between the use of anticholinergic drugs and acute cognitive impairments. In particular, these medications have been … Continue reading If they can’t cure your depression, maybe they can make you forget you have it: Common anticholinergic drugs increase dementia risk by 50 percent
Do antidepressants really work? Danish study says otherwise
It remains unclear whether antidepressants are an effective treatment for depression in adults, according to a recent review. Published in BMJ Open, it revealed that previous clinical trials and existing studies do not provide conclusive evidence that antidepressants can treat symptoms of depression better than alternative treatments. Depression: Types, symptoms and causes Depression is one of the most common … Continue reading Do antidepressants really work? Danish study says otherwise
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 