Anticholinergic drugs are prescribed by doctors to treat a variety of conditions. These range from inflammatory lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine, which serves as the chief neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system. This part … Continue reading Study: Over-the-counter drugs can increase your risk of developing dementia
Consuming more strawberries may help lower Alzheimer’s risk among the elderly
A study published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition found that a diet rich in vitamin C, anthocyanidin and flavonoid – nutrients plenty in strawberries – can help reduce Alzheimer’s disease among older people. The researchers from the Rush University Medical Center and Rush Insitute for Health Aging said that participants who ate strawberries more than once a week were 32 percent less likely to develop … Continue reading Consuming more strawberries may help lower Alzheimer’s risk among the elderly
This neuron-killing protein travels from the gut to the brain by hijacking a nerve
A recent study published in the journal Neuron found that alpha-synuclein (a-syn), a protein genetically linked to Parkinson’s disease, spreads from the gut to the brain through the vagus nerve. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore tested a previously proposed hypothesis suggesting that the gut-brain axis is involved in the progression of Parkinson’s — a neurodegenerative disorder that … Continue reading This neuron-killing protein travels from the gut to the brain by hijacking a nerve
7 Health benefits of PQQ, a natural brain-boosting supplement
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
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
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
Making healthy lifestyle choices can prevent the onset of dementia
A healthy lifestyle can prevent the onset of dementia regardless of genetic risk factors. This is according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Researchers found that individuals aged 60 years and above who follow a healthy lifestyle have a lower risk of dementia than those who have an unhealthy lifestyle. Additionally, they … Continue reading Making healthy lifestyle choices can prevent the onset of dementia
Understanding the medical differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are two terms that are often used to mean the same thing. Anyone who has done a bit of reading on Alzheimer’s disease finds a link between the neurodegenerative disease and the term “dementia.” While the distinction between the two can be quite confusing to some, the two words actually mean different … Continue reading Understanding the medical differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia
Does A Slow Cellular Metabolism Speed Up Aging?
Aging is a universal human reality. Concern regarding aging—and a collective aversion to it—has even generated entire industry segments dedicated to anti-aging products, from expensive supplements through pricey lotions. People are afraid of the issues that can come up with advanced age: cancer, cognitive decline, wrinkles and age spots, mobility issues, sexual dysfunction, and any number of other … Continue reading Does A Slow Cellular Metabolism Speed Up Aging?
A folate deficiency puts you at risk of several diseases, research finds
Folate, also referred to as vitamin B9 or folic acid, is an essential nutrient obtained from many fruits and green leafy vegetables. Not getting enough of this B vitamin can lead to many health problems. One of these is fragile X syndrome, according to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). … Continue reading A folate deficiency puts you at risk of several diseases, research finds
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 