Mental Fitness - About Alzheimer's

By Sally Janssen

Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain. It develops as a result of the ageing process with dementia often one of its symptoms. Its causes are as yet not fully known.

Medical research shows that plaques of an insoluble protein fragment known as beta amyloid tend to accumulate in the space between neurons of the brain, to reduce or even cut off communication avenues in the hippocampus. It also shows in the death of some of the brain cells.

These conditions tend to manifest in our mid sixties, but can occur at any age and as early as age 20-30 in those with Down's syndrome.

Patients are generally found to have low levels of acetylcholine (Ach) in the cerebral cortex of the brain, and it is hoped that drugs that boost its action may improve their memory but this is still being researched. It is thought that the amyloid precursor protein (APP) may be involved but it seems that much further investigation has to be done before we can be confident of a remedy.

In Alzheimer's, the brain shrivels gradually until in severe cases contracts to only about two thirds of its normal size. The first area of the brain to be involved in this deterioration is the hippocampus where personal memories are stored and also cognition of location. Retrieval of short term and spatial memories becomes gradually affected until all memory is affected.

Those amongst us who have experienced the difficulties in supporting aged parents with these symptoms will know how trying it is to have to protect, guide and observe with sympathy and patience, their many irregularities in behaviour. Wandering away from home is one of the most disconcerting and common behavioural changes and this can be extremely frightening for the individual suffering the disease, and more than a little disconcerting for family members who wish to support their loved ones at home rather than committing them to a nursing home.

If we wish to avoid mental disease we must make all possible effort to improve and maintain our own mental fitness and so avoid suffering Alzheimer's disease.

Sally Janssen is a writer and educator who from an early age trained in Raja Yoga--that branch of the ancient science that deals with the mind and its complexities. She subsequently gained an international reputation for her skills and her wisdom in the training of the mind.

In her wonderfully readable book entitled Mental Fitness: The Complete Self-help Guide she presents simple, self-help practices that help to generate and maintain mental fitness just as the natural principles of physical fitness can be personally applied by us all. The book may be found here: http://www.mentalhealthandfitness.com. This really is a must-read book for us all. Sally also welcomes you to visit her blog at http://www.mentalhealthandfitness.com/blog

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Prevent Alzheimer's - Play Scrabble

By Trevor A Johnson

Playing Scrabble or other "thinking" board games is being shown by modern medical science to have many health benefits. No matter what your age, "brain sports" such as Scrabble have been proven to be of particular benefit for many aspects of human mental health.

At the simplest and most obvious end of the spectrum, the social aspects of Scrabble and other board games can be a preventative or even a treatment for loneliness, depression and social phobia.

At the other end of the spectrum, a study from the University of Southern California and published in the respected "Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences" shows that mentally stimulating recreational activities in early and middle adulthood is strongly associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's Disease in later life.

A similar study by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Aging in 2002 studied 700 dementia-free people aged 65 and older for a period of 4.5 years. It compared the level of active cognitive activities regularly performed by the study participants, such as card games, checkers, crossword puzzles, reading books and visiting museums. The NIH reached a conclusion that those with the highest levels of cognitive activities in their lifestyle had a 47% reduced risk of future Alzheimer's disease than those who had the least levels of cognitive activities in the lifestyles.

A 2008 study by the University of NSW published in the renown journal "Public Library of Science" adds that, in addition to Alzheimer's Disease, the onset of other degenerative brain diseases such as Huntington's and Parkinson's Diseases can also be delayed or prevented with these forms of mental activity. It found that a brain region known as the hippocampus, known to shrink with age and particularly with these three degenerative brain diseases, has only half the rate of shrinkage in people engaged in active mental tasks as in those with low levels of mental stimulation.

The evidence suggests a "Use it or Lose it" basis to human cognitive health.

If it is too late for prevention, research from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center that has been published in the "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry" still has some encouraging news. They have demonstrated that computer and internet based mentally stimulating activities such as games can play a useful role alongside medication in improving the cognitive function of Alzheimer's patients. That is another plus for Scrabble, the various internet versions of which have grown the game into one of the most popular online today.

Irrespective of Alzheimer's Disease or other form of dementia, cognitive decline is a very common phenomena as we advance in years. Medical research teaches us clearly that keeping one's brain active with puzzles, games, study and similar means are an effective method of slowing the rate of age-related cognitive decline. Furthermore, the earlier in life one begins to regularly participate in such active brain games and pursuits, the longer it takes before any cognitive decline even begins.

The lesson is clear. Play Scrabble and other brain-games regularly to enhance and maintain your overall mental health throughout life, and to help prevent Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of age-related cognitive decline in your later life.

Trevor Johnson is the author of the "Scrabble Bonus Word Techniques" ebook series - available at BonusWords.com - Your Scrabble Dictionary Accessory.

(Scrabble® is a registered trade mark of Hasbro Inc in the USA and Canada, and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited (a subsidiary of Mattel Inc.) of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England. Hasbro is not affiliated with J.W. Spear & Sons Limited or Mattel Inc.)

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Dementia and Alzheimer's - Natural Dietary Tips for Brain Health

By Marianne Fernance

• Are you concerned about Alzheimer's and dementia?
• Does someone you know, or love, face the daily reality of memory loss?

For many people the fear of dementia, like public speaking, measures greater than our fear of death. While many preventative strategies have been suggested, the best prevention is a diet and lifestyle that supports optimal brain health.

What are the causes of dementia?

While the progressive memory loss of dementia can be caused by a number of different conditions, it is important to realise that it is not an inevitable part of aging. In reality, correct nutrition and, the elimination of environmental toxins, can help us to retain mental alertness and function to allow us to enjoy the golden years.

Using Fatty Acids to Improve Brain Health

More commonly referred to as fish oils, DHA omega-3 fatty acids help to protect the brain from damage by preventing inflammation within the tissues of the brain. DHA, like other omega-3 fatty acids is commonly found in high concentrations in oily fish, and to a lesser extent eggs and poultry. A study, published in the American Journal of Cardiology, found that of 815 participants, consumption of fish once a week, provided a 60% reduced risk for developing Alzheimer's.

Not really keen on fish? Try a good quality, purified, fish oil supplement. A purified fish oil also ensures environmental toxins including: mercury, PCB and petrochemicals; have been removed.

The Insulin Connection to Alzheimer's Disease

Are you affected by insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome? Problems with glucose metabolism and control of insulin levels have been associated with an increased risk of development of Alzheimer's disease.

While the exact mechanics of this are still unclear, it has been found that decreased levels of insulin production and increased insulin resistance in the brain coincide with an increase in the characteristic plaques that form in the brain of those with Alzheimer's Disease.

Implementing a low carbohydrate, high protein, ketogenic diet has been shown to be beneficial in resetting insulin sensitivity, and has offered improvements in Alzheimer's related symptoms.

A Cup of Green Tea to Help Brain Health

Do you need another reason to take time out for a cup of tea? In a large study of 716 Chinese adults over 55 years old, total tea consumption was associated with improved performance in mental tasks.

Catechins, an ingredient in which green tea is particularly high, have been shown to make effective antioxidants. Not only do catechins directly protect against oxidative damage, but they also "switch on" our bodies production of glutathione, another powerful antioxidant.

By increasing our intake of foods rich in antioxidants, such as green tea, we can help reduce the inflammation and damage caused by the byproducts of metabolism. Antioxidants, particularly glutathione, have also been shown to be protective against heavy metals and other environmental toxins. These are particularly damaging to the brain, due to its high fat content and ability to pass the blood brain barrier.

Passion4Health a brisbane naturopath, has extensive experience in natural anti-ageing and life extension.

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Activities For Alzheimer's Patients Promote Mental Stimulus

By Kristie Brown

A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that if someone has Alzheimer's they are no longer able to enjoy the activities they once liked to do. They have the impression that these folks are merely vegetables who are content to sit and while away the hours staring into space. This is definitely not a true picture of a typical Alzheimer's patient. While the person may eventually become unable to participate in even the simplest of pastimes, in the early stages of the disease their minds are active and will stay that way longer provided they have opportunities for stimulus.

No one likes to feel that there is nothing exciting left in life or believe that there's isn't anything more they can achieve in life. Like everyone else, the dementia patient still has a healthy body which likes a bit of action now and then. They also like to feel that they are contributing to their upkeep by being helpful and doing small tasks. Tailoring the jobs that they are allowed to do must be done to keep them safe. For example, a person who has enjoyed cooking their entire life may not be up to working around hot stoves and ovens, but they might still be able to wash and prepare vegetables and other cold foods. If it's something they enjoy, make a real effort to find ways for them to do so.

Dancing and music can be another enjoyable therapy for Alzheimer's patients. In the solitude of their room, you can put on soft music to soothe and comfort them. If they like to dance, make the music a bit livelier, and hit the dance floor with them.

Spending time with a favorite pet can stimulate them mentally as well as physically. Sedentary patients can be encouraged to take walks in the company of their dogs. Unfortunately, not every nursing facility can allow pets. If this is the case, make sure your loved one has opportunities to spend time with an animal in your care, or take them out to a zoo where they can see a variety of animals. Be careful to limit the animals they see to those who won't frighten them.

Games involving memory which they once played as children can be a delight. If necessary, keep the games very simple. Even games like Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, or Crazy Eight can keep them entertained and thinking. You can also try simple activities, such as batting a balloon around the room, which can be a lot of fun.

Just because a person has Alzheimer's doesn't mean they want to spend their remaining years sitting docilely and doing nothing. Keeping their minds and bodies occupied can be wonderful therapy that can also extend their years of lucidity.

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