subject: 10 Ways of Preventing Brain Aging [print this page] 10 Ways of Preventing Brain Aging 10 Ways of Preventing Brain Aging
Abstract: This article provides a summary of the scientific and clinical evidence for 10 factors that can help prevent aging of the brain. These include dietary factors, herbal supplements, yoga, music, massage therapy and dance. The information is referenced to publications and research articles, to help the reader to make an informed decision on supplements for memory and brain health.
Introduction
Our lifestyle and what we eat has an influence on our organs. The brain is no exception, but is often neglected. Read through the pages on this article and you'll get a quick summary of factors that can help to keep the brain active and young through our later years. Brain aging is a phenomena that in recent years, has attracted much attention by researchers and this article reviews some of the main factors that can modulate brain aging. Please also look up the references herein and conduct your own research!.
1. Dietary Antioxidants
Oxidative stress may produce neuronal degeneration through protein oxidation, DNA oxidation, and lipid peroxidation. The antioxidant micronutrients are ascorbate (vitamin C), alphatocopherol (vitamin E), and carotenoids, which are provided in the diet, particularly by fruit and vegetables. In observational studies, a high intake of vitamins E and C is protective against AD (Ref: Engelhart MJ, Geerling MI, Ruitenberg A, et al. Dietary intake of antioxidants and risk of Alzheimer disease. JAMA. 2002b;287:32239). Dietary supplementation with fruit or vegetable extracts high in antioxidants, such as blueberry or spinach extracts, might improve cognitive performance (Ref: Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Casadesus G. Reversing the deleterious effects of aging on neuronal communication and behavior: beneficial properties of fruit polyphenolic compounds. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;81:31316). Flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants found in wine, tea, fruit, and vegetables may also prevent dementia. A large study showed that the intake of flavonoids is inversely related to the risk of dementia (Ref:Commenges D, Scotet V, Renaud S, et al. Intake of flavonoids and risk of dementia. Eur J Epidem. 2000;16:35763).
2. Folate (Vitamin B12)
Folate or folic acid is found in various foods, including spinach, orange juice and yeast. The liver generates several forms of folate after the intestine has absorbed vitamin B. Folate deficiency, which is mostly caused by low dietary intake, has been associated with a number of physiological abnormalities during development and adulthood. The results of a recent randomized clinical trial indicated that a 3-year folic acid supplementation can help to reduce the age-related decline in cognitive function (Ref: Durga J, et al. Effect of 3-year folic acid supplementation on cognitive function in older adults in the FACIT trial: a randomised, double blind, controlled trial. Lancet. 2007;369:208216)............ a complete text copy of this article is available at www.activmind.com.sg or click on this link http://www.activmind.com.sg/add_page.asp?pid=38&mcid=18
