11 Ways To Help Your Patients Preserve Memory
October 1, 2000 3 minutes read
11 Ways To Help Your Patients Preserve Memory
- Low-fat diet:
Prevents atherosclerosis, which can cause stroke or transient ischemic attacks. Less extensive damage can deprive brain cells of oxygen and nutrients needed for optimal functioning.
- Physical activity:
Research suggests that people who remain physically active will remain mentally sharp. Several factors may be at play, including the possibility that exercise increases the number of neurons and boosts production of neurotrophins, which stimulate the growth of the cell communication system in dendrites.
- Brain aerobics:
Mental stimulation keeps mental skills more finely tuned. Research shows a link between mental activity and protective neurotrophins.
- Stress reduction:
Stressful situations result in the release of the hormone cortisol, which animal and human studies have shown impairs long-term memory. Chronic stress is associated with memory problems, inability to concentrate, difficulty in making decisions, and fuzzy thinking.
- B vitamins:
The B vitamins folate, B6, and B12 may protect the brain by keeping homocysteine levels in check. Elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with loss of cognitive function, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), heart disease, and stroke.
- Fish and canola oil:
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flax seeds, and canola oil play a critical role in early brain and eye development, and they help prevent inflammation, one of the suspected culprits in AD.
Source: Food and Fitness Advisor, Cornell Center for Women’s Healthcare, Ithaca, NY.
- Monounsaturated fats:
Monounsaturated fats are found in olive oil, canola oil, avocados, and many nuts and seeds and may also be protective, according to research results showing the benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet. Results showed that as monounsaturated fat use increased, risk of memory problems declined.
- Antioxidant protection:
Nutrients like vitamins C and E help protect the brain against free radicals, the toxic by-products of oxidation. Early research shows vitamin E may slow functional decline in patients with moderately progressed AD and another study shows C and E may have a protective effect against vascular dementia.
- Ginkgo biloba:
This herbal remedy has been shown to slow the disease process in patients with early AD and improved several measures of cognitive function in some patients. Whether it has a preventive effect is not yet proven.
- Estrogen:
Several studies suggest that estrogen replacement therapy can reduce the risk of AD. Researchers theorize ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain, causes an increase in neurotrophins, has beneficial effects on neurotransmitters, has antioxidant effects, and alleviates depression.
- Good relationships:
Recent research shows that people age 75 and older who live with someone else, have friends, and/or have satisfying relationships with their children are 60% less likely to develop AD than those without a strong social support structure, possibly because of reduced stress or the presence of stimulating brain activity.
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