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As Time Goes By
| A friend of mine named Patricia recently left her office at the end of a busy workday, but suddenly came to a complete halt when she realized she had no idea where she'd parked her car. After a few moments she remembered and was soon behind the wheel and on her way home. But Patricia, who is 51, was unsettled enough by this incident (and other recent memory lapses) to call me and ask if I knew of something she could do to address this trend of forgetfulness.
Fortunately - yes - there are many things we can do to help manage age-related memory lapses and difficulty with concentration.
As we age, it's very common to observe a gradual decline in mental ability. This is the result of structural changes that take place in the brain. Although these changes may be "normal" in the sense that they happen to almost all of us, that doesn't mean they're inevitable.
In an e-Alert I sent you last month ("Making Memories" 2/20/03), I told you how the gradual increase of insulin resistance (which is typical of aging) can elevate blood sugar levels and result in the gradual deterioration of memory. Regular exercise is a good way to help control insulin sensitivity - especially when combined with a diet that balances protein and carbohydrates with fiber (such as broccoli, apples, oranges, etc.).
Once we're up and exercising and we realign our diets to support brain functions, there are also a number of herbal formulations and dietary supplements that can help the cause.
In a Members Alert we sent you in January 2002, we told you about several herbs used in Ayurveda - the ancient medical system of India that focuses on nutrition to heal and prevent illness. Ayurvedic herbs that are used to enhance cognitive function include: - Bacopa - affects higher-order cognitive processes by rejuvenating nerves and brain cells
- Gotu kola - helps maintain microvessels in the brain
- Mucuna - optimizes performance of the nervous system, including the brain
- Ashwaganda (Indian ginseng) fights stress, improves memory, and helps rejuvenate those suffering from exhaustion, or stress-induced fatigue
You should be able to find all of these herbs individually in health food stores and on the Internet.
In another Members Alert (February 2000), we told you about an essential fatty acid called phosphatidylserine (PS) that has been shown to boost brain function and revitalize memory. PS facilitates the delivery of nutrients to the brain cells and activates nerve-transmitter production. Our bodies naturally produce PS, but in lesser amounts as we age. Fortunately there are supplements available that contain PS.
Some time ago, for instance, we told you about a memory-enhancing formula called Sense of Mind that contains PS and other familiar brain nutrients, such as Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin B-12 and Inositol. In addition to these, Sense of Mind also contains: - Dimetheyaminoethanol (DMAE) - helps improve memory and elevate mood
- Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) - supports cells critical for memory
- Trimethylglycine (TMG) - helps blood and muscles absorb more oxygen
Sense of Mind is available through NorthStar Nutritionals. For more information about this unique formulation (which includes vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, folate, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and other supplements that improve cognitive function) visit www.northstarvitamins.com
The effects of aging on the brain begin when aging is the last thing on our minds. On average, we lose nerve cells at a rate of one percent a year, starting in our mid-20's. As a result, by age 70, we've lost more than one-third of the cells critical to memory functions.
Memory loss can be exacerbated by other factors to stress, depression, disease, nutritional deficiencies (especially of vitamins B1 and B12), and certain prescription medications. Trauma, strokes, and heart attacks can also reduce oxygen flow to the brain, killing cells and causing memory loss.
The good news is that we don't have to accept any of these assaults on the brain as indefensible. Through good diet, exercise and helpful supplements, we can help keep the mind sharp and memory intact. Which comes in very handy at the end of a busy day when you go looking for your car.
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
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