A specifically formulated diet, called the MIND diet, is aimed at preventing mental decline, while bolstering brain health and reducing the incidence of brain disease. Recent research indicates that the MIND diet may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease significantly when participants in the study adhered to the diet rigorously.
The smell of freshly baked bread lingering in the kitchen adds to the delight from the first bite. The delight does not only come from our tastebuds, but mainly from a pleasure and reward function in the brain, which helps us to feel happy and even euphoric at times when
“To function at its best, your brain needs neuron- and synapse-supporting factors, including certain hormones, trophic factors, and nutrients.” Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role among these synapse-strengthening and neuron-boosting compounds says Dr. Dale Bredesen, well known for his role in Alzheimer’s research. Obviously BDNF plays an important
The brain is regarded as the most complex structure in our universe, and much is still unknown about this extraordinary organ. Conventional thinking amongst neuroscientists used to be that the brain cells you were born with were fixed and incapable of regeneration, being the sum of brain cells for the
Serotonin is a small molecule that functions both as a neurotransmitter in the CNS (Central Nervous System) and as a hormone in the periphery. Serotonin is generally known as the “feel good” hormone, as low levels are associated with depression. Apart from the connection with mood, serotonin is an important
The brain is not only an extraordinary system, but also immensely flexible and adaptable. The way in which cells in the brain and other parts of the nervous system can adapt to change serves important functions in the brain, such as learning, the forming and retrieving of memory, or responding
Many people experience some decline in memory with age, which stems from slower processing speed in the brain, along with a decline in attention and retrieval of information. Word finding, for example, can become problematic with age, but the information is not lost and typically the word or missing information
Throughout the ages, mothers have been singing lullabies in the dark of night to put their babies and toddlers to sleep. In a similar vein, our bodies sing a nightly lullaby to put us to sleep – with a song called melatonin. Although this song has no lyrics, it does
“Walking is man’s best medicine” This is one of the famous sayings attributed to Hippocrates, the Ancient Greek physician, born around 460 BC and widely regarded as the father of Medicine. It still holds true in the modern day and age, as countless studies have shown the health benefits of
“The most sophisticated, complex system in the universe – the human brain!” There is currently no medicine (drug) available to prevent, slow down, or cure the cognitive decline that is associated with dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease the most common form. A family member once observed, while interacting with her
