Keeping Your Brain Healthy
Media Contact: , (859) 361-1887
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 2, 2008) - As we age, so do our brains. That
doesn't always mean one will get Alzheimer's disease. Keeping the brain healthy involves
several measures.
According to Dr. William Markesbery, director of the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, Commonwealth Chair in Aging, and professor of neurology and pathology in the UK College of Medicine, "A well-balanced, low caloric diet is important. If calories are decreased, one lives longer and it provides better brain oxidation." Markesbery also advises to exercise and wear a helmet and buckle up to prevent brain injuries. He says aerobic exercise is good, but many older persons can't do this, so just keep moving.
"It is extremely important to keep your brain intellectually active," says Markesbery. "Work on crossword puzzles, play cards, join reading and discussion groups, and don't lead a sedentary lifestyle."
Dr. Greg Jicha, director of the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging healthy brain aging research group, and assistant professor of neurology, UK College of Medicine, agrees with Markesbery. "What's good for your general health, or your heart, is good for your brain. Watch your cholesterol, prevent high blood pressure and diabetes, don't smoke, don't drink excessively, and keep up your activity level."
Jicha, a researcher and clinician who treats patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, says that keeping the mind busy is important. "Some people are doing well and then they retire, give up their hobbies, and fall into a sedentary lifestyle. They often ask 'what should I do' and I tell them to do something they enjoy whether it is weeding and planting a garden, tinkering in your workshop, cooking, reading, or doing whatever you like that is stimulating."
Both agree that one should avoid sitting at home and staring at the walls. "Reminiscing and sharing experiences can be very stimulating," says Jicha. "It is good to reminisce, but don't over do it. Sitting alone, dwelling on the past can be a dangerous part of a sedentary lifestyle in terms of brain health."
Other recommendations include watching less television because it is mindless. Thirty minutes to one hour is recommended in order to not have idle activity. Do things in moderation. Jicha says, "Many sayings are time-tested such as 'a stitch in time saves nine' or ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. I disagree, however, with the saying 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks.' We know that people who have strokes learn to walk again due to new connections in the brain. They are promoting brain growth and health, and this is a new trick."
The risk factors for Alzheimer's, according to Markesbery, are: aging; family history (if a first degree relative – mother, father, and sibling had Alzheimer's the chance goes up three times. If you carry several specific genes, the chance goes up significantly); head injury; high fat, high caloric diet; high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes; and low linguistic skills at a young age (this involves low educational attainment).
"Some early symptoms of Alzheimer's include short-term memory loss, such as losing objects in the house; forgetting names of people you know well; repeating yourself or asking the same questions over and over; forgetting appointments; changes in personality and behavior; losing ability to follow directions; becoming lost while driving; and becoming disoriented and having trouble finding the word you want to use when talking. Some of these symptoms could also be attributed to aging, but if they become progressively worse, this is abnormal," says Markesbery.
Markesbery not only treats patients with dementia and Alzheimer's, but also researches Alzheimer's disease. "It has been shown that it is protective to the brain if people are on a low fat diet high in Omega 3 fatty acids such as DHA which includes fish and fresh fruits and vegetables," Markesbery says. He also recommends a daily cocktail which includes: vitamin E, 400 units (only if your doctor agrees); vitamin C, 500 mg. two times a day; folic acid, 2 mg. a day; DHA/EPA (Omega 3 fatty acids such as fish oil), at least 500 mg. two times a day; selenium, 200 micrograms a day (optional and only on doctor's recommendation); and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication such as ibuprofen, 600 mg. per day (only with doctor's permission). "There are good studies that show people taking NSAIDs have reduced incidence of Alzheimer's," says Markesbery.
The UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging was established to identify and study problems that directly influence older adults and to improve the quality of their lives through a wide range of research, service and educational activities. The programs of the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging will improve the quality of life for older Americans in this and future generations.
For more information, call (859) 323-6316.
According to Dr. William Markesbery, director of the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, Commonwealth Chair in Aging, and professor of neurology and pathology in the UK College of Medicine, "A well-balanced, low caloric diet is important. If calories are decreased, one lives longer and it provides better brain oxidation." Markesbery also advises to exercise and wear a helmet and buckle up to prevent brain injuries. He says aerobic exercise is good, but many older persons can't do this, so just keep moving.
"It is extremely important to keep your brain intellectually active," says Markesbery. "Work on crossword puzzles, play cards, join reading and discussion groups, and don't lead a sedentary lifestyle."
Dr. Greg Jicha, director of the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging healthy brain aging research group, and assistant professor of neurology, UK College of Medicine, agrees with Markesbery. "What's good for your general health, or your heart, is good for your brain. Watch your cholesterol, prevent high blood pressure and diabetes, don't smoke, don't drink excessively, and keep up your activity level."
Jicha, a researcher and clinician who treats patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, says that keeping the mind busy is important. "Some people are doing well and then they retire, give up their hobbies, and fall into a sedentary lifestyle. They often ask 'what should I do' and I tell them to do something they enjoy whether it is weeding and planting a garden, tinkering in your workshop, cooking, reading, or doing whatever you like that is stimulating."
Both agree that one should avoid sitting at home and staring at the walls. "Reminiscing and sharing experiences can be very stimulating," says Jicha. "It is good to reminisce, but don't over do it. Sitting alone, dwelling on the past can be a dangerous part of a sedentary lifestyle in terms of brain health."
Other recommendations include watching less television because it is mindless. Thirty minutes to one hour is recommended in order to not have idle activity. Do things in moderation. Jicha says, "Many sayings are time-tested such as 'a stitch in time saves nine' or ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. I disagree, however, with the saying 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks.' We know that people who have strokes learn to walk again due to new connections in the brain. They are promoting brain growth and health, and this is a new trick."
The risk factors for Alzheimer's, according to Markesbery, are: aging; family history (if a first degree relative – mother, father, and sibling had Alzheimer's the chance goes up three times. If you carry several specific genes, the chance goes up significantly); head injury; high fat, high caloric diet; high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes; and low linguistic skills at a young age (this involves low educational attainment).
"Some early symptoms of Alzheimer's include short-term memory loss, such as losing objects in the house; forgetting names of people you know well; repeating yourself or asking the same questions over and over; forgetting appointments; changes in personality and behavior; losing ability to follow directions; becoming lost while driving; and becoming disoriented and having trouble finding the word you want to use when talking. Some of these symptoms could also be attributed to aging, but if they become progressively worse, this is abnormal," says Markesbery.
Markesbery not only treats patients with dementia and Alzheimer's, but also researches Alzheimer's disease. "It has been shown that it is protective to the brain if people are on a low fat diet high in Omega 3 fatty acids such as DHA which includes fish and fresh fruits and vegetables," Markesbery says. He also recommends a daily cocktail which includes: vitamin E, 400 units (only if your doctor agrees); vitamin C, 500 mg. two times a day; folic acid, 2 mg. a day; DHA/EPA (Omega 3 fatty acids such as fish oil), at least 500 mg. two times a day; selenium, 200 micrograms a day (optional and only on doctor's recommendation); and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication such as ibuprofen, 600 mg. per day (only with doctor's permission). "There are good studies that show people taking NSAIDs have reduced incidence of Alzheimer's," says Markesbery.
The UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging was established to identify and study problems that directly influence older adults and to improve the quality of their lives through a wide range of research, service and educational activities. The programs of the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging will improve the quality of life for older Americans in this and future generations.
For more information, call (859) 323-6316.