Have a sharp mind into your golden years

Many people joke around about age-related forgetfulness or “CRS disease,” but age-related memory loss (dementia) is no laughing matter.

Let’s look at dementia and talk about some very effective ways you can help prevent it or slow it.

As the brain ages

Our brain weight drops by about 10 percent by age 80.  In addition, blood flow to the brain diminishes, neurons and connections die and nerve functions slow down.

But on the plus side, the human brain has great reserve capacity and our brain cells can not only regenerate, but they can grow new dendrites (finger-like connections to other cells that form little electrical “pathways” for brain function).

All the signs of dementia

Common signs of dementia include the following:

• Memory loss
• Impaired judgment
• Difficulties with abstract thinking
• Faulty reasoning
• Inappropriate behavior
• Loss of communication skills
• Disorientation as to time and place
• Gait, motor and balance problems
• Neglect of personal care and safety
• Hallucinations, paranoia, agitation

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for as many as 80 percent of all dementia cases. 

It’s typically found in people over age 60; however, there’s been a recent surge in the number of people with early-onset Alzheimer’s. 

It’s not just old age!

When most people think Alzheimer’s, they think “old age” but there’s more to it than that.

Here are some of the not-so-well-known causes:

Genetics

Three forms of a gene called APOE plus certain other genes (known as SORL1, CLU, CR1, PICALM and TREM2) have been associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s. 

Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure

Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure are all linked to Alzheimer’s.

Decreased blood flow to the brain from these conditions is linked to the formation of the classic plaques and tangles that disrupt brain activity in Alzheimer’s. 

Type 2 diabetes

Your brain needs glucose to function properly, and when there is impaired glucose function with Type 2 diabetes, it can damage brain cells.  Plus high blood sugar causes inflammation which is harmful to brain cells.

Chlamydia infection

This type of pneumonia bacteria has been found in the brains of people who died of Alzheimer’s.

H. pylori infection

H. pylori in the stomach may block the absorption of vitamin B12, and since B12 is crucial to proper brain function, H. pylori can play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s.

Herpes simplex virus HSV-1

The herpes simplex virus HSV-1 (the virus that causes cold sores) has been found to cause brain inflammation.

Nitrates in food

Researchers at Brown University have suggested that nitrates and nitrosamines damage your DNA and destroy brain cells.  They may also trigger the liver to produce toxins that destroy brain cells.

Nitrates are found in processed meats like ham, bacon, lunch meat, hot dogs and sausage.

Aluminum

For more than 30 years, it has been observed that aluminum has been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

Studies have shown that people who use aluminum cookware and use aluminum-containing antiperspirants have a higher risk for Alzheimer’s.

Aspartame

Aspartame (Equal and NutraSweet) has been linked to Alzheimer’s as well as a variety of other neurological conditions.

Fight back at Alzheimer’s!

Now that you’ve seen all the possible factors behind the development of Alzheimer’s, it’s time to do all you can to keep this dreaded disease far away from you.

Here are 7 Sharp Brain Strategies that can help prevent, slow or in some cases even reverse cognitive decline:

Sharp Brain Strategy #1- Omega-3 essential fatty acids

A deficiency of Omega-3 EFAs makes it impossible for your cell membranes to perform their vital functions, and your brain is heavily dependent on the Omega-3 EFA Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Unfortunately, our typical diets are severely deficient in Omega-3 EFAs, so daily supplementation with these nutrients is essential! 

Pharmaceutical-grade VitalMega-3 fish oil formula is just what you need for promoting great brain health.

VitalMega-3 provides an impressive 1,200 mg of Omega-3s in every daily two-capsule serving, including 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg of DHA--two of the very best Omega-3 EFAs for sharp brain functioning.

Sharp Brain Strategy #2- Electrolytes and antioxidants

The ability of your nerves to fire off messages and impulses depends on the presence of the electrolytes--sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and magnesium.

Plus your brain cells are very vulnerable to free radical damage, so the protection of the antioxidant Vitamins C and E is extremely important. 

The trouble is, many of us have WAAAY too much sodium in our diets and far too few of the other electrolytes.

And considering the fact that most of us still don't consistently eat an appreciable amount of fruits and vegetables, there is clearly a lot of people lacking Vitamins C and E. 

But both of these issues can be helped simply by having a diet that concentrates on vitamin and mineral-rich REAL foods AND making sure your digestion is efficient so you can absorb the nutrients you need.

The Great Taste No Pain system can help you achieve both of those goals.

Great Taste No Pain gives you recipes and ideas for preparing nutritious real foods that taste positively out of this world.  Plus you’ll learn what foods to pair together to support efficient digestion and maximum nutrient absorption. 

Sharp Brain Strategy #3- Regular exercise

Exercise promotes brain health by nourishing brain cells.  It also improves memory, reduces stress and improves mood.

The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation states that regular exercise cuts your risk of developing Alzheimer’s in HALF!

Get your doctor’s OK and get moving. 

Sharp Brain Strategy #4- The B Vitamins

ALL of the B vitamins are crucial for proper nerve and brain function. 

·         Vitamins B1 and B2 help your neurons use glucose and help memory function.

·         B3 is vital for proper mental function

·         Vitamin B6 helps bring amino acids to your brain so it can make neurotransmitters.

·         Folic acid is part of the manufacturing of neurotransmitters like serotonin.

And the all-important superstar...

Vitamin B12!

Vitamin B12 helps your brain use carbohydrates and proteins, and it works with folic acid to make neurotransmitters. 

It’s also essential for the production of a compound called acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter which allows the nerves and brain to communicate, and high levels of it can help you maintain clear-thinking abilities for a LIFETIME.

But getting enough B12 can be tricky…because absorption can be decreased by things like antacid use, alcoholic beverages, gastric surgery, inflammatory bowel disease) and certain diabetes drugs.

Plus as we age, our stomach acid production decreases and that impairs B12 absorption.

To ensure you get enough of this vital nutrient, Hydroxaden 2.5 is your ticket.

Hydroxaden 2.5 is an easy-to-use vitamin B12 spray that you spray it under your tongue so it can be absorbed by the mucus membranes in your mouth.  This helps bypass any shortcomings in the GI tract that may affect absorbability.

Sharp Brain Strategy #5- Get quality sleep

Deep sleep and dreaming are important to supporting your brain and body functions.

Most people need seven to nine hours a night, so make sure you’re getting enough.

Sharp Brain Strategy #6- Reduce stress

Stress hormones have been shown to lead to shrinkage of the hippocampus, which is the memory center of the brain, slowing nerve growth and increasing your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Try exercise, yoga, prayer, meditation, music, massage, deep breathing and more.  Do what works for you.

Sharp Brain Strategy #7- Challenge it

Challenge your brain with things like crossword puzzles, taking a class, creating associations for new people you meet (I.e.: Rachel is a redhead, Frank is funny) learning a new language, memorizing a recipe, etc.

You CAN make a difference in your brain’s sharpness and make tremendous strides toward keeping your brain strong and disease-free for many years to come!