Category Archives: Brain health

Our Best Years Are Yet To Come

You’ve probably heard that your brain starts to shrink as you get older, and that it gets harder to learn new skills and absorb new information. It is true that certain human brain parts stop developing in our mid 20s. However, (as discussed in a previous blog entry) medical scientists are now saying that in [...]

2 New Genes Associated with Alzheimer’s Discovered

Last week we talked about diet and Alzheimer’s, which led to questions from some of you about the genetic factors associated with Alzheimer’s. Recently scientists have identified two new genes they believe are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by Dr. Sudha Seshadri (an [...]

Mediterranean Diet Might Protect Against Alzheimer’s

It is well documented that a diet rich in antioxidants, leafy greens, nuts and fish benefits the body in a whole host of different ways. Fresh produce, fish – especially the kind rich in omega-3s like mackerel and salmon – and nuts provide lean protein, healthy fats and plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals to [...]

The Journey Towards Alzheimer’s Prevention

On April 26-28, 2010, the National Institute for Health, hosted a conference entitled “State-of-the-Science Conference, Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline“. It was open to both professionals and the public. The goal of the independent panel of health professionals and public officials at the meeting was to assess whether previous research on purported risk or [...]

Meditation Could be Easier than You Think

Meditation has long been reported as a great way to clear the mind and reduce stress. In my post in February, 5 Strategies to Improve Memory, I pointed to a research study that found that the daily practice of meditation thickened the parts of the brain’s cerebral cortex responsible for decision making, attention and memory. [...]

The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain

Barbara Strauch, the Health and Science Editor for the New York Times, was a guest on NPR’s radio program Fresh Air with Terry Gross last week to discuss the topic of the aging brain and promote her new book The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-Aged Mind. During the [...]

Does Television Rot Your Brain?

I’m sure you have heard the old adage television will rot your brain. There might just be some truth to that. First, there is the obvious. Watching television is a sedentary and passive activity. Watching TV is a choice, and like most choices, there is an opportunity cost. When you watch television you forsake other [...]

Why Do Omega-3s Help Your Brain?

Doctors and scientists have long known that n-3 fatty acids, also known as omega-3s, are purported to have a positive influence on brain health. If you are concerned with maintaining your cognitive abilities and keeping your brain healthy you likely already sustain a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids through fish, walnuts, supplementation and/or other [...]

Hypertension and Cognitive Decline

Can Reducing Hypertension Also Reduce the Risk of cognitive decline? The ill effects of hypertension (high blood pressure) have been well documented by the medical community. If you suffer from high blood pressure, there is a good chance you might also suffer from: Pulsating headaches Retinopathy or related eye damage and vision impairments Nausea and [...]

Staying Fit Can Ward Off Cognitive Impairment

Brain Fitness for Life has long reported on the positive benefits of physical exercise and brain health: http://www.brainfitnessforlife.com/fitness/physical-brain-boosters http://www.brainfitnessforlife.com/brain-exercises/want-to-get-smarter http://www.brainfitnessforlife.com/uncategorized/exercise-to-get-new-neurons http://www.brainfitnessforlife.com/alzheimers/even-a-little-exercise-is-beneficial Recent research coming out of the Mayo Clinic, and published in the Archives of Neurology, adds to the growing body of evidence that adults who engage in moderate exercise during midlife or late in [...]