Living Fit, Healthy and Happy

Can You Defeat Alzheimer’s Disease With Exercise?

Can You Defeat Alzheimer’s Disease With Exercise?
By Michael Pickering

No one knows the answer to this, but some very promising
research coming out of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
in La Jolla, CA sounds exciting.

Now this research was performed on mice and mice are not
humans. However, there are many similarities on the cellular
level of all of us in the animal kingdom.

And there have been many studies on mice that have helped the
development of research on understanding how the human body
works.

This study took older mice (the equivalent of 70 years old in
human life) and trained them to do an underwater task.

There was also a group of younger mice (about 20 years old in
human life) that was trained on the task as well.

Then they divided the older mice into two groups. One group did
exercise on a running wheel every day for 30 days. The other
group did no exercise.

The younger mice group also exercised every day for 30 days.

At the end of the 30 days the underwater task was repeated.

The older mice group that did not exercise flunked miserably.
None of them remembered how to do the task.

On the other hand all of the younger mice did very well.

The important part of the study was the fact that the older
mice that exercised performed the task just as well as the
younger mice.

On analysis the researchers found that the older mice that
exercised had significantly more new cells in the hypothalamus.
This is the part of the brain that helps with memory and the
ability to learn new tasks.

Now does this mean that exercise will help replace the cells in
the hypothalamus that Alzheimer’s and other brain destroying
diseases destroy?

Again, no one knows yet. However, this is exciting news.

So if you haven’t gotten out there and started exercising yet,
do so now. A new year is coming up and now here is another
reason to motivate you to get out there and do something.

Does it have to be jogging or lifting weights or going to the
gym? No, just start moving and do it every day.

However if you would like a simple 7 minute routine that will
keep you motivated and help build those brain cells, just check
out the web site below.

About the Author: Mike Pickering has been teaching health and
fitness for over 35 years. His newsletter and articles are
informative and fun like this one: What diet is best for you –
celery and carrots or cake and ice cream? Find out the shocking
answer in your Free 3 part report “The Confusion Over Diets”.
Just click here: getrealdiet@aweber.com
http://www.getrealfitnessrevolution.com.

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Alzheimer’s Disease – The Epidemic Of The Future

Alzheimer’s Disease – The Epidemic Of The Future
By Anne Wolski

Because we now live in an aging community, it is common to see
people living well into their eighties and sometimes longer. As
a result, Alzheimer’s disease will affect many more lives in the
future. In fact, it is estimated that within twenty years,
around thirty million people worldwide, will suffer from this
insidious disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition that affects
the cerebral cortex of the brain and leads to the progressive
death of nerve cells. This causes the sufferer to gradually lose
their memory. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of
dementia making up more than half of dementia sufferers. Around
twenty percent of people aged over sixty five experience
dementia which is a term that describes many different diseases
where people experience serious memory loss.

While it normally affects people in their mid-sixties or later,
it can also affect people as young as thirty. This is called
early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

People with Alzheimer’s disease may become lost in areas that
are well known to them such as their local shopping centre. They
also forget what things are called and often what those things
are actually used for. These things are quite likely to be items
that they have used every day during their life.

Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a shortage of
neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are the
chemical that normally transmit messages to the brain
controlling memory, speech and movement.

In the early part of this condition, the person may be unable
to remember things that happened only a short time ago yet can
remember things that happened many years before. This is known
as short-term memory loss. Because their long-term memory
remains intact for quite some time, it is vital to share their
memories. It can be helpful to have a photo album for the person
and to go through the album with them, allowing them the time to
recount the memories each photo invokes for them.

As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer’s disease
finds it increasingly difficult to perform day-to-day activities
like personal care and taking care of their nutritional needs.
They may need assistance with cooking and may also need to be
reminded to eat. Often, they may forget people’s names,
including close family members. This often leads to angry
outbursts. They also tend to become restless and suffer from
insomnia.

The person with Alzheimer’s can sometimes become so confused
and forgetful that their resulting actions may put themselves or
others at risk. This can be things like forgetting to switch off
heaters or putting clothes or papers too near such appliances.
They may also act inappropriately, behaving in ways that are
totally out of character for them. A person who has always been
very properly spoken and behaved may begin using vulgar language
or stripping their clothes off in front of other people.

In the later stages of the disease, the person may need 24 hour
care and supervision as they lose their memory completely. Often
by this time, they are weak and find it hard to walk as the part
of the brain that controls muscles succumbs to the disease. One
of the major risks at this stage is that of falls. It is
important not to have loose mats, electrical cords, or any other
loose items lying around the floor where the person may trip
over them.

The person may become wheelchair dependent or even bedridden.
Dysphasia (difficulty in swallowing) becomes a problem and may
make the person reluctant to eat, resulting in weight loss. They
become incontinent and lose all control of both bladder and
bowel. Often, families may provide care though others may prefer
to admit the person to a nursing home where trained
professionals are available to care for their loved one around
the clock.

Every person is different and this is also true for the
sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease. While some may experience
certain losses early in the disease, others may suffer the same
losses at a later stage of the disease. However, what is common
to all is the gradual loss of memory and ability to function
normally.

While, in the final stages of the disease, the person may not
recognize anyone, they still recognize the kindness of a
soothing voice and a loving smile.

About the Author: Anne Wolski has worked in the health and
welfare industry for more than 30 years. She is a co-director of
http://www.magnetic-health-online.com an information portal with
many interesting medical articles and also of
http://www.pharmacybyweb.com which has online physicians who can
help you with any questions you may have.

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Apo E Gene Testing and You

Apo E Gene Testing and You
By Pamela McDonald

A large percentage of heart disease is known to be genetic. So,
as experience with patients has also shown me, even more
important than looking beyond total cholesterol levels is
testing for the number one gene that affects cholesterol and
heart disease — Apo E.

Most people are still not sure how they feel about genetic
testing or what to do with genetic testing results if they have
been tested. Because it is such a new technology, most people
have never discussed a genetic test with a medical provider, let
alone had one performed. Yet if you have had a baby born into
your family in the past few years, chances are the baby has had
a genetic test for phenylketonuria (PKU). The routine genetic
testing of newborns can identify genetic disorders that must be
treated early in life and is the most widespread use of genetic
testing. All 50 states have passed laws requiring that newborns
be tested for PKU because if it is not identified and treated
very early with dietary restrictions, it causes mental
retardation.

While the medical industry is in its infancy with respect to
genetic testing and handling the results of that testing, we
know enough to say that proper genetic testing can provide you
with some important information that can help you determine how
to best protect or improve your health. This does not mean that
everyone should be gene tested. Gene testing has some involved,
complicated medical and ethical issues associated with it. I
won't get into the debate about genetic testing from a
philosophical standpoint, but rather, share with you certain
conditions under which you may — or may not — want to consider
genetic testing. Your decision about whether or not to take the
Apo E genotype test should be made with the help of a
practitioner, ideally the one who will then order the test for
you if you decide in favor. I will offer guidelines below to
help you and your practitioner in making the right decision for
you.

Drawbacks of Testing

The decision to get tested for the Apo E gene is not easy, and
one of the main reasons is because your health insurance company
and your employer could find out that you have an above average
risk of developing Alzheimer disease or cardiovascular disease.
Besides their knowing, you might rather not know that unless you
make major changes to how you live your life, you have a 90
percent chance of developing Alzheimer disease. If you are
considering the test because your family has a history of
Alzheimer disease, or you have very high cholesterol, you should
talk with a medical provider who has experience performing these
tests and can help keep your test results confidential.

The Apo E test, along with an advanced cholesterol test, can
give you clear nutritional direction and guidance. The question
then becomes whether you need an Apo E test, or just advanced
cholesterol testing. Personally, I think it depends on what you
want, need, and are willing to do. I do not recommend that
testing be done just to find your risk of contracting Alzheimer
disease. Rather, the decision to be tested should be based on
your desire to obtain the information necessary for proper
nutritional guidance and assistance in preventing chronic
illness.

Reasons for Doing Genetic Testing

Indications and warning signs that may be a reason for genetic
testing are a personal history of:

• severe cardiovascular disease
• Alzheimer disease
• Parkinson disease
• severe neurological disease
• gout
• alcoholism
• high triglycerides and/or LDL
• insulin resistance or diabetes
• substance abuse
• morbid obesity
• depression/anxiety disorder or other mood disorders
• confirmation of a high cholesterol disorder potentially being
affected by the Apo E gene
• confirmation of a diagnosis of late onset Alzheimer disease
in a symptomatic adult or to reduce risk with dietary
prescription
• assistance with treatment of multiple sclerosis by dietary
prescription
• assistance with treatment of Parkinson disease by dietary
prescription

At the same time, if you have one of the following chronic
illnesses or conditions and you are not getting better with your
current care plan, you may want to consider getting an Apo E
test to help improve your dietary patterns. Here are just a few
conditions that I have seen find exceptional success with
dietary change related to an Apo E genotype:

• acne
• arthritis
• gout
• diabetes
• depression
• alcoholism
• chronic pain
• ADD and ADHD
• high cholesterol
• cardiovascular disease
• hypertension
• Parkinson disease
• multiple sclerosis
• severe peri-menopausal symptoms
• anxiety
• chronic obesity
• fibromyalgia
• insulin resistance
• insomnia
• menopausal symptoms
• glucose intolerance

I strongly recommend that you find a medical provider who has
been trained in the advancing field of genetic heart disease and
in integrative nutritional medicine to support you.

About the Author: Pamela McDonald is a leading Integrative
Medicine Nurse Practitioner, who specializes in the prevention
of heart and Alzheimer's disease, and chronic illness. To learn
more about her groundbreaking book, and program - visit
http://www.apoegenediet.com. To subscribe to her free APO E Gene
Diet Health Notes - send a blank email to Info@ApoeGenediet.com.

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Does DMAE Help With Mental Cognitive Function?

Does DMAE Help With Mental Cognitive Function?
By Darrell Miller

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) enhances mental function through
the improvement of concentration, mental clarity and mental
alertness. It is also a mild brain stimulant because it
increases and sustains the energy levels in the brain. It also
improves the level of restful nighttime sleep because the sleep
is deeper and less time is needed to reach a rejuvenated state.
DMAE helps to boost mental function through an increase in the
levels of acetylcholine and choline. These are the brain’s
chemical messengers.

Because of DMAE’s ability to stimulate mental cognitive
function, it also has been shown to improve learning, increase
intelligence and elevate mood.

DMAE Benefits:

* Accelerates mental processes
* Decreases irritability and overactivity
* Does not cause drowsiness
* Improves concentration
* Improves IQ
* Increases attention
* Relieves mild depression
* Aids in long-term treatment of schizophrenia

It is believed that DMAE may also increase physical energy.
Athletes and other active individuals are using DMAE more and
more because of its ability to enhance these brain functions.
The connection between the mind and muscles is a means to focus
on form and reduce the risk of injury. So, when the mind is
enhanced, it communicates better with the muscles to improve and
refine function.

Due to DMAE’s mild stimulating effect on the brain, athletes
report that it is a good alternative for a quick lift instead of
coffee. They also believe the stimulating effects last longer
than they do with caffeine. DMAE used as a mild stimulant is
also safer and healthier than caffeine.

How It Works:

DMAE, once consumed, is transported to the liver where it is
converted into choline through the process of metabolism. A
small amount is then converted into acetylcholine, which is a
brain transmitter. Through this process, DMAE increases the
levels of these brain transmitters (neurotransmitters). This
causes a boost in mental cognitive function and memory.

Acetylcholine is also responsible for helping to conduct nerve
impulses in the brain. Choline is also converted in the brain
into phosphatidylcholine. This chemical rebuilds and protects
existing cell membranes inside the brain. DMAE has the ability
to cross the blood-brain barrier faster than choline. Through
this quicker travel, DMAE enhances cell protection and repair
and helps our brains function better and create enhanced,
positive behavioral changes in most people.

Other DMAE Uses:

DMAE is being studied for use in aiding a movement disorder in
Parkinson’s patients. This disorder, called dyskenesis is caused
by L-Dopa, which is administered to treat the effects of the
disease. DMAE seems to counteract dyskenesis effectively and
safely without interfering with the benefits of the therapy.
DMAE is proving to reduce the effects of other disorders that
involve involuntary movements. Two of these disorders being
treated are blepharospasm (eyelid twitching) and benign
essential tremors.

Age spot sufferers may find hope for treatment of their
condition as well. DMAE has been found to inhibit the formation
of pigment caused by aging (lipofuscin) and liver spots
(lentigo). It may actually flush lipofuscin from the body,
causing the skin spots to disappear over a few month’s time.

DMAE is being studied for its possible ability in helping to
reduce cognitive impairments related to age. Aside from
increased mental cognitive function, research has shown that
DMAE may also be useful in treating the following conditions.

* Alzheimer’s disease
* ADD (attention deficit disorder)
* Hyperactivity

The use of DMAE as a regular dietary supplement is increasing
steadily. All of its benefits in aiding mental cognitive
function and brain stimulation are an attractive quality for
everyone. Additional research showing that DMAE is useful in
treating debilitating conditions such as Parkinson’s gives us
new hope. As research continues and more new uses for DMAE are
discovered, its popularity will continue to grow as well.

About the Author: More information on DMAE is available at
VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

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Brain Vitamins Can Improve Your Cognitive Function

Brain Vitamins Can Improve Your Cognitive Function
By Andrew Stratton

There are vitamins that many people take to improve the
function of the brain. Before taking any of these or
supplements, make sure that you consult a doctor to minimize
risks and complications.

Many people try to use nutrients and supplements to repair
tissue that has been damaged. Before taking any minerals, make
sure that you consult a doctor because many can be harmful,
especially to children. He or she will examine you thoroughly
and even can advise you on some nutrients you can take to
achieve your desired results.

If you notice some mental fatigue or want to increase cognitive
function, your first step should be to try and obtain vitamins
and supplements through food. For example, many individuals
choose to eat blueberries because they are an antioxidant and
are extremely health. There are other foods that help with
improving mental functioning such as raisins, berries, apples,
spinach and cherries.

These can dramatically reduce memory loss and restore motor
balance. Too much simple carbohydrates can be detrimental to the
body because they produce a rise in blood sugar so you should
try and eat foods high in complex carbohydrates such as peanuts,
beans and yogurt. Normally natural enhancers and vitamins are
better than unnatural ones.

There are several foods to avoid because they are not good for
your mind. For example, you will want to avoid certain fats,
which can inflame your brain tissue and can produce blood
damage. They can also decrease blood circulation. Certain oils
are not good for the mind also and should be avoided. Sugars
should be avoided which can affect the amount of glucose in the
blood within the brain. This can lead to damage to the cells.

You may want to try high quality minerals and additives first
however many times the lower priced ones work just as well. You
will want to give the supplements adequate time to work in your
body. You may want to take some multivitamins to insure your
mind is performing at an optimal level and invest in antioxidant
vitamins to help clean out the brain.

Omega-3 has been known to help mental functioning and mood
which can effect IQ and brain development. Fish can be a great
way to get Omega-3. Selenium can be found in grains and meats
along with seafood and can be a great way of changing the mood
of the individual. Vitamin E can also help with blood
circulation which can improve functioning.

Folic acid has been known to address Alzheimer's disease as
well as age related memory loss. The B ones can improve memory
and can help minimize stress and again assist the mind in
development. There are a variety of items on the market so make
sure you research their effects and also acknowledge the risks
and side effects.

There are many minerals that you can take to help with
intellect and mental functioning. As long as you consult a
doctor, there are safe supplements that you can take that will
lead to lasting results.

About the Author: Brain vitamins help support memory,
concentration and overall cognitive performance by aiding the
circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain which helps to
remove unwanted toxins. To know more, visit
http://www.goodelements.com

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Understanding The Stages Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Understanding The Stages Of Alzheimer’s Disease
By Jane Peters

A person’s mental and physical abilities deteriorate as he
progresses through various stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
However, the way the disease manifests can vary quite widely
from one person to another.

Knowing about Alzheimer’s stages can help the caregivers plan
for and cope with the disease better. The following is based on
Dr. Reisberg’s study which divides the disease into seven
stages.

Stage 1: This is when no symptom of the disease is manifest and
full mental and physical functions are retained.

Stage 2: At this stage, there is some loss of memory and the
person may forget names of friends and family at times. The
person is full aware that his mental functions are declining.
This is often mistaken to be the result of normal ageing
processes rather than as the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease.

Stage 3: This is still an early stage of the disease, but the
symptoms are more noticeable now. The sufferer may go into
denial. There is an inability to concentrate on tasks and
performance at work may deteriorate.

The person becomes more anxious. They get lost quite easily in
unfamiliar territory. Misplacing objects is quite common at this
stage. Their ability to remember recently acquired information
deteriorates.

Stage 4: At this stage, the person can’t perform complex tasks
on his own. Examples include filing tax returns or handling
finances in general. As a way out, they may want to avoid such
situations altogether.

The ability to concentrate deteriorates further and so does
memory. They may not be able to remember some events in their
lives. Mood swings are common.

Stage 5: Now the patients will need assistance in ordinary
tasks like picking appropriate clothes to wear. They may be
unable to remember parts of their lives, although they will
still remember basic information about themselves, their family
and some friends.

Their sense of time begins to deteriorate as well.

Stage 6: This is a moderate to severe stage of Alzheimer’s
disease. Forgetfulness accelerates and they may not even
remember the name of their spouse. Large chunks of their lives
are forgotten.

They definitely need help to cope with routine activities like
bathing, dressing, etc. Incontinence may set in at this stage.
Their sleep patterns may be disturbed.

Their personality will likely undergo a complete change. They
may become violent or exhibit obsessive behaviour.

Stage 7: This is severe Alzheimer’s disease. The ability to
speak is limited to less than a dozen words. They may lose the
ability to walk, sit up or even hold their head up. This is a
stage where the brain is apparently incapable of directing the
body.

These stages of Alzheimer’s disease may occur differently in
various individuals. What is described above is a composite
picture that can help to understand how a person’s faculties
diminish with the progress of Alzheimer’s disease.

About the Author: Jane Peters is a researcher who has written
on a variety of topics. Visit
http://www.healthquadrant.com/alzheimer-stages.html and
http://www.healthquadrant.com/alzheimers-syndrome.html for
must-have information on related issues.

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