Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
You’ve probably heard about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, but what do you know about DHA? Learn all about why this nutrient is important for brain development from Amanda Williams, MPH.
The activated form of the B-vitamin folate plays an important role in the body by helping to fend off high levels of homocysteine. Learn about how this impacts brain and heart health from Jerry Hickey, Ph.
memory
InViteⓇ Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Jerry Hickey, Ph.
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There have been amazing discoveries about our brain that clearly affect ongoing good memory functions. But now there have been further discoveries on how we can improve these functions in the brain and ensure a better functioning memory, hopefully deep into old age.†
One important discovery we can look at is the glymphatic system. This is how the brain detoxifies itself. It was discovered around 1985, but recently, it has been discovered that we can improve glymphatic function. This is very important because the ability to detoxify your brain declines with age.†
A second major discovery in the 1980s was that we release something at night while you sleep called brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This is really important because we now know that it seeds the brain with new, well-functioning memory cells. The ability to improve this, though, has just been discovered in the last ten years.†
Lastly, we have the blood-brain barrier. This is a barrier that protects your brain from toxins and things that do not belong in the brain. This was discovered over a hundred years ago, but the possibility of repairing it was only discovered recently.†
Studies have shown that there are nutrients that may help to bolster and improve these important aspects of the brain.†
When we look at the glymphatic system, for instance, we can look at a study that was done on patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers noted that the brain undergoes a period of inflammation that causes the brain to swell. This, in turn, can make it more difficult to wash toxins from the brain, allowing for toxins to build up and destroy brain cells. They also found that resveratrol may be beneficial in supporting people with this issue. Other nutrients that have been shown to help restore glymphatic activity include a well-absorbed turmeric and green tea.†
Other studies also show that fish oils, especially krill oil, can help people without Alzheimer’s disease support brain health and the glymphatic system. Krill oil also has phospholipids that are important for brain health.†
The next discovery is about rebuilding the brain. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is needed to help with the creation of new memory cells, but the release of this substance declines with age. Some studies have shown that the mineral zinc can help to restore the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in people with metabolic syndrome. Across the entire population, a well-absorbed curcumin can do the same.†
In this episode, Jerry Hickey, Ph. discusses important findings about the brain that are relevant to memory health. He explains how these important aspects of the brain were discovered and provides recommendations for nutrients that can help support overall brain health and memory function.†
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Thank you for tuning in to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at InViteⓇ Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the InViteⓇ Health Podcast.
Everyone experiences memory loss, but could yours be caused by mild cognitive impairment? Learn about what this means, what causes it and what can help from Jerry Hickey, Ph.
Did you know that your DNA can dictate your health and your predisposition to certain health concerns? InVite Health offers genetic testing kits to help you learn how your genes are impacting your health. Learn how these kits work and what you can discover from them now!
brain
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Jerry Hickey. Ph
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Many older adults worry about their memory and the other abilities of their brain. For instance, they may find it’s taking longer to learn something new or maybe they’re forgetting to pay their bills once in a while. Well, is this normal forgetfulness or is this something else? This episode is designed to help you identify the difference between Alzheimer’s and normal brain aging.
Mild forgetfulness and absentmindedness is often a normal part of aging, not a sign of a serious memory problem. Fortunately, on a yearly basis, only a tiny percentage of people with what would be perceived as normal age-related memory loss will convert to dementia. It’s very rare.†
This Gene Increases The Risk of Alzheimer’s; How to Fight Back – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 301. Listen Now >
A memory lapse for a second is normal and no big deal. Everybody forgets something, especially when we’re distracted or busy. This may happen more often as we get older. Mild memory loss is a normal part of aging and not something to worry about. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to develop dementia. As we age, we can have some “senior moments,” as they call it.†
Dementia is not as common as you think it is. If memory loss makes it hard for you to carry out your daily tasks, then you have a sign that shouldn’t be ignored. For instance, are you forgetting something you just heard? A big clue that it’s something worse is asking something over and over again. That’s a big clue that the memory is having a big problem. Relying on a number of notes to get through your day is a clue. If you or your family are noticing these things happening to you, you really need to talk to your doctor.†
Another clue that it’s not just memory loss is if you’re struggling to do things like follow directions on something very familiar to you, like a recipe, or if you can’t keep track of things such as paying the bills like you used to. It could be a warning sign of memory problems.†
According to the National Institute on Aging, a way to tell the difference between normal brain aging and a serious memory problem is that a serious problem makes it hard to do everyday things like driving and shopping. Signs can include:
If you have problems with your daily typical activities, it could be a sign of a more serious memory issue. It’s normal to forget where you parked your car, especially if you were rushing when you parked or you’re distracted when you’re parking. But if it happens regularly, check with your doctor. That could be a sign of dementia.†
Tune into the full podcast episode for more details on the differences between normal aging in the brain and dementia.
Enhanced Memory Support with Cognition Hx® – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 293. Listen Now >>
If your memory is okay but you’re still concerned, you should use your brain. It’s like your muscles. If you don’t use it, then you lose it. Read, learn to play an instrument, sing, solve puzzles and be social. Exercise is great for the brain. It’s great for circulation to your brain, it’s great for brain health and heart health, but it’s also a stress reducer. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. A little bit of that once in a while is good for the brain, but if you’re chronically stressed and you’re chronically releasing this, it is bad for your brain. A very safe option if you’re stressed is L-theanine, which comes from the green tea plant.†
For more information about foods and supplements that can help boost your memory and brain health, listen to the full podcast episode.
Thank you for tuning in to the Invite Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Invite Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the Invite Health Podcast.