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Category: brain

Published on Leave a comment on Eating A Diet Rich in Flavanols May Help With Memory

One fear people have is of developing problems with their memory in their later years, called age-related memory loss. A recent study finding a possible way to maintain memory in older adults is intriguing and offers hope. And best of all, it's fairly easy to do - just increase the intake of flavanol rich foods.

A large Columbia University study of adults over age 60 found that daily flavanol supplementation (cocoa extract with 500 mg flavanols) over a 3 year period improved the memory of persons whose diet was low in flavanol intake from foods, but not in persons with high intake of flavanols. The researchers suggest that a low flavanol diet is one of the drivers of age-related memory loss.

The researchers stated that flavanols only improved memory processes governed by the hippocampus, and did not improve memory mediated by other areas of the brain.

Flavanols are natural substances found in certain fruits and vegetables, especially berries, onions, kale, lettuce, tomatoes, apples, grapes, and cocoa. Flavanols are a type or class of flavonoids, all of which have health benefits. Eat a variety of plant foods (includes tea and wine) to ensure you're eating a variety of flavonoids.

Some other benefits of flavonoids: they are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, have anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties, lower heart disease death rates, and prevention of heart disease.

From Medical Xpress: Low-flavanol diet drives age-related memory loss, large study finds

A large-scale study led by researchers at Columbia and Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard is the first to establish that a diet low in flavanols—nutrients found in certain fruits and vegetables—drives age-related memory loss. ...continue reading "Eating A Diet Rich in Flavanols May Help With Memory"

Published on Leave a comment on Pesticides Involved in the Development of Parkinson’s Disease

For a while now it's known that exposure to pesticides is associated with developing Parkinson's Disease. But which pesticides? This is an important question because millions of pounds of pesticides are applied in the US each year. A recent study provides some answers.

The Harvard and UCLA Health researchers looked at 288 pesticides. They found that 53 pesticides were associated with Parkinson's disease, but 10 were directly toxic to dopaminergic neurons. Dopaminergic neurons are cells in the brain, and their degeneration and death play a key role in Parkinson's disease.

The 10 most toxic pesticides included four insecticides (dicofol, endosulfan, naled, propargite), three herbicides (diquat, endothall, trifluralin), and three fungicides (copper sulfate [basic and pentahydrate] and folpet). Some are commonly used even by homeowners, such as Preen (contains trifluralin) and Ortho Groundclear (contains diquat).

They also found that co-exposure to several pesticides (which typically happens) have a greater negative effect than just 1 pesticide.

Bottom line: There is much we don't know about pesticides, but studies are finding more health harms each year. Avoid using pesticides in your home, lawn, and garden if you can - especially unnecessary "cosmetic" lawn pesticides. Best and safest is to use nontoxic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or organic.

Think of it this way: pesticides can give you cancer and damage your health, but clover and crabgrass can't.

From Science Daily: 10 pesticides toxic to neurons involved in Parkinson's

Researchers at UCLA Health and Harvard have identified 10 pesticides that significantly damaged neurons implicated in the development of Parkinson's disease, providing new clues about environmental toxins' role in the disease. ...continue reading "Pesticides Involved in the Development of Parkinson’s Disease"

Published on Leave a comment on Pyrethroids and Autism Spectrum Disorder

A recent study may contribute to explaining why autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rates are rising so rapidly in the US. The CDC reports that 1 in 36 children have autism spectrum disorder as of 2020!! Researchers and physicians agree that things in the environment (e.g., pesticides) are playing a role in this increase.

Even though the study was conducted in mice, it examined the impact of pesticides called pyrethroids on neurological development. They found that even at low levels that humans are typically exposed to, there were neurological effects on mice who were exposed during pregnancy. Their behaviors were altered in a negative way, for example an increase in repetitive behaviors.

Pyrethroids are being used in increasing amounts in the US for all sorts of insect treatments, both inside and outside of homes. It's very frequently used against mosquitos. Studies find that 70 to 80% of the US population have pyrethroid breakdown products (metabolites) in the blood. This is because we are exposed to chronic low levels - whether in the air, in water, around our homes or workplace.

The researchers wrote in the published research that scientists are especially concerned with pyrethroid exposure because it has a harmful effect on fetal development in both humans and animals. Studies are finding links from pyrethroid exposure during pregnancy or infancy and developmental delays.

"Critically, evidence from recent epidemiology and longitudinal studies suggests that ambient prenatal exposure to pyrethroid pesticides poses a risk for autism, developmental delay, and neurodevelopmental disorders in general. Analysis of data from the CHARGE study showed a significant increase in risk for either ASD or developmental delay from exposure during pregnancy to pyrethroid pesticides being applied up to 1.5 km from the home. A regional study in New York showed an association between areas where aerial application of pyrethroid pesticides was used, and ASD and developmental delay prevalence in the area. Additionally, the presence of pyrethroid metabolites in blood or urine correlates with risk for ADHD in children."

Bottom line: Avoid using pyrethroids around the home and yard. Look into IPM (Integrated Pest Management) or organic and natural ways to deal with pests. Pyrethroids are also toxic to bees, and we need bees. Synthetic pyrethroids (which is what is commonly used) are not like natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower, and don't let someone tell you they are.

Excerpts from Medical Xpress: Research links common insecticide to neurodevelopmental disorders

A new study from The University of Toledo suggests early exposure to a common class of insecticides called pyrethroids may increase the risk of autism and other developmental disorders, even at levels currently recognized as safe by federal regulators. ...continue reading "Pyrethroids and Autism Spectrum Disorder"

Published on Leave a comment on Autism Spectrum Disorder Rates Hit New High
Child Credit: Wikipedia

The CDC reports that autism (autism spectrum disorder) rates are still increasing in the US, from 1 in 150 twenty years ago to 1 in 36 children in 2020. That's huge!

It's not just better screening and diagnosis. Rates are increasing so rapidly that researchers agree that there are environmental factors going on. But what are they?

The researchers of the report point out known factors (e.g., age of parents, multiple gestation birth, prematurity, genetics), but what is not discussed are all the chemical toxins in our environment that people are exposed to both prenatally and after birth (postnatally). Studies find that pregnant women are exposed to more harmful industrial chemicals nowadays than ever before.

For example, lead, heavy metals, and pesticides. People use pesticides in the home, on home exteriors, in their gardens and lawns, on pets, on crops, they're in foods we eat, in water we drink, even in rainfall (!). Millions of pounds are used each year in the US. Many of them have neurological effects.

This means that babies and young children are also exposed to more pesticides than ever before. The American Academy of Pediatrics has been warning about the dangers of pesticide exposure in children for years.

Excerpts from Futurity (site for research news from universities): United States autism rates hit new high

More children have been diagnosed with autism than at any time since monitoring began more than two decades ago, according to new federal studies. About 4% of 8-year-old boys and 1% of 8-year-old girls, in the United States have autism, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ...continue reading "Autism Spectrum Disorder Rates Hit New High"

Published on Leave a comment on Magnesium Is Important For Brain Health

Another important nutrient for brain health is magnesium. A recent study found that ingesting higher levels of magnesium from foods (dietary magnesium) is associated with better brain health and brain volume. Brains normally shrink a little with age, but ingesting higher levels of dietary magnesium resulted in less age-related shrinkage.

The researchers found that the effects were especially beneficial for postmenopausal women. It is important to note that all study participants had recommended or higher levels of magnesium intake from foods. No one had a magnesium deficiency. Recommended dietary allowances are 400–420 mg for men and 310–320 mg for women - but the results from this study suggest that ingesting even more from foods is better.

In other words, consider magnesium important for a healthy brain. Try to increase intake of magnesium rich foods. The researchers point out that recent studies suggest that dietary magnesium is associated with better cognitive function and may reduce the risk of dementia.

Foods rich on magnesium: pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, cashews, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, peanuts, shredded wheat cereal, quinoa, soymilk, black beans, edamame, dark chocolate, bread, whole wheat, avocado, potato, nuts, bananas.

From Medical Xpress: A higher dose of magnesium each day keeps dementia at bay

More magnesium in our daily diet leads to better brain health as we age, according to scientists from the Neuroimaging and Brain Lab at The Australian National University (ANU). ...continue reading "Magnesium Is Important For Brain Health"

Published on Leave a comment on A Mediterranean Style Diet Is Associated With A Lower Dementia Risk

Another large study found that eating a Mediterranean diet is beneficial to health - specifically, that it is associated with a decreased risk for dementia. As much as 23% lower (compared to those who didn't eat a Mediterranean style diet)! It didn't matter if a person had a genetic risk for dementia or not - diet was more important.

By the way, other studies also find that eating a Mediterranean style diet has benefits for the brain and body.

A Mediterranean style diet is one rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils), nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, and olive oil. Some lean meat, especially chicken, and fish. This way of eating is high in fiber (good for health!). Try to avoid processed meats, highly processed foods, fast food, and hydrogenated oils. Eat less meat in general.

From Science Daily: Mediterranean diet associated with decreased risk of dementia

Experts at Newcastle University found that individuals who ate a Mediterranean-like diet had up to 23% lower risk for dementia than those who did not. ...continue reading "A Mediterranean Style Diet Is Associated With A Lower Dementia Risk"

Published on Leave a comment on Common Cleaning Chemical Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
Dry cleaning Credit: Wikipedia

A widely used cleaning chemical (even in dry cleaning!) has been linked to Parkinson's disease by an international team of researchers. In a piece published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease, they built a strong case that the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) is one of the causes of Parkinson's disease. This is based on the existing evidence (both human and animal).

Trichloroethylene was widely used in the past (600 million lbs. per year at its peak in the 1970s), and is still widely used. It is environmentally persistent, and contaminates soil, air, and water. Vapors from underground water and soil contamination seep out into homes, schools, and workplaces. It is known to be carcinogenic (cancer causing) and associated with numerous cancers and other health harms, including birth defects.

TCE has had numerous industrial, consumer, military, and medical applications. For example, it is used in dry cleaning clothes, removing paint, as a degreaser, carpet cleaner, and engine cleaner. It even was used to produce  decaffeinated coffee in the past! Many US sites are now contaminated with TCE, including military bases.

The scientists point out that Parkinson's disease has increased so much (by 500%) that there must be exposure to something else (or more than 1 thing), and they find a strong link to TCE. They refer to Parkinson's as "the world's fastest growing brain disease".

By the way, a number of other toxic chemicals are associated with Parkinson's disease, (e.g., some pesticides, some drugs), long-term welding exposure, and even head trauma.

The researchers urge banning both the production of TCE and its use, urge the clean up sites that are contaminated with TCE, and more research.

Excerpts from Medical Xpress: Common dry cleaning chemical linked to Parkinson's

A common and widely used chemical may be fueling the rise of the world's fastest growing brain condition—Parkinson's disease. For the past 100 years, trichloroethylene (TCE) has been used to decaffeinate coffee, degrease metal, and dry clean clothes. It contaminates the Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune, 15 toxic Superfund sites in Silicon Valley, and up to one-third of groundwater in the U.S. TCE causes cancer, is linked to miscarriages and congenital heart disease, and is associated with a 500% increased risk of Parkinson's disease. ...continue reading "Common Cleaning Chemical Linked to Parkinson’s Disease"

Published on Leave a comment on Frequent Laxative Use Associated With Higher Risk of Dementia

Many people take laxatives to deal with constipation, but it may not be a good idea to take them long-term or frequently. New research links regular laxative use (most days of the week) with increased rates of dementia.

The study found that regularly using multiple types of laxatives or only osmotic laxatives had an increased risk of dementia over a ten year follow-up period. Osmotic laxatives (e.g., Miralax, polyethylene glycol, lactulose) draw water into the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.

However, using only other types of laxatives (stool softeners, stimulant, or bulk-forming) was not associated with dementia.

Some natural ways to treat constipation: drink more water, eat more fiber rich foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables), exercise or physical activity, drink coffee or tea.

From Science Daily: People who regularly use laxatives may have an increased risk of dementia

People who regularly use laxatives, a common treatment for constipation, may have more than a 50% increased risk of developing dementia than people who do not use laxatives, according to a study published in the February 22, 2023, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. ...continue reading "Frequent Laxative Use Associated With Higher Risk of Dementia"

Published on Leave a comment on Six Lifestyle Habits Associated With Less Memory Decline In Older Adults

Memory declines over the years as we age. For some it can be mild (being forgetful), but very severe for some others.  The good news is that there are things we can all do to prevent, slow, or even reverse (!!) the memory decline. Studies suggest the key is adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

A large study found that there are six healthy lifestyle habits that were linked to a slower decline in cognitive decline (memory) in older adults followed for a decade. The more healthy habits, the slower the memory decline. The average age of participants was 72 years when the study started.

The six healthy lifestyle habits are a healthy diet, cognitive activity (use your brain!), regular physical exercise, not smoking, and and not drinking alcohol. Having a healthy diet (e.g., Mediterranean style diet) was the most important thing one can do, followed by cognitive activity (e.g., reading, writing, playing cards) and physical exercise or activity.

Excerpts from Medscape: Six Healthy Lifestyle Habits Linked to Slowed Memory Decline

Adhering to six healthy lifestyle behaviors is linked to slower memory decline in older adults, a large, population-based study suggests. ...continue reading "Six Lifestyle Habits Associated With Less Memory Decline In Older Adults"

Published on Leave a comment on Outside Walks May Have More Brain Health Benefits Than Inside Walks

Another study was just published with results that may motivate us to go outside more. A small study with college students found that taking a walk outside in nature results in more mental health benefits (improved brain functioning) than taking the same length walk inside.

The walks were short - only 15 minutes long, and yet there were differences in health benefits. This was seen in the brain EEGs done during tasks before and after the walks. One health result which benefited more from outdoor walks is in how the brain functions, which the researchers call cognitive function.

Keep in mind: All exercise has health benefits, including for the brain - whether the exercise/physical activity is done indoors or outdoors. Exercise or physical activity is always better than no exercise or physical activity.

Other studies also show that exercising outdoors in natural environments produces more benefits to the brain than exercising indoors. Outdoor exercise enhances "executive functions" of the brain (such as attention, memory, and control of inhibitions) more than indoor exercise.

Bottom line: Get out and take a walk, even if only for a brief time. It's good for you!

From Medical Xpress: Going for a walk outside found to have more mental health benefits than walking indoors

A team of researchers at the University of Victoria, working with a colleague from York University, both in Canada, has found that going for a short walk outdoors provides people with more mental health benefits than going for a same-length walk inside. In their study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, the group asked volunteers to walk indoors or outdoors and tested them before and after their walk. ...continue reading "Outside Walks May Have More Brain Health Benefits Than Inside Walks"