Nutrition: Eleven Superfoods You Ought To Know About

There’s a lot more to foods than just the nutrition they contain. Some can act as medicines, helping to tame inflammation in the body, or protect cells from DNA damage. Others can act as aphrodisiacs (see number 2 below). Still others can protect your memory. Superfoods are “super” precisely because they offer more benefits than what you can find on the “nutrition facts” label. Every one on this list qualifies!1.BlueberriesThese amazing berries are on anyone’s list of superfoods. Recent research shows that they’re brain food– feeding blueberries to rats actually slows their age-related mental decline. Blueberries contain pterostilbene, a plant compound recently shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Their ORAC value (antioxidant rating) is the highest of any fruit. And blueberries are rich in fiber. Tip: try them frozen. They taste like sherbet!2.MacaBased on a long history of traditional use in Peru, maca has recently become known as a “natural Viagra”, and is popular as an aphrodisiac, and for increasing fertility and stamina. (I talked about it in my book ‘The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth” as part of a natural treatment for restoring sexual potency.) But maca’s also a superfood from a nutrition point of view. It’s an important staple for the Andean Indians, has been around since 3800 BC and is rich in sugars, protein, starches and essential minerals, especially iron and iodine. You can buy it as a supplement, or, even better, as a powder which you can add to shakes. 3.CherriesCherries are absolutely loaded with anti-inflammatory, antiaging, anticancer compounds that don’t show up on your average nutrition facts label. These include quercetin, a member of the flavonoid family which has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Cherries also contain anthocyanains which act like natural COX-2 inhibitors, reducing pain and inflammation. That’s one reason why they’re so great for gout. My favorite “healthy” desert- frozen cherries mixed with full fat yogurt. Tastes like Cherry Garcia only way better for you.4.GuavaAmong the superfoods of the world, guava is a sleeper. With a taste that’s been described as “part strawberry part pear”, one low-calorie cup of this vitamin rich fruit contains a whopping 8 grams of fiber. And in one widely used nutrition lab test for antioxidant power, guava scored second only to blueberries, and right behind kale. Guava also contains cancer fighting lycopene.5.KaleKale is a member of the brassica family, vegetable royalty that boasts cabbage and broccoli among it’s relatives. It’s simply loaded with nutrition. It’s rich in potent cancer fighting substances called indoles, and loaded with bone-building vitamin K. Kale also contains sulforaphane, a powerful nutrient that helps the liver detoxify carcinogens and other toxins. Kale has the highest antioxidant rating of any vegetable and is ridiculously low in calories. Try it tossed with olive oil, a few dried cranberries and some pine nuts.6.SardinesThese are the best kept nutrition secret in the world when it comes to health foods and the secret weapon of travelers looking for a cheap, portable, easily available source of protein. Sardines are rich in omega-3 fats, and one of the least contaminated of any seafood since it’s so low on the food chain. Eat them out of the can or throw them on some salad.7.Coconut oilThis superb oil has been long neglected as a healthy oil because it contains saturated fat. But not to worry: the saturated fat in coconut is a very healthy kind called MCT (medium chain triglyecerides) which is easily burned by the body for energy. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a natural anti-viral and anti-microbal. And today’s excellent virgin coconut oil- unlike the inferior products of a few decades ago- doesn’t contain trans fats. Note to skeptics: The Puka Puka islanders consumed 80 % of their diet from coconut products and had virtually no heart disease.8.Green teaHere’s a superstar beverage if there ever was one. Green tea helps with weight loss and helps fight against cancer. It contains EGCG, a catechin (plant compound) which stimulates metabolism and has anti-cancer properties to boot. Green tea also contains theanine, a natural relaxant which helps explain why the caffeine in green tea doesn’t make you nearly as jittery as coffee.9.FlaxseedsFlaxseed oil is one of the only plant sources of omega-3 fats, but the flaxseeds themselves provide the added nutrition benefit of fiber along with the omega-3’s. Flaxseeds can be thrown on salads, tossed into smoothies, or sprinkled on vegetables. They also contain lignans, a group of plant nutrtients that have been studied by the National Cancer Institute for their cancer preventive properties.10.EggsThe protein source against which all others are judged. And for goodness sake, stop with the egg white omlettes. The yolk is loaded with good stuff! Half of the measly 4.5 grams of fat are actually monounsaturated fat, the same heart-healthy fat that’s in olive oil. The yolks are also one of the best sources of lutein, the superstar of eye nutrition. Plus they contain choline, which helps support brain function and help keep harmful homocysteine levels down. Look for the new designer eggs with increased omega-3 content.11.Pomegranate juice If you’re wondering if all the hype about pomegranate juice is for real, stop wondering: it is. Animal studies suggest that pomegranate juice combats artherogenesis (hardening of the arteries) as well as other cardiovascular diseases such as strokes and heart attacks. It’s rich in antioxidants and has a higher amount of polyphenols- heart healthy plant compounds– than even red wine. Look for the pure pomegranate juice (not the watered down cocktail). You can always dilute it with water or mix it with other juices.In the long run, the rules for healthy eating are a lot simpler than you might think: Eat food that your ancestors could have hunted, fished for, gathered or plucked. If it’s food your grandmother would have recognized as food, it’s probably good for you. And if it doesn’t have a bar code, so much the better.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Function – 3 Things You Should Know

Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating disorder affecting large numbers of our aging population. Alarmingly, the incidence of Alzheimer’s is on the rise. There are over 5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s already, and that figure will most likely increase drastically over the next 10 years as the baby boomer generation approaches their 60’s and 70’s.So what exactly is the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and brain function? Are there steps you can take to help maintain your brain function as you age to prevent the onset of this disorder?Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, President and Medical Director of the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF), believes there are. He has advocated a series of healthy lifestyle changes which should help you maintain your mental abilities as you get older.The following three areas are part of Dr. Khalsa’s Alzheimer’s prevention plan promoted by the ARPF. By adhering to them, you will have a greater chance at maintaining proper brain function into your later years.1. Several studies have indicated that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants will help prevent the mental decline brought on by Alzheimer’s. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help repair the synapses in your brain damaged by the formation of plaques and tangles, which mark the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Antioxidants prevent the production of free radicals in your body, which when present in excess, can kill your brain cells.Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in most seafood, especially salmon, trout, and albacore tuna, as well as in certain green leafy vegetables such as spinach.Foods rich in vitamins C and E are also an excellent source of antioxidants. Blueberries, grapes, cranberries, papaya, apples, and green leafy vegetables will provide you with plenty of antioxidants in your diet.2. Recent research has identified a strong link between stress and the development of Alzheimer’s disease later in life.Stress hormones have also been found to speed up the production of plaques and tangles in your brain. Studies have found that people prone to stress were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as their lower stressed counterparts.It is important to employ stress management techniques in your life. Some of the most effective techniques include mind-body exercises, meditation, hypnosis, deep breathing, massage, and yoga.3. Both physical and mental exercise have been found to increase brain function. It is essential that you regularly engage in both physical and mental activities so that you keep your mind sharp.Physical exercise will help ensure that proper levels of oxygen reach your brain. Like any other muscle in your body, your brain needs sufficient levels of oxygen to function properly.Good methods of physical exercise include brisk walking, jogging, participation in sports, dance classes, and hiking.There is also growing evidence that people who challenge their mind on a regular basis maintain higher levels of brain function. Your brain is a muscle. If you don’t use it frequently, it will atrophy. This will make you more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease.Reading, writing, learning a new activity, and crossword puzzles are all good mental activities to keep your brain sharp. And of course, mind-body exercises work well here as well.By paying close attention to these three areas in your life, prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and brain function should continue smoothly well into old age.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

It is estimated that up to one third of adults will experience a gradual decline in cognitive function known as mild cognitive impairment as they age (Low LF et al 2004; Busse A et al 2003). Less severe than dementia, mild cognitive impairment is defined as cognitive defects that do not interfere with daily living. It may include slower thinking, a reduced ability to learn, and impaired memory. While many conventional physicians view these defects as an inevitable consequence of aging, newer research has uncovered possible reasons for mild cognitive impairment and has also identified potential therapies that may enable people to battle age-related mental decline more effectively than ever before. Minimizing cognitive defects will become even more important as the average life span continues to lengthen and hundreds of thousands of people head into their 80s and 90s, when the risk for cognitive decline is greatest.A typical American diet does not provide enough essential vitamins. Worse yet, older people are at greater risk for vitamin deficiency because they tend to eat less, although their requirements for certain vitamins, such as B6, actually rise with age. Older people may also have problems with efficient absorption of nutrients from food. Even healthy older people often exhibit deficiencies in vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate.Vitamins are involved in biochemical processes throughout the body and appear to be involved in protecting and enhancing cognitive function. In particular, the B vitamins play an integral role in the functioning of the nervous system and help the brain synthesize chemicals that affect mood. A balanced complex of the B vitamins is essential for energy and for balancing hormone levels. An article in the Journal of Psychopharmacology described a study of 76 older men who were given vitamin B6 or placebo and then tested on memory function. The authors concluded that vitamin B6 improved storage and information retrieval (Deijen JB et al 1992). Another study reviewed vitamin B12 deficiency in relation to memory impairment and neuropathy in older people and concluded that both memory impairment and neuropathy can be successfully managed with vitamin B12 injections or supplementation (Carmel R 1996). One study determined that low levels of folate (a B vitamin) are associated with cognitive deficits and that patients treated with folic acid for 60 days showed a significant improvement in both memory and attention efficiency (Fioravanti MFE 1997).

Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating disorder affecting large numbers of our aging population. Alarmingly, the incidence of Alzheimer’s is on the rise. There are over 5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s already, and that figure will most likely increase drastically over the next 10 years as the baby boomer generation approaches their 60’s and 70’s. So what exactly is the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and brain function? Are there steps you can take to help maintain your brain function as you age to prevent the onset of this disorder? Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, President and Medical Director of the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF), believes there are. He has advocated a series of healthy lifestyle changes which should help you maintain your mental abilities as you get older. The following three areas are part of Dr. Khalsa’s Alzheimer’s prevention plan promoted by the ARPF. By adhering to them, you will have a greater chance at maintaining proper brain function into your later years. 1. Several studies have indicated that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants will help prevent the mental decline brought on by Alzheimer’s. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help repair the synapses in your brain damaged by the formation of plaques and tangles, which mark the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Antioxidants prevent the production of free radicals in your body, which when present in excess, can kill your brain cells. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in most seafood, especially salmon, trout, and albacore tuna, as well as in certain green leafy vegetables such as spinach. Foods rich in vitamins C and E are also an excellent source of antioxidants. Blueberries, grapes, cranberries, papaya, apples, and green leafy vegetables will provide you with plenty of antioxidants in your diet. 2. Recent research has identified a strong link between stress and the development of Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Stress hormones have also been found to speed up the production of plaques and tangles in your brain. Studies have found that people prone to stress were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as their lower stressed counterparts. It is important to employ stress management techniques in your life. Some of the most effective techniques include mind-body exercises, meditation, hypnosis, deep breathing, massage, and yoga. 3. Both physical and mental exercise have been found to increase brain function. It is essential that you regularly engage in both physical and mental activities so that you keep your mind sharp. Physical exercise will help ensure that proper levels of oxygen reach your brain. Like any other muscle in your body, your brain needs sufficient levels of oxygen to function properly. Good methods of physical exercise include brisk walking, jogging, participation in sports, dance classes, and hiking. There is also growing evidence that people who challenge their mind on a regular basis maintain higher levels of brain function. Your brain is a muscle. If you don’t use it frequently, it will atrophy. This will make you more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. Reading, writing, learning a new activity, and crossword puzzles are all good mental activities to keep your brain sharp. And of course, mind-body exercises work well here as well. By paying close attention to these three areas in your life, prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and brain function should continue smoothly well into old age. About the Author: For more free information on prevention and treatment of memory loss, and issues and clinical research related to Alzheimer’s disease, please visit the non-profit Alzheimer’s Research %26 Prevention Foundation at www.alzheimersprevention.org

This article is about GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC), a memory enhancing brain supplement that has scientifically-proven benefits for memory improvement, depression, attention, sociability, etc.

No matter how smart you are, you most likely wish your memory, cognition, and mental alertness were better. A great brain is a beautiful thing, and the sexiest part of the body. Nutritional science has made impressive discoveries on nutrients which can make a significant difference in your memory and mental performance. In order to reach your maximum brain potential, a healthy lifestyle approach is the key: the right foods, exercise, and taking nutrients such as GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC).Let’s face it your memory isn’t as good as it once was and your aging brain shows no mercy under stress when you need to remember that client’s name or a critical phone number. Studies do confirm that mental decline is common with age, even as early as age 29. Even worse, with each decade of life, our memory will continue to decline. But, this is not necessarily part of the natural aging process. We are not all destined for dementia or Alzheimer’s.There are several factors causing our accelerated mental decline. Our stressful lives are filled with fast food which is devoid of nutritional value. Further, the blood vessels which supply oxygen to the brain get clogged up from junky trans fats and toxins, reducing the brain’s oxygen and nutrient supply.In addition, stress and alcohol kill brain cells, and we have no shortage of either. Our sedentary jobs often expose us to chemicals or fumes which further damage brain cells, and statistics show few of us get regular exercise or fresh air. Another common cause of accelerated mental decline is side effects from medications such as cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) which have now been shown to cause memory loss. (Graveline MD, Lipitor: Thief of Memory). Living in today’s world causes our brains to age more rapidly than normal.Is there any hope beyond all this depressing news? Yes! Protecting your brain cells is not as difficult as you might think. One way is by doing your best to avoid exposure to drugs and toxins, eating a diet rich in omega 3s such as salmon, and keeping oxygen circulation to the brain optimal with regular exercise. In addition, you can protect and significantly improve your mental performance with the right brain nutrients such as GlyceroPhosphoCholine or GPC.Over the years, the most popular memory nutrients have been B-12, Carnitine, Phosphatidyl Serine (PS), and DHA. But, exciting new research shows that a new nutrient named GlyceroPhosphoCholine, sold as GPC Insta-Gel is even more powerful than all the others. It is the most remarkable brain nutrient I have ever run across in my 11 years studying nutritional medicine.GPC is an orthomolecule found in breast milk and other cells in the body, and acts as f

uel feeding the most energetically needy cells of our body such as the brain and sperm cells. There are hundreds of clinical studies proving its benefits for the elderly, middle aged, and healthy young adults. The improvements are so significant that they are making headline news for patients of Alzheimer’s, stroke, and dementia.The benefits of GCP Insta-Gel include significantly improved:• Memory
• Attention
• Reasoning
• Recovery after brain injury
• Mood
• Sociability
• Protection against toxin caused mental declineAlso impressive is GPC’s ability to improve the baseline mental performance, attention, word recall, and working memory in healthy young adults. This means that even if your memory is pretty good right now, it could be even better with GPC!Most remarkable is that GPC offers tremendous benefit for those who are trying to recover from brain injury, undergoing heart bypass surgery (which affects oxygen to the brain), taking statin drugs and want to prevent memory side effects, and have Alzheimer’s or dementia. I recommend my clients take 1,200 mg of GPC Insta-Gel which is the most absorbable form. It comes in little tubes which are squeezed directly into the mouth and taste like honey. Be sure to take it before 4pm each day or you may not be able to sleep.Maintaining and improving your mental performance is the smartest thing you can do. I recommend that all my clients concerned with protecting their brain cells and improving their memory focus on their lifestyle including a nutrient dense diet, stress reduction, and exercise. I also recommend taking 1,200 mg of GPC Insta-Gel daily to both protect and enhance the brain’s potential. The results are often apparent within minutes. Take care of your brain, and it will take care of you!GPC Insta Gel-1200 is available at www.RockwellNutrition.comhttp://www.rockwellnutrition.com/product.asp?itemid=1024Annika is a Certified Nutritionist. Since June 2000, Annika has owned and operated http://www.RockwellNutrition.com offering top of the line, professional brand nutritional supplements, as well as educational sessions to individuals wanting to learn about nutrition %26 their health concerns or goals. Annika’s specialty is her customized educational sessions which are unique for each client.She completed her B.A. at Swarthmore College, PA, in a Psychology Pre-Medical curriculum. She later attained her Nutrition Certification (CNฎ) through American Health Sciences University, CO. Since 1995, she has been working in the nutrition industry and as a nutritionist.

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Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common forms of mental decline that damages the brain and badly affects the memory, judgment, intelligence, behavior and language of its sufferers. It is true that over the time the disease gets worse, but the course of disease differs from individual to individual.

Alzheimer’s patients need to be dealt with patience and devotion, and for that home is best place. It may be emotionally and physically draining, to take care of someone with Alzheimer’s, but you can always make it simpler. First of all, it is very important to make the home safe for the patient. You can install some important safety measures at home that can insure the safety of your loved one. As an essential safety measure, the care taker should always lock the doors, cupboards, knives, medications and other dangerous substances that may harm the patient. You can pamper the patient by providing adequate lighting in the rooms and other corners of house especially at night.

It becomes a challenge for the caretaker to maintain a good nutrition diet for the patient, as the patient sometimes becomes more aggressive and refuses to eat. You can offer them their favorite food, no matter how they eat it. The patient may find it difficult to sleep at night, for that you can offer them milk before going to bed so that they can have a sound sleep. In addition to this you should discourage napping during the day, because that causes sleeping disorders.

Care giving cannot eliminate the problem forever but it gives a deep sense of satisfaction. Taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient is not an easy task as it requires a lot of patience too. You need to take proper care of the patient’s behavioral changes and habits. You should not make the person completely dependent on you. In fact, you should let them take their decisions as long as they are able to do so. Make an ID bracelet or a pendant for the patient so they don’t get lost when trying to move out of the house. At times you may find the patients at the verge of loosing their temper, but you should always try to manage the agitation by shifting their focus on one single activity.

Last but not the least; the care taker should also take complete care of his/her health too. A little information, a little care and a warm helping hand are all that an Alzheimer’s patient really needs.

Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating disorder affecting large numbers of our aging population. Alarmingly, the incidence of Alzheimer’s is on the rise. There are over 5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s already, and that figure will most likely increase drastically over the next 10 years as the baby boomer generation approaches their 60’s and 70’s.So what exactly is the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and brain function? Are there steps you can take to help maintain your brain function as you age to prevent the onset of this disorder?Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, President and Medical Director of the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF), believes there are. He has advocated a series of healthy lifestyle changes which should help you maintain your mental abilities as you get older.The following three areas are part of Dr. Khalsa’s Alzheimer’s prevention plan promoted by the ARPF. By adhering to them, you will have a greater chance at maintaining proper brain function into your later years.1. Several studies have indicated that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants will help prevent the mental decline brought on by Alzheimer’s. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help repair the synapses in your brain damaged by the formation of plaques and tangles, which mark the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Antioxidants prevent the production of free radicals in your body, which when present in excess, can kill your brain cells.Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in most seafood, especially salmon, trout, and albacore tuna, as well as in certain green leafy vegetables such as spinach.Foods rich in vitamins C and E are also an excellent source of antioxidants. Blueberries, grapes, cranberries, papaya, apples, and green leafy vegetables will provide you with plenty of antioxidants in your diet.2. Recent research has identified a strong link between stress and the development of Alzheimer’s disease later in life.Stress hormones have also been found to speed up the production of plaques and tangles in your brain. Studies have found that people prone to stress were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as their lower stressed counterparts.It is important to employ stress management techniques in your life. Some of the most effective techniques include mind-body exercises, meditation, hypnosis, deep breathing, massage, and yoga.3. Both physical and mental exercise have been found to increase brain function. It is essential that you regularly engage in both physical and mental activities so that you keep your mind sharp.Physical exercise will help ensure that proper levels of oxygen reach your brain. Like any other muscle in your body, your brain needs sufficient levels of oxygen to function properly.Good methods of physical exercise include brisk walking, jogging, participation in sports, dance classes, and hiking.There is also growing evidence that people who challenge their mind on a regular basis maintain higher levels of brain function. Your brain is a muscle. If you don’t use it frequently, it will atrophy. This will make you more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease.Reading, writing, learning a new activity, and crossword puzzles are all good mental activities to keep your brain sharp. And of course, mind-body exercises work well here as well.By paying close attention to these three areas in your life, prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and brain function should continue smoothly well into old age.

  Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating disorder affecting large numbers of our aging population. Alarmingly, the incidence of Alzheimer’s is on the rise. There are over 5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s already, and that figure will most likely increase drastically over the next 10 years as the baby boomer generation approaches their 60’s and 70’s. So what exactly is the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and brain function? Are there steps you can take to help maintain your brain function as you age to prevent the onset of this disorder? Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, President and Medical Director of the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF), believes there are. He has advocated a series of healthy lifestyle changes which should help you maintain your mental abilities as you get older. The following three areas are part of Dr. Khalsa’s Alzheimer’s prevention plan promoted by the ARPF. By adhering to them, you will have a greater chance at maintaining proper brain function into your later years. 1. Several studies have indicated that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants will help prevent the mental decline brought on by Alzheimer’s. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help repair the synapses in your brain damaged by the formation of plaques and tangles, which mark the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Antioxidants prevent the production of free radicals in your body, which when present in excess, can kill your brain cells. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in most seafood, especially salmon, trout, and albacore tuna, as well as in certain green leafy vegetables such as spinach. Foods rich in vitamins C and E are also an excellent source of antioxidants. Blueberries, grapes, cranberries, papaya, apples, and green leafy vegetables will provide you with plenty of antioxidants in your diet. 2. Recent research has identified a strong link between stress and the development of Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Stress hormones have also been found to speed up the production of plaques and tangles in your brain. Studies have found that people prone to stress were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as their lower stressed counterparts. It is important to employ stress management techniques in your life. Some of the most effective techniques include mind-body exercises, meditation, hypnosis, deep breathing, massage, and yoga. 3. Both physical and mental exercise have been found to increase brain function. It is essential that you regularly engage in both physical and mental activities so that you keep your mind sharp. Physical exercise will help ensure that proper levels of oxygen reach your brain. Like any other muscle in your body, your brain needs sufficient levels of oxygen to function properly. Good methods of physical exercise include brisk walking, jogging, participation in sports, dance classes, and hiking. There is also growing evidence that people who challenge their mind on a regular basis maintain higher levels of brain function. Your brain is a muscle. If you don’t use it frequently, it will atrophy. This will make you more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. Reading, writing, learning a new activity, and crossword puzzles are all good mental activities to keep your brain sharp. And of course, mind-body exercises work well here as well. By paying close attention to these three areas in your life, prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and brain function should continue smoothly well into old age.  

  Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating disorder affecting large numbers of our aging population. Alarmingly, the incidence of Alzheimer’s is on the rise. There are over 5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s already, and that figure will most likely increase drastically over the next 10 years as the baby boomer generation approaches their 60’s and 70’s. So what exactly is the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and brain function? Are there steps you can take to help maintain your brain function as you age to prevent the onset of this disorder? Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, President and Medical Director of the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF), believes there are. He has advocated a series of healthy lifestyle changes which should help you maintain your mental abilities as you get older. The following three areas are part of Dr. Khalsa’s Alzheimer’s prevention plan promoted by the ARPF. By adhering to them, you will have a greater chance at maintaining proper brain function into your later years. 1. Several studies have indicated that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants will help prevent the mental decline brought on by Alzheimer’s. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help repair the synapses in your brain damaged by the formation of plaques and tangles, which mark the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Antioxidants prevent the production of free radicals in your body, which when present in excess, can kill your brain cells. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in most seafood, especially salmon, trout, and albacore tuna, as well as in certain green leafy vegetables such as spinach. Foods rich in vitamins C and E are also an excellent source of antioxidants. Blueberries, grapes, cranberries, papaya, apples, and green leafy vegetables will provide you with plenty of antioxidants in your diet. 2. Recent research has identified a strong link between stress and the development of Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Stress hormones have also been found to speed up the production of plaques and tangles in your brain. Studies have found that people prone to stress were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as their lower stressed counterparts. It is important to employ stress management techniques in your life. Some of the most effective techniques include mind-body exercises, meditation, hypnosis, deep breathing, massage, and yoga. 3. Both physical and mental exercise have been found to increase brain function. It is essential that you regularly engage in both physical and mental activities so that you keep your mind sharp. Physical exercise will help ensure that proper levels of oxygen reach your brain. Like any other muscle in your body, your brain needs sufficient levels of oxygen to function properly. Good methods of physical exercise include brisk walking, jogging, participation in sports, dance classes, and hiking. There is also growing evidence that people who challenge their mind on a regular basis maintain higher levels of brain function. Your brain is a muscle. If you don’t use it frequently, it will atrophy. This will make you more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. Reading, writing, learning a new activity, and crossword puzzles are all good mental activities to keep your brain sharp. And of course, mind-body exercises work well here as well. By paying close attention to these three areas in your life, prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and brain function should continue smoothly well into old age.