Tara Weng of Knowmore.TV wrote a great article on “6 ‘Brain Healthy’ Ways to Help Stave Off Alzheimer’s” this week. It included many of the things we have been talking about over the past 20 years, things we’ve identified as the “4 Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention™”. Read the article yourself at http://knowmore.tv/men-2/6-brain-healthy-ways-to-help-stave-off-alzheimers/.
And check out the 4 Pillars at http://www.alzheimersprevention.org/intro_4_pillars.htm. You’ll be glad you did.
Oxidative stress and the damaging free radicals it produces is the byproduct of normal metabolic activities – breathing, digestion, fighting infection, and even strenuous exercise. Factors like environmental pollutants, smoking and drinking are major contributors too.
Over time, oxidative stress accelerates the aging process and dramatically increases your risk of developing a multitude of illnesses including Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease and immune disorders.
While you can’t eliminate all sources of oxidative stress from your life, there are nutritional supplements you can take with powerful antioxidant properties that scavenge free radicals inside and outside your cells to render them harmless.
Alpha-lipoic acid, called the “universal antioxidant” by leading researchers, is one of the very best nutritional supplements you can take to slow down the aging process and protect yourself from the killer diseases that can develop after years of cellular damage from oxidative stress.
Here’s what the research shows:(1)
While ALA is a superstar nutrient on its own, it’s a first-rate team player too. This means that it recycles and regenerates other potent antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and CoQ10, enabling their disease-fighting properties to work longer and more effectively in your body.
Perhaps most importantly, ALA increases your body’s production of its own powerful natural antioxidant, glutathione. Reduced glutathione production due to natural aging leaves you vulnerable to decreased energy production and increased susceptibility to life-threatening diseases.
As you can see, numerous scientific studies show that alpha-lipoic acid should be at the top of your list to fight the disease-causing effects of oxidative stress and reverse the signs of aging.
| To commemorate ARPF’s 20th Anniversary, you are invited to participate in our monthly contests. We just concluded the February contest- Congratulations to Denese Schmelzkopf for her nomination of her favorite Senior- her husband- Richard Schmelzkopf! We received a lot of great entries, each with amazing stories of favorite seniors across the country.
Because we received such a great response in February, ARPF wants to give you another chance to win some amazing prizes. For full contest rules, please click here. |
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MARCH CONTEST: “What is Your Favorite Brain Exercise?” |
March is Brain Awareness!
| Tell us your favorite brain exercise and why. Include writings, samples, pictures, etc. Remember the more information you include, the more likely you are to win!
Submit your entry to: contest@alzheimersprevention.org by Sunday, March 24th. When you submit your nomination, send us your mailing address so you can claim your prize or surprise gift. Yes, there are prizes! Everyone who submits a nomination for their favorite senior will receive a surprise gift from the ARPF. We are looking for TWO winners for the month of March! Each winner will receive the GRAND Prize- a puzzle donated by Puzzles To Remember. Submit Your Entry for Favorite Brain Exercise by Clicking Here!!! Thank you for celebrating with us. Good Luck! Questions? Please contact us at 888.908.5766 or email Heilee O’Quinn at heilee@alzheimersprevention.org. Please note: By participating in the contest, you give ARPF permission to use all or part of your submission on all marketing materials, websites, newsletters, social media, etc.
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Anyone interested in brain health and longevity should be aware of an extract known as huperzine A, a phytonutrient from the Chinese club moss plant, Huperzia serrata.
According to Chinese researchers, huperzine A helps people with Alzheimer’s and other degenerative brain disorders by promoting nerve cell growth, enabling brain cells to better communicate.(1)
Another important benefit of huperzine A is protecting acetylcholine, one of your most important neurotransmitters from chemical breakdown in the brain. Because acetylcholine is a key player in memory function and learning, dwindling levels are a major contributor to Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
There are numerous pharmaceutical drugs on the market that inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine. Huperzine A has been shown to work as well or better than many of these expensive drugs without the common side effects.
Here’s an example. Studies have shown that compared to Alzheimer’s drugs like donepezil and galantamine, huperzine A crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily, has greater bioavailability, and has longer lasting benefits.(2) Read the rest of this entry »
In honor of our loved ones and on the occasion of Valentine’s Day, ARPF launched the February 20 Day LOVE Challenge: Who’s Your Favorite Senior?
Share your love by telling us who your favorite senior is and why. The more detailed information, the more likely you are to win! We’d love to see a picture too!
Submit your entry to: contest@alzheimersprevention.org by Sunday, February 24th. We will announce the winner on Tuesday, February 26th.
The grand prize for the February 20 Day Love Challenge is – appropriately – the hardcover edition of “The Crazy Sexy Kitchen” Cookbook.* But don’t worry – there will be gifts for every entry! In fact, everyone who submits a nomination for their favorite senior will receive a surprise gift from the ARPF. When you submit your nomination, make sure you send us your mailing address so you can claim your prize or surprise gift.
Join the 20 Day LOVE Challenge NOW: contest@alzheimersprevention.org.
Please note: By participating in the contest, you give ARPF and its affiliates permission to use all or part of your submission on all marketing materials, websites, newsletters, social media, etc.
*Not familiar with this new cookbook? Here is one endorsement: “Kris Carr titillatingly turns a supermarket into a pharmacy.” — Dr. Mehmet Oz
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Did you know that ARPF turns 20 this year? To commemorate this milestone, we are celebrating by providing MONTHLY contests through 2013 – giving you multiple chances to win some amazing prizes!! Each month will have a new contest theme giving you the opportunity to share your expertise, stories and/or photographs. We will roll out the contest theme for the month and directions on the 1st Monday of the month and allow you 20 days to submit your entry. Submitting is Easy! Just email your entry to contest@alzheimersprevention.org by the deadline date. We will announce the winner the next business day following the close of the contest. We hope you will enter one (or more!) contests throughout the year. We encourage you to follow our progress on Facebook, Twitter and our website at www.alzheimersprevention.org. |
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FEBRUARY CONTEST: “Who’s Your Favorite Senior?” |
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February is the month of love: Valentine’s Day! Share your love by telling us who your favorite senior is and why. The more detailed information, the more likely you are to win! We’d love to see a picture too! Submit your entry to: contest@alzheimersprevention.org by Sunday, February 24th. When you submit your nomination, send us your mailing address so you can claim your surprise gift. Yes, there are prizes! Everyone who submits a nomination for their favorite senior will receive a surprise gift from the ARPF, and the grand prize winner will receive “The Crazy Sexy Kitchen” Cookbook. Submit your Favorite Senior Today!!! Thank you for celebrating with us. Good Luck! Please note: By participating in the contest, you give ARPF and its affiliates permission to use all or part of your submission on all marketing materials, websites, newsletters, social media, etc. Questions? Please contact us at 888.908.5766 or email Heilee O’Quinn at heilee@alzheimersprevention.org. |
One of the unfortunate consequences of aging is sluggish blood flow to your brain. This means that even though you’re eating the right foods, your brain may not be receiving all the nutrients it desperately needs to function at its best.
There’s a natural solution to this problem in a specific nutrient called vinpocetine. This natural compound comes from the periwinkle plant and is used all over the world to treat vascular dementia and other cognitive disorders.
Vinpocetine works by dilating (opening up) the blood vessels to enhance blood flow to specific regions of the brain and improve the utilization of glucose and oxygen. It increases energy metabolism in the brain and even helps to reduce blood clotting, making it an effective deterrent to stroke.
In people with Alzheimer’s disease, age-related memory decline and stroke, vinpocetine has been shown to enhance overall brain function and cognitive ability. It appears to work by increasing healthy blood flow to the entire damaged region of the brain. In Europe where vinpocetine is sold under the brand name Cavinton, 75 to 80% of people with various cerebrovascular disorders have shown improvement on measures of cognitive function.(1)
In a study of elderly people with chronic cerebral dysfunction, 42 patients were givien 10 mg of vinpocetine three times a day for 30 days, then 5 mg three times a day for 60 days.
Placebo tablets were given to another 42 patients for the 90-day trial period. Patients on vinpocetine scored consistently better in all evaluations, including measurements on the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, the Sandoz Clinical Assessment Geriatric (SCAG) scale, and the Mini-Mental Status Questionnaire (MMSQ). No serious side effects were noted.(2)
More recent studies indicate that vinpocetine also offers direct protection against neurological aging. It has been shown to maintain electrical conduction between brain cells and to provide protection from damage caused by excessive intracellular release of calcium.(2)
As a potent natural antioxidant, vinpocetine reduces oxidative stress and the free radicals that can damage delicate brain cells.
In order to derive the greatest benefits from vinpocetine’s ability to improve cerebral blood flow, it is important to ensure you are consuming a brain-healthy diet. Be sure to include generous daily servings of essential fatty acids, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and B-vitamin-boosting whole grains along with a daily dose of vinpocetine.
While you’re taking vinpocetine you’ll be pleased to know that its benefits go far beyond brain health. One study showed that it protects the retina from the hepatitis B virus. In animal studies, vinpocetine was shown to protect against gastric lesions caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
References
As a supporter of ARPF’s long-time goal to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, especially through our innovative research, I know you’ll love this story, as told by Kirti, our COO.
“In early November I flew back home to Rome, Italy, to spend time with my parents and siblings. It was a very enjoyable and heart-warming experience.
One of the moments that I will always remember was when my mom and I went to visit Ada, my grandmother’s best friend. While my grandma died 35 years ago, Ada is now 97. I have very clear memories of playing with her as a little kid, and her bouncing me on her knee as she taught me children songs. One of my favorites was about a little poodle.
Ada was always a small woman, and in the last 10 years since I last saw her, she’s become a tiny elderly lady. But I was thrilled to see that she still is incredibly sharp mentally. We spoke of the desert where I live, and her green yard and the plants she loves.
With her unbound love, she asked about everyone in my family by first name – all three generations of us. Then she told us the news about her family. She has 3 children, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren – and they all have lunch with her every day! What a great way to keep your mind sharp.
For me it was an emotional visit. As we said goodbye, tears were rolling down our cheeks. Tears of happiness and gratefulness for the kindness, caring and love we have for each other. The visit probably took 30 minutes, but the memory of it will last forever in my heart – it was truly a transforming moment.
I’ve always loved my elders. There is so much to learn from them, and their stories are so fascinating and full of interesting details. When was the last time you spent time with an older friend or relative? Did you find it an incredibly fulfilling experience?
That’s why I am so passionate about improving our elders’ quality of life and helping people stay as mentally sharp as possible as they age.”
Thank you, Kirti. Here at the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation our goal is to prevent Alzheimer’s. And since we’ve been doing this work for 20 years, we can proudly say we know a thing or two about helping you keep your mind alive forever.
To help further our innovative research work, we are having a year-end $50,000 donation drive.
We absolutely need your help to make it happen. If you can help us raise this sum by the end of the year, we can have a tremendous impact on ending this horrible mind-robbing disease in our life-time.
You can make a big difference in making this vision a reality.
Please make your tax-deductible donation now. http://www.alzheimersprevention.org/donate.php
Thank you. I wish you a very Happy Holiday Season.
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
Founding President and Medical Director
PS: The ARPF offers leading edge research, education, and early detection screenings. We’re asking for your support.
$25 Provides free early detection screening for 2 people
$50 Provides one hour of education at a health fair
$100 Provides a half-day education session at a senior center
$200 Will go towards creating a new publication to share our successful research with the medical community
$1,000 Will support a new research study at a leading medical school
PPS: Any amount you give can have a tremendous impact. Your donation allows us to continue our research on Alzheimer’s prevention.
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Good communication skills are one of the keys to success in both your personal and professional life. The same is true in your brain. When your brain cells stop communicating like they should, you’ll experience declines in memory, learning and even social skills.
One reason your brain cells stop talking is a lack of phosphatidylserine (PS), a vital phospholipid nutrient that supports memory and enables your brain to repair damaged cells and even make new ones. Adding PS to your vitamins replaces the naturally produced PS in the membranes of your brain cells. PS has the awesome power to eliminate those embarrassing “senior moments” that occur more and more frequently as you age. Isn’t that remarkable?
Here’s why this is so important to memory and brain health. As you age, your body produces less PS, causing brain cell membranes to become thinner and thinner. When this happens, memory lapses become more frequent and attention span becomes shorter. You’re then on the road to mild cognitive impairment — a condition that can only get worse without PS supplementation.
Even the FDA who notoriously puts the kibosh on health claims made by vitamin manufacturers about their products endorses PS, by stating: “consumption of phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly” and “consumption of phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly”.
Coming from the FDA, that’s the highest form of praise a nutritional supplement can get.
Since dietary sources of PS mainly come from the organ meats of animals, it’s easy for most of us to develop a deficiency. That’s why taking a high-quality supplement is so important. It’s crucial to your brain health and very hard to get enough of from your diet alone.
PS has been studied extensively in clinical trials. In people with early stage cognitive decline, PS supplementation was shown to produce significant improvements. In patients with moderate to severe age-related cognitive impairment, improvements were seen in socialization, motivation, and initiative.
Additional research shows that everyone benefits from a healthy supply of PS. In middle-aged and elderly people it also helps to reduce stress and anxiety. I encourage you to look into this amazing nutrient for your brain health.
To Your Health,
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2005/oct2005_report_brain_01.htm
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2011/jan2011_Feed-Your-Brain_01.htm?source=search&key=phosphatidylserine
Here’s something I’d like you to think about. Memory loss, poor eyesight and hearing, heart problems, lack of energy, wrinkles on your skin and a host of other age-related issues stem from one primary cause: cellular aging.
That’s right. Your health, whether good or bad, is all about the health of each individual cell in your body. In fact, it’s almost like a domino effect – one diseased or damaged cell can negatively affect healthy cells nearby – causing more and more of them to stop dividing until they finally become diseased too or simply die off. This is when chronic disease starts and the effects of “old age” become apparent both inside and out.
Scientists are working on highly sophisticated technologies right now to slow or even reverse cellular aging, in the hopes of extending the healthy lifespan for years or even decades. Unfortunately, it will take many years until anti-aging technologies are safe and affordable for us to enjoy.
Should you despair over missing out? Absolutely not! And I say that with absolute certainty because proven research has shown that tremendous anti-aging and disease prevention results can be achieved with proper diet and the right nutritional supplements to keep your cells healthy and disease free well into your twilight years.
Aging begins when cells no longer produce enough energy, resulting in reduced activity and the accumulation of cellular debris. There are supplements you can take that can assist in anti-aging and disease prevention:
Finally, no discussion of anti-aging would be complete without mentioning the rejuvenating effects of the amino acid, N-acetyl cysteine. This life-saving compound replenishes levels of your body’s most potent antioxidant called glutathione, which diminishes with aging. NAC is also a powerful inflammation fighter and has been shown to reduce the development of many different types of cancer.
When you include these supplements into your diet, they are part of a holistic Alzheimer’s Prevention plan for your body. Combining these supplements with nutrition, exercise and stress management, you can be sure you are preventing disease every day.
To Your Health,
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
Alzheimer's Research & Prevention 