Brain health | Page 2 of 3 | Health Newstrack

Mentally stimulating activities boost brainpower in old age

Does being a bookworm boost your brainpower in old age? – New research suggests that reading books, writing and participating in brain-stimulating activities at any age may preserve memory. “Our study suggests that exercising your brain by taking part in activities such as these across a person’s lifetime, from childhood through old age, is important for brain health in old age,” said study author Robert S. Wilson, PhD, with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Exercise improves memory and thinking after stroke

Exercise improves memory, thinking after stroke, study finds – Just six months of exercise can improve memory, language, thinking and judgment problems by almost 50 per cent. Toronto researchers found that the proportion of stroke patients with at least mild cognitive impairment dropped from 66 per cent to 37 per cent during a research study on the impact of exercise on the brain.

Omega 3 fish oil supplements not reducing cognitive decline in older

Role of omega-3 in preventing cognitive decline in older people questioned — Elderly warned that taking fish oil pills ‘does not prevent brain decline’ – Older people who take omega-3 fish oil supplements are probably not reducing their chances of losing cognitive function. Based on the available data from studies lasting up to 3.5 years, the researchers concluded that the supplements offered no benefits for cognitive health over placebo capsules or margarines, but that longer term effects are worth investigating.

Omega 3 fatty acids linked to aging and memory problems

Fish oil omega-3 fatty acids linked to brain health — A Diet Rich in Fish May Help the Aging Brain – A diet lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients commonly found in fish, may cause your brain to age faster and lose some of its memory and thinking abilities. Omega-3 fatty acids include the nutrients called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Weight loss may improve memory and concentration

Weight loss improves memory, according to Kent State researcher – John Gunstad, an associate professor in Kent State University’s Department of Psychology, and a team of researchers have discovered a link between weight loss and improved memory and concentration. The study shows that bariatric surgery patients exhibited improved memory function 12 weeks after their operations.

Beet juice can increase blood flow to the brain in older

Daily dose of beet juice promotes brain health in older adults – Drinking beet juice can increase blood flow to the brain in older adults ? a finding that could hold great potential for combating the progression of dementia.

World leaders focus on stroke prevention, care

World leaders focus on stroke prevention, care as Stroke journal turns 40 – On the 40th anniversary of the journal Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, stroke leaders from around the world celebrated stroke research accomplishments and set an agenda for the future, according to a special report in the journal.

Preparing for successful aging in the new year 2010

Preparing for successful aging — Successful Cognitive and Emotional Aging – It’s never too early or too late to start working toward the goal of improving brain health. So perhaps the New Year is the perfect time to consider how one achieves a long and satisfying life.

Sleep loss may increase Alzheimer’s disease

Sleep loss linked to increase in Alzheimer’s plaques – Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease often disrupt sleep. The new researches indicate that sleep loss could play a role in the genesis of such disorders.

Mediterranean diet and exercise lower Alzheimer’s disease risk

Exercise and Mediterranean-type diet combined associated with lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease — Findings of observational study warrant further research in controlled clinical trial to clarify the role of these and other possible factors contributing to AD risk – Both being more physically active and adhering to a Mediterranean-type diet appears to be associated with reduced Alzheimer’s risk, according to a new report in the August 12, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).