slow the cognitive decline usually seen as people age. This
research was presented at the US-based Alzheimer's Association'
first conference on prevention of dementia. Folate is definitely
instrumental in anti-aging techniques for the brain.
The research suggested that otherwise healthy people can slow
declining brain function by taking double the recommended daily
dose of folate.
Scientists studied men and women 50-75 years of age taking 800
mcg of folate a day over a three year period. They found the
group scored much better in cognitive tests than their peers who
took the placebo. The supplement users also scored higher on
memory tests as much as 5.5 years younger than their
chronological age.
The study is the first to convincingly show folate can slow
cognitive decline and plays a key role in anti-aging techniques
for cognitive functioning. Since the study involved healthy
older people and not people with Alzheimer's symptoms, it does
not tell us if folate might ward off that disease. This is an
important question still unanswered.
Earlier studies suggested folate combined with other B vitamins
can reduce levels of homocysteine, which is an amino acid
thought to be one of the causes for onset of Alzheimer's
disease.
Researchers think we ought to be more conscious about the
health of our brain very much in the same way we think about the
health of our heart. Alzheimer's disease begins many, many years
before symptoms appear.
The researchers of this study say it is not clear how folate
works to protect the brain. It might be that it lowers
inflammation or plays a role in expression of dementia-related
genes.
Oranges, strawberries, dark green leafy vegetables and beans
are good sources of folate to include in a daily anti-aging
diet. Folate is also added to cereal and flour products in the
United States
.
The recommended daily dose of folate in the United States is
400 micrograms. Doctors have long advised women of childbearing
age to take folate supplements to ensure they get an adequate
daily dose.
This new research adds to the mounting evidence that an
anti-aging diet higher in folate provides protection against a
variety of diseases. For a long time now, scientists have felt
folate plays a role in dementia. Previous studies show people
with low folate levels are more at risk for heart disease and
decreased cognitive functioning.
Research also now suggests there are anti-aging ways to protect
the brain against age-related memory losses and Alzheimer's
disease. There are classes being offered by the Alzheimer's
Association to teach people techniques to protect the brain.
Some of those techniques include:
•Exercise the brain: In youth, exercise for the brain is
acquiring good education. As a person begins to age, excellent
anti-aging brain exercises include working crossword puzzles,
learning to play an instrument or the game of chess and taking
classes helps to exercise the brain.
•Social stimulation helps prevent decreased cognitive function
•Physical activity: Having a bad memory has been linked to
heart disease and diabetes due to the clogged arteries that slow
blood flow to the brain. Exercise is helpful to all these
functions.
•Experts recommend doing something mentally, physically and
socially stimulating all at the same time. An example would be
coaching your child's ball team or taking a dance class.
•A heart healthy anti-aging diet is also good for brain healthy
anti-aging.
Source: The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is
not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health
care professional.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
About The Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at
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