The aging process can have a profound impact on the brain in a variety of ways.
Alzheimer’s disease is the 7th leading cause of death in the US, with over 100,000 people a year dying from the disease. Even for those who won’t develop the disease, progressive cognitive decline may still occur with aging. The symptoms are many and vary in severity, but can include forgetfulness, decrease metal focus, trouble problem-solving and mood changes.
Many people aren’t aware of the fact that mild cognitive impairment may begin 15-20 years before overt signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s develop. Therefore, we should all maintain a preventative, proactive attitude toward our brain health.
Here are some things you can do NOW to keep your brain healthy:
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Maintain healthy blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol
- Avoid smoking
- Protect your head (moderate to severe head injuries increase the risk of cognitive impairment)
- Maintain optimal hormone levels (thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and melatonin). For example, healthy thyroid levels (particularly T3) have been long proven to augment some aspects of cognitive function such as clarity, mood and focus. Research has also shown that both estrogen and testosterone play a “neuro-protective” role. They prevent cell death, decrease inflammation of the nerves/brain and increase blood flow to the brain.
- Consider adding certain supplements to help brain health. These include Omega-3s (fish-oil), methylated B vitamins, CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Curcumin, vitamin D, magnesium, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine and Phosphatidylserine. The Anti-Aging Center at PRO Sports Club sells most of these supplements, including a product called NeuroActives Brain Sustain which contains many of these ingredients in one product.
Originally from PRO Pulse January-February 2017
By Joe Upton, MD, Anti-Aging Specialist
