Review: Concise and to the point
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 2, 2013
This book has a healthy suggestion for prevention of Alzheimer's based on scientific research studies and covering nutrition, physical exercise, mental exercise through continuous learning, cultivating social networks, and spiritual practice.Here are several tips from the book:NUTRITIONOne study showed that people who drank fresh fruit and vegetable juices more than three times a week were 76% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who drank juices less than once a week. The study showed the protective benefits of juice appeared to be particularly enhanced in people who had a genetic marker linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease known as ApoE-4.In one study scientists in Germany found that increased physical activity was associated with a lower incidence of dementia. Those who exercised at least three times a week were half as likely to have developed dementia as those who reported no physical activity.In a study at Loma Linda University, a study group found that a daily glass of pomegranate juice could halve the build-up of harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease.Men and women who reported eating fish at least once a week had a 60 % lower risk of getting Alzheimer's compared to those who rarely or almost never ate fish.A study on the effect of blood caffeine levels found tat older adults who drank the equivalent of 3 - 4 cups of coffee per day were protected from developing Alzheimer's.The researchers found that people who drank more than 2 cups of green tea per day had a 50 % lower incidence of cognitive impairment. EGCG is an antioxidant found in green tea that researchers frequently study for its health benefits.  The researchers used EGCG to effectively untangle the proteins causing Alzheimer's and restore the pristine state of brain tissue.People with diabetes - especially type 2 diabetes - are at higher risk of eventually developing Alzheimer's disease. Taking steps to prevent or control diabetes may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.  Alzheimer's is being called Diabetes Type 3 by some researchers.  Researchers found that insulin is not just produced in the pancreas, but also in the brain.  And they discovered that insulin and its growth factors, which are necessary for the survival of brain cells, contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's.In Alzheimer's patients portions of their brain start to atrophy, or starve, leading to impaired functioning and eventual loss of memory, speech, movement and personality. In effect, the brain can begin to atrophy from starvation if it becomes insulin resistant and loses its ability to convert glucose to energy.  Ketone bodies may restore and renew neuron and nerve function in the brain after the damage has set in.  They are found in coconut oil.  A bit over two tablespoons of coconut oil (35 ml or 7 level teaspoons) would supply with equivalent of 20 grams of MCT which is indicated as either a preventative measure against degenerative neurological diseases, or as a treatment for already established case.PHYSICAL EXERCISEThose who exercised at least twice a week in middle age were 50 % less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease in old age.  Population studies have suggested that exercise which raises your heart rate for at least 30 minutes several times a week can lower your risk of Alzheimer's.  Physical activity appears to inhibit Alzheimer's like brain changes, slowing the development of a key feature of the disease. A lack of exercise affects Alzheimer's disease in a profound way.Resistance training is particularly beneficial for improving the cognitive abilities of older adults.  Those who weight lift experience the greatest improvement.Exercise not only prevents the normal shrinkage (atrophy) from occurring, but also stimulates neurogenesis - the formation of new brain cells and connections!  So, not only can you keep your brain from shrinking, but you can make it even bigger and stronger.INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION and MUSICIntellectually stimulating careers and hobbies, like learning a new language, playing a musical instrument or doing crossword puzzles or word games, build extra brainpower.It is important to challenge your brain, as in memory recall, learning or doing something new.  Find what's interesting to you, master it and move on to the next challenge.Learning different languages and musical instrument training may reduce the effects of mental decline associated with aging.  Studies showed that bilinguals experience onset symptoms of dementia years later than monolinguists.Sustaining musical activity during advanced age may enhance thinking ability, neutralizing any negative impact of age and even lack of education.  Musicians scored higher on tests of mental acuity, visual-spatial judgment, verbal memory and recall, and motor dexterity.The mental process required to play a musical instrument may work in the same way as juggling a dual languages to strengthen the connections in your brain over time.RELAXATIONDeep breathing, relaxation, stress reduction, laughter - help to protect from Alzheimer's.SPIRITUALITYNegative or "toxic" thoughts affect our mental, emotional and physical health.  Thinking and feeling anger, fear and frustration, causes DNA to change shape according to thoughts and the associated feelings.  The study showed that the poor quality of the DNA codes was reversed with feelings of love, joy, appreciation and gratitude!Un-forgiveness may be the most damaging toxic thoughts, according to the neuroscientist Dr. Leaf.  We can literally protect our brain and heart by extending forgiveness.