Keeping your brain active will reduce the risk of dementia

Everyday, new information appears about keeping your brain in shape to stave off the onset of dementia. We’re told an active brain is a healthy brain and that makes sense. The brain, like all other organs in the body, should be looked after. Given its complex nature, that means providing good nutrition and performing a few ‘mind exercises’ to keep the brain working and functioning to the best of its abilities. Who knows, you might even learn something new!

Prevent age related mental illness by looking after your brain

Here are a few tips on keeping that most vital of organs, the brain, healthy:

Feed the brain
By this we mean the right nutrition. Good food from the right diet will sharpen the mind so it’s always ready for action.

Avoid caffeine and refined sugars - These substances may well give you a quick boost of energy but when they wear off you’ll be feeling groggy and unable to perform your best. Keep using them and you’ll start to develop all sorts of chronic problems such as sleep disorders and weight gain. Avoid tea and coffee and go for water instead. Drink regularly throughout the day so you stay hydrated. Dehydration is the primary cause for loss of concentration.

Nutrients and supplements - Brain function needs essential nutrients which can be found in foods such as nuts, fruit and vegetables. Fish and seeds have Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils which are EFAs (essential fatty acids) and can also be taken as supplements. Other supplements to consider are Vitamin C and E. Both these vitamins have been found to improve health and function of the brain and research has shown them beneficial in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s and other dementia related illness.

Herbs - Taking Gingko Biloba in tablet form can help with memory. An Indian herb known as Gotu Kola can improve clarity of thought and concentration. It is available in tincture form or as capsules and also serves to give a relaxing effect that reduces stress. If you are pregnant, on anti-depressants or breast-feeding you should avoid this herb. Gingseng can help with alertness and comes in tablet or tincture form.

Exercise the brain
And yes, this can involve physical exercise too as well as mental exercises. In fact, bodily movement requires co-ordination and that keeps the brain active.

Get moving - If you’re able to, try doing more than one physical activity at a time such as walking and skipping with a rope. If you can’t skip, how about walking while using a yo-yo? Both sides of the brain (known as the hemispheres) need exercising. The left hemisphere is responsible for much of the work we do while the right controls creativity and problem solving. Get them both working and balanced.

Go surfing - If you’re fit enough, this can be proper surfing, however, for those who saw our news item about using the internet then web surfing is just as beneficial to the brain. Going online and performing web searches activates the part of the brain involved with reasoning and decision making. Internet use is of particular benefit to middle-aged people and the elderly so don’t be afraid of this technology - embrace it and improve your brain’s health. For those who spend too much time on a computer using the web, give yourself time away from the PC, you can have too much of a good thing!

Think about it - Get those brain cells working with puzzles and quizzes. Crosswords, Sudoku, even a daily dose of Countdown on the TV. For those who like their gadgets, handheld computer gaming systems now have software specifically designed to test your brain and keep it sharp.

Seek out professional advice for brain health

We’ve touched on a few ideas to help keep your brain fit and healthy. To get some specific professional advice, speak to your GP and then seek out an appropriate alternative medicine and complementary therapy practitioner who can advise you on nutrition and herbal medicine.

Article submitted by
Daniel Alexander, GoToSee Journalist

Date published
24/10/08

Treating dementia with alternative therapy

Dementia typically occurs in the elderly and is commonly caused by Alzheimer’s disease or a vascular trauma such as a stroke. Treating dementia involves trying to reverse or lessen the symptoms usually through drugs and psychiatric/behavioural therapy. However, many healthcare professionals are looking toward alternative therapy as a way to help treat the symptoms of dementia.

Dementia is characterised as a mental disorder that causes impaired memory and associated symptoms such as language difficulty, loss of recognition, personality changes, difficulty with walking or balance, sleep loss, depression and anxiety. Nearly 70% of dementia cases are due to Alzheimer’s disease but vascular disease, tumours, Parkinson’s, vitamin B deficiency and substance abuse are also contributory factors. Medications are commonly prescribed to dementia sufferers however they can have negative side-effects and also need constant evaluation as the elderly in particular can be sensitive to drugs.

Alternative therapy can provide a non-invasive way of helping to treat dementia without the negative pharmaceutical side-effects.

Helping symptoms of dementia with alternative therapy

A recent research project by a Dutch team using an alternative light therapy has highlighted our natural internal body clock as a way to significantly slow down the onset of dementia. The body’s natural cycle of sleep and wakefulness (known as the circadian rhythm) is disrupted in dementia sufferers and is one of the most difficult aspects of dementia that carers have to cope with. The alternative therapy used a brighter level of daytime lighting in a care home alongside melatonin (a naturally occurring hormone that regulates biological function).

The research team discovered their alternative therapy showed an improvement in patient’s sleep and mood and a decrease in aggressive behaviour. The results have shown a 5% reduction in deterioration. In real terms this can be an extra six months over the course of Alzheimer’s using a non-invasive alternative therapy to traditional treatments such as Aricept (a medicine prescribed to affect the brain’s neurotransmitters). The reduction means patients could spend more time at home rather than be placed in care.

Alternative therapy using nutrition and supplements may slow the progression dementia. Phosphatidylserine supplements can increase levels of memory brain chemicals and antioxidants found in vitamins E and C may protect against the development of dementia. Dietary changes that introduce more essential fatty acids (found in oily fish) may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Alternative therapy that utilises herbs has long been used to boost the body’s systems and can be taken as teas, tinctures or capsules. Ginkgo has shown evidence for treating dementia and research has shown that Lemon balm helped to improve the cognitive function of people with mild Alzheimer’s.

Alternative therapies helping dementia and Alzheimers

Another alternative therapy that uses remedies for treating dementia is homeopathy. Remedies containing alumina, argentum nitricum and silica have helped to improve dementia symptoms of vagueness, irritability and mental deterioration.

Alternative therapy can provide an effective method to help treat the symptoms of dementia alongside conventional practices and continuing care from health professionals and family. Alternative therapy practitioners focus on treating the mind and body to provide a holistic approach that can result in better overall health and well-being and ease the symptoms of dementia.

Article Submitted By

Daniel Alexander, GoToSee Journalist

Date Published
12/05/08