Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer’s disease is clinically known as dementia. Most people suffer some degree of brain atrophy (wasting or shrinkage) as they get older, usually accompanied by a slowing of mental processes. Frequently the atrophy is so severe that the person suffers from senile dementia. Characteristically, this change takes place in some persons over the age of 70 sometimes much later. This disorder is characterized by a twisted or knotted nerve fibers surrounding the hippocampus known as the brains memory center. This obstructs the nerve impulses from carrying information to or from the brain and prevents information from getting transferred. This is a degenerative disease characterized by mental deterioration, impaired memory and thought processes. Symptoms include personality changes, memory loss, mood changes, difficulty in communication and concentration.
In a small number of individuals, however, the atrophy with resulting dementia occurs far earlier. In Alzheimer’s disease the cause and reason for the atrophy or why it occurs are not known. It tends to develop in the 30’s or 40’s and the symptoms are precisely those of dementia, forgetfulness succeeded by irritability and then irrationality. Alzheimer’s does not afflict only the elderly. Pre-senile dementia has been known to occur in individuals in their forties. Dementia can also occur when supply of blood to the brain is reduced due to diseases like arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Toxic reactions to drugs, brain tumors and strokes sometimes show similar symptoms as Alzheimer’s.
Research also states that excessive amounts of aluminium, combined with deficiency of potassium, Vitamin B12, Selenium and Zinc may directly or indirectly predispose a person to Alzheimer’s disease.
Unfortunately, there is no cure at present. Vasodilator drugs are prescribed in an attempt to improve the blood supply to the tissues of the brain. Psychotherapy, tranquilizers and antidepressants may be used but loving care is probably the best therapy in this tragic affliction.
The fact is the memory usually serves us well enough even when our joints and other body parts start to deteriorate. However brain cells do shrink over the years, and eventually our brains make fewer neurotransmitters and chemicals that carry messages from one nerve cell to the next. Attacks from free radicals, which roam the whole body, also take their toll on brain cells over time. The good news is that there is no shortage of ‘brain foods’ that are rich in protective nutrients such as antioxidants which neutralize free radicals and B vitamins which help ensure there are sufficient quantities of neurotransmitters. Brain foods include milk, nuts, fish, fruit and vegetables and even some spices.
Like suggested above there are few food items that one should have to maintain good mental health. Given below is a list of foods that one can add to their “brain diet”…
- Increase your intake of all fruits, vegetables, nuts and other foods that are rich in anti-oxidants. When you eat enough of these foods, your brain collects anti-oxidants which offer protection to various parts of the brain including the hippocampus, a region that’s key to forming and retaining memories.
- Spinach is great for brain health. A spinach rich diet is particularly useful in helping patients recover their motor skills and prevent neurological damage.
- For maximum natural protection against age related diseases, it is necessary to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables of different colors like dark green leafy vegetables, berries, tomatoes and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. These are rich sources of phyto-nutrients.
- Fish, a rich source of omega- 3. The brain contains tremendous amounts of good fats, so it comes as no surprise that healthy fats benefit ones memory.
- Olive oil has been associated with lower rates of cognitive decline. Thus eating olive oil is extremely beneficial for brain health.
- Decrease consumption of animal proteins except for fish and eat more vegetable protein like soy and other beans.
- Garlic, though mostly known for heart health, is also great for the brain. Garlic has sulfur compounds which are a potent anti- oxidants, it also helps lower cholesterol, high blood pressure and reduce inflammation- three factors that increase dementia.
- Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to keep your brain sharp.
- Most fruits have antioxidant properties and must be included in the diet on a daily basis. Vitamin C rich fruits like citrus fruits and lemon help protect brain cells from oxidative damage.
- Turmeric has an anti-oxidant compound called curcumin that prevents clots and inflammation in the brain.
- Studies suggest tea, especially green tea, helps prevent protein build-up that slows communication between neurons, damaging the brain’s memory channels.
- Oats, whole grains and other high-fiber foods are good too as they supply the brain with a steady flow of energy which is required for memory power.
- Folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 help lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in blood that has been linked to increased risk of dementia. These vitamins and minerals are found in leafy greens, legumes and fish.
- Avoid saturated fats, meats, butter, full cream milk and its products, white breads, white flour, alcohol, tobacco, sugar, canned and preserved foods. Always opt for natural foods.
Good eating habits and regular physical exercises inculcated from early childhood days and practiced throughout life contributes significantly to positive health and fitness, slows down the aging process and retards onset of degenerative diseases. Regular practice of yoga, pranayam, meditation, sleep and prayers addresses health issues, improves clarity of mind, cleanses the mind of negative emotions like anxiety, resentment, jealousy, fear, phobia and increases relaxation of mind. All these factors go a long way in keeping you in good health.
