I enjoy watching the late-night ads for products that will take 20 years off your life in 3 easy payments. I'm always amazed how creative someone is to think of that gadget which will take all the wrinkles and folds out of your neck. And then there are the supplements which regenerate flab in two weeks no matter how much or how little exercise you do.
I personally wouldn't mind something for my neck. Nora Ephron says it better in her book I Feel Bad about My Neck and other thoughts on being a woman (Vintage, 2008) Check it out at the Amazon bar on the left.)
Now I've learned that ordinary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs may considerably lower the risk for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The good news is that this isn't an infomercial.
Researchers studied data on close to 15 thousand non-demented older adults. They participated in 6 separate studies which recorded their use of ibuprofen such as Advil and Motrin and Aleve. Patients who used some source of ibuprofen like Advil or Motrin, or Aleve were 23 percent less likely to develop dementia. (Neurology. May 28, 2008)
The study also showed that some supplements may benefit brain health although I've read other studies that show this isn't the case. Ginkgo biloba received good reviews in this study as an antioxidant, circulation enhancer and possibly reduces inflammation.
B vitamins were also given identified as helpful. The problem is that as we age we don't absorb the b vitamins as we once did so there's a deficiency.
Omega-3 fatty acids were also considered a must for good brain health. Getting too little omega-3 has been associated with increased risk for stroke, hypertension, AD, and depression. Nothing good!
Choline is the one nutrient that it not as well known. It's a nutrient found in meet, eggs, peanuts and fortified food. Its role is important to transmitting nerve signals in memory function. People who don't metabolize choline as well as younger people tend to have memory problems. Lecithin is a form of choline.
Caffeine, on the other hands, helps improve attention and focus. The research suggests that caffeine may counteract high levels of cholesterol that break down the blood-brain barrier responsible for protecting the nervous system from contaminants carried in the blood stream. Other studies report that regular consumption of caffeine – the kind you find in coffee, tea or chocolate – is supposed to help protect against age-related memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.
That is certainly good news for me. I love my coffee especially in the morning.
What about you? Where do you pick up any of these nutrients – supplements or food?
Write to us in comments.
To your successful aging,
Ruthan Brodsky
