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Article "Aging is Inevitable, Losing Your Mind Isn't"

10 minute gentle workout video

10 nearby gyms that offer FREE Silver Sneakers memberships.

Aging is Inevitable; Losing Your Mind Isn’t

by Dr. Glenn B. Gero, N.D., D.Sc., M.H., M.E.S., C.L.C. 

Your brain doesn’t know how old you are – and doesn’t care. 

Of all of the uncontrollable factors in our life, the process of aging may be the most daunting. Synonymous with aging is the concept that cognitive decline is universally unavoidable. What may be encouraging is that while some memory loss may be a natural part of aging, researchers are discovering that older people can maintain more of their cognitive function well into later years. Neurobiologists Dr. Elizabeth Gould and Dr. Charles Gross at Princeton University have validated that thousands of freshly born neurons arrive each day in the cerebral cortex, the outer rind of the brain where higher intellectual functions are centered. 

The process of neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells, is controlled by our DNA. Fortunately, many of the factors that influence our DNA are under our direct control. A variety of factors including physical exercise, critical thinking, social interaction, caloric restriction, curcumin and the omega-3 fat DHA have demonstrated to profoundly inhibit the process of brain deterioration. 

This is a powerful message and these factors are all within our grasp.

Physical Exercise

In a report featured in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), titled "Effect of Physical Activity in Cognitive Function in Older Adults at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease," researchers found that elderly individuals engaged in regular physical exercise for a 24-week period had an improvement of an astounding 1,800 percent on measures of memory, language ability, attention and other important cognitive functions compared to an age-matched group not involved in the exercise program. Merely by engaging in regular physical exercise, the door is open to the possibility of actively taking control of your mental destiny. 

Caloric Restriction

In January, 2009, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science reported that those elderly individuals who reduced their caloric consumption by 30 percent profoundly increased memory function, while those of similar age group were instructed to eat whatever they wanted experienced a small, but clearly defined decline in memory function. The authors concluded, "The present findings may help to develop new prevention and treatment strategies for maintaining cognitive health into old age." What a concept -- preventive medicine for the brain. 

Curcumin

Curcumin, the main active ingredient in the spice turmeric, has attracted the interest of neuroscientists around the world. Interestingly, in evaluating villages in India where turmeric is used in abundance in curried recipes, epidemiological studies have found that Alzheimer's disease is only about 25 percent as common as in the U.S. As curcumin is a proven anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, there is little doubt of its positive effects on enhanced production of brain neurons, which is why it is theorized that those consuming curcumin are so resistant to this brain disorder. 

DHA

Like curcumin, DHA enhances gene expression for the production of new neurons. In a trial involving 485 healthy older individuals with mild memory problems, those given a supplement containing DHA for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance versus those who took a placebo. The benefit is roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger. 

Don’t Quit Your Day Job

An analysis of 400 British men suggest that those working in occupations requiring critical thinking and social interaction later in life have shown the ability to ward off cognitive decline.

Harnessing the expression of our DNA is empowering, and the tools to better brain health are available to us all -- right now! 

Dr. Glenn Gero is the director of the Holistic Naturopathic Center in Clifton, NJ. He is a licensed and board-certified naturopathic doctor, a board-certified biofeedback therapist, a registered nutritionist, a medical exercise specialist, a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild (AHG) and has earned nearly 20 certifications in holistic health and therapeutic exercise. He has completed advanced clinical training at Harvard Medical School where he is a member of the post-graduate association.

OTHER ARTICLES BY DR. GLENN GERO, NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR:

Here is another short article about how to prevent or greatly delay the onset of dementia:  https://theconversation.com/nine-things-that-can-affect-whether-you-get-dementia-and-what-you-can-do-about-them-81224

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If you are a medical professional who would like to add an article to the Hanover Ledger, please feel free to let us know:   Email  Janet@HanoverLedger.com

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Simulated Presence Therapy for Alzheimer's/Dementia:

Simulated presence therapy (SPT), a type treatment that has been used mainly in nursing homes, involves playing a personalized video or audiotape recording of family members to the person with dementia when he or she is distressed or agitated.     - healthypeople.gov

So next time you or your senior relative feels agitated, try that first!

Find Your Place: 10-Minute Sit and Get Fit Workout

By the Editors of SilverSneakers | January 8, 2020

Grab a chair, and get ready to improve your posture, strengthen your body, and boost your energy.

Here are 10 nearby gyms that offer free membership when you have the FREE Silver Sneakers program through your insurance company:

Ashland:  Anytime Fitness - 113 Junction Drive   804-412-4999

Glen Allen:  American Family Fitness - Center Commons, 10101 Brook Rd, Suite 100   804-261-1000

Glen Allen:  Anytime Fitness - 1070 Virginia Center Pkway, Suite 121   804-658-3725

Glen Allen:  Curves for Women - 10278 Staples Mill Road   804-756-2002

Glen Allen:  Planet Fitness - 9703 W. Broad Street   804-729-3471

Mechanicsville:  Cool Spring Baptist Church Recreation Center - 9283 Atlee Station Road   804-746-0801

Mechanicsville:  Anytime Fitness - 8319 Bell Creek Road, Suite L   804-730-4548

Richmond:  Gold's Gym - 8 S. Harvie Street   804-249-4653

Richmond:  Anytime Fitness - 9703 W. Broad Street   804-729-3471

Short Pump:  American Family Fitness - 11760 West Broad Street   804-364-1200

Have Pets?  Check out an interesting article and hilarious video HERE.

Into healthy eating?  HERE are some delicious gluten-free recipes!

How about a 10-question Trivia Challenge?  HERE.

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