Heal With Hope - Brain Power

Mind/Body Connection:
There is a physical connection between the brain and muscles called the neuromuscular junction – chemical exchanges that happen at this junction are the key to your ability to move. Neurons, which connect with other neurons, also connect with skeletal muscles. Dopamine and acetylcholine are used by the brain as key chemical messengers communicating with muscles and regulating fine motor movement.

Compared to the control group that did not do any imagery, the group increased pinky muscle strength by 35% and elbow strength by 13.4%!! Brain scans taken afterwards showed greater and more focus in the prefrontal cortex than before. Researchers say strength gains were related to improvements in the brain’s ability to signal muscles.

Brain Exercises:

Ok, so you are convinced the key to a healthy, happy life lies in keeping your brain active and stimulated…here are some tips to help you accomplish this:

Preventing Alzheimer's Disease:

A recent AOL article about reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's type disease suggests that "heart healthy food" may be the answer. According to Laurel Coleman, M.D., a geriatric physician and member of the national board of the Alzheimer's Association, one way to reduce your risk is to implement a heart healthy diet that's low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. She explains, "What's good for your heart is also good for your head." Evidence suggests a healthy diet makes a difference in preventing the onset of this disease. Other tips include:

Red Wine: "Red wine has anti-oxidants so we mention it as one of the many things you can do to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's," says Dr. Coleman. While she emphasizes it's alright to have one to two glasses on most days, this alone will not help prevent the onset of the disease. "We tell people to look at the range of things to do along with the other things such as eating a low fat diet, eating fruits and vegetables, watching your cholesterol, remaining physically active and socially active in general.

Mental Gymnastics: Taking your brain out of the comfort zone is one way to make connections and remain stimulated. According to Christopher Calapai, D.O. and board certified in anti-aging medicine, this notion of brain tasking, such as doing crossword puzzles, creates a multi-dimensional connection. "It integrates your brain in a variety of ways," he says. For instance, if a clue is asking you to spell Mozart, it's very likely you're making a connection and thinking about listening to the music, the composer, etc.

Get Moving: As if you haven't already heard, evidence clearly points to this little fact: exercise does a body good. With the case of Alzheimer's, it does a brain good, too. Dr. Calapai explains, "There's evidence that exercise brings more oxygen to your brain, it helps burn excess sugar, it enhances hormones and is good for blood flow." The recommendation is to move your body several times a week for at least for thirty minutes doing some kind of aerobic activity such as walking.

Avoid Heavy Metal: According to Dr. Calapai, while eating fish is a high source of protein and rich with omega-3 fatty acids it could also be a high source of mercury, too. As for his recommendation? Stay away from shrimp and shellfish. Plus, he emphasizes the importance of staying away from exposure to aluminum in general. "Don't use aluminum foil, pots and pans or deodorant with aluminum as an ingredient."

Naproxen & Ibuprophen: When it comes to naproxens (think Advil, Motrin, and other over the counter drugs) and ibuprofens (as in Aleve), studies have shown that using pain relievers can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Essentially these medications block enzymes that promote inflammation, fevers and pain. In a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on aging, patients who took ibuprofen and nonaspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs lowered their risk of developing the disease by 60%.

Vitamin B: Experts say taking vitamins is always important, in particular with the case of reducing your risk of the onset of Alzheimer's. As for their recommendation? Well, it depends on the patient and what you're specifically lacking. "It's important to see what your vitamin and mineral intake is and where you're deficient," says Dr. Calapai. Essentially, he suggests working with your doctor to put together a plan such as incorporating Vitamin B.

Statins: A commonly prescribed class of cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins may lower the risk for Alzheimer's disease. According to the Archives of Neurology, a 2000 study showed that statins reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 73%. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is imperative to overall good health, so it also plays a role in reducing the onset of this disease.

Trim Down: According to a recent study, abdominal fat (sometimes described as having an apple shaped body rather than a pear shape) has been linked to boosting your risk of getting Alzheimer's disease or dementia down the road. In addition, a large belly is already being linked to a higher risk of developing diabetes, stroke and heart disease. As for our advice? Trim the fat, seriously. "Any deposition of fat is essentially added stress on the body," notes Dr. Coleman. Enriched Environments