Promising drug candidate for Alzheimer's found in turmeric compound Turmeric comes from the ginger family and, in spice form, is typically used to make curry powder. They publish their results in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy. The bioactive compound found in the spice is called aromatic (ar-) turmerone, and previous studies have shown it can block activation of microglial cells. Until this latest study, however, the impact of ar-turmerone's impact on the brain's self-repair ability was unknown, the researchers say. They explain that they focused on endogenous neural stem cells (NSC) - stem cells found in adult brains. To further investigate, the team tested ar-turmerone's effects on NSC in live adult rats by injecting them with ar-turmerone. After using PET imaging and a tracer to find proliferating cells, the team observed that the subventricular zone (SVZ) was wider and the hippocampus expanded in the brains of the rats injected with the compound, compared with those that did not receive the compound. Written by Marie Ellis
Vitamin D for Depression, Dementia, and Diabetes By Dr. Mercola Vitamin D research has repeatedly shown that vitamin D can improve a number of brain disorders, including depression and dementia—the most devastating form of which is Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin D receptors appear in a wide variety of brain tissue early in the fetal development, and activated vitamin D receptors increase nerve growth in your brain. Researchers believe that optimal vitamin D levels may enhance the amount of important chemicals in your brain and protect brain cells by increasing the effectiveness of the glial cells in nursing damaged neurons back to health. Vitamin D may also exert some of its beneficial effects on your brain through its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Vitamin D Deficiency Drastically Raises Your Risk for Dementia According to one recent study,1 , 2 seniors who have low vitamin D levels may double their risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The Link Between Depression and Dementia How to Optimize Your Vitamin D Level
Strength Training Helps Improve Memory and Lower Dementia Risk By Dr. Mercola The fear of losing cognitive ability tends to overshadow the fear of physical disability; 60 percent of American adults say they are “very worried” or “somewhat worried” about memory loss.1 Chances are, you’re among this majority. The good news is that your brain is a dynamic organ, constantly adapting and changing, for better or for worse. While some activities, such as lack of sleep, can have a detrimental effect on your memory and brain function, a healthy lifestyle will support your brain health over the long haul, and can even encourage your brain to grow new neurons—a process known as neurogenesis or neuroplasticity. It’s Never Too Late for Your Brain to Regenerate Brain Cells Your brain's hippocampus, i.e. your memory center, is particularly adaptable and capable of growing new cells throughout your entire lifetime, even into your 90s, provided you give it the tools to do so! Lifting Weights Improves Memory, Study Shows Exercising After Studying Boosts Retention