Cognition

Parkinson’s Starts in the Gut, Suggests New Study

A new study from John Hopkins University School of Medicine suggests that Parkinson’s starts in the gut. These recent findings further support the theory that the gut microbiome strongly influences brain health.

Study Finds That Parkinson’s Starts in the Gut

Research conducted recently at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine sought to confirm the theory that Parkinson’s disease first develops in the gut. The study involved injecting small fibrous samples of alpha-synuclein into the guts of test mice and observing how the protein traveled through the system. Once delivered to the brains in humans, alpha-synuclein causes toxic clusters to form, which initiates the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The goal was to see if alpha-synuclein would travel to the brain from the gut.

Ted M. Dawson, who co-authored the study, noted that the findings did confirm that the protein traveled to the brain from the gut microbiome. In addition to corroborating the theory that Parkinsons starts in the gut, the research also proved that the disease’s timeline could be tracked. In following the protein’s path, researchers could determine exactly how long it took to travel along the vagus nerve and on to the brain. Since the progression of the protein can be tracked, Mr. Dawson was hopeful that the data could be used to intervene in the development of the disease. Eventually, he hopes a way could be found to stop the protein from reaching the brain, where it causes those toxic clusters to form.

This research follows up a 2003 study that determined that the vagus nerve plays a critical role in carrying alpha-synuclein from the gut microbiome to the brain. It was found that, once the protein found its way to the brain, the clusters it formed inhibited the brain’s normal production of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter is essential for proper motor control, mood regulation, concentration and other brain functions that are affected by the development of Parkinson’s disease.

Although the previous study implicated the vagus nerve in transporting alpha-synuclein to the brain, the latest study out of Johns Hopkins was the first animal model and helped researchers track the progression of the disease. It was found that alpha-synuclein took approximately one month to travel from the gut microbiome to the brain stem. Within two more months, the protein had spread to various parts of the brain. It affected the substantia nigra pars compacta, which is the portion of the brain that’s susceptible to Parkinson’s disease, and it also spread to the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hypothalamus. Eventually the alpha-synuclein spread to the striatum, hippocampus and the olfactory bulb. Essentially, there were very few areas of the brain that were not negatively impacted by the presence of alpha-synuclein.

More Ways the Gut Microbiome Affects Brain Health

While this latest research identifies how Parkinson’s disease originates in the gut microbiome, it’s hardly surprising. We already knew that the gut and brain are connected and can affect one another. This is something we have all experienced even more than we may realize. For example, think about when you’re about to eat and you feel your stomach churning. Upon anticipating food, your brain sends a message to your stomach, which causes the release of digestive acids.

This connection works the other way, as well. An upset stomach can send messages to the brain to give you the symptoms of indigestion, but those types of messages can be sent in the opposite direction as well. This is why people often feel sick to their stomach when experiencing anxiety or a depressive episode.

Another way the connection between the gut and brain is made apparent is in how we react to stress. People tend to think of stress as a purely emotional or mental condition, but it does affect the physical body. Increased stress levels influence the way the gastrointestinal tract functions. By increasing the rate of contraction, stress can cause inflammation to worsen in the gut. If you happen to suffer from a gastrointestinal condition, or an infection, this increased inflammation can send stronger pain signals to the brain. In this way, the brain and gut are interconnected and continuously sending messages back and forth.

Signs That Your Gut Microbiome is Unhealthy

Now that we know the important role that the gut microbiome plays in brain functioning and emotional health, it becomes even more important to look after your gut health. While it can be difficult to know when your gut is unhealthy, paying closer attention to common signs of trouble is important. Recognizing these signs sooner will help you take the steps needed to maintain a healthier gut microbiome, thus improving overall health.

Stomach Problems

A healthy and diverse gut microbiome is more efficient at digesting your food and flushing waste out of your system. However, when there’s a problem, you’ll experience frequent stomach aches, diarrhea or constipation, heartburn and more frequent gas.

Sugar Cravings

If you eat an unhealthy diet, your gut microbiome won’t be as diverse and it will lack the healthy bacteria your body relies upon. As a result, your body will produce stronger cravings for sugar, which is known to increase inflammation. Feeding this craving will raise your risks of developing disease, including various types of cancer.

Weight Gain

If you’re gaining weight, or unable to lose weight, this may be a sign of a bacterial imbalance in your gut. Certain helpful microbes in the gut microbiome are essential for weight loss, so if you don’t have those types of bacteria, you won’t be able to reach or maintain a healthy weight.

Sleep Disorders

If you’re not getting enough sleep, the problem may be originating in the gut. This is where serotinin is produced and transmitted to the brain, so it can help regulate mood and your ability to sleep.

Even if you don’t recognize any of these symptoms, skin conditions or food allergies may be other indications that there’s an imbalance of bacteria in your gut. The best way to correct the problem is to adopt a healthier plant-based diet. Additionally, taking a high-quality dietary supplement that provides both probiotics and prebiotics can help you correct an imbalance. As you begin making these changes and other lifestyle improvements, you should notice these symptoms going away by themselves.

Common Prescription Drugs Increase Dementia Risk

Jul 05 by Ewcopywriting

Dementia is a condition that involves memory loss, but also impacts one’s overall thinking and ability to function in social situations. According to a new study, certain prescription drugs increase dementia risk. This alarming discovery suggests that senior health may be adversely affected by the frequent use of these common medications.

What are the Symptoms of Dementia?

When people hear the word “dementia,” most automatically think of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is indeed one form of dementia, however there are actually many different types. Certain symptoms are common to most types of dementia. While memory loss is a typical symptom, experiencing memory problems can be the result of any number of medical conditions. Only when memory loss is one of many cognitive impairment symptoms does it indicate the possibility of dementia.

Most forms of dementia will produce one or more of the following symptoms:

memory loss
speech difficulties
visual and spatial impairments, which can result in getting lost
impaired problem solving abilities, which may affect reasoning
inability to perform complex tasks
impaired motor function and coordination difficulties
confusion and/or disorientation

With dementia, there are usually behavioral or emotional changes as well. For instance, a change in personality is common, as is increased irritability. The individual may also begin to suffer from depression, anxiety and similar disorders. Combined with the cognitive decline, these additional conditions may cause the individual to become frequently agitated and paranoid. Visual and auditory hallucinations are not uncommon with the onset of dementia.

Currently, there is no way to cure dementia. The best that can be hoped for is to stave off cognitive and emotional deterioration for as long as possible. While some medications may help, making lifestyle changes are important in controlling the symptoms of dementia. Keeping the mind active is especially important, so the individual should be encouraged to participate in social activities, playing games and pursuing other hobbies.

New Study Finds Prescription Drugs Increase Dementia Risk

It has long been suspected that anticholinergic drugs contribute to the development of dementia. Now, a new study may have confirmed that link. Anticholinergic drugs are prescribed to treat a number of medical conditions that are caused by the overproduction of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. As such, anticholinergic drugs are prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of a number of different conditions, including depression, gastrointestinal problems and epileptic seizures.

In a recent observational study, researchers examined patient records over a decade-long period, which amounted to 1,095 daily administrations of anticholinergic drugs. Their research found that adults taking the equivalent of three doses per day of anticholinergic drugs across a three-year period experienced up to a 50-percent increase in risk of developing dementia. This was in comparison to adults who did not take any anticholinergic medications.

Carol Coupland, one of the authors of the study, confirmed that prescription drugs increase dementia risk. She noted that the affects seemed to be cumulative, meaning that an individual would have to take the medications for a long period of time before the risk of developing dementia was increased. She added that while there seemed to be an association between anticholinergic medication and dementia, there was no evidence that the drugs actually cause dementia. As an observational study, the research was not able to make that distinction.

Furthermore, the research only found a correlation between certain types of anticholinergic drugs. Studying patient records and comparing them to dementia diagnoses showed that there was no correlation between the following drugs and a higher risk of dementia:

antihistamines
muscle relaxants
gastrointestinal antispasmodics
antiarrhythmics
antimuscarinic bronchodilators

There are other anticholinergic drugs that do show a correlation with increased dementia risk. The study provides enough evidence to prompt further investigation into the link between these types of medications and the risks of developing dementia. Professor Coupland says that if a causal connection can be made, this may indicate that up to 10 percent of dementia cases may be the result of anticholinergic drugs. The research may also indicate that 20,000 of every 200,000 dementia diagnoses are preventable.

Even if a causal connection can be made, the need for anticholinergic drugs will still remain. Research may have to focus on the effects of reducing dosage size and frequency to determine an optimum level of treatment. The goal will be to treat the medical condition without raising the risks of dementia.

Boosting Your Mood Naturally May Be the Answer

Because depression and anxiety are commonly treated with anticholinergic drugs, doctors may soon begin looking for natural ways to treat those suffering from these common conditions. Finding alternative ways to boost serotonin levels in the brain may be key.

Serotonin is the “feel good” neurotransmitter produced by the brain as a reward for doing pleasurable activities. One promising study found that by increasing the levels of 5-HTP and tryptophan, which are compounds associated with serotonin production, serotonin levels may be similarly increased. This may be the best way to improve mood naturally, because, unlike serotonin, 5-HTP can cross the blood-brain barrier. In addition to this novel therapy, there are a few other methods for boosting mood naturally.

St. John’s Wort

Although not officially approved by the FDA as a depression treatment, St. John’s Wort can help boost mood. However, if you’re taking any other types of medication, such as chemotherapy, birth control or AIDS/HIV medication, check with your doctor first. St. John’s Wort has been known to interact with other substances.

SAMe

Like St. John’s Wort, S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, hasn’t been approved to treat depression. Although more clinical research is needed, some people do find that it helps elevate the mood. People with bipolar disorder should use the supplement with caution because it can trigger manic episodes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in flaxseed, some fish and walnuts, Omega-3’s may be helpful in treating depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders. There’s still research ongoing to confirm the effectiveness of this supplement in treating mood disorders, but it is clear that it can provide a variety of health benefits, such as boosting heart health.

There may be other natural treatments that will help in the management of mood disorders without raising the risks of developing dementia. Before beginning any new treatment, discuss it with your doctor. Even natural supplements may interact with medications you may already be taking.

Gut Bacteria and Autism: Could Supporting a Healthy Gut Microbiome Help?

Jun 12 by Ewcopywriting

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects one’s ability to communicate effectively and/or interact with others. Symptoms of ASD typically appear in childhood and may vary in severity from person to person, thus it is often considered a “spectrum” disorder. A new study has uncovered a link between gut bacteria and autism, suggesting that taking a probiotic supplement could possibly help autistic children.

A Deeper Look at Autism

Autism affects one out of every 59 children born in the United States, and is more common in boys than in girls. A look at past statistics shows that incidences of autism have nearly doubled over the past 14 years. If your child has autism, you already know that the condition affects their ability to interact with others. It can be hard to identify in some children, because it can affect each person differently. Autism may not be curable as of yet, but it can be treated. To obtain the best results from treatment, it’s important to begin as soon as possible. This means being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of autism, such as:

difficulty with language learning
inability to engage in conversation
inability to maintain eye contact
poor executive functioning (reasoning, planning, etc.)
limited interests
inhibited motor skills

In addition to these symptoms, you may also notice that your child is unable to engage in make-believe play, or that they seem uninterested in developing friendships. If these symptoms sound familiar, you may want to seek a doctor’s evaluation of your child’s condition. Starting treatment sooner will help them cope better as they grow into adolescence and adulthood.

A Healthy Gut Microbiome Plays an Important Role

Your body is host to trillions of microorganisms, which are more commonly called microbes. These are bacteria, fungi and viruses that live in and on your body all of the time. A large number of these microbes make a home in your large intestine, forming a community that scientists call the gut microbiome. This community of microbes is vast and diverse, consisting of more than one thousand different types of bacteria. While certain bacteria is good for you and some is harmful, they all work together when your gut microbiome is in balance.

The gut microbiome has been found to play a role in various aspects of our health, which is why it’s now considered to be a body organ of its own. It’s unclear exactly when we’re first exposed to the microbes that form a healthy gut microbiome. Some say we’re not exposed until we pass through our mother’s birth canal, while other research suggests the fetus is exposed to microbes in the womb. In either case, your gut microbiome becomes more diverse as you grow and eat a broader range of foods. The gut microbiome can affect health in a variety of important ways.

Weight Management

The gut microbiome functions best when there’s a proper balance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria in the system. An imbalance with a higher number of unhealthy bacteria results in a condition known as gut dysbiosis, which promotes weight gain.

Gut Health

Overall gut health can also be affected by gut dysbiosis. Those with an imbalance of gut bacteria are more likely to experience bloating, cramps and abdominal pain. People with inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome may have developed gut dysbiosis first.

Heart Health

A higher concentration of unhealthy bacteria have been found to result in the production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). In studies, this compound was found to increase the risks of heart attacks or stroke by causing blockages in the arteries. A probiotic supplement that contains Lactobacilli may counteract the effects of TMAO.

Exploring the Link Between Gut Bacteria and Autism

New research has found a link between gut bacteria and autism. The findings were the result of a research project intending to see if the common gastrointestinal problems experienced by most autistic children could be treated. Researchers at Arizona State University hoped to alleviate gastrointestinal problems experienced by children with autism through microbiota transfer therapy (MTT). They outlined a secondary goal, which was to show that the therapy would also affect other markers for autism.

MTT involves administering the frozen fecal matter from healthy adults to those receiving the treatment. Once delivered rectally or orally, the healthy bacteria from the sample should interact with the gut microbiome. As a result, a healthier balance of microbes can be restored in the recipient. In 2017, James Adams and Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown published results from their own study, which found that the restorative effects of MTT did help alleviate the symptoms of autism, including gastrointestinal issues. The new study examined the gut health of the same 18 children used in the initial study.

In the first study, it was found that the children had a more diverse gut microbiome, which helped resolve gastrointestinal and behavioral problems associated with autism. The new study found that the children who received the MTT treatments had an even more diverse gut microbiome two years afterwards. Observing that the children had a better balance of healthy bacteria, the researchers noted that there was a larger amount of Bifidobacteria and Prevotella in the gut microbiome. These two strands of good bacteria are vital to a healthy microbiome, yet autistic children do not possess them in their gut microbiomes. The MTT treatments seemed to restore these important bacteria strands.

All in all, researchers noted a 58 percent decrease in the gastrointestinal problems experienced by the autistic children. Their behavioral symptoms were also affected. Language skills, social interaction and behavior were improved by up to 45 percent when compared to the children’s symptoms at the start of the study.

Even though the research is inspiring, it is only one step in the right direction. Before we can started treating autism by altering the levels of various compounds in the body, more research must be conducted. The study does add support to other findings that supporting a healthy and diverse gut microbiome is essential in reducing the symptoms of autism in children.

Powerful Broccoli Compounds Slow Arthritis, Protect Cellular Health and More

May 23 by Ewcopywriting

There are 21 million Americans suffering from schizophrenia; most of those people don’t get the treatment they need. Those that do seek treatment are prescribed anti-psychotic drugs that treat the symptoms of the illness, but produce severe side effects, such as cardiovascular problems and “the shakes,” or body tremors. This has caused researchers to look for alternative treatments for schizophrenia that might resolve the underlying condition without producing severe side effects. Now, recent research suggests broccoli compounds may not only effectively reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and arthritis, but also help protect against tumor growth.

How Do Broccoli Compounds Affect the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

We have known for several decades that schizophrenia is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. We also know that glutamate is involved in the development of schizophrenia and that the enzyme is present in glutathione. When studying the levels of these enzymes in the various parts of the brain, researchers have found that schizophrenia patients had lower glutathione levels in the anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus. There was an average of three percent less glutathione in the anterior cingulate cortex, while there was an eight-percent lower level of the enzyme in the thalamus of the brain.

This is important because glutamate is transformed into glutathione by another enzyme called sulforaphane. Left alone, glutamate sends more messages to the nerve cells that result in the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations. However, when sulforaphane transforms glutamate into glutathione, those messages are reduced and brain activity is better regulated.

In the most recent study, a group of five men and four women were administered 100-micromole doses of sulforaphane twice per day. The compound, which is extracted from broccoli sprouts, was administered in capsule form throughout a seven-day trial period. The researchers used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to study the levels of glutathione in various parts of the brain. The imaging tests were conducted before the first dose of sulforaphane was administered and again after the week-long study was completed. They found a 30-percent rise in glutathione levels that confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment.

Although the most common side effect reported from the sulforaphane treatments was an upset stomach, more research is needed. It’s still unclear who high or frequent the dose would need to be to prevent or control symptoms of schizophrenia. For this reason, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking a sulforaphane supplement to treat your symptoms.

How Does Eating Broccoli Protect Against Tumor Growth?

A study conducted at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has found that a certain compound, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), can inhibit tumor growth in mice. This is especially important in that it seems to enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer growth when the immune system is compromised. The compound works by increasing the production of PTEN, which is a protein that suppresses tumor growth in the body. PTEN is often diminished in human beings, though I3C seems to correct this imbalance.

Another protein, WWP1, is commonly found in cancer patients and has been discovered to suppress the tumor suppressing genes. By switching off the correct gene, I3C causes the WWP1 protein to become inactive. In this way, PTEN production isn’t inhibited and the protein can more actively suppress tumor growth.

Identifying I3C as the compound essential for ensuring PTEN can do its job in fighting tumor growth is only the first step. More studies will have to be conducted to determine how much I3C is required to inhibit the functioning of WWP1. As it stands, Dr. Pandolfi, who led the most recent study, suggests we would have to consume several pounds of broccoli, kale and cruciferous vegetables per day to obtain the necessary levels of the compound.

Another Compound Found in Broccoli May Slow the Progression of Arthritis

A University of East Anglia research team has announced that they’re ready to begin human trials on a possible new treatment for osteoarthritis. The treatment is based on broccoli compounds, in particular sulforaphane, that can be effective in attacking an enzyme in the body that degrades cartilage, helping to protect the joints. While the compound is also found in cabbage and Brussels sprouts, the researchers are asking their 20 test subjects to consume large quantities of broccoli. For this study, the broccoli has been specially crossbred with a stronger wild type of broccoli that’s primarily found in Sicily. This “super-charged” broccoli is particularly rich in nutrients.

In the trial, subjects will be asked to consume the super-charged broccoli every day for a two-week period. At the end of the 14-day trial, each subject will undergo knee surgery to have the damaged tissue extracted. It’s the hope of Dr. Rose Davidson and her team that the broccoli will have had a positive effect on the damaged tissue.

Each patient in the study will be asked to eat 100 g (3.5 oz) of the broccoli. Dr. Davidson compares this to a handful, which is the minimum serving size of vegetables we should be eating on a daily basis. Even so, Davidson acknowledges two weeks is hardly enough time to reverse or prevent tissue damage caused by osteoarthritis. Instead, she says she’ll be happy to find any positive effect at all. She says she’s looking for a sign that will justify continued research into the effects of sulforaphane.

If the upcoming study produces positive effects, it may be further evidence that a healthy diet — particularly one that includes broccoli compounds — can treat and prevent degenerative illnesses. While we know that eating right and engaging in physical exercise is important for continued good health, studies like this can show specific medical conditions can be avoided by eating the right foods.

Why the Human Body Needs Animal Fat (and When to Take a Supplement)

Apr 29 by Ewcopywriting

A lot has been written recently about the benefits of a plant-based diet. Although there are indisputable benefits to a primarily vegetarian diet, there is equally compelling evidence that animal fat in moderate amounts is actually necessary for good health. According to several new studies, your body needs animal fat to perform many of its essential functions.

Is Animal Fat Really the Bad Guy?

In a world where obesity and associated diseases are becoming serious public health hazards, there is a great deal of advice being offered when it comes to weight loss and general health. Cutting back on meats — or cutting them out altogether — is one commonly repeated suggestion. However, new research suggests that this may not be the best advice.

Several studies have found that vegetarians have better health than people who eat a standard Western diet. They have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and several of the diseases that are becoming prevalent and deadly in the modern world. However, these benefits may be due to other lifestyle differences — not just the fact that they do not consume animal products. Eating a wide variety of plant foods is important for health, but there may also be positive health effects for people who choose an omnivorous diet. In short, although there are many health benefits to eating plenty of vegetables, there are also benefits to eating meat products in moderation.

Why the Human Body Needs Animal Fat

The human body evolved to require an omnivore diet. This means getting plenty of plant-based foods, but also eating meat, fish and other animal products in moderation. Our brains require a constant input of calories as well as a wide range of fatty acids, such as EPA, DHA and ARA. Some of these fatty acids can be found in plant foods, but others cannot. People who completely eschew animal products go without EPA, DHA and ARA, all of which are found only in animal sources.

These fatty acids are essential for a variety of health functions. Our brains are made primarily of fat — more specifically, animal fat. DHA helps to form the myelin that insulates our neurons, while EPA is a fatty acid that plays an important role in reducing inflammation. Neither of these is available from plant sources. While our bodies can synthesize these fats to some extent from fatty acids found in plant foods, they cannot do so in the amount needed for optimal brain function. We need to eat essential fatty acids in order to have our brains function as they were intended.

Older studies suggest that animal foods are bad for our health, especially since they provide saturated fats and other unwanted biochemicals. However, we now know that these lipids are not as bad as we once believed them to be. In fact, saturated fats may be an essential part of the human diet, which traditionally has been omnivorous.

Finding the Right Balance

Although it is important to eat a wide range of plant-based foods, eating meat and other animal products may be just as important to human health. We need certain nutrients that only animal foods can provide. Although vegetarian diets can provide similar oils, the ones that come from animals and seafood are far different and play a very different role in our bodies. Omega-3 acids derived from plant sources have almost none of the essential fatty acids that we need for brain function, while animal and marine sources are full of them. We may ultimately be able to survive without DHA and EPA, but we will do so at the expense of our neurological health.

Is it possible to be a healthy omnivore? New research suggests that this is not just possible, but ideal. You indeed can get the omega-3 fatty acids that you need from an omnivorous diet. It also is possible to get these fatty acids in a way that is humane and environmentally sound. Although this balance can be a challenge, it nonetheless is possible — and likely was performed by most of our early ancestors.

Getting the Nutrition You Need for Whole-Body Health

Although nutritional recommendations often seem to be conflicting, there are several ideas that are salient. If you want to eat the best possible diet for long-term health, consider the following tips:

Eat a wide range of plant foods, including both fruits and vegetables, on a daily basis.
Eat meats and seafood several times a week.
Choose whole foods and less processed foods wherever possible.
Eat a wide variety, to ensure that you get variety in nutrients.
Consider taking a high-quality supplement that provides EPA and DHA where necessary.

Whether you are a vegetarian or an omnivore, there is a good chance that you are not getting the right balance of fatty acids. There are several supplements that can help you to get the animal-based fatty acids that you need for optimal brain function.

Although nutrition can be complicated in modern times, it is still possible to get the wide range of vitamins and fatty acids that you need. Ultimately, getting good nutrition is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle and enjoying all of the benefits of optimal whole body health.

New Research on Tea and Cognitive Decline Finds Green Tea Reduces Risk

Apr 12 by Ewcopywriting

Exciting new research findings link tea and cognitive decline, suggesting that the regular consumption of green tea may help protect against illnesses like dementia and Parkinson’s disease. In order to fully understand how green tea has been found to benefit mental functioning, it’s first important to understand cognitive decline.

Cognitive decline describes a process whereby thoughts become more difficult to process, leading to memory loss, difficulty making decisions, inability to concentrate and difficulty learning. Cognitive decline usually occurs naturally as we age, but the term also encompasses neurocognitive disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and other illnesses or acquired injuries that affect the functioning of the brain. While these conditions are more prevalent in seniors, people of any age group can experience cognitive decline.

The Causes and Symptoms of Cognitive Decline

Each condition included in the overall category of neurocognitive disorders is characterized by its own unique set of symptoms. However, there are some symptoms that are common among most of these disorders. In general, any form of cognitive decline may involve the following symptoms:

failing memory
behavioral changes
language comprehension difficulties
problems performing daily activities, such as personal hygiene or meal preparation

A neurocognitive disorder develops when the nervous system and the brain no longer communicate effectively. This can happen as a result of trauma to the brain or substance abuse, or it can be the result of the degrading of the central nervous system over time. When symptoms of cognitive decline are present, today’s tests help healthcare providers determine the exact cause as well as the specific disorder related to the symptoms. This aids in deciding as to the best course of treatment in each case.

The prognosis for someone with cognitive decline often depends on its cause. In some cases where the condition is caused by substance abuse or head trauma, it may only be temporary. However, for seniors who develop cognitive decline gradually over time, there’s often no way to reverse the condition. For these individuals, doctors prescribe drugs and recommend lifestyle changes that can help stall the worsening of the symptoms, though the process as a whole can’t be cured or stopped altogether.

While cognitive decline is common in seniors, it doesn’t affect every mature adult. There are certain traits and environmental and lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of developing cognitive decline or a neurocognitive disorder. The known risk factors are:

exposure to heavy metals, such as lead or mercury
cardiovascular disease
diabetes
substance abuse
high-risk physical sports, such as football or hockey

Of course, advanced age also contributes to the likelihood that you will experience cognitive decline. Those over the age of 60 are far more likely to develop cognitive decline than others. While research is ongoing, there is some early evidence that suggests diet plays a role in how likely we are to suffer from cognitive decline. In particular, drinking green tea may play a large part in mitigating risk.

Research Uncovers Link Between Green Tea and Cognitive Decline

In a study conducted in Singapore, researchers examined the tea-drinking habits of 957 subjects, aged 55 and older. In particular, researchers looked at tea consumption from 2003 through 2005 and subjects were examined for neurocognitive disorders from 2006 through 2010 to determine if there was a correlation. The researchers used regression models that accounted for other factors that might interfere with the study’s results.

While the study uncovered 72 cases of neurocognitive disorders, the overall assessment concluded that drinking tea did have a positive effect on cognitive decline. When compared to individuals who did not regularly consume green or black tea, the tea drinkers exhibited a reduced risk of developing cognitive decline. The researchers also found that female tea drinkers exhibited a greater reduction in risk of neurocognitive disorders than male tea drinkers.

In another study, conducted by researchers from the Nakajima Project, the tea consumption of 2,845 seniors, aged 60 and older, was examined. The information gathered was amassed as a part of a free physical exam opportunity offered to residents of Nakajima. The exams were exhaustive, including questionnaires about lifestyle and dietary habits as well as including neurological and physical testing. One part of the survey asked participants to estimate their consumption of green tea, black tea and coffee as either none, one to six times a week or every day.

A follow-up brain function test was offered later in the 2007-2008 season, but only 982 of the original subjects chose to participate. Of the 982 potential subjects, 492 subjects were excluded for various reasons, including the development of dementia, failure to complete the initial survey, relocation to an area outside of the community and death. Of the 490 remaining eligible test subjects, the consumption of green tea, black tea and coffee was compared to the future development of cognitive decline.

The results found that drinking black coffee and black tea had little to no effect on the risks of developing neurocognitive disorders. However, a reduced incidence of cognitive decline in those who regularly consumed green tea confirmed an interrelationship. Those who drank green tea moderately and consistently exhibited a marked reduction in the risk of developing dementia and other forms of cognitive decline.

All in all, studies confirm that consuming green tea on a regular basis may have a positive effect on cognitive strength over time. As more research looks into the effects of tea drinking on neurocognitive disorders, the emphasis may be on how black tea and green tea affect the various functions of the brain. While this may lead to more effective treatment for senior cognitive decline, the vast health benefits that tea drinking provides in general is a good reason to add a dose of green tea to your daily routine.