Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition where older individuals experience minor cognitive issues such as problems with memory, language, or thinking. While the condition is severe enough to see a noticeable cognitive difference through a test, it doesn’t really interfere with everyday life. A recent study has found that in order to avoid this condition, older people should not consume a large amount of calories. But does it really come down to calories, or the content of the actual food items themselves?

High Calorie Consumption Linked to Mild Cognitive Impairment

The study, released by the American Academy of Neurology, involved 1,233 people ages 70 to 90. None of the participants had dementia, but 163 of them did have mild cognitive impairment. After conducting a questionnaire to find their daily calorie intake, researchers divided participants into three groups: those who consumed 600-1526 calories daily, those consuming 1527-2142 daily, and those consuming more than 2,143 daily.

What lead researcher Yonas Geda and his team found was that those who consumed more than 2,143 calories a day doubled their risk of mild cognitive impairment compared to those consuming less than 1,500 calories daily. Generally, with the consumption of more calories came an increased risk in mild cognitive impairment.

While the research provides a potential relationship between calorie intake and mild cognitive impairment, there is no way to conclude what exactly is causing MCI to occur since the researchers ignored diet quality and exercise.

Given the average American diet, it is quite possible that with increased consumption of food also came increased consumption of harmful ingredients. Most of the food supply is riddled with health-damaging substances like high-fructose corn syrup, aspartame, artificial colors, pesticides, and so much more. Although previous findings point to memory impairment being caused by excess weight, there is certainly a connection between quality of diet and all aspects of health, including cognitive function.

Reducing calorie consumption may work in slowing or halting the progression of MCI, but know that there are a number of simple dietary changes you can make to promote cognition and memory. Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like fish or walnuts have been shown to promote the normal functioning of neurons. In addition, a powerful phytochemical and antioxidant known as quercetin, found in foods like apples and blueberries, proves to be useful in preventing Alzheimer’s as well as rapid aging.

Another study from Australia found that B vitamins support cognitive brain function by halving the rate of brain shrinkage – a physical symptom connected with dementia and memory loss in older individuals. Similar to the findings of previous research, individuals in the study who supplemented with vitamin B12 and folic acid for two years scored better in memory tests than those who did not take the vitamins.

A newly conducted study coming from Australia has shown that vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements hold some promise in supporting both short term and long term memory function. B vitamins have been shown to support cognitive function by halving the rate of brain shrinkage – a physical symptom connected with dementia and memory loss in older individuals. Similar to the findings of previous research, individuals in the recent study who supplemented with vitamin B12 and folic acid for two years scored better in memory tests than those who did not take the vitamins.

B Vitamins Shown to Boost Both Short Term and Long Term Memory Function

Researchers involved with the study had more than 700 people aged 60 to 74 years old either supplement with either a daily dose of vitamin B12 and folic acid, or a placebo alternative. All the participants in the study showed signs of depression and were experiencing moderate stress levels. The study aimed to see if nutritional aspects could positively alter cognitive function using randomized and controlled conditions.

Even though the study revealed hardly any difference in the two groups after 1 year, the group taking the vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements showed greater improvements in memory test scores after the 2 year mark.

Why B Vitamins are Important and Where to Find Them

Most B-vitamins, found in various foods such as fish, meat and poultry, are essential if you intend to function normally. These vitamins allow the systems in your body to flourish by converting food into energy, helping healthy cell production, and promoting mental health. People with B-vitamin deficiencies are often tired, and suffer from lifespan-crushing mental stress. It is also a little known fact that most B-vitamin deficiencies are present in elderly individuals and vegans. As you age, your ability to absorb nutritional intake from food is diminished. This is often a contributing factor to what seems like dementia and mental breakdown in older people. As for vegans, their lack of animal foods in their diet prevents them from finding proper B-vitamin intake.

Even those eating a handsome amount of foods rich in B vitamins may not be absorbing optimum levels. Foods simply do not have the same nutritional value they used to. It is for this reason supplementing with vitamins and minerals can be so important for your health.

Whether it be during the younger years of your life or later down the road, no one wants to experience memory loss or dementia. But one of the main causes of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, is being experienced far and wide as people reach later years in their lives. In 2009 it was estimated that 24 million people globally were living with some form of dementia. But don’t turn to your doctor just yet with worries about the future, as natural solutions like vitamin B has been proven effective to protect your brain against cognitive decline.

Vitamin B Proven Effective Against Dementia

A study was recently conducted at Oxford University, where 250 participants were given vitamin B to see its effects on brain function. The researchers found that taking the food supplement helped in mental processes pertaining to organization, planning, memory recall. Earlier studies only compliment these findings, with vitamin B being found to actually halve the rate of brain shrinkage – a physical symptom connected with dementia and memory loss in older individuals. These earlier findings have been deemed potentially revolutionary when it comes to the treatment of disease.

Of course there a number of different natural and safe solutions for warding off dementia other than vitamin B consumption. Having relationships and being highly social is just one of the many solutions for dementia. An earlier study, which followed 1,138 people for an average of five years, found that highly social individuals actually had a 70% reduction in the rate of cognitive decline.

The truth is that an overall healthy lifestyle is the master key for keeping healthy and avoiding declining brain function. Being overweight or even having diabetes can increase your chance for dementia, proving that living an unhealthy lifestyle can trigger a domino effect leading to more unwanted problems. If you want to avoid dementia, increase physical activity levels, take B vitamins, and raise your health goals to the next level.

Sexual activity in the elderly woman is associated with healthier aging and an overall better quality of life, a new study reports. The researchers analyzed information gathered from 1,200 women in San Diego from ages 60 to 89. They found that:

• 67% of the women ages 60-69 were satisfied with overall sex life
• 60% of women ages 70-79 were satisfied with overall sex life
• 61% of women ages 80-89 were satisfied with overall sex life

Even though levels of sexual activity varied greatly depending on the woman’s age, the satisfaction of sexual activity, successful aging, and quality of life were positive.

Study co-author Wesley K. Thompson, an assistant professor of psychiatry with the Stein Institute for Research on Aging at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, says the following:

What this study tells us is that many older adults retain their ability to enjoy sex well into old age…This is especially true of older adults who maintain a higher level of physical and mental health as they grow older. Furthermore, feeling satisfied with your sex life — whatever your levels of sexual activity — is closely related to your perceived quality of life.

The study shows overall that successful aging may be directly affected by the level of sexual satisfaction.

Source:

HealthDay News

Most of us say we would like to age gracefully. But the concept seems pretty much out of our hands or in the hands of a plastic surgeon. We say we aren’t going to take those drastic measures, but then many of us end up doing so. Why? Because we didn’t just take the simple, natural measures we could have taken daily while we were still young.

Did you know that only ONE THIRD of what controls how gracefully we will age is determined by genetics? It’s shocking, I know. Maybe your dad’s gray hairs that popped up at the age of 30 or your mom’s arthritis doesn’t have to be a major panic point for you after all. One third is genetics. That means there is an entire two thirds that are completely based on your own choices. Here are some of the healthiest ways to approach those choices:

The Pursuit of Happiness

It shouldn’t end with career, marriage and family. Because sadly, as you age, these things may become less present in your life. But happiness boosts the immune system and reduces stress. When you are stressed, your heart rate goes up, your digestion slows, and blood flow is even blocked to certain muscles. If you experience chronic stress, these conditions could lead to actual physical disorders like obesity, diabetes, ulcers and even cancer.

Keep active and involved. Happiness is easier to cultivate than you think. Believe that life still has enjoyable experiences to offer you. Even if you just don’t see how you can be happy as you age, force yourself to go to events, to gatherings, to dinner with friends. You’ll usually be pleasantly surprised with what you find and positive attitude and optimism are linked to longevity. If you’re not sure what makes you happy, learn. Take notes at times when you feel particularly uplifted, and those when you feel anxiety-ridden. Where are you? Who are you with? What are you doing? Adjust your daily activities accordingly.

Don’t Run From Novelty

The brain loves new experiences and sensations. Have you ever really regretted trying something new? So long as it didn’t harm you, what you probably felt most of the time was a rush. It feels good to know you have the guts to put yourself in unfamiliar environments and try things you aren’t necessarily skilled at. Sometimes you have to fumble in order to have a new, enjoyable experience. But what you remember more than getting it wrong is how exciting it was to try something new.

Contrary to what many people believe, your brain has the ability to continue building neural connections throughout life. So don’t be afraid of new phenomena that simply didn’t exist when you were younger. Jump head first into social media classes, or trying a new food trend everyone is raving about. Doing so will cultivate curiosity, creativity and an open mind, additional traits linked to longevity.

Be Your Own Cheerleader

We are always harder on ourselves than others. We’ll spend hours cooking a healthy meal for a friend on the weekend; meanwhile we take ourselves through fast-food drive-thru’s during the week. We tell our friends how gorgeous they are and make self-deprecating comments about ourselves.

It may be harder than ever to do so now that you’re aging, but it’s also more important than ever to love yourself. Tell yourself you are fabulous. Make yourself fabulous by dressing up, standing up straight and quitting those self-deprecating thoughts and comments. Do the things that make you happy more often, and remind yourself it’s because you deserve to. Why? Because your body becomes stressed when you have thoughts like “I’m not good enough.” And we already know stress is bad for the body.

Become A Social Butterfly

Research shows that those who are more socially connected—that doesn’t just mean going to activities and events but actually cultivating friendships from them—live longer. This is just another way to ward off depression.

As we age and can no longer do the things we used to do, we begin to feel “useless.” But something you can always offer is a set of ears, some good advice and if anything, the ability to make someone laugh. Think about how much the friends who do that for you mean to you? You mean just as much to them. You may not be a doctor, actress, or entrepreneur anymore. But through all of those years of work, you also became the unique, entertaining and wise individual you are. That is something you will always have to offer.

Exercise

I saved it till the last point to keep your attention. I know you’ve heard it before, but it can’t hurt to hear it again. Exercising regularly makes you less likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, dementia, osteoarthritis, depression and obesity. One study found that women who walk briskly for just 5 hours a week have a 76% higher chance of aging gracefully and healthfully, with less physical and mental impairment. Of course, if you are aging, you can’t exactly run an hour a day or rock climb like you used to (if you used to at all). Look into low impact workouts like walking, resistance training, tai chi and yoga.

You can’t control every biological process that goes on in your body as you age, but what you can always control is your outlook and the lifestyle choices you make. Turns out that’s more than half the battle. About 66%, to be exact!

New research finds that older diabetics with better control of their blood sugar face less chance of such diabetes-related complications as heart attacks, amputation and kidney disease.

However, there’s a twist: Those with the lowest blood sugar levels face a slightly higher chance of dying than do those whose blood sugar control is in a more normal range.

Researchers tracked more than 70,000 people with type 2 diabetes for four years. All were older than 60. “We saw increased mortality and complications, as anticipated, among those with very high blood sugars, but we also saw a modestly increased risk of death among those with very low levels of blood sugar,” Dr. Elbert Huang, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago and the study’s co-lead author, said in a news release from the university.

People did the best if they had intermediate control of their blood sugar, the study found.

Guidelines typically recommend that those with diabetes keep their glucose levels low with a hemoglobin A1C level of less than 7 percent. “We need more evidence regarding how well the 7 percent guideline, which was based on a 1998 British trial that excluded older patients, applies to patients over the age of 60,” Andrew J. Karter of the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, who led the study along with Huang, said in the news release.

A 2008 study found that older people with diabetes were more likely to die if they took treatments geared toward intensively lowering their glucose levels.

“In our study, we found the best overall outcomes among those with the intermediate levels of control, those with A1Cs below 8 percent but above 6 percent,” Huang said. “We observed similar patterns for those in their 60s, 70s and over 80.”

Why might lower levels be linked to risk for death? “We cannot say whether this unexpected finding is due to the very low blood sugar itself, the treatments used to control blood sugars or to some other factors not directly related to the care of diabetes,” Karter said. “It may be that the sickest patients at high risk of dying simply had low blood sugars to start with, rather than anything directly associated with the care of diabetes increasing the risk of death.”

The study is published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.