Memory Loss; Brain Power; Smoking; Coffee
Posted on October 4, 2014 by bob in NewsUCanUse
Memory Loss and High Blood Pressure
A gradual decline in memory and cognitive function is one of the lesser-known possible consequences of elevated blood pressure. There’s no clear-cut cause of cognitive impairment – an early indication of dementia – but research strongly suggests that high blood pressure contributes to the risk. A study in Lancet Neurology says these findings suggest high blood pressure prematurely aged the brain by about seven years.
Treating high blood pressure in those in middle age and the young elderly is thought to help prevent late-life cognitive decline and dementia. Those with high blood pressure need to be proactive about lowering their numbers, through lifestyle changes and/or medication, as early and consistently as possible. (Johns Hopkins Health Alert)
Never Too Late to Stop Smoking
Seniors who quit smoking cut their risk of death by heart disease much more quickly than previously thought, a new study from University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Medicine says. Past estimates held that it takes smokers about 15 years after they quit to lower their risk of heart attack, heart failure or stroke to that enjoyed by people who never smoked, but a new examination of former smokers aged 65 and older found that many with a light-to-moderate smoking history can cut their risk in eight years or less. There are challenges in trying to quit smoking no matter what your age. For tips and strategies check out Clear Horizons: A Quit-Smoking Guide for People 50 and Older, developed by the National Cancer Institute at smokefree.gov.
Brisk Walking May Improve Parkinson’s Symptoms
People with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease who regularly walk for exercise may improve their motor function, mood, tiredness, fitness and some aspects of thinking abilities, according to a study published in an online issue of Neurology®. The results of the study by the University of Iowa in Iowa City and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Iowa City suggest that walking may provide a safe and easily accessible way of improving the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and improve quality of life.
Boost Aging Brain Power With a Mediterranean Diet
A Mediterranean diet with added extra virgin olive oil or mixed nuts seems to improve the brain power of older people better than advising them to follow a low-fat diet, indicates research published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. A Mediterranean diet is characterized by the use of virgin olive oil as the main culinary fat; high consumption of fruits, nuts, and vegetables; moderate to high consumption of fish and seafood; low consumption of dairy products and red meat; and moderate intake of red wine.
Would You Benefit from Joint Replacement?
Total joint replacement surgery is one of the most effective medical interventions available, in terms of improving quality of life. However, the procedure does carry some risks and isn’t successful in 100 percent of patients. A team of researchers in Canada found that people who gained the most benefit were those with the most pain and disability prior to surgery. Osteoporosis patients fared better than rheumatoid arthritis patients, as did those with few other troublesome joints or other health problems. (Arthritis & Rheumatism)
Increasing Coffee Consumption May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk
People who increased the amount of coffee they drank each day by more than one cup over a four-year period had a 11% lower risk for Type 2 diabetes than those who made no changes to their coffee consumption, according to a new study led by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers. In addition, the study found that those who decreased their coffee consumption by more than a cup per day increased their type 2 diabetes risk by 17%.
