A slow or uneven gait in older individuals may be early signs of Alzheimer's Disease according to three recent studies.
According to research presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Vancouver, pace, rhythm and the size of steps taken in older persons changed with the onset of neurological illness. Observing gait is a good way to determine who may need further neurological evaluation, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and earlier intervention. Since individuals with Alzheimer's are also more likely to suffer falls than are healthy, older individuals, simply watching for signs of a slow or uneven gait could help them get the early, appropriate care required to prevent injury, disability and possibly premature death.
A study completed at the Basel Mobility Center in Switzerland of approximately 1,100 people with an average age of 77 indicated that those with Alzheimer's disease walked more slowly and with a more irregular pattern of steps as they suffered cognitive decline. Even those with what could be considered mild cognitive impairment walked with less vigor and more variability than did elderly individuals without cognitive impairment.
Another study carried out at the Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands, which looked at the walking stride of approximately 1,200 people over the age of 49, found that the rhythm of a person's stride is associated with the speed at which the brain processes information as well as with the regulation of behaviour - some of the executive functions of the brain - but not with memory.
A study at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota found that individuals who had slower steps and smaller strides had larger declines in thinking, memory and executive function processing. The study indicated that the motor changes were happening prior to the memory changes, but both have been recognized to be part of the disease spectrum of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.
In total, the studies looked at 4,000 individuals.
Most older adults walk more slowly as they age. It is important to determine what underlying physical conditions may be present, such as conditions of pain, joint degeneration or bone disease in order to recognize how much gait, stride and rhythm may be affected by physical conditions and how much may be affected by cognitive decline.
D.
"Changes in Gait May Signal Alzheimer's", July 16, 2012, http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/
About Me
- Deborah K. Hanula
- Deborah K. Hanula has a year of Journalism training from Humber College, a Political Science degree from the University of Waterloo, and a Law degree from the University of British Columbia. In addition, she has Diplomas in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Child Psychology, and Psychotherapy and Counselling as well as a Family Life Educator and Coach Certificate and Certificates in Reflexology, Assertiveness Training, and Mindfulness Meditation. She is the author of five cookbooks, primarily concerned with gluten-free and dairy-free diets, although one pertains to chocolate. As an adult, in the past she worked primarily as a lawyer, but also as a university and college lecturer, a tutor, editor, writer, counsellor, researcher and piano teacher. She enjoys a multi-faceted approach when it comes to life, work and study, in order to keep things fresh and interesting. Check out her new book: A Murder of Crows & Other Poems (2023).
Monday, July 16, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
The Brain Gain from Green Tea
It has been a long-held belief that the flavonoids in green tea protect the brain from dementia. What remained unknown, however, was whether the process of digestion rendered those compounds inactive and, therefore, of no value.
Researchers at Newcastle University have found that digestion renders green tea more protective: the digested flavonoids prevent accumulated toxins from attacking and destroying brain cells. Digestion also boosts the ability of these compounds to slow tumour growth.
D.
Psychology Today, September/October 2011, "The Real Tea Party", Rebecca Searles, p. 46.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Psychoactive Substance: Caffeine Revisited
It seems that research continues to unearth more and more information about caffeine. Caffeine, which is found in substantial amounts in coffee and to a lesser degree in tea and dark chocolate, appears to have positive benefits beyond those which may initially spring to mind. More and more neuroprotective effects of the world's most popular psychoactive substance are indicated in a survey of new studies which should be of interest to our aging population.
Caffeine belongs to a family of central nervous system stimulants known as methylxanthines. Caffeine stimulates us, making us more focused and alert, by blocking adenosine. This prevents the brain from detecting exhaustion. Additionally, it causes a stream of adrenaline to be released which also makes us more alert. Caffeine can also enhance physical endurance by inhibiting the perception of pain in muscles and by diminishing a sense of muscle fatigue by blocking the adenosine receptors on sensory nerve endings.
Several metabolites of caffeine - paraxanthine, theobromine, theophylline - have been indicated to assist persons suffering from Parkinson's disease. The chemicals protect against the loss of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, in the region of the brain called the stratium. This, in turn, reverses the impaired motor control which is one of the hallmark symptoms of the disease. These chemicals also keep dopamine-producing neurons from deteriorating.
Regular daily consumption of at least three cups of coffee has been found to prevent cognitive decline in seniors. It also appears to preserve - perhaps even restore - working memory in those suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. It does this by inhibiting the production of beta-amyloid protein. This protein can accumulate in the brain, forming plaques that theoretically give rise to brain degeneration.
There is also some evidence that drinking five or more cups of tea and coffee per day can help to prevent the development of glioma, a type of tumor that arises in the supportive tissue of the brain. Further research indicates that a mere half cup of tea or coffee per day reduces the risk by 34 percent. The exact mechanism of how this actually works has not been determined.
Caffeine boosts mood in most people. Consuming caffeine beyond one's tolerance level, however, can cause angry outbursts, agitation, increased blood pressure, tachycardia and insomnia.
D.
This article has been adapted from Psychology Today, March/April 2011, "The Case for Caffeine", Katherine Schreiber, p. 46.
Caffeine belongs to a family of central nervous system stimulants known as methylxanthines. Caffeine stimulates us, making us more focused and alert, by blocking adenosine. This prevents the brain from detecting exhaustion. Additionally, it causes a stream of adrenaline to be released which also makes us more alert. Caffeine can also enhance physical endurance by inhibiting the perception of pain in muscles and by diminishing a sense of muscle fatigue by blocking the adenosine receptors on sensory nerve endings.
Several metabolites of caffeine - paraxanthine, theobromine, theophylline - have been indicated to assist persons suffering from Parkinson's disease. The chemicals protect against the loss of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, in the region of the brain called the stratium. This, in turn, reverses the impaired motor control which is one of the hallmark symptoms of the disease. These chemicals also keep dopamine-producing neurons from deteriorating.
Regular daily consumption of at least three cups of coffee has been found to prevent cognitive decline in seniors. It also appears to preserve - perhaps even restore - working memory in those suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. It does this by inhibiting the production of beta-amyloid protein. This protein can accumulate in the brain, forming plaques that theoretically give rise to brain degeneration.
There is also some evidence that drinking five or more cups of tea and coffee per day can help to prevent the development of glioma, a type of tumor that arises in the supportive tissue of the brain. Further research indicates that a mere half cup of tea or coffee per day reduces the risk by 34 percent. The exact mechanism of how this actually works has not been determined.
Caffeine boosts mood in most people. Consuming caffeine beyond one's tolerance level, however, can cause angry outbursts, agitation, increased blood pressure, tachycardia and insomnia.
D.
This article has been adapted from Psychology Today, March/April 2011, "The Case for Caffeine", Katherine Schreiber, p. 46.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
New Thoughts on Creativity
According to some new studies outlined in the recent issue of Psychology Today, you may want to ditch your old ideas as to what fuels creativity and consider one or more of the techniques outlined below.
1. If you are usually a morning person, try creating at night when you are sleepy. Creativity requires non-specific thinking. When your tired brain wanders, it can make random connections. This may kick-start new ideas.
2. Good time management practices may improve creativity. Setting aside specific creative time each day reduces stress and allows for space where ideas can flourish.
3. Embracing conflict can lead to novel thinking so don't shy away from it. Recognize the potential in making sense in contradictions, butting heads, and thinking outside the box.
4. Background noise can enhance creativity, but too much noise can be distracting because it impairs the ability to process information. Abstract thinking requires about the volume you would find in a coffee shop.
Psychology Today, May/June 2012, "Four Secrets of Creativity", p.9.
1. If you are usually a morning person, try creating at night when you are sleepy. Creativity requires non-specific thinking. When your tired brain wanders, it can make random connections. This may kick-start new ideas.
2. Good time management practices may improve creativity. Setting aside specific creative time each day reduces stress and allows for space where ideas can flourish.
3. Embracing conflict can lead to novel thinking so don't shy away from it. Recognize the potential in making sense in contradictions, butting heads, and thinking outside the box.
4. Background noise can enhance creativity, but too much noise can be distracting because it impairs the ability to process information. Abstract thinking requires about the volume you would find in a coffee shop.
Psychology Today, May/June 2012, "Four Secrets of Creativity", p.9.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
The Attraction Paradox
A strong trait that initially attracts you to a mate can often become, to you, your mate's most annoying feature. According to an article in the January/February 2012 edition of Scientific American Mind, repeated exposure, disillusionment and the day to day contact in a long-term relationship go a long way toward making each other's traits more annoying than the quirks of other people. "Learning to reclassify annoying behaviors, increasing awareness of one's own flaws and sharing new experiences can help turn those peccadilloes back into perks." (1)
Extreme traits in individuals tend to be valued and awarded. For instance, strong independence in a person can be highly valued in today's society. Turn this trait around though, and after some time has passed in a relationship, the partner who is 'too independent' may leave his mate feeling quite unneeded. That can spell death for a relationship.
Other so-called positive qualities can also be viewed from the opposite end of the spectrum so they become highly irksome:
- People who are nice and agreeable can later be seen as weak-willed and passive;
- People who are strong-willed can later appear stubborn and unreasonable;
- Extraverted, lively people can later be seen as non-stop performers who always have to be the center of attention;
- The caring suitor, who listens well and responds to your every need can later be seen as clingy and needy;
- An exciting risk taker can come across over time as an irresponsible parent;
- A physically attractive partner can later be viewed as 'high-maintenance';
- Laid back can later be seen as lazy; and
- The driven, high-achieving partner can later be seen as a workaholic. (2)
D.
(1) and (2), Scientific American Mind, January/February 2012, "The Partnership Paradox", J. Palca and F. Lichtman, p. 61.
Extreme traits in individuals tend to be valued and awarded. For instance, strong independence in a person can be highly valued in today's society. Turn this trait around though, and after some time has passed in a relationship, the partner who is 'too independent' may leave his mate feeling quite unneeded. That can spell death for a relationship.
Other so-called positive qualities can also be viewed from the opposite end of the spectrum so they become highly irksome:
- People who are nice and agreeable can later be seen as weak-willed and passive;
- People who are strong-willed can later appear stubborn and unreasonable;
- Extraverted, lively people can later be seen as non-stop performers who always have to be the center of attention;
- The caring suitor, who listens well and responds to your every need can later be seen as clingy and needy;
- An exciting risk taker can come across over time as an irresponsible parent;
- A physically attractive partner can later be viewed as 'high-maintenance';
- Laid back can later be seen as lazy; and
- The driven, high-achieving partner can later be seen as a workaholic. (2)
D.
(1) and (2), Scientific American Mind, January/February 2012, "The Partnership Paradox", J. Palca and F. Lichtman, p. 61.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Berries Can Help Prevent Cognitive Decline
According to a recent study published in the "Annals of Neurology", cognitive aging - the ability to think, to reason, to remember - is delayed by up to 2.5 years in seniors who eat greater amounts of berries. Adding more berries to the diet may counteract the inflammation which contributes to cognitive decline.
Harvard scientists looked at information gleaned from the Nurses Health Study which began in 1976. It was found that women over the age of 70, who consumed a higher intake of berries, had a delay in cognitive aging by as much as 2.5 years.
Harvard scientists looked at information gleaned from the Nurses Health Study which began in 1976. It was found that women over the age of 70, who consumed a higher intake of berries, had a delay in cognitive aging by as much as 2.5 years.
"Reduced cognitive aging was also associated with a higher total consumption of flavonoids and anthocyanidins (chemical compounds that give fruits and vegetables their pigment - some of the most colorful and deeply colored fruits and vegetables are the richest in anthocyanidins)."(1)
In addition to berries, look to black and red grapes, cranberries, red cabbage, beets, red onion, purple potatoes and eggplant.
D.
(1) "Berries Keep Aging Minds Sharp", Sylvia Booth Hubbard, April 25, 2012, www.newsmaxhealth.com
D.
(1) "Berries Keep Aging Minds Sharp", Sylvia Booth Hubbard, April 25, 2012, www.newsmaxhealth.com
The Caffeine Ritual
The morning caffeine ritual (in the form of tea or coffee) is never something that I have been a part of, but countless others have been and still are. It is a normal part of daily life around the world that billions of consumers enjoy. It's calming. It helps to order the day.
The British have turned their afternoon tea ritual into quite the pageant of pomp and luxury. In certain locations in London, afternoon tea is served amid marble pillars and huge floral displays, in delicate cups made with the finest bone china. Finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and fruit tarts are served along with traditional teas such as Earl Grey and English Breakfast.
In Japan, the tea ritual has grown to transcend the tea itself. The elegant tea ceremony matters as much, if not more than, the tea itself as kimonos glide across the floor, the wearers pouring tea into hand-molded earth-tone cups.
In southern India, junior monks deliver kettles of butter tea (black tea with milk, butter, and salt added) to more senior monks as a way of fueling early morning hours of prayer and spiritual debate.
Americans and Canadians sit in casual places like Starbucks sipping their javas while reading their newspapers as others grab coffees to take on the run to offices, meetings, or gyms. A flood of new, upscale coffee shops (which also sell tea) has turned the cheap cup of coffee, refills free, into a three to four dollar beverage brewed and blended to one's personal taste by a personal barista. Howard Schultz, the man who invented Starbucks, turned a single espresso bar in a corner of a coffee company into a Fortune 500 company over the period of two decades. (Earlier, Schultz had visited Milan where he fell in love with the ambience of the great Italian institution, the espresso bar. Not only did he observe that the Italian coffee experience was about fine coffee, he also gleaned that it was about conversation and community, and he wanted to bring that whole concept to Seattle, Washington.)
The average person living in Finland, where coffee consumption per capita is the highest in the world, ingests an estimated 145 grams of caffeine a year. (1)
Much of the research investigating the health effects of caffeine indicates benefits for human health at moderate levels of consumption (about 300 mg caffeine per day which is about 2 medium-sized cups of brewed coffee). Caffeine can help to "relieve pain, thwart migraine headaches, reduce asthma symptoms, and elevate mood. As a mental stimulant, it increases alertness, cognition, and reaction speed; because it combats fatigue, it improves performance on vigilance tasks like driving, flying, solving simple math problems, and data entry." (2)
Caffeine is rarely abused (although at least one student committed suicide by ingesting 150 caffeine pills and more and more incidents of mixing caffeine-laden energy drinks like Red Bull with alcohol leading to negative health consquences are coming to light). For most people, once they reach the jittery stage, they stop ingesting the caffeine which caused the jitters in the first place. The point at which people reach the jittery stage varies greatly among individuals. "Some people seem to be genetically more susceptible to caffeine's effects and may have increased anxiety after consuming even small amounts. In a minority of people, doses of 300 milligrams or more may prompt an increase in tension, anxiety, even panic attacks, which may account for why studies show that nervous people generally have lower caffeine consumption." (3)
Some coffee users find that even a day without caffeine causes headaches, irritability, a lack of energy, and sleepiness. Withdrawal symptoms, however, usually dissipate within a few days. The desire to avoid withdrawal may explain why billions around the world continue to consume the beverage. In fact, any improvement in mood or performance after consuming caffeine could simply be relief from withdrawal symptoms. According to Derk-Jan Dijk, a physiologist at the University of Surrey's sleep research centre, "it may be that we are all on one of those endless cycles (in which) you take caffeine, and you are more alert. Then, the next morning, the effect has worn off and you need more of the drug to restore the alertness. But maybe we could step off the cycle. For those of us who work during the day, we might do just as well without caffeine." (4)
D.
(1) National Geographic, January 2005, "Caffeine", T. R. Reid, p.20.
(2) National Geographic, January 2005, pp. 26 - 27.
(3) Ibid., p. 27.
(4) Ibid., p. 29.
The British have turned their afternoon tea ritual into quite the pageant of pomp and luxury. In certain locations in London, afternoon tea is served amid marble pillars and huge floral displays, in delicate cups made with the finest bone china. Finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and fruit tarts are served along with traditional teas such as Earl Grey and English Breakfast.
In Japan, the tea ritual has grown to transcend the tea itself. The elegant tea ceremony matters as much, if not more than, the tea itself as kimonos glide across the floor, the wearers pouring tea into hand-molded earth-tone cups.
In southern India, junior monks deliver kettles of butter tea (black tea with milk, butter, and salt added) to more senior monks as a way of fueling early morning hours of prayer and spiritual debate.
Americans and Canadians sit in casual places like Starbucks sipping their javas while reading their newspapers as others grab coffees to take on the run to offices, meetings, or gyms. A flood of new, upscale coffee shops (which also sell tea) has turned the cheap cup of coffee, refills free, into a three to four dollar beverage brewed and blended to one's personal taste by a personal barista. Howard Schultz, the man who invented Starbucks, turned a single espresso bar in a corner of a coffee company into a Fortune 500 company over the period of two decades. (Earlier, Schultz had visited Milan where he fell in love with the ambience of the great Italian institution, the espresso bar. Not only did he observe that the Italian coffee experience was about fine coffee, he also gleaned that it was about conversation and community, and he wanted to bring that whole concept to Seattle, Washington.)
The average person living in Finland, where coffee consumption per capita is the highest in the world, ingests an estimated 145 grams of caffeine a year. (1)
Much of the research investigating the health effects of caffeine indicates benefits for human health at moderate levels of consumption (about 300 mg caffeine per day which is about 2 medium-sized cups of brewed coffee). Caffeine can help to "relieve pain, thwart migraine headaches, reduce asthma symptoms, and elevate mood. As a mental stimulant, it increases alertness, cognition, and reaction speed; because it combats fatigue, it improves performance on vigilance tasks like driving, flying, solving simple math problems, and data entry." (2)
Caffeine is rarely abused (although at least one student committed suicide by ingesting 150 caffeine pills and more and more incidents of mixing caffeine-laden energy drinks like Red Bull with alcohol leading to negative health consquences are coming to light). For most people, once they reach the jittery stage, they stop ingesting the caffeine which caused the jitters in the first place. The point at which people reach the jittery stage varies greatly among individuals. "Some people seem to be genetically more susceptible to caffeine's effects and may have increased anxiety after consuming even small amounts. In a minority of people, doses of 300 milligrams or more may prompt an increase in tension, anxiety, even panic attacks, which may account for why studies show that nervous people generally have lower caffeine consumption." (3)
Some coffee users find that even a day without caffeine causes headaches, irritability, a lack of energy, and sleepiness. Withdrawal symptoms, however, usually dissipate within a few days. The desire to avoid withdrawal may explain why billions around the world continue to consume the beverage. In fact, any improvement in mood or performance after consuming caffeine could simply be relief from withdrawal symptoms. According to Derk-Jan Dijk, a physiologist at the University of Surrey's sleep research centre, "it may be that we are all on one of those endless cycles (in which) you take caffeine, and you are more alert. Then, the next morning, the effect has worn off and you need more of the drug to restore the alertness. But maybe we could step off the cycle. For those of us who work during the day, we might do just as well without caffeine." (4)
D.
(1) National Geographic, January 2005, "Caffeine", T. R. Reid, p.20.
(2) National Geographic, January 2005, pp. 26 - 27.
(3) Ibid., p. 27.
(4) Ibid., p. 29.
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