Latest studies show that healthy older men and women can produce as many brain cells as people who are younger. This finding reverses the long-held belief that older individuals produce fewer (or no) new brain cells, which was thought to help explain late-life cognitive decline as people age.

The report went on to say that brain cells can continue to be formed when people are continuing to engage in new activities and being open to change in their life (known as cognitive-emotional resilience).

What the study did find is that as people get older the circulation getting to the brain maybe less, and therefore can affect brain cells.

Also in the study it mentioned the importance of exercise and diet.

The naturopathic and herbal medicine approach to help memory, concentration and focus is to enhance peripheral (meaning head and feet) circulation. There are specific medicinal herbs to help with this and have been known for decades.

Not only are these herbs helpful for the aging brain but also for younger people. A couple of years ago I wrote a blog where my son who was studying for his Year 12 exams took this combination of herbs and nicknamed it “Limitless Pills”. I had a number of people calling and asking me about these “Limitless Pills”. Well they are still available. And it continues to be a tried and tested formula to help with memory, concentration focus, brain fog. And now we know these time honoured herbs can help reduce the aging of our brain by increasing circulation.

There is a lot happening in the world of complementary medicine to help with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as well. Ask me for more information if this is something you’d like to know more about.

Nutrients for brain health
Nutrients are essential tools for keeping your brain young and fit. They are capable of increasing your brain power and processing speed, whilst also addressing specific adverse conditions throughout the rest of the body. Check with me to find out which nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids) are specifically beneficial for you.

Exercise for healthy aging
Exercising regularly helps with circulation (brain health) along with the many other benefits of keeping muscles toned, bones strong, good for emotional health and helps to regulate your weight.

Scientists recently published the results of a controlled trial that examined the effects of aerobic exercise on cognition and other biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease among older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Results showed that aerobic exercise is a potent part of the puzzle to lessen the risk of cognitive decline.

Healthy eating to keep you youthful, fit and your brain as sharp as ever:
• Limit sugar or cut it out altogether. This includes cutting out package cereals, processed white flour in bread, cakes, biscuits and crackers
• Enjoy 2-3 serves per day of Lean, good quality protein such as eggs, lean chicken, meat and fish especially the oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines. Vegetarian sources of protein include tofu, tempeh, and the pulses such as lentils, chickpeas
• Lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and salad – broad variety. Have a serve with each meal and have fruit as snacks
• Good oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, eating raw unsalted nuts and seeds also gives you healthy oils and a little protein
• If eating flour based products make sure it is the furtherest away from processed white flour eg quality rye/wholemeal sourdough bread
• Limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks no more than 2-3 times per week. Nothing kills off brain cells quicker than alcohol, especially binge drinking
• Drink plenty of purified water