Old age has been persistently linked to memory gap, or memory loss.  When a person grows older, people expect the memory to deteriorate as well.  This may be true, at some point.  Three factors are said to cause age-related memory loss:

• First, the part of the brain known as the hippocampus, is vulnerable to deterioration that is related to aging.  Know that this specific brain part is responsible giving out a signal which directly causes information to be stored.  As such, a deteriorating hippocampus would greatly affect a person’s ability to retain and store information.
• Second, aging has its effects on the brain cells, or the neurons.  A relative amount of neurons are lost and this, in turn, affects the activities of other brain cells by altering neurotransmitters and its receptor sites.
• Third, the body of an aging person finds it difficult to process important nutrients that are needed by the brain to function well.  Blood flow to the brain is also important, and this contributes to the lesser delivery of nutrients.  This explains why an older person’s brain activity is no longer enhanced.

Physiological factors mentioned above are enough to cause glitches in memory.  Normal forgetfulness is normal.  These include instances when you forgot where you placed your glasses; finding it difficult to find the right words which just “on the tip of your tongue”; entering a room and then forgetting why you went there; occasionally missing an appointment; and forgetting names and faces.  These are normal memory lapses, which may start at the age of 60.

However, when one starts to have difficulty in remembering the details of an event that happened just a while ago, or having trouble recalling information known for such a long time, then this could not be any more categorized as normal, but a mild cognitive impairment (MCI).  Some experts say that MCI may be a pre-cursor to the development of Alzheimer ’s disease, or other types of dementia. But this does not mean that having MCI will eventually lead to Alzheimer’s, or that having MCI will not lead to Alzheimer’s.  In cases such as these, it is always best to seek the advice of experts.

Beet Juice for Brain Health

Researchers have recently discovered that consumption of beet juice increases blood flow to the brain of older adults, and this may just as well provide great potential in helping fight off dementia’s progression.  Dementia is not a disease in itself – it is actually a group of symptoms which is brought about by changes in the function of the brain.  The findings of the research study can be seen in Nitric Oxide Society’s peer-reviewed journal, Nitric Oxide:  Biology and Chemistry.

According to the director of Translational Science Center; Fostering Independence in Aging of Wake Forest’s University, Daniel Kim-Shapiro, numerous studies have shown that the intake of beet juice lowers blood pressure, but this is the first time that a study was conducted showing beet juice’s capability to increase blood flow, or perfusion, to the brain.  He pointed out that some areas of the brain receive less blood flow as a person ages, and it is believed to be linked to poor cognition and dementia.

Beets contain high amounts of nitrates, which when consumed, are converted into nitrite by the good bacteria present in the mouth. Previous research studies have found that nitrites help in dilating, or widening, blood vessels present in the body, which in turn causes blood to flow better, bringing oxygen to places where it is most needed.  Food sources for nitrates include green leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach, cabbage and celery.

Study Details

The study enrolled 14 adults, aged 70 or more, and observed them for four days.  For the first day, the subjects were asked to report to the laboratory after fasting for 10 hours.  Their health status was evaluated and was asked to consume either a low- or high- nitrate breakfast.  High nitrate breakfast meant consuming 16 ounces of beet juice, and then they were sent home with specific diets for the remaining meals of the day. The following day, the subjects were given breakfast after another 10-hour fasting.  After an hour, the subjects underwent an MRI where blood flow to the brain was recorded, and blood tests were done before breakfast, and after it, in order to confirm levels of nitrite in the body.  For days three and four, researchers did a switch on the diets and then repeated the process.

Results of the MRI showed that following the consumption of a diet that is rich in nitrate, the subjects exhibited increased blood flow to specific areas of the brain that are commonly linked to degenerative changes that leads to the development of dementia, and the like.  One of the senior investigators in the study, and also an associate professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science, Gary Miller, said that the results appear to be consistent and hopeful.  It has all the more emphasized the fact that a good diet made up of lots of vegetables and fruits contribute greatly to excellent health.

Memory Loss Prevention

The market has been bombarded by “wonder pills”, or those drugs that claim to improve memory.  Although some people may consider these as safe, keep in mind that people react differently to drugs and what may be safe for one person may not be entirely safe for you.  But the good news is:  there are a lot of natural means – safer options – that one can do in order to help prevent memory loss and improve the brain’s overall health.  Here are some:

• Make the Right Food Choices

The importance of good diet has been emphasized for the longest time, but some people fail to recognize just how valuable it is.  A diet which features healthy fats, whole grains, vegetables and fruits can help improve brain health.  Antioxidants present in some fruits help keep your brain from “rusting”.  Vitamin B exerts a protective effect on the brain cells, or neurons, preventing its premature death.  Eating healthy forms of fat, and avoiding foods that contain high levels of trans- and saturated fats, lowers cholesterol level and keeps the blood vessels healthy, causing easier and smoother blood flow to different organs in the body, especially the brain.  Also, it decreases the risk for heart attack and stroke.

• Exercise Regularly

Exercising delivers more oxygen to brain, helping improve memory. It also has a protective effect on brain cells at the same time acts on brain chemicals, which enhances its helpful effects.

• Manage Stress

Stress makes the act of concentrating very difficult.  This may cause poor recall, and may cause you to lose focus on the task at hand.  Also, stress causes the release of a hormone known as Cortisol, which can cause damage to the hippocampus, especially if there is no relief to stress.

• Get Enough Sleep

Sleep allows your body to heal, and provides much-needed rest after a long day at work. It is important for memory consolidation and the lack thereof leads to the inability to concentrate and may leave you feeling tired.

Sources
nlm.nih.gov
helpguide.org
eurekalert.org