Habits to Lower Alzheimer’s Disease Risks

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

This Huffington Post article provides a good summary of recent research findings pointing to habits one may want follow to lower risks of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. These habits include a mix of activities that keep your body moving (such as walking) and your brain working (such as puzzles and brain games). An interesting point made in the article is that there is no quick and easy way to keep the brain fit. Brain exercise has to be regular and varied. Continue reading →

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Posted in Alzheimers, Brain Exercises, Brain Fitness, Brain Games

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Dementia and Depression: What’s the Relationship?

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

Depression and dementia often coexist in older adults. So far it is not clear which come first, that is whether depression is a risk factor for dementia or an early symptom. A new study suggests that it depends on when the depression strikes and what kind of dementia one is talking about. Depression that occurs for the first time in late life may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, while recurrent depression in middle and late life may increase the risks of vascular dementia. Continue reading →

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Posted in Alzheimers, Dementia, Stress

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Weight Training Boosts Brain Functions

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| 1 Comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Physical exercise triggers the growth of both brain cells and new connections between them. Until now, aerobic exercise was the kind of exercise mostly studied. It is has been shown to boost cognitive functions and is associated with lower risks of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. A new study shows that weight training may also be protective. Continue reading →

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Posted in Alzheimers, Brain Health, Healthy Aging, MCI, Memory, Physical Exercise

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Everyday Physical Activity Reduces Alzheimer’s Risks

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| 2 Comments

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Physical exercise is beneficial for the brain. It helps spur the growth of new connections between brain cells. Exercise is also associated with lower risks of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. A new study suggests that in older adults this is true even for the physical activity triggered by common everyday actions such as gardening and cooking. Continue reading →

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Diagnosing Alzheimer’s with a Brain Scan

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Most of you have heard that Alzheimer’s Disease can only really be diagnosed after death. What does that mean? And is it still the case?

Diagnosis after Death
The hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease is the accumulation of beta-amyloid and tau protein in the brain that forms plaques and tangles respectively. These prevent neurons from communicating and functioning normally, which results in connection and neuronal loss. Until very recently, amyloid plaques could be determined only after death, by examining the brain during an autopsy. Continue reading →

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Meditate For 8 Weeks and Watch Your Brain Grow

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| 1 Comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

What we do on a daily basis can affect our brain health. Indeed, thanks to neuroplasticity (the lifelong ability of the brain to change), new brain cells (neurons) and connections between neurons can grow, based on our experiences. Recent studies show that practicing meditation is part of the daily activities that can change the brain. Continue reading →

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Posted in Brain Exercises, Brain Functions, Brain Training, Stress

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Antioxidants May Not Help Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| 1 Comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Following a diet rich in antioxidants such as the Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased risks for both cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease. But is it the case that taking antioxidant supplements is beneficial? In 2010, a NIH study concluded that such supplements do not lower risks of decline and Alzheimer’s. A recent, small but well designed, study went further and showed that these supplements do not help people who already have Alzheimer’s Disease. In some cases, they can even accelerate cognitive decline. Continue reading →

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Do Memory Problems Worsen After Being Hospitalized?

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| 1 Comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

It is common to hear stories about people who were fine until they went to the hospital and after that seemed to deteriorate (increased memory lapses and confusion). Is this anecdotal evidence or is there any truth in such scenario? Continue reading →

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Posted in Alzheimers, Brain Health, Healthy Aging, MCI, Memory

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Brain Game: An Unexpected Challenge

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Can you find differences between these two images (see below)? You have seen and maybe tried that game in the Sunday paper many times. You may like it or not or think it is too easy for you, but in fact it is a very good brain exercise. Continue reading →

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Memory

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| 1 Comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Omega-3 are essential for normal brain function but how are they related to our brain fate in the long run? A new study suggest that omega-3 deficiency may be related to lower brain volume and memory impairment. Continue reading →

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