BRAIN AGING

Jan 31, 2011 by HHNSTAFF

Compiled by The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). To stay updated on the latest breakthroughs in Brain Aging, visit The World Health Network, www.worldhealth.net, the official educational website of the A4M and your one-stop resource for authoritative anti-aging information. INTRODUCTION Dementia Dementia is a collection of symptoms that result in a loss of cognitive functioning. The ability to think, remember, and reason are compromised to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. It is important to understand that although the condition is common in very elderly individuals, dementia is NOT a normal part of the aging process – that’s according to the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke, NINDS. Alzheimer’s Disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually erodes the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s Disease, symptoms first appear after age 60. Indeed, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Alzheimer’s Disease comes with a massive economic and social cost. The UK group, Alzheimer's Disease International, recently issued a sobering report on the Global Economic Impact of Dementia. It warned that the worldwide costs of dementia exceeded one percent of global Gross Domestic Product in 2010, at 604 billion US dollars. The Report projected that the number of people with dementia will double by 2030, and more than triple by 2050, with the costs of caring for people with dementia posed to rise even faster than the disease’s prevalence. [“The World Alzheimer Report 2010,” Alzheimer’s Disease International (United Kingdom), 21 Sept. 2010.] It is a MYTH that "Senior Moments" are a normal part of aging. In September 2010, researchers at Rush University Medical Center reported their findings from cognitive function assessments and brain autopsies involving 354 Catholic nuns, priests, and brothers. The team found that that cognitive function gradually declined with age until the last four to five years of life, when it declined rapidly. While suggesting that the study found that Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are the root cause of virtually all loss of cognition and memory in old age, the Rush scientists urge that other factors may more profoundly affect how vulnerable we are. [Wilson RS, Leurgans SE, Boyle PA, Schneider JA, Bennett DA. Neurodegenerative basis of age-related cognitive decline. Neurology. 2010 Sep 15.] Scientists are now investigating possible causal links between cognitive decline and vascular and metabolic conditions. The potential role of nutritional deficiencies, as well as that of the environment, are also actively being explored. Understanding these relationships aims to help us understand whether reducing risk factors for these diseases may help with Alzheimer’s as well. RISK FACTORS The Diabetes – Alzheimer’s Connection People with insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes appear to be at an increased risk of developing plaques in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Scientists from Kyushu University in Japan studied 135 Japanese men and women, average age 67 years, among whom blood sugar levels were monitored routinely and the onset of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease was tracked for the next decade. During that time, about 16 percent developed Alzheimer's disease. After the participants died, researchers examined their autopsied brains for the physical signs of Alzheimer's disease, namely the telltale plaques and tangles. While 16T had symptoms of Alzheimer's disease while alive, a total of 65 percent had plaques. Further, the study found that people who had abnormal results on three tests of blood sugar control had an increased risk of developing plaques. Plaques were found in 72 percent of people with insulin resistance and 62 percent of people with no indication of insulin resistance. The researchers conclude that: “The results of this study suggest that hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia caused by insulin resistance accelerate [plaque] formation in combination with the effects of [the Alzheimer’s gene].” [T. Matsuzaki, K. Sasaki, Y. Tanizaki, J. Hata, K. Fujimi, Y. Matsui, A. Sekita, S.O. Suzuki, S. Kanba, Y. Kiyohara, and T. Iwaki.  “Insulin resistance is associated with the pathology of Alzheimer disease: The Hisayama Study.”  Neurology, Aug 2010; 75: 764 - 770.] Low Vitamin D Correlates to Higher Risk of Dementia A number of studies have established a wide range of health benefits for Vitamin D, deficiencies of which have been correlated to osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and some types of cancers. Researchers from Peninsula Medical School in the United Kingdom studied 1,776 men and women, ages 65 plus, assessing levels of cognitive function and sampling blood markers of vitamin D. The team found that people with normal cognitive function had higher levels of a blood marker for Vitamin D, as compared to study subjects with cognitive impairments. Further, those with the lowest Vitamin D markers were four-times more likely to be cognitively compromised. Observes the team: “This is the first large-scale study to identify a relationship between Vitamin D and cognitive impairment in later life.” [Llewellyn DJ, Langa K, Lang I. “Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration and Cognitive Impairment,“ J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2008 Dec 10. ] Lifetime Lead Exposure Linked to Cognitive Deficits In Aging In a 22-year long study involving exposure to lead in an occupational setting, scientists from the University of Pittsburgh found that cumulative exposure to lead had a significant negative impact on cognitive scores, particularly affecting spatial ability, learning, and memory. The team found that in lead exposed workers, the effect of lead on overall cognition was 17 percent greater than for those without occupational exposure. The team concludes that their study “supports the inference that past history of occupational lead exposure may lead to longer term, possibly progressive, effects on cognitive decline as a function of cumulative dose.” [Khalil N, et al "Association of cumulative lead and neurocognitive function in an occupational cohort" Neuropsychology 2009; 23: 10-19.] Electrical Towers and Alzheimer’s Risk Swiss researchers at Bern University studied data collected from 4.7 million people enrolled in the Swiss National Cohort. The team found that those people who lived within 150 feet (50 meters) of an electrical tower were 24 percent more likely to die from dementia (as compared to those who lived more than 2,000 feet (600 meters) away. The risks for Alzheimer’s Disease also increased with the length of time that people spent near electrical towers. Those who lived in a tower’s shadow for more than 10 years were 78 percent more likely to die from dementia, and twice as likely if they lived there for more than 15 years. [Huss A, Spoerri A, Egger M, Röösli M; for the Swiss National Cohort Study. “Residence Near Power Lines and Mortality From Neurodegenerative Diseases: Longitudinal Study of the Swiss Population.” Am J Epidemiol. 2008 Nov 5.] Excess Weight Increases Age-Related Cognitive Decline A Johns Hopkins University team completed a meta-analysis involving data resulting from 10 independent studies. They found that obesity, or having a body mass index of 30 or higher, increased a person’s risk of dementia by more than 40 percent. Obesity was found to have a particularly strong effect on Alzheimer’s Disease, increasing the risk of that disorder by 80 percent. [Beydoun MA, Beydoun HA, Wang Y. “Obesity and central obesity as risk factors for incident dementia and its subtypes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Obes Rev. 2008 May;9(3):204-18. Epub 2008 Mar 6.] High Cholesterol in Your 40s Increases Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease People with high cholesterol in their early 40s are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease, as compared to those with low cholesterol, reports scientists from the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research (California USA). The group studied 9,752 men and women, finding that the subjects with total cholesterol levels between 249 and 500 mg were 1.5-times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease, compared to those with levels of 198 or less. People with cholesterol levels of 221 to 248 mg were more than 1.25-times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease.  The researchers conclude that: “High mid-life cholesterol increase[s] the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease regardless of diabetes, blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and stroke [later in life].” [Whitmer R. et al. Presented at the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, April 16, 2008.] Next we discuss recent advancements in how to prevent, slow, or delay Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s Disease research has developed to a point where scientists can look beyond treating symptoms to think about addressing the underlying disease process. Following the anti-aging lifestyle, hallmarks of which include a eating nutritious diet, addressing nutritional deficiencies with supplements, engaging in routine physical activity, and opting for healthy lifestyle choices not only promote quality of life – doing so very well may extend your number of years, and particularly those enjoyed with full cognitive alertness. NUTRITIONAL APPROACHES for PREVENTION & INTERVENTION Berries Boost Brain Health High in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, blueberries and strawberries scrub up toxic proteins linked to age-related memory loss and cognitive decline. A team from the Tufts University Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging has found that polyphenol antioxidants present in berries help microglia, cells in the brain, to clean up toxic proteins linked to age-related memory loss and cognitive decline. Explaining that polyphenolics in berries appear to help maintain proper microglial functioning, the team concludes that: “The results strongly suggest that the benefits of both berries extend beyond the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to cellular toxic clearance through induction of autophagy in brain.” [Shibu M Poulose, Donna F Bielinski, Barbara Shukitt-Hale, Derek R Fisher, James A. Joseph. “Berry extracts and brain aging: Clearance of toxic protein accumulation in brain via induction of autophagy.” (Abstract #60), presented at The 240th American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition, August 23, 2010.] Walnuts May Ward Off Dementia Walnuts are rich in compounds the effect of dietary supplementation of walnuts including vitamin E, ellagic acid, flavonoids, and melatonin, all of which confer antioxidant properties. The New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities fed walnuts to mice in which Alzheimer’s Disease was induced, and observed that mental skills were preserved. The Alzheimer-model mice that were not fed the nuts suffered a dramatic loss in learning, memory and physical and emotional control. Positing that walnuts helped to destroy harmful free radical chemicals that are implicated in dementia, the researchers conclude that: “Our results suggest that dietary supplementation of walnuts may have beneficial effect in reducing the risk, delaying the onset or slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.” [Abha Chauhan, Mohamed M. M. Essa, Balu Muthaiyah, Ved Chauhan, Kulbir Kaur, Moon Lee. “Walnuts-rich diet improves memory deficits and learning skills in transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease” (Abstract O1-01-06), presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease 2010, July 11, 2010.] Caffeine May Prevent and Treat Alzheimer's Disease The Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center reveals that caffeine preserves and restores cognitive function, in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Mice given caffeine in their drinking water from young adulthood into old age suffered less memory impairment and had lower brain levels of amyloidbeta, the abnormal protein that is thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Further studies revealed that just 1-2 months of treatment with caffeine restored memory and reduced brain levels of amyloid-beta in "aged" cognitively impaired mice. The authors concluded: "These results indicate a surprising ability of moderate caffeine intake (the human equivalent of 500 mg caffeine or 5 cups of coffee per day) to protect against or treat Alzheimer's disease in a mouse model for the disease and a therapeutic potential for caffeine against Alzheimer's disease in humans." [Gary W Arendash, Chuanhai Cao. Caffeine and Coffee as Therapeutics Against Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2010;20:S117–S126.] Two Glasses of Milk Daily May Protect Against Alzheimer’s In that Vitamin B-12 acts as a counteragent against homocysteine, elevated levels of which are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a team from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom monitored 5,937 subjects in two age groups (47-49 years, and 71-74 years) participating in the Hordaland Homocysteine Study in Norway, surveying them for their daily food intake patterns. They observed that those subjects with low B-12 levels suffered twice as much brain shrinkage as compared to those study participants with higher blood levels of the vitamin. The researchers found that “dietary intake of dairy products and fish are significant contributors to plasma vitamin B-12 and may improve plasma vitamin B- 12 status.” Further, the researchers suggest that such because “Vitamin B-12 appears to be more bioavailable from dairy products,” two glasses of skim milk daily may help ward off Alzheimer’s Disease. [Anna Vogiatzoglou, A David Smith, Eha Nurk, Paula Berstad, Christian A Drevon, Per M Ueland, Stein E Vollset, Grethe S Tell, and Helga Refsum. “Dietary sources of vitamin B-12 and their association with plasma vitamin B-12 concentrations in the general population: the Hordaland Homocysteine Study,” Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, Feb 3, 2009] DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION Vitamin D Boosts Mental Agility Seniors with sufficient blood levels of Vitamin D perform better on tests of cognitive performance. A team from Tufts University studied more than 1,000 men and women, ages 65 to 99 years, receiving home care, assessing vitamin D blood levels and conducting neuropsychological tests. Grouping the subjects by their Vitamin D status, which was categorized as deficient, insufficient, or sufficient, the researchers determined that only 35 percent had sufficient Vitamin D blood levels. The “sufficient vitamin D” subjects scored higher on tests of cognitive performance, particularly on measures of "executive performance," such as cognitive flexibility, perceptual complexity, and reasoning, as compared to those in the”deficient” and “insufficient” categories. Noting that metabolic pathways for Vitamin D have been found in the hippocampus and cerebellum areas of the brain involved in planning, processing, and forming new memories, which may suggest that Vitamin D may be implicated in cognitive processes, the researchers conclude that: “[blood level of Vitamin D] was positively associated with cognitive performance, particularly with measures of executive function in this elderly population.” [Jennifer S. Buell, Tammy M. Scott, Bess Dawson-Hughes, Gerard E. Dallal, Irwin H. Rosenberg, Marshal F. Folstein, Katherine L. Tucker. “Vitamin D Is Associated With Cognitive Function in Elders Receiving Home Health Services.” J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 2009 64A(8): 888-895.] Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Cognitive Decline Oregon Health & Science University (Oregon, USA) researchers studied 150 people, ages 70 years and older, living in the general community population. The team assessed circulating levels of Vitamin D in the study participants’ blood, and also administered standardized cognitive tests. They found that the lower the score on the cognitive assessment, the lower the subject’s vitamin D levels. The average vitamin D level was 42.8 for the subjects with a perfect score on the cognitive test; 36.7 for those within, but in the lower range, of normal; and 34.8 for the participants with scores indicative of mild cognitive impairment. [Amie Peterson, Nora Mattek, Aaron Clemons, Gene Bowman, Teresa Buracchio, Jeffrey Kaye, Joseph Quinn. “Vitamin D, Fall Frequency, and Cognitive Function in Free-Living Elders” (Abstract P04.037), presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.] Inadequate Dietary Vitamin D Linked to Cognitive Impairment French researchers from Angers University Hospital studied a group of 5,596 women, none of whom were taking vitamin D supplements, dividing them into two groups according to their baseline weekly vitamin D status: inadequate (less than 35 micrograms per week) or recommended (more than 35 micrograms per week). As compared to women with recommended weekly vitamin D dietary intakes, those women with inadequate intakes were found to have lower scores on a standardized cognitive test. The researchers conclude that: “Weekly dietary intake of vitamin D was associated with cognitive performance in older women. [C. Annweiler, A.M. Schott, Y. Rolland, H. Blain, F.R. Herrmann, O. Beauchet. “Dietary intake of vitamin D and cognition in older women: A large population-based study .” Neurology, November 16, 2010, 75:1810-1816.] Vitamin B Vitamin B Reduces Physiological Brain Changes that May Trigger Alzheimer’s Brain shrinkage (atrophy) is accelerated in people experiencing memory issues, including Alzheimer’s Disease. In that homocysteine is a risk factor for brain atrophy, University of Oxford researchers explored whether Vitamin B supplementation could slow the rate of brain atrophy in people with mild cognitive impairment. The team enrolled 168 men and women, ages 70 years and older, administering high doses of folic acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 daily, for a 24-month period. Measuring the rate of brain atrophy by MRI, the team found that the daily Vitamin B supplementation reduced brain shrinkage associated with dementia by up to 53 percent. Writing that: “The accelerated rate of brain atrophy in elderly with mild cognitive impairment can be slowed by treatment with homocysteine-lowering B vitamins,” the researchers posit that: “Since accelerated brain atrophy is a characteristic of subjects with mild cognitive impairment who convert to Alzheimer's disease, trials are needed to see if the same treatment will delay the development of Alzheimer's disease.” [Smith AD, Smith SM, de Jager CA, Whitbread P, Johnston C, et al. “Homocysteine-Lowering by B Vitamins Slows the Rate of Accelerated Brain Atrophy in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” PLoS ONE 5(9): e12244.] Vitamin E Is Vital to Alzheimer’s Risk Reduction High blood levels of vitamin E components are associated with a decreased risk for Alzheimer's disease in advancing age. Swedish researchers studied a group of 232 men and women, ages 80 years and older, who were dementia-free at the study’s start, following the subjects for 6 years during which they tracked the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and measured blood levels of all eight natural vitamin E components. The team found that those subjects with higher blood levels of all the vitamin E family forms were at a markedly reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease, as compared to subjects with lower levels. After adjusting for confounding factors, the team reports the risk reduction in those with the higher blood levels of all the vitamin E family forms was 45-54 percent, depending on the vitamin E component. [Francesca Mangialasche, Miia Kivipelto, Patrizia Mecocci, Debora Rizzuto, Katie Palmer, Bengt Winblad, Laura Fratiglioni. “High plasma levels of vitamin E forms and reduced Alzheimer’s disease risk in advanced age.” Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Volume 20 Number 4, Pages 1029-1037, 5 July2010.] Foods Rich in Vitamin E May Help Slash Alzheimer’s Risk A Netherlands study reveals a 25 percent reduced risk of dementia in those who consume foods rich in vitamin E. A team from Erasmus Medical Center studied 5,395 participants, ages 55 years and older, who were free of dementia and provided dietary information at the study’s start, following them for an average of 9.6 years. They found that those subjects who consumed the most vitamin E (18.5 mg/day) were 25 percent less likely to develop dementia, as compared to those who consumed the least (9.0 mg/day). In that the dietary intake levels of other antioxidants (namely vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids) were not found to associate with dementia risk, the researchers conclude that: “Higher intake of foods rich in vitamin E may modestly reduce long-term risk of dementia and [Alzheimer’s Disease].” [Elizabeth E. Devore; Francine Grodstein; Frank J. A. van Rooij; Albert Hofman; Meir J. Stampfer; Jacqueline C. M. Witteman; Monique M. B. Breteler. “Dietary Antioxidants and Long-term Risk of Dementia.” Arch Neurol, Jul 2010; 67: 819 - 825.] Omega-3s Assist Memory & Cognition Daily supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the principle omega-3 fatty acid in the brain, helps to improve memory and learning in older adults with mild cognitive impairments. Investigators with the "Memory Improvement with Docosahexaenoic Acid Study" (MIDAS) evaluated the effects of DHA on improving cognitive functions in healthy older adults with age-related cognitive decline. Involving 485 subjects, ages 55 and older, with a subjective memory complaint and who met criteria for age-related cognitive decline, the MIDAS researchers assigned subjects to either receive 900 mg/day of DHA orally, or a placebo, for 24 weeks. The team found that subjects who took DHA displayed improved memory and learning skills. The researchers conclude that: “Supplementation with … DHA improved learning and memory function in [age-related cognitive decline] and is a beneficial supplement that supports cognitive health with aging.” [Karin Yurko-Mauro, Deanna McCarthy, Dror Rom, Edward B. Nelson, Alan S. Ryan, Andrew Blackwell, Norman Salem, Mary Stedman, on behalf of the MIDAS Investigators. “Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age-related cognitive decline.” Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, November 2010, Vol. 6, Issue 6, Pages 456-464.] PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Exercise Helps to Stave Off Dementia Harvard Medical School) team reports that more intense physical activity may help slash the risk of agerelated cognitive decline. Reviewing data from 1,211 participants in the Framingham Heart Study, the researchers found that those subjects who reported moderate to heavy physical activity were at 45 percent lower risk of all-cause dementia, as compared with light exercisers. Additionally, moderate exercise appeared to be protective. Writing that: “Moderate to heavy physical activity is associated with a reduced risk for dementia, for up to two decades of follow-up,” the team urges that: “Our data emphasize that a reduced risk of dementia may be one additional health benefit to adults of maintaining at least moderate physical activity.” [Zaldy S. Tan, Alexa S. Beiser, Rhoda Au, Margaret Kelly-Hayes, Ramachandran S. Vasan, et al. “Physical Activity and the Risk of Dementia: The Framingham Study” (Abstract O1-01-03), presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease 2010, July 11, 2010.] Walking Slows Progression of Alzheimer’s Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh have reported findings from an ongoing 20-year study of 299 healthy adults (mean age 78), and 127 cognitively impaired adults (mean age 81), including 83 adults with mild cognitive impairment and 44 adults with Alzheimer's dementia. The researchers monitored how far each of the patients walked in a week. After 10 years, all patients underwent 3D MRI exams to identify changes in brain volume. In addition, patients were given the mini-mental state exam (MMSE) to track cognitive decline over five years. Physical activity levels were correlated with MRI and MMSE results. The analysis adjusted for age, gender, body fat composition, head size, education and other factors. The findings showed across the board that greater amounts of physical activity were associated with greater brain volume. Cognitively impaired people needed to walk at least 58 city blocks, or approximately five miles, per week to maintain brain volume and slow cognitive decline. The healthy adults needed to walk at least 72 city blocks, or six miles, per week to maintain brain volume and significantly reduce their risk for cognitive decline. The researchers conclude that: “These results demonstrate that walking at least 72 blocks in two-weeks protects against gray matter volume loss in late adulthood and reduces the risk of experiencing cognitive impairment 13-years later.” [Raji C., et al. “Physical Activity and Gray Matter Volume in Late Adulthood: The Cardiovascular Health Cognition Study” [SSA17-01].” Presented at the 96th Scientific Assembly & Annual Meeting of Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), Nov. 28, 2010.] Exercise Reverses Alzheimer’s Related Mental Decline Researchers from the University of Illinois (USA) report that 6 months of moderate levels of aerobic activity are sufficient to produce significant improvements in cognitive function, with the most dramatic effects occurring on measures of executive control. The team observed that these improvements are accompanied by altered brain activity measures and increases in prefrontal and temporal grey matter volume that translate into a more efficient and effective neural system. Concludes the team: “We can safely argue that an active lifestyle with moderate amounts of aerobic activity will likely improve cognitive and brain function, and reverse the neural decay frequently observed in older adults. The effects … extend to older adults with dementia.” [Kirk Erickson and Arthur F Kramer. “Exercise effects on cognitive and neural plasticity in older adults.” Br J Sports Med. Published Online First: 16 October 2008. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2008.052498.] A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Easy-Going Personality May Protect Against Age-Related Cognitive Decline In a study of 506 older Swedes, Karolinska Institutet researchers found that those men and women who were socially outgoing but not easily distressed by circumstances were 49  percent less likely to develop dementia over time, as compared to those who were extroverted and neurotic. In addition, a calm personality was also associated with a 49 percent reduced dementia risk in those who were not socially active compared with those who were stay-at-homes but prone to distress. The team observes that: "These findings provide further evidence that certain personality traits may play a role in dementia development, and that personality-lifestyle interactions may be especially important for determining dementia risk." [Wang H X, et al "Personality and lifestyle in relation to dementia incidence" Neurology 2009; 72: 253- 259.] Active Social Life May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk Cognitive and social activity in midlife may significantly reduce men’s risk of dementia. Johns Hopkins School of Public Health researchers followed 147 male twin pairs for 28 years. Among the twins, higher cognitive activity scores predicted a 26 percent reduction in the risk for developing dementia first. Further, the team found that dementia risk was most reduced as a result of participation in social activities at home, visiting with family and friends, and engaging in club activities and hobbies. [Michelle C. Carlson, Michael J. Helms, David C. Steffens, James R. Burke, Guy G. Potter, Brenda L. Plassman. “Midlife activity predicts risk of dementia in older male twin pairs.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Volume 4, Issue 5, Pages 324-331 (September 2008).] Internet Surfing Good for Brain Function As the brain ages, a number of structural and functional changes occur, including atrophy, reductions in cell activity, and increases in deposits of amyloid plaques and tau tangles (associated with Alzheimer’s Disease) – all of which can negatively impact cognitive function. Gary Small, from the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California Los Angeles (USA), and colleagues studied the role of Internet use in maintaining brain performance. The team studied men and women ages 55 to 76; half of them were experienced in Internet surfing, while the other half had no experience. The participants performed Internet searches and book-reading tasks while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, which tracked the intensity of cell responses in the brain by measuring the level of cerebral blood flow during cognitive tasks. While all study subjects showed significant brain activity during the book-reading task, only the Web-savvy group registered activity in the frontal, temporal and cingulate areas of the brain, which control decision-making and complex reasoning. Most striking, the team found that during Web searching, the study subjects with prior experience registered a twofold increase in brain activation (as compared to those with little Internet experience). The research team writes that: "A simple, everyday task like searching the Web appears to enhance brain circuitry in older adults, demonstrating that our brains are sensitive and can continue to learn as we grow older.” [Small GW, Moody TD, Siddarth P, Bookheimer SY. “Your brain on Google:  patterns of cerebral activation during internet searching.” Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2009 Feb;17(2):116-26.] CONCLUDING REMARKS Exciting horizons await in the area of brain aging. For example, a special helmet which beams infrared light into the brain, aiming to cure dementia, is in-development. In mid-2008, a UK team used a helmet, featuring 700 light-emitting diodes designed to stimulate neurons in the brain, to beam low levels of infrared light into the brain of a 57-year old man who unable to perform basic daily tasks involving memory and decision-making. After three weeks of wearing the helmet for 10 minutes a day, his memory deterioration halted and his personality improved. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2376496/Special-helmet-which-beams-infrared-light-into-thebrain- could-cure-dementia.html] To stay updated on the latest breakthroughs in brain aging, visit The World Health Network, www.worldhealth.net, the official educational website of the A4M and your one-stop resource for authoritative anti-aging information. While at worldhealth.net, be sure to sign up for the FREE Longevity Magazine™ e-Journal, covering nutritional therapies, lifestyle interventions, and biotech breakthroughs for heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other aging-related diseases. The A4M predicts an epic 2011, so rely on us to keep you updated on the bounty of anti-aging breakthroughs throughout this year. Aging is NOT inevitable: with your support, we can END AGING in our own lifespan.