Sugar and the good oil for the memory.
July 16th 2007 23:44
Signature Tune
Brought to us by the SMH, the latest is that high-GI cereals with carbohydrate and sugar help the young to remember words better in the short term.
The findings were presented at a World Brain Conference in Melbourne based on the work of PhD student Micahel Smith [ University of Western Australia ].
This may support the pre-exam sugar 'fix' indulged by so many students, of glucose -rich foods but this is not considered as a sustainable approach for memory. Healthy eating is still recommended.
So, on top of chocolate and coffee recommendations there will be many happy people out there.
But, caution, all things in moderation.
And here's the good oil on Alzheimer's brought to you via The Australian.
"THE "good" cholesterol that helps to fight heart disease may also be a defence against Alzheimer's disease, according to new Australian research.
The team from Edith Cowan University and the McCusker Foundation for Alzheimer's Disease Research has been running a study in Perth for eight years, looking into links between good cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and the degenerative brain disorder.
The study, involving a total of 200 people with normal cognitive functions, tested their memory and other skills with the aim of establishing a relationship between HDL and chemicals called beta-amyloids, which are linked with Alzheimer's.
Previous studies had shown that HDL was capable of removing damaging cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Co-ordinator Kristyn Bates from the school of exercise, biomedical and health science at Edith Cowan University, presented a snapshot of results to the World Congress of Neuroscience in Melbourne on Saturday.
The full research is in preparation for international publication before the end of the year, but Dr Bates said the study showed that people with more HDL, lower body fat and greater bone density had better results on the cognitive tests that were a pointer for Alzheimer's.
"The good cholesterol can work in clearing these Alzheimer's proteins out of the body, so the more you have of HDL, the less likely you are to get beta-amyloid in your blood," Dr Bates said.
"We think this could reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer's, so the message seems to be that what's good for the heart is also good for the brain."
Dr Bates emphasised that if the study was correct, it would not provide a means of treating Alzheimer's, merely a way for preventing its onset.
Researchers believe people can increase HDL levels by exercise, or by moderate intake of red wine and dark chocolate.
"The ultimate aim is to try to develop a risk profile for developing Alzheimer's," Dr Bates said. "The other aim is to get enough information to start preventative and information studies, looking at physical activity and how to improve brain function."
So, that's the good oil on Alzheimer's
Now for some other interesting findings
.From Home News Tribune in Central Jersey, comes a report on a teenager who had a brain tumour, which removal and treatment left him with a 'shot' short term memory.
He's still having difficulties and his progress with study is poor compared with his twin brother but he's going on to college and everyone is thrilled with his efforts which are making things improve.
But here's a worrying finding from Gadgets and Tech, "An over reliance on technology is leading to a dumbing down of the nation's brain power, according a study published today. In a society flooded with mobile phones, PDAs and computers, a quarter of all Britons do not know their own landline number while as little as a third can recall more than three birthdays of their immediate family."
Think about it, it just had to happen.
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Comment by Jessicca
Learning Something Everyday
Amazingly the noise effect on your dark surface actually makes it really real as if it was taken from an object using the camera. Good work!
As for the HDL. I have to say that our memory dis-function can highly blamed on the modern gadgets available. when you try to go paperless, these things happens. The only solution is: USE YOUR BRAIN SPACE.
I can't remember many of my friend's numbers, but I do try to remember my immediate family numbers and their birthdays. That's more than 3 person.
Last but not least, I LOVE dark chocolate, but I shall remember to take it moderately.
Thanks for sharing, katyzzz
Have a blessed day
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
p/s...love the signature tune. Like Jessicca said, looks *real* -- well done!
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
You are so right use your brain space, but take on board these various little tricks to help the brain do its work for you.
Loved you lovely long comment. Good one.
katyzzz
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Lovely to see you, I have been thinking about you.
katyzzz
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
The info is really interesting as well. It does seem to go back to the basic old adage of 'everything in moderation'...and it involves chocolate...even better!!
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Trouble about that chocolate, it has a nasty little habit of gathering around the waistline.
katyzzz
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I really like the picture for this post! I did not know about "IQ" cereal.
Mis
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
p/s...mmmm...had some chocolates to help me assimilate back in the real world
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Glad you liked the picture, I'm rather fond of it myself.
Eat up.
katyzzz
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Yes the real world is actually more important.
Glad the chocolate helped with your reality fix.
katyzzz