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September is World Alzheimer's Month. Let's talk premature brain degeneration and what we must do to keep our brains sharp! Plus read more about PLASMALOGEN and how this highly researched nutrient can protect brain cells.
National Neuroscience Institute reported an increase in cases of young onset dementia in Singapore, from 60 cases in 2013 to 245 cases last year1. Young onset dementia refers to the occurrence of dementia between the ages of 35 and 65. Alzheimer's, which accounts for 50% to 60% of dementia cases2, is a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities that are serious enough to interfere with daily lives. Majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, but it should not be known as a part of ageing or just a “normal” disease due to old age.
The exact causes of dementia or Alzheimer’s are not fully understood yet, but scientists believe that it is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time3.
We’ve put together some tips on how you can love your brain and keep it sharp!
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of vascular problems, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation which are found to be the risk factors relating to dementia. A 2018 study found that smokers who were able to kick their smoking habit for a prolonged period – were able to reduce their risk of dementia to similar/comparable levels as those of non-smokers4. A compelling enough reason to stop smoking in our view! Plus your heart and lungs will thank you for it too!
Adopt a Healthy Diet
Incorporating a healthy diet not only helps to keep obesity at bay, but it also ensures that our brain receives the nutrients and nourishment it needs to stay healthy and functioning optimally. Opt for diet choices that are low in sugar and saturated fats, and high in fibre, omega fats (DHA, Omega-3) and vitamins to keep your brain healthy and sharp!
Challenge Your Mind
Our minds need to keep engaged and challenged. Keep your mind keen and sharp with jigsaw puzzles, strategic games, or even putting your hands and mind to creating something artistic. As our body requires exercise, our brain similarly requires a good work out too! According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine - Adults who engage in mentally stimulating activities are 63 percent less likely to develop dementia 5.
Take Care of Your Heart
There has been growing evidence that suggests the risk factors of cardiovascular disease and stroke can negatively impact your cognitive health as well. Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure levels under control, and take care of your heart with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Cardiovascular exercises increase your heart rate, which in turn increases the supply of oxygen and blood flow to your brain and body.
Get Sufficient Quality Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for your brain health and function! Adults are recommended to try and get at least 7 hours of sleep each night6. The lack of sleep impairs concentration, focus and memory. Park distractions aside to allow your mind and body to get the quality sleep it needs. If you think you might have cognitive sleep conditions like insomnia or sleep apnoea, it is best to consult a doctor to help you address the issue.
Take Time to Relax and Unwind
Constant anxiety and stress can lead to depressed emotions and have been linked to an increase in the risk of cognitive decline7. Take time to relax, meditate, or do things you enjoy! Going out with loved ones and friends, and having a good time laughing can do wonders in helping your body fight stress.
Fortify Your Brain Health with Brain Nourishing Supplements
Even as we do our best to feed our brain right with the nutrients it needs, it may be a tall order to ensure we are able to meet our brain’s dietary needs 365 days of the year through daily diet alone.
Supplements are a convenient way to make sure our brain gets what it needs to function optimally on a daily basis. Plasmalogens are naturally occurring phospholipids vital for brain function. It is found that individuals grappling with high levels of stress and mental fatigue, as well as dementia patients generally have low levels of Plasmalogens in the body.
Dementia is a progressive disease with symptoms worsening over time. Deterioration of brain cells can take place as early as 20 years before the onset of dementia symptoms; hence it is recommended to start supplementing the brain with Plasmalogens early on.
Studies reveal that Plasmalogen supplementation promotes optimal brain functions and help to curb mental fatigue. LAC Neuroprotect , made with Hokkaido scallop-derived Plasmalogens, helps to protect brain cells from premature degeneration by promoting production of new nerve cells and reducing the formation of damaging protein plague in the brain; which is believed to be one of the causes of Alzheimer’s Diseases.
Start incorporating these healthy habits to benefit your brain and body!
References:
1 Young onset dementia: Teo, J. (2020). More people in Singapore diagnosed with young onset dementia: National Neuroscience Institute. Singapore: The Straits Times.
2 Alzheimer’s accounts for majority of dementia cases: https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-alzheimers-month-2020/
3 Causes of Alzheimer’s: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447
4 Smoking and risk of developing dementia: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/acn3.633
5 Brain workout benefits: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/brain-workout-benefits/
6 The importance of sleep:https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/510/sleep
7 Increased risk of cognitive decline: https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10_ways_to_love_your_brain
8 Plasmalogen and Alzheimer’s Disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6466717/
LAC NeuroProtect is made from scallop-derived plasmalogens, which have been well-documented to optimise brain function, improve mental precision and maintain healthy reflex.
LAC Brainspeed® is an advanced brain formula specially formulated for optimal brain function and performance. Contains brain nourishing ingredients in effective amounts to invigorate the brain for peak mental performance.
Formulated with Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) herbs that improve blood & ‘qi’ circulation for various organs’ health, to improve ageing brain functions*. Work hand-in-hand with LAC BrainSpeed and NeuroProtect for synergistic effects: BrainSpeed provides important brain nutrients, NeuroProtect protects brain structure and nerve cells & BrainEX delivers nutrients to the brain.
High-phosphatidylserine (PS) brain formula
For those with particular need for sharp mind, memory (e.g. middle-age & elderly).
According to the National Institute of Health, “Scientists increasingly view mental illnesses as developmental disorders that have their roots in the processes involved in how the brain matures.”
