Counting On Crossword Puzzles? What You Should Know About Alzheimer's Disease And Brain Metabolism
Alzheimer's disease—it is a terrible monster, a form of dementia that continues to affect over four million Americans each year. Most of these Americans are over the age of sixty-five; it is less common to get Alzheimer's disease as a young person and the risk increases with age.
Alzheimer's first affects the memory of those who are afflicted; such persons may have difficulties remembering recent names, events, and activities. The symptoms start out as being mild; however, as the disease progresses the symptoms become worse and more worrisome. As the disease grows worse, people with Alzheimer's may forget how to do basic tasks, such as brushing their hair or climbing the stairs—eventually, many people with Alzheimer's disease forget how to speak. Scientists are not sure about what causes Alzheimer's disease; however, recent studies have suggested that brain metabolism could play a role in Alzheimer's disease.
Causes Of Alzheimer's disease—Could Brain Metabolism Be One Of Them?
Scientists are extremely hesitant to specify what the causes of Alzheimer's disease actually are, because they themselves are not entirely sure. There are several factors that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's; primarily, age plays a large role. Family history can also contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. For example, for a certain type of Alzheimer's, a protein that can be inherited has been determined to be a possible cause. Thus, genetics can also determine your individual risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Other causes might include chronic inflammation of the brain, or a head injury.
Although scientists are unsure about the causes of Alzheimer's disease, recent studies have indicated that brain metabolism could play a role. Brain metabolism can cause neurons to stop functioning, which in turn can cause a build up of molecules called oxygen free radicals. This theory concludes that the everyday functions of the brain could lead to the development of Alzheimer's.
Researchers once said that completing crossword puzzles and other mind games could help to prevent Alzheimer's. Is it time to put away the crossword puzzle in favor of this new brain metabolism theory? Don't put down the pencil just yet—the theory regarding brain metabolism is still just that—a theory. Perhaps in future years, scientists will be able to conduct more research that will expand upon this brain metabolism theory. It is only when Alzheimer's is understood that it will be possible to effectively treat this deadly disease.
Latest News About Metabolism:
Yahoo! News: Weight Loss News
2 Drugs Fail to Prevent Diabetes in the Overweight
(HealthDay)
HealthDay - SUNDAY, March 14 (HealthDay News) -- Hopes that two available drugs
could help prevent diabetes and the problems it causes in overweight
people with poor sugar metabolism have been dashed by a major
international study.
Health Tip: What's Behind Childhood Obesity
(HealthDay)
HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- Obesity is a major problem in the United
States, and children are no exception. Today's kids are spending more
hours watching TV, sitting at the computer or playing video games, and
less time being active.
Obese Colon Cancer Survivors Face Poorer Prognosis
(HealthDay)
HealthDay - TUESDAY, March 9 (HealthDay News) -- Colon cancer survivors who
are moderately or severely obese face tougher survival odds following
treatment compared with their normal-weight peers, a new study
reveals.
AFP - New York leaders are pressing for a so-called fat tax on the soft drinks industry, saying that sweet beverages are responsible for an upsurge of obesity across the United States.
School drink deal cuts sugar
(Reuters)
Reuters - A deal to sell healthier drinks in U.S. schools has slashed the amount of fattening beverages offered to students, former President Bill Clinton said on Monday as New York leaders pushed for a soda tax to tackle obesity and budget shortfalls.
AFP - Women who drink a couple of glasses of red wine, beer or spirits a day are better at keeping the pounds off than women who do not drink at all, according to a study published Monday.
