“Roughly one-quarter of people living in the US carry a genetic variant of the apolipoprotein E gene, called APOE4, the most important genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Many lifestyle behaviors can mitigate risk, especially sleep hygiene, which provides an opportunity to rid the brain of toxic metabolic byproducts that can contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk.”
“Naturally occurring forms of vitamin K include phylloquinone, known as vitamin K1, and a family of molecules called menaquinones, known as vitamin K2. In this Aliquot, Dr. Bruce Ames and I discuss the differences between (and dietary sources of) vitamins K1 and K2 and their effects on human health.”
“Choline is particularly important during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but some evidence suggests that choline supplementation could carry some risks. In this Aliquot, I talk about the science surrounding choline.”
“Meditation is a form of mental training geared toward improving aspects of a person's core neurocognitive function, such as the regulation of attention and emotion. Research suggests that meditation may protect the brain from the negative effects of stress and promote mental health.”
“Meditation, in its various forms, has powerful effects on the brain and body. In this second part of our two-part series on meditation, we'll discuss some of the different ways to engage in meditation as well as some of its parallel practices, such as running or communing with nature.”
“Migraine is a neurological disorder that typically manifests as an intense, debilitating headache and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Roughly 15 percent of people worldwide experience migraines, with women reporting them more often than men.”
“Whether the medical community will embrace these lifestyle interventions remains to be seen. Available pharmaceutical treatments have their advantages and disadvantages, and while they are helpful for a subset of depressed people, a quarter of patients taking antidepressants may get worse.”
“Resistance training is one of the most effective ways to maintain bone health. Still, other lifestyle factors, like not smoking, limiting alcohol, and ensuring that you provide your body with the nutritional components it needs for bone-building, are important too.”
“Vascular dysfunction, the loss of normal endothelial tone and permeability of blood vessels, is a common feature of most forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. People who carry the APOE4 gene are at greater risk for vascular dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease.”
“Preventing dementia requires a lifelong and multipronged approach that involves keeping inflammation (and its aging effects) at bay and making healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising and consuming omega-3 fatty acids.”
