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Folate Plays A Key Role In Anti-aging Cognitive Techniques
Author: ©Connie Limon

Medical researchers have proven that high levels of folate can slow the cognitive decline usually seen as people age. This research was presented at the US-based Alzheimer's Association's first conference on prevention of dementia. Folate is definitely instrumental in anti-aging techniques for the brain.

The research suggested that otherwise healthy people can slow declining brain function by taking double the recommended daily dose of folate.

Scientists studied men and women 50-75 years of age taking 800 mcg of folate a day over a three year period. They found the group scored much better in cognitive tests than their peers who took the placebo. The supplement users also scored higher on memory tests as much as 5.5 years younger than their chronological age.

The study is the first to convincingly show folate can slow cognitive decline and plays a key role in anti-aging techniques for cognitive functioning. Since the study involved healthy older people and not people with Alzheimer's symptoms, it does not tell us if folate might ward off that disease. This is an important question still unanswered.

Earlier studies suggested folate combined with other B vitamins can reduce levels of homocysteine, which is an amino acid thought to be one of the causes for onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers think we ought to be more conscious about the health of our brain very much in the same way we think about the health of our heart. Alzheimer's disease begins many, many years before symptoms appear.

The researchers of this study say it is not clear how folate works to protect the brain. It might be that it lowers inflammation or plays a role in expression of dementia-related genes.

Oranges, strawberries, dark green leafy vegetables and beans are good sources of folate to include in a daily anti-aging diet. Folate is also added to cereal and flour products in the United States . The recommended daily dose of folate in the United States is 400 micrograms. Doctors have long advised women of childbearing age to take folate supplements to ensure they get an adequate daily dose.

This new research adds to the mounting evidence that an anti-aging diet higher in folate provides protection against a variety of diseases. For a long time now, scientists have felt folate plays a role in dementia. Previous studies show people with low folate levels are more at risk for heart disease and decreased cognitive functioning.

Research also now suggests there are anti-aging ways to protect the brain against age-related memory losses and Alzheimer's disease. There are classes being offered by the Alzheimer's Association to teach people techniques to protect the brain. Some of those techniques include:

•Exercise the brain: In youth, exercise for the brain is acquiring good education. As a person begins to age, excellent anti-aging brain exercises include working crossword puzzles, learning to play an instrument or the game of chess and taking classes helps to exercise the brain.

•Social stimulation helps prevent decreased cognitive function

•Physical activity: Having a bad memory has been linked to heart disease and diabetes due to the clogged arteries that slow blood flow to the brain. Exercise is helpful to all these functions.

•Experts recommend doing something mentally, physically and socially stimulating all at the same time. An example would be coaching your child's ball team or taking a dance class.

•A heart healthy anti-aging diet is also good for brain healthy anti-aging.

Source: The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.