Cutting-Edge Research
Some very exciting new research has shown the link between memory loss and early vision loss. BOTH can be treated at the same time, and stem from the same source. As we age many of us accept gradual “senior moments” as well as gradual vision loss as something that is inevitable and we don’t think that there’s anything that can be done about them. But, as this new study shows, they are linked and according to our experience there is quite a bit that can be done to reduce both.
The new study in the journal Acta Neuropathologica took retinal samples from 86 human donors over a 14 year period, and linked the cognitive impairment with retinal degradation that can happen in the earliest phase of disease progression. We know through our work that much can be done to help the retinal cells retain vibrancy, so can this in fact help protect an aging brain from dementia as well?
If you’re like me, you have at least one elderly relative that has suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease and so you know how awful the disease progression can be. According to the Alzheimer’s Association more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s Disease. Even though you don’t have to live with the constant dread of memory loss hanging over your head it is important to know what some of the signs of cognitive decline are:
– Difficulty Focusing
– Feeling Overwhelm with New Information or Things
– Trouble retaining current information
– Slowing down at everyday tasks
If you have any of these symptoms you’re not necessarily at risk of Alzheimer’s, but they do show that you should begin to support your brain. You’re never too young to begin protecting your cognitive function.
Cognitive Function Challenges
There are several common aspects to daily life that can adversely effect your brain and its ability to stay vibrant and supple. The heaviest effects come from heavy metals such as lead, cadmium or mercury that can be in foods, airborne particulates, water and our interior surroundings. These metals can cross the blood-brain barrier and adversely affect your brain and nervous system. They trigger neuro-inflammatory states and since the brain doesn’t have an immune system they can compound over time.
They affect optimal cognitive function in a variety of ways:
– Trigger Galectin-3, a precursor to inflammation
– Interfere with neurotransmitter production
– Promote Tau protein buildup in the brain, which has been shown to harm brain function
– Increase plaques in the brain, a sign of Alzheimer’s Disease
Effects of Neuro-inflammation
A certain amount of inflammation is expected and appropriate for humans, it actually is necessary for us to survive. Our body is constantly destroying and recycling cells, viruses and aberrant tissues and using inflammation to secure the area while cleaning up the debris. However, too much inflammation in the eyes and the brain can lead to a runaway chain reaction that can be detrimental to the brain in many ways, such as:
– Increasing the chances of Alzheimer’s and dementia
– Destroying brain cells
– Triggering brain fog and memory loss
– Interrupting focus and attention
– Increasing oxidative stress and damage
Triggering Neuro-inflammation
Type 2 Diabetes has been shown to be a risk-factor for memory loss. The freely circulating sugar molecules act like small knives in the insides of the capillaries and veins and when the interior of the vessels is damaged a small bump forms like a scab inside the blood vessel. Once this happens the flow of blood is interrupted and tiny bits of inflammatory tissue are left exposed within the blood stream. Keeping the sugar out of the blood helps keep inflammatory tissue to a minimum and helps the body avoid exposing eye and brain issue to unnecessary inflammatory states.
How to stay mentally and visually sharp
- Magnolia Bark – Huo Po to the rescue. For thousands of years the Chinese have used every aspect of the magnolia tree in formulas. Interestingly Huo Po an cross the blood-brain barrier (one of very few biological substances that can!) and helps the brain by reducing oxidative stress which reduces neuro-inflammation which helps mental clarity and visual clarity.
- Citrus Peel – Chen Pi is the great assistant. Israeli studies have shown that citrus peel can reduce Galectin-3 inflammatory cascades by nipping the process as it starts. Using the two herbs together can be a powerful 1:2 punch to:
Reduce brain inflammation and oxidative stress
Protect against memory loss
Improve cognitive function
- Eyemmunity Diet – by focusing on vegetables that fuel retinal and brain health and avoiding pro-inflammatory foods you can begin to support your body’s natural inclination to achieve balance and vitality.
- Exercise – movement helps course blood into muscles and tissues that may not be receiving enough. Do our Vision Qi Gong or get out and do 10,000 steps each day and feel your body, brain and eyes getting better with each movement.
- Tibetan Foot Soaks – For thousands of years the Tibetans have used herbal foot soaks as their first line of defense against almost all maladies. You can now share their ancient wisdom by using our Tibetan Herbal Foot Soaks for you to dredge the blood vessels and reduce cholesterol and inflammation in the blood stream.
You are welcome to reach out to us for more information or you can schedule a face-to-face initial consultation here.
Disclaimer
This website is for informational purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative, or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to see the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
Sources:
Yosef Koronyo, Y., Rentsendorj, A., Mirzaei, N. Retinal pathological features and proteome signatures of Alzheimer’s disease Acta Neuropathologica Feb. (2023) 145:409–438
2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/media/documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf
Subjective Cognitive Decline – a Public Health Issue, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed July 30, 2019: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/subjective-cognitive-decline-brief.html
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