Whole Minded Lifelong Brain Health Journal

The Mediterranean Diet and Its Brain Health Benefits

There has been plenty of buzz lately about the Mediterranean diet, but what exactly is the Mediterranean Diet and is it actually good for brain health? Click to read and learn more.  Read more...

Get Your Hearing Checked. It May Reduce Your Risk of Dementia.

In this article we explore how hearing and brain health are connected and the things you can do to minimize the risk of cognitive decline from hearing loss. 

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Celebrating Women and Brain Health: Two Women Revolutionizing Health Through Nutrition

In this article we celebrate the work of two women whose mothers are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Annie Fenn and Angela Hofmann, and are making a difference through their advocacy for the power of nutrition and brain health.  Read more...

4 Groundbreaking Studies for Alzheimer's Prevention

There have been significant strides made in recent years towards the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Several groundbreaking studies have emerged, highlighting the importance of lifestyle interventions with diet, sleep, exercise, and the pillars of brain health in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

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Create Your Own Blue Zone

The secrets of longevity and brain health lie in 5 main Blue Zone regions across the world: Sardinia, Ikaria, Loma Linda, Nicoya Peninsula, and Okinawa, each with a unique spin on lifestyle, diet, and way of life that contribute to remarkable health, wellness, and lack of disease for many centenarians who inhabit them.  Let’s look at the similarities so you can put it into action for yourself! 

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Top 10 Things You Should Do Now to Reduce Your Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the progressive loss of certain neurons in the brain that are involved in motor coordination, resulting in symptoms such as tremors, stiff muscles, impaired balance, and as the disease progresses, it often leads to cognitive decline and dementia.  Read more...

Dr. Tom Holland and Dr. Edward Park Discussion | Vitamin D, Flavonols, & MIND Diet

NeuroReserve founder Edward Park, Ph.D, and Tom Holland, M.D, Rush University Medical Center researcher and medical advisor to NeuroReserve, talk about why flavonols and vitamin D are important for brain health, plus the latest In MIND diet studies. Read more...

OC Radio Talk | Heath Talks with Founder, Dr. Edward Park

In this interview segment, Ed speaks with Dr. Dung Trinh, a widely respected physician and prevention advocate, and Paul Roberts, host of OC Radio Talk, and shares about the list of ingredients in RELEVATE and how they support brain function and memory. 

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Is Menopause Causing My Brain Fog?

As a woman in mid-life, you may be finding your body changing in ways that make you feel alone.  Perimenopause and menopause are times of relatively rapid shifts in hormone production that don’t just affect your cycle.  Shifting hormone production also impacts your energy, skin, metabolism, sleep, and, maybe most concerning, brain function. In this article we are going to help you understand those reasons so you can be empowered to care for your body and brain during this new season of life.     Read more...

S.H.I.E.L.D Lifestyle Interventions for Brain Health

Want a simple way to remember how to take care of your brain today and reduce the risk of brain disease in the future? The SHIELD Plan is a great acronym to help!  SHIELD was developed by Dr. Rudolph Tanzi at McCance Center for Brain Health. By focusing on these simple strategies, you’ll be giving your brain the support it needs to stay sharp and function optimally.  Read more...

Celebrating the Brain Health Kitchen Cookbook and Annie Fenn, M.D.

The foods we eat have a powerful impact on our memory, cognitive performance and risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. When it comes to brain-healthy eating, no one does it better than Dr. Annie Fenn. As a physician, chef and brain healthy eating advocate, Annie is making incredible contributions to prevention and nutrition by helping everyday cooks find the joy of brain healthy eating at home, and we are honored to celebrate the recent publication of Annie’s first cookbook in this article!   Read more...

The Causes of Long COVID Cognitive Dysfunction (“Brain Fog”) and Nutritional Supplementation That May Help

Here, we’ll introduce three suspected causes of long COVID and “COVID brain.”  Armed with that knowledge, we’ll consider which nutrients or nutritional supplements researchers are investigating to address those causes. 

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Are There Really Vitamins for Memory?

Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten the reason why? Many experience this or other small lapses in memory from time to time.  You might wonder if it’s normal or if there are effective vitamins for memory Here well discuss five memory-strengthening nutrients to look for in brain supplements, but first let’s start by better understanding this intricate process. 

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Understanding Omega-3 Fats and Their Many Benefits

You’ve probably heard about omega-3 fats—the healthy fats we should include in our diets—when reading about health or browsing the aisles at the grocery store. However, did you know that there are different types of omega-3 fats? And did you know that omega-3 fats benefit a broad array of body systems, not just the heart and brain? Read on to learn more about this essential fat.

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Risk Factors of Alzheimer's/Dementia

As many as 40% of dementia cases can be associated with modifiable risk factors that could be reduced by changing lifestyle or behavior in midlife.* The goal of being aware of these risk factors is to help lessen them in order to better your brain health.   Read more...

4 Delectable Dark Chocolate Desserts

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you might be looking for a brain-healthy and delectable treat to share with loved ones. Here are 4 of the best dark chocolate desserts we love that may strengthen memory, reduce brain fog and support your overall cognitive function. Read more...

Choosing the Best Supplement for Brain Health: What to Look for

There are plenty of reasons you may be considering a brain health supplement.  You may want to improve memory now, or prevent memory loss in the future.  Are you experiencing brain fog?  Maybe you need help with focus or feeling sharp. Whatever your reason may be, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when choosing a supplement for your brain health. 

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Is Long COVID Affecting Your Cognitive Health and Memory? It’s More Common Than You Think.

In this article we explore symptoms that long haulers of COVID have experienced, how the brain and fatigue play a role, and what you can do about it. 

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Holiday Spotlight: A Banner Year for Women’s Brain Health, Alzheimer’s Risk and Research

2022 was an especially eventful year regarding women’s Alzheimer’s research and awareness.  Here's a recap of what we learned and where to go to learn more, plus details about our special holiday bundle celebrating women's brain health. Read more...

Spotting Normal vs Abnormal Cognition During the Holidays, Recap for 2022

NeuroReserve founder Dr. Edward Park reconnects with family dementia coach Jessie Hillock in an Instagram Live to discuss what changes to look for during this holiday season – and if they are normal or abnormal.    Read more...

2022 Brain Health Updates with Dr. Annie Fenn

NeuroReserve Founder Ed Park, Ph.D. discusses the latest developments in brain health research this year with Annie Fenn, M.D. Read more...

Holiday Gift Guide 2022: Six Pillars of Brain Healthy Giving

The holidays are fast approaching and if you’re looking for memorable gift ideas for your loved ones, our Brain Healthy Gift Guide will help you find a gift for each person on your list. Read more...

ApoE4 2022 Update – What Experts Say About Nutrition

New evidence suggests there's a lot that you can do to support your brain health and lower your risk of Alzheimer’s. Read on to learn about the latest research regarding ApoE4 in 2022 and what experts say about how nutrition can play a role. A single allele of ApoE4 increases Alzheimer’s risk by about 2-3 fold, while two alleles is associated with 12 fold increase in risk. Read more...

Alzheimer’s Expert Panel Discussion and Summary: How to reduce risk, what to look for as a caregiver, genetic factors, and nutrition for brain health

NeuroReserve founder Dr. Ed Park was recently joined by a panel of medical experts and advocates for an Instagram Live to spread awareness and education on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Here, we provide highlights of the discussion driven by questions from the community on topics such as prevention, nutrition, genetics, caregiving, and more. 

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12 of Our Favorite Cookbooks and Nutrition Resources to Help you Set the Table for Brain Health

We’ve put together a list of twelve of our favorite brain health related nutrition and lifestyle resources to educate and inspire. This list contains cookbooks and other informative resources from well-regarded neurologists, chefs, and nutritionists leading the way in the world of nutrition for brain health.  Read more...

Brain Healthy Snacks for Your Next Road Trip or Vacation

We’ve compiled a list of brain healthy snacks that are easy to grab along the road or prepare in advance for your next road trip or airline flight. With a little planning, you’ll be feeling your best and fueling your brain with the energy it needs.  Read more...

Top 11 Things You Should Do Now to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer's

We’ve curated a list of the best things you can start doing to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s.   Read more...

Brain Health Study: Midlife Lipid and Glucose Levels Linked to Alzheimer's Disease

A recent study found that even at the young age of 35, cholesterol and blood glucose levels can impact your risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease later in life. In this article, we break down the results of this study and how you can best support your health in midlife.

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Top 10 Brain-Healthy Swaps in the Kitchen

The best way to start eating brain-healthy is by replacing a few items in your kitchen. Making big changes to your diet can feel challenging and often unsustainable, but small, incremental changes are a great place to start. Read more...

An Interview with Dr. Zoltan Mari: Parkinson’s Disease, Risk Factors, and Things We Can Do to Reduce Risk

In this interview, Zoltan K. Mari M.D., FAAN, sits down with NeuroReserve's Marketing Director, Maureen Marsic, to talk about Parkinson’s Disease, Risk Factors, and Things We Can Do to Reduce Risk.  Read more...

Top 13 Nutrients to Supplement for Long Term Brain Health and Memory

This list explores the nutrients that stand out in the research for their brain-protective functions.  We focus on the nutrients that help with memory and focus, but more importantly give your brain long-term staying power.  The MeDi and MIND diets have shown the following components are powerful when consumed regularly. Read more...

MJ Grant: CODA, Dementia Caregiver and Advocate for Deaf Individuals

Deaf or hard of hearing can increase the risk of developing dementia. This article honors Mary Jane (aka MJ) Grant, a CODA (child of deaf adults) who advocates for the deaf, especially those with dementia. Read more...

Finding Your Ikigai

Evidence supports that having a sense of purpose is very important to keeping your long-term brain healthHow do the longest-lived people find a sense of purpose and meaning?  This article highlights a Japanese term called Ikigai (pronounced “ic-kee-guy"), which means your “reason for being”.  

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An Interview with Dr. Marwan Sabbagh: Strong Heart, Sharp Mind

In this interview, Dr. Marwan Sabbagh talks about his recently published book, Strong Heart, Sharp Mind: 6 Step Program that Reverses Heart Disease and Helps Prevent Alzheimer’s Read more...

The Blue Zones: A Recipe for Brain Health and Longevity, Part 5: Okinawa, Japan

Part 5 of this 5-part series explores the Blue Zone region of Okinawa, Japan to understand how they incorporate diet, stress reduction, sense of purpose and connection, and physical activity into their daily lives.   Read more...

The Blue Zones: A Recipe for Brain Health and Longevity, Part 4: Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Part 4 of this 5-part series explores the Blue Zone region of Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica to understand how they incorporate diet, stress reduction, sense of purpose and connection, and physical activity into their daily lives.   Read more...

What’s the Difference Between Normal Cognitive Aging and Something More Worrisome?

As the holidays approach, we look forward to time with friends and joyous reunions with our families.  This is a perfect time to reconnect, share a meal and celebrate.  But there’s another element to this much anticipated season that often comes to light during our time together: changes in our loved ones. We’ve consulted with Jessie Hillock, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Licensed Speech Language Pathologist and Family Coach, to bring more insight.  Read more...

The Blue Zones: A Recipe for Brain Health and Longevity, Part 3: Loma Linda, USA

Part 3 of this 5-part series explores the Blue Zone region of Loma Linda, USA, to understand how they incorporate diet, stress reduction, sense of purpose and connection, and physical activity into their daily lives.   Read more...

Jimmy Choi: JC Fox Ninja and Advocate

Jimmy Choi, affectionately known as the “Fox Ninja”, is an American Ninja Warrior, and he happens to have Parkinson’s disease.  His story is an inspiration in overcoming the stigma of Parkinson’s and using it to raise awareness and fund cutting-edge research. Read more...

The Blue Zones: A Recipe for Brain Health and Longevity, Part 2: Sardinia, Italy

Part 2 of this 5-part series explores Sardinia, Italy and how lifestyle factors like diet, stress reduction, sense of purpose and connection, and physical activity lead to better brain health and longevity.    Read more...

Dan Jaworski: Alzheimer's Outlier and Advocate

In this article, we honor Dan Jaworski, a true Alzheimer’s “outlier.  There’s a saying in the Alzheimer’s community that the first survivor of the disease is out there yet to be found, and each day we get closer to that discovery.  To that, we say:  Meet Dan Jaworski.  The search may be over.  Read more...

The Blue Zones: A Recipe for Brain Health and Longevity, Part 1: Ikaria, Greece

Part 1 of this 5-part series explores Ikaria Greece and how lifestyle factors like diet, stress reduction, sense of purpose and connection, and physical activity lead to better brain health and longevity. Read more...

Women and Alzheimer's: Brain Health News Update 2021 Part 3, The Impact of Carrying the ApoE4 Gene on Women

Part 3 of this 3-part series explores how age, ApoE status and sex create a triad of risk of Alzheimer's disease.

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Reflections on Self-Care From a Former Alzheimer's Caregiver

Since my mom passed away from Alzheimer's, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on our journey, my experience as a caregiver, and all the lessons I have learned along the way.  Read more...

Women and Alzheimer's: Brain Health News Update 2021 Part 2, A Closer Look at Women's Brains

Part 2 of this 3-part series takes a closer look at women's brains and how menopause affects Alzheimer's risk. Read more...

Preventing Cognitive Decline with the Mediterranean and MIND Diets

In this interview segment, our medical advisor Marwan Sabbagh, M.D., highlights the importance of the Mediterranean and MIND diets and how they can positively affect your brain health.  Dr. Sabbagh also talks about the research that suggests that following these diets can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.  Read more...

Women and Alzheimer's: Brain Health News Update 2021 Part 1, The Estrogen Hypothesis

Part 1 of this 3-part series explores how estrogen is emerging as a neuroprotective hormone. Read more...

How Food Exerts Its Effects on Our Mental Health

Mental health encompasses our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It involves our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, and it also affects the state of our physical health. One of the most modifiable ways you can positively affect your mental health is with food. In this article, we’ll highlight the ways we currently understand how food can affect our mental health through: gut microbiota, fiber and probiotics, inflammation and anti-inflammatory diets, and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Read more...

Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's Risk

In this brief podcast segment, Marwan Sabbagh, M.D., FAAN, sits down with our founder, Dr. Edward Park, to emphasize the link between Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's Risk. Read more...

The Dementia Continuum: Its Stages and How to Delay It

Have you ever had the experience of walking into the kitchen and forgetting why you did? Or maybe you’ve forgotten an appointment because it slipped your mind. These lapses in memory are normal, but sometimes become more concerning to us as we age. Did you know that AD begins silently, with changes slowly building in the brain many years before symptoms even begin? Researchers refer to this as a dementia "continuum," with changes happening in the brain over decades. Read on to learn more about this continuum and its stages ... and actions we can take to stave it off. Read more...