Whole Minded Lifelong Brain Health Journal

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Signs, Symptoms, and Brain Health Impacts

Do you tend to avoid eating clams, salmon, or eggs?  Are you taking medications for type 2 diabetes?  If so, you may be among the up to 40% of people aged 60 and older who are deficient in vitamin B12. Keep reading to learn what vitamin B12 is, why you may find yourself with low levels, the signs of a B12 deficiency, and some effective strategies to help boost your vitamin B12 intake.  Read more...

Game of Risks: Sports, Head Trauma and the Realities of Parkinson's Disease

Sports bring us joy as we cheer for our favorite teams, revel in the thrill of the action, and celebrate every goal.  However, behind the excitement lies a serious concern for the health of many athletes. Repeated head impacts can lead to recurrent concussions, significantly increasing the risk of long-term brain diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementia.​ Read more...

Magnesium for Restful Sleep: The Benefits and Form You Need

Could your sleep problems be sabotaging your brain health?  Sleep is a crucial part of keeping your brain strong now and in your later years.  Yet, sleep issues are widespread.  One of the nutrients often considered for its impact on sleep is magnesium.  But could this mineral be the key to improving your sleep quality?  How exactly does magnesium support better sleep, and which form should you be taking?  In this article, we'll answer these important questions. 

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Top 14 Alzheimer's Modifiable Risk Factors: 2024 Lancet Commissions Report

September is World Alzheimer's Month, a crucial time to reflect on your habits and assess areas where you can support your brain health for the future.  More and more research has shown we can dramatically reduce our risk of the disease. 

Today, we’ll explore important findings from the newly published 2024 Lancet Commissions report to help guide you in reducing your risk. 

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Sweet Relaxation: Chamomile and Honey’s Dual Benefits for Sleep and Brain

The quality of your sleep has a huge influence on your brain’s health, impacting everything from your mood in the evening to your focus during the day. Keep reading to discover the science of how sipping a comforting cup of chamomile tea and honey before bed can improve your sleep, reduce stress levels, and benefit your brain health. Read more...

Are You Vitamin Deficient? Here are Causes and Their Health Impact

You carefully choose your meals every day, but have you ever stopped to think about what nutrients they provide?   Are you getting all the important vitamins and minerals your body needs, or are some slipping through the cracks?  So, what might be causing these vitamin deficiencies?  We’ll examine some of the key causes. 

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The 8 Forms of Vitamin E: Functions, Uses, and Brain Health

Your body has the ability to make many nutrients; however, some can solely be obtained through diet, one of which is vitamin E.  Continue reading to learn about the different forms of vitamin E, where to find them, and why it's important for your lasting brain health. 

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Exploring B-Vitamins: Forms, Functions, Choices for Brain Health, and More

Ever wondered which B-vitamins you need for energy, metabolism, and brain support?  You're not alone.  With so many types and their vital roles in our bodies, it can be tricky to figure out the best ones to include in your routine.  Here, we’ll be discussing the 8 different forms, their functions, and good choices to focus on for lasting brain health. 

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Choosing the Best Magnesium Supplement (and Form) for Brain Health and Beyond

If you’re looking for a magnesium supplement, you may find that there are countless types and forms available.  It can be difficult to distinguish between the different types and decide which one may be best for you.  The good news is that different forms of magnesium have specific uses and we’ll help break it down for you.  Read more...

Reevaluating the APOE4 Gene: Is It a New Genetic Form of Alzheimer’s Disease?

The APOE4 gene variant has long been known to be connected to Alzheimer's disease.  Recognized as a “risk gene,” it increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's. The new Nature Study suggests that being an APOE4 homozygote represents a new genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease. Let's dive into it.  Read more...

Women and Sleep Loss: Some Things to Consider

As women age, their bodies undergo numerous changes, and one common issue reported by over 50% of women is difficulty with sleeping.  Today, we'll explore key factors women should consider regarding sleep loss and discuss actionable steps to improve sleep quality during this stage of life.  Read more...

L-theanine, Catechins, & More: Drink Green Tea for Brain Nutrition

A cup of green tea may not be the first thing you reach for in your brain care routine, but it turns out that this simple addition provides more than one nutrient that can help protect your memories and keep your brain sharp.  Read on to find out about all the ways in which green tea, including its potent variant matcha, contributes to better brain health.  Read more...

Green Tea and Longevity: Lessons from Okinawa, Japan Blue Zone

While it's no magic potion, green tea has been a staple of Okinawan life for generations and is readily available in grocery stores nationwide. So, why is green tea such a staple in the Okinawan’s daily diet?  And how does it help them maintain their brain health for 100+ years? 

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4 Research Advances in Parkinson's Prevention and Management

Parkinson's disease has garnered increasing attention in research circles, with a dedicated pursuit of understanding its causes, effective management strategies, and avenues for prevention.  Today we’ll explore 4 specific research findings, particularly focusing on risk factors and lifestyle interventions aimed at the management and prevention of Parkinson's.  Read more...

How Does Parkinson’s Relate to Various Forms of Dementias?

Today, let’s explore Parkinson's disease and its connection to various forms of dementia, as well as the specific symptoms associated with each type of dementia to highlight the unique challenges faced by individuals living with these conditions. 

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How Does Parkinson’s Relate to Dementia?

Several other illnesses are linked to Parkinson’s, or have similar symptoms; remember that dementia is not a disease in itself, but a collection of symptoms caused by one or more disorders that affect the brain.1,2  Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into how Parkinson’s disease and dementia can be linked.   Read more...

10 Dietary Strategies That Could Help Parkinson’s Prevention and Management: How and What to Eat

Roughly 5-10% of Parkinson's cases can be attributed to genetics as the dominant factor.  There is one more very common risk factor that many of us share: diet.  How and what we choose to eat can significantly impact brain cells and other cells (like gut cells) that contribute to the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, or its progression. Read more...

Parkinson’s as a Metabolic Disease: A New Perspective

While it’s certainly true that Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects parts of the brain that control movement, PD can also be seen more broadly, as a metabolic health condition which stems partly from inflammation, and from issues relating to cellular energy production.  Read more...

The Aftermath of Head Trauma: Will It Raise Your Risk of Dementia?

The human skull is one of nature’s wonders.  Tough, durable, and capable of healing itself, the skull exists to contain and protect the most extraordinary of all things: the human brain.  Injuries to the head, and especially to the brain itself, therefore present serious concerns. Read more...

4 Groundbreaking Studies for a Youthful Brain

In recent years, there has been a surge in research aimed at understanding how we can keep our brains young as we age.  These studies focus on identifying risk factors that we have the power to modify, with lifestyle and nutrition emerging as key themes.  Join us as we dive into four recent groundbreaking studies that shed light on effective strategies for maintaining youthful brain function.  Read more...

Your Guide to Adopting the MIND Diet

Striving for better health through diet can feel like an uphill battle.  But what if there was a scientifically proven way to nourish your mind effectively?  Well, there is, and it’s called the MIND diet.  Read more...

How Vascular Dementia and Stroke are Connected

While strokes are typically seen as affecting immediate health, they also raise substantial risks for future cognitive decline. More specifically, strokes share a connection with vascular dementia, the 2nd most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease Read more...

The Surprising Impact of COVID-19 on Stroke Risk and Brain Health

We’re going to assess the danger posed by COVID-19 to cardiovascular health, and how it can increase your risk of experiencing a stroke.  Most importantly, we’ll describe what you can do about it.  Read more...

How to Care for Your Brain with Expert Guidance

We've gathered some knowledge from health experts specializing in brain health, functional medicine, and caregiver support/dementia professionals.  With a shared commitment to lifelong brain health, they offer their expertise to help you show some extra love to your brain, on this Valentine’s Day! 

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Keep in MIND: The Mediterranean Diet is a ‘Gold Standard’ for Heart Health

One of the biggest drivers and risk reduction tools for cardiovascular disease is a proper diet, with the Mediterranean diet being a top choice. Read more...

A Comparative Guide to the Mediterranean Diet vs. Standard American Diet

Today, let's learn about the differences between the MeDi and SAD diets.  Just because you live in America doesn't mean you have to follow the SAD and fall into poor health status.  Explore how you can choose to embrace the MeDi and its lifestyle for a longer, healthier life! 

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How Midlife Metabolic Changes in Women Can Impact Brain Health

You may have heard of a “poor metabolism” or increasing abdominal fat happening during midlife, especially in women entering menopause, but there are underlying metabolic changes taking place that contribute to the challenges we often face at this phase of life. Read more...

Is Your Metabolic Health Worsening Your Brain Health? Some Thoughts to Consider.

Less than a third of Americans are metabolically healthy, and another third are living with metabolic syndrome. Importantly, pursuit of metabolic health is not just about counting calories.  Done right, it can substantially reduce our risk of developing serious diseases. Read more...

The 4 Horsemen of Disease and the Connection to Metabolic Health

For our series on metabolic health and its impact on the brain and other diseases, here we’ll introduce you to the interplay of the “Four Horsemen” and how metabolic health is involved. 

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10 Brain Healthy Habits to Add to the New Year

Ready to make 2024 a year of positive transformations by adopting habits that not only improve your daily life but also contribute to the health of your brain?  As the calendar resets, it's an ideal moment to evaluate our routines and lifestyle habits, identifying areas for improvement, particularly in terms of brain health.  Explore these 10 achievable brain-healthy habits to add to your list and your commitment to lifelong brain health.  Read more...

Dementia Forms: Understanding the Diverse Faces of the Condition

Dementia is not a one-size-fits-all condition; it manifests in various forms, impacting individuals uniquely and for different reasons.  The complexity of these variations emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding the diverse nature of dementia.  

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Expert-Recommended Sleep Tips for Better Brain Health

We've partnered with esteemed health experts specializing in women’s midlife and general health, longevity biohacking, and caregiver support/dementia professionals.  With a shared commitment to lifelong brain health, they offer their expertise to enhance your sleep routine and habits to support your core brain practices. 

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How Sleep Loss Can Lead to Poor Brain Health

You roll over and the clock reads 3 am.  Have I been lying here wide awake for 4 hours already?  Does this sound familiar?  Sleep deprivation and sleep disorders are very common and have lasting impacts on your day-to-day life, including impact on brain and cognitive health.  Today we’ll be diving deeper into how poor sleep and sleep disorders can be detected and may affect your brain health, both in the short-term and long-term.  Read more...

Brain Healthy De-stresscember: 4 Ways to De-stress During December

Chronic stress during the holidays not only affects our immediate well-being but has also been linked to an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.  As you navigate the hustle and bustle, your well-intentioned brain goals often face unintended challenges This De-stresscember, we invite you to embark on a journey of self-care Join us as we unwrap the top tips and tricks to navigate the holiday season with grace Read more...

11 Top Nutrients & 3 Smart Choices for the Gut-Brain Axis

They might seem like separate systems, but the gut and the brain are intimately connected by a bi-directional communication network which involves several key systems.  This intricate two-way street allows the brain to influence the gut’s immune cell response, while the gut plays an important role in cognition and mood. Read more...

Understanding the Emotional Cost of Caring

The impact of caregiving on mental health cannot be overlooked, as caregivers often find themselves at an increased risk for poor mental health, potentially leading them down the same paths as those they care for This is where the noble act of providing care comes at a cost.  Read more...

Honoring Family Caregivers: Real Life Perspectives from the Front Lines

During this Family Caregivers Month, we're privileged to hear from a diverse group of caregivers and advocates within our community.  They graciously shared their unique caregiving journeys, shedding light on the challenges they've faced and effective strategies they've discovered along the way.  Join us in recognizing and honoring the resilience of caregivers as they generously share their experiences to uplift and assist others going through similar paths.  

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Women's Brain Health Recent Research Breakthroughs

In the past year, we've witnessed remarkable progress in the journey to better women's brain health and identify factors influencing their risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.  Our path of discovery has led us to some remarkable studies that stand out as beacons of knowledge and hope. Read more...

Women's Health and Cognitive Decline – Summing-Up What You Need to Know

Intriguingly, women, who generally outlive men, have long been recognized as having a greater likelihood of developing Alzheimer's.  In fact, a substantial majority, approximately two-thirds, of Alzheimer's patients are women. Read more...

Eye-Brain Connection: Lutein and Zeaxanthin's Multifaceted Benefits

You've likely heard the age-old saying that 'the eyes are the window to the soul.'  But what if we told you that the eyes might also serve as a window to something just as profound—the state of your brain health?  They go hand-in-hand, and the nutritional compounds lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful tools to support this eye-brain connection. Read more...

Exploring the Blue Zones: NeuroReserve’s Q&A Interview with Dan Buettner

NeuroReserve had the honor of a Q&A interview with Dan Buettner, where he shares his personal journey and offers behind-the-scenes insights into his latest adventures in the world of longevity research.  Read more...

Understanding the Brain Health Benefits of Quercetin

Are you looking for a nutrient that could fight cognitive aging, COVID, and seasonal allergies?  Look no further, as quercetin may do all of these, given its wide range of health benefits.  However according to US dietary guidelines, 50% of people don’t eat enough fruits, and a shocking 90% don’t eat enough leafy green veggies. Read more...

Defying Genetics and Alzheimer’s Disease with Lifestyle and Nutrition

For almost all of us, genetic factors only govern a part of our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. That is, genetic factors alone do not determine our cognitive fate. The difference can be found in how our genes are affected by lifestyle, diet, and environment – and these effects can be quite dramatic. Read more...

Genetics and Alzheimer’s Disease: Exploring the Crucial APOE-e4 Connection

Protecting ourselves from disease is a complex challenge.  There are ‘non-modifiable’ risk factors, which are predetermined and out of our control.  These non-modifiable risk factors include your age, gender, family history, and genetics, all of which can have a major impact on the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  Read more about genetics and Alzheimer's disease.  Read more...

Back to School with Brain-Healthy Habits

With the back-to-school season approaching, as a parent you may find yourself caught up in the rush, juggling tasks like gathering school supplies and ensuring packed lunches are prepared ahead of time. Transitioning back to school after a break can present unique challenges, but prioritizing brain health can make a significant difference in how you manage challenges that arise.  Read more...

How to Choose a Vitamin D Supplement for Brain Health

You may recognize vitamin D as the sunshine vitamin, since we produce it by the skin’s exposure to sunlightbut did you also know that the quantities of vitamin D found in most foods is quite low, making it easy to neglect as an essential nutrientLet’s explore Vitamin D’s strong association with brain health. Read more...

How Quality Sleep Works as the Brain’s Nightly Recharge

Are you sleeping at least seven hours every night?  The experts insist that you should, but over a third of Americans aren’t sleeping enough. Given the powerful role of sleep for our long-term and day-to-day health, it’s crucial to understand how sleep heals and repairs the brain, and how your own sleep habits might be affecting your health.  Read more...

Navigating Advancements in Brain Health: Key Takeaways from AAIC and ASN 2023

Every July is an exciting time for the brain nutrition community because the AAIC and ASN in Boston conferences reveal the latest discoveries and breakthroughs in cognitive health, Alzheimer’s, and dementia research, moving the bar forward for better prevention and treatment.  Read more...

Chemo Brain: What it is and How to Manage it

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can lead to a condition known as 'chemo brain' or 'chemobrain', resulting in cognitive impairment and symptoms like fatigue and memory problems. Learn more about chemo brain and how to manage it.  Read more...

Top 14 Things You Should Do Now to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer's

Here is our updated list of actions you can take to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s.  This year, we added a few new ones, based on the Lancet Commission’s ongoing report on dementia prevention.  You’ll find nutritional advice sprinkled throughout (NeuroReserve’s specialty), as well as key lifestyle habits to follow. 

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