Whole Minded Lifelong Brain Health Journal

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 Show Your Brain Love 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...

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...

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 13 Things You Should Do Now to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer's (Updated for 2023)

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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NeuroReserve's Brain Health Pillars Based on the Latest Research and Experts Insight

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the global impact of Alzheimer’s and the urgent need for brain health initiatives. Explore the core pillars of brain health outlined by us here at NeuroReserve and our panels of experts, dedicated to Alzheimer's prevention. Read more...

Exercise Your Way to Better Brain Health with Travis Macy

In collaboration with Travis Macy and his unwavering dedication, we present this special bundle to inspire others to take charge of their brain health through exercise.  

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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...