~ My-Wellness-Coach ~

The Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces with Ray Kurzweil

Ray Kurzweil discusses the future of BCI (Brain-Computer Interfaces) at a workshop at the X-Prize lab in MIT, January 2010. This workshop was co-sponsored by Singularity University.  

NFL Digs in its Cleats--Denies any Link between Head Injuries & Alzheimer's

The person in this clip who says NFL players are "expendable commodities" is unfortunately correct, judging from the NFL's attitude about head injuries.  Reminds me a bit of how the tobacco industry tried for years to deny a link between smoking and cancer.  Enjoy this clip....

Cellphones DO Cause Brain Tumors

The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

1. Memory loss. Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later.

What's normal? Forgetting names or appointments occasionally.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. Individuals may lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal, placing a telephone call or playing a game.

What's normal? Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say.

3. Problems with language. People with Alzheimer’s disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. They may be unable to find the toothbrush, for example, and instead ask for "that thing for my mouth.”

What's normal? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

4. Disorientation to time and place. People with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost in their own neighborhood, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.

What's normal? Forgetting the day of the week or where you were going.

5. Poor or decreased judgment. Those with Alzheimer’s may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold. They may show poor judgment, like giving away large sums of money to telemarketers.

What's normal? Making a questionable or debatable decision from time to time.

6. Problems with abstract thinking. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, like forgetting what numbers are for and how they should be used.

What's normal? Finding it challenging to balance a checkbook.

7. Misplacing things. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

What's normal? Misplacing keys or a wallet temporarily.

8. Changes in mood or behavior. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may show rapid mood swings – from calm to tears to anger – for no apparent reason.

What's normal? Occasionally feeling sad or moody.

9. Changes in personality. The personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically. They may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.

What's normal? People’s personalities do change somewhat with age.

10. Loss of initiative. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do usual activities.

What's normal? Sometimes feeling weary of work or social obligations.

Source:

Alzheimer's Association.

How to Maintain Good Brain Health through Nutrition & Supplements

Maintaining good brain health isn’t just about doing crossword puzzles and jogging—nutrition is also a key factor. What are the best foods and supplements for optimal brain health? Based on my research, and discussions I’ve had with doctors, nutritionist and neurologists, I have put together a list of 10 important foods and supplements you can take to achieve optimal brain health.

1. Water. Your brain is 80 percent water. Dehydration raises stress hormone levels, causing serious brain damage. Drink at least ten glasses of water a day.
2. Fish. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, is the main component of the brain synapses. Neurons are also rich in omega-3. A lack of omega-3 has been shown to diminish intellectual performance and is linked with dementia. If you don’t eat fish, omega-3 is also found in walnuts, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds. Plus, you can take a supplement. 1000 mg a day is what take.
3. Antioxidant Rich Fruits and Vegetables. To protect your brain from the low level inflammation that eats away at cognitive skills, you need a diet rich in micronutrients and antioxidants. The best of these, according to the US Department of Agriculture, are: Blueberries, Blackberries, Cranberries, Strawberries, Spinach, Raspberries, Brussels sprouts, Plums, Broccoli, Beets, Avocados, Oranges, Red grapes, Red bell peppers, Cherries and Kiwis.
4. Complex Carbohydrates. For energy, your brain needs fuel and the fuel of choice is glucose. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, starchy vegetables, and fruits, digest slowly and provide a steady supply of glucose.
5. Green Tea. Recent research shows that ingredients in green tea (and to a lesser extend, black tea) slows the build up of plaque in brains from amyloid deposits. Also, drinking tea is associated with mental alertness.
6. Eggs. Eggs are rich in choline, a fat-like B vitamin, which has been shown to enhance memory and minimize fatigue. Eggs are also an excellent source of protein.
7. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). This powerful supplement is both water and fat soluble meaning it enters all parts of cells to neutralize free radicals. It is the only antioxidant supplement that can easily get into the brain. There is some evidence it is useful in the prevention of strokes.
8. Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Several double-bind clinical trials suggest acteyl-L-carnitine delays the progression of Alzheimer’s and enhances the overall performance of some people with the disease. It is an essential contributor to the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is required for mental function.
9. Phosphatidyl Serine (PS). Stimulates the cells in your brain to make new dendrites and axons and thereby enhance cognitive functions. Peaple who take PS remember more names, faces, phone numbers and written information.
10. Nattokinase. Derived from fermented soybeans—nattokinase facilitates better blood flow throughout the body, including the brain, where it promotes memory and cognitive functions.