The human brain is an amazing organ. It has 100 billion nerve cells and more connections than stars in the galaxy. It enables information to travel faster than 268 miles per hour. Although the brain comprises of only 2% body weight, it consumes 20-30% of the body’s calories and blood flow. The brain defines who we are as a distinct species, how we think, how we act, what kind of interests we develop, and what kind of person we are. It could be considered distinctly as the pathway to our soul.
Epidemiology of Dementia
Dementia or memory loss worldwide is becoming a huge problem in terms of human life, cost, and disability. 15% of the US population over age 65 have dementia and almost two-thirds are due to Alzheimer's disease. Currently, every minute, there is a new case of dementia. Total cost, direct and indirect related to dementia, is attuned to more than $200 billion dollars.
Concepts related to Dementia
To understand about dementia and Alzheimer's disease, in particular, we have to understand the concept of how neurons acts and how they communicates with each other. The popular hypothesis is the amyloid plaque burden. However, other factors are also involved. Neurons (brain cells), have branches called dendrites, which enable the neurons to communicate with each other. According to popular theory, these connections increase via the dendrites with mental exercises, activity, and a healthy diet. This process is called synaptogenesis. Living a healthy, happy lifestyle as we age, with mental activity, constantly builds connections through synaptogenesis.
In fact, the more mental activity we engage in, which continuously builds synaptic connections, the more we can afford to lose over the years. This process is described as neural redundancy. Factors that lead to a loss of these connections are: social Isolation, a toxic environment and chemical exposure, toxic relationships, stress, traumatic brain injury, Apo E 4 genes to name a few. These factors eventually lead to neuronal atrophy or death. Over time, small aggregates and clumps of amyloid plaques build up, which cause synaptic damage.
Risk Factors for Dementia
The processes that cause brain injury are related to chronic stress, toxic food, nutritional deficiencies, drugs, traumatic brain injury, lack of exercise, social isolation, and a toxic environment and air pollution. Interestingly, 80% of the causes are related to the environment, and only 20% of the causes are related to genes. The kind of signals we send to our genes determines the likelihood of developing dementia.
Smoking and excessive alcohol use are very detrimental to the brain. Smoking causes vasoconstriction, which retards blood flow to the brain. According to University Rutgers study, the brain loses its propensity to develop newer brain cells by 60%, with modest alcohol intake.
Various medications, such as statin and fluorinated pharmaceuticals can also have a deteriorating effect on brain function.
HEALTHY BRAIN RESEARCH AND BOOSTING MEMORY