(Foreword: This is the continuation of our reply to BB of Sasa about his desire to prevent memory loss and dementia.)
DEAR BB of Sasa,
I have mentioned in my previous issue about the strategies: Getting enough regular exercise, Managing blood pressure and Doing “brain training,” that there is no proof that these strategies can really prevent brain disease, such that the expert panel in the United States stopped recommending them to head off brain problems. They said they need more research that shows how well they work.
However, there’s some good news though. Some research found that managing high blood pressure, especially from ages 35 to 65, decreases the chance of having dementia. Another research has shown that some blood pressure drugs can also help in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. But, what really matters here is that it is not the specific drug that is used, but that the blood pressure should be controlled. So, the take home message here is control your blood pressure, guys!
Yes, regular exercise has been linked to healthy brain as shown by numerous research. But, the problem is, the studies were not always positive in their stance in this issue. Exercise is good, though. But the problem is, there is not enough research that would tell us how much is really needed or what type of exercise is best to prevent brain diseases.
Remember, there are a lot of exercises. Which of them would work to prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia? Sadly, we don’t have the answer yet. But, maybe, the answer is not a light year away.
Then, there’s the brain training. This includes a variety of activities, like computer-based and non-computer-based training exercises to improve memory, problem solving, and other skills. So, that means, some cross word puzzles, scrabbles, word factory, some chess games, mazes, or some computer strategy games like Candy Crush, among others.
However, up until this time, we still don’t have a definite answer yet, if they really work. There is a study though, known as Active (Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly), funded by the National Institutes of Health, as having the strongest design. It found “moderate strength” evidence at two years that the training can improve how well your brain works, but the results declined after five years. This only means research has to do more.
Oh, we are again running out of space, so, let me then, continue this in my next issue. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)