Latest news with #AlzheimersResearch
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
The 52p herb that could help prevent Alzheimer's – plus 3 other ways it can benefit your health
KNOWN for its strong, pine-like flavour and its use in various dishes, rosemary has a lot more going for it than its scent and taste. The popular herb is starting to gain recognition for its impressive health benefits, especially when it comes to brain health, inflammation and immune function. And research published this year suggests it could even help in the fight against Alzheimer's disease - the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Rosemary has previously been linked to memory and mental clarity. In ancient Greece and Rome, students and scholars used rosemary to sharpen concentration and recall, says Dipa Kamdar, senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at Kingston University. Writing for The Conversation, she explains: "Modern science is finding there may have been something in this: in one study, people who inhaled rosemary's scent performed better on memory takes compared to those in an unscented environment." There are several ways rosemary benefits the brain, says Kamdar. Firstly, it stimulates blood circulation, including to the brain, helping deliver more oxygen and nutrients, which may improve mental clarity. It also has calming properties, with some studies suggesting its aroma can reduce anxiety and improve sleep - lower stress means better focus and memory retention. Kamdar adds: "Rosemary contains compounds that interact with the brain's neurotransmitters. One such compound, 1,8-cineole, helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical essential for learning and memory. By preserving acetylcholine, rosemary may help support cognitive performance, especially as we age." And rosemary's antioxidants may also help protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress - which is a major factor in cognitive decline. Kamdar says: " Rosemary is rich in phytochemicals, plant compounds with health-enhancing effects. One of the most powerful is carnosic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps shield brain cells from harm, particularly from the kinds of damage linked to Alzheimer's disease." Five simple tests that could indicate dementia What are rosemary's benefits beyond brain health? 2 As well as boosting brain health, studies suggest rosemary may aid digestion by stimulating the liver to produce bile, which helps the body digest fat. In a study with mice, it was shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, potentially aiding in the management of IBS and other inflammatory bowel ailments. And rosemary supplementation may also positively impact the gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Bacteroidetes, while reducing harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli. Rosemary may also be able to improve immune function. Some studies, particularly in vitro and animal models, suggest that rosemary and its active compounds, like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, can influence immune function. Other studies have shown rosemary may promote immune cell activity, such as increasing antibody production or enhancing the activity of immune cells like dendritic cells. Finally, rosemary could prevent certain cancers. lung, prostate, liver, and breast. Carnosic acid appears to be the plant's primary anticancer component, as it was found in one study to exhibit antiproliferative effects in cancer cells. Compared to speciality herbs or spices, rosemary is considered a relatively affordable herb - just 52p for a 20g packet from Sainsbury's. Other ways to reduce your Alzheimer's risk Be physically active Regular physical activity is crucial for overall health and may help reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. Eat a healthy diet A balanced diet, potentially including the Mediterranean diet, can help reduce your risk of dementia, as well as other health conditions. Stay mentally active Keeping your mind active can strengthen your brain's ability to cope with disease. Engage in activities like reading, learning new skills, or playing brain games. Manage other health conditions Maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels can also contribute to reducing your risk of dementia. Prioritise sleep Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night, as sleep deprivation can negatively impact brain health. Maintain good heart health Taking care of your heart health, including avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can also lower your risk of dementia and other diseases. Seek medical advice If you have any concerns about your health or a family history of Alzheimer's, consult with a healthcare professional.
Bloomberg
5 days ago
- Health
- Bloomberg
This Isn't How You ‘Restore Gold Standard' Science
In another attempt to concentrate power, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to 'restore gold standard science' in federal research and policy. It sounds reasonable given the instances of bad or faked science being published, including high-profile papers on Alzheimer's drug development and one misleadingly claiming that hydroxychloroquine would cure Covid-19. In the last decade, scientists themselves have grown concerned about the large number of studies whose promising results couldn't be replicated. However, researchers dedicated to reforming their field say the president's plan isn't a solution. It's a way to give government officials the power to reject evidence they disagree with — without any accountability or transparency.
BreakingNews.ie
03-06-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Six things you need to know about Alzheimer's – as drug trials bring new hope
Excitement is building as a new review shows a rise in the number of potential drugs that could treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease. Led by an expert from the University of Nevada in the US and published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions, the review reveals that 182 clinical trials are underway in 2025, a rise of 11 per cent from the previous year, assessing the impact 138 potential drugs. Advertisement Notably, one-third of these drugs are repurposed medications originally developed for other conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis and high cholesterol. In response to this encouraging development, Emma Taylor, information services manager at Alzheimer's Research, has addressed some common misconceptions about the disease, highlighting six key facts everyone should know about Alzheimer's… 1. Alzheimer's and dementia are not the same thing Learn the distinct difference between Alzheimer's and dementia 'A lot of people get confused between Alzheimer's and dementia and aren't really sure what the difference is,' recognises Taylor. 'The way I describe it is that dementia is the group of symptoms – so things like memory loss, confusion, personality and behavioural changes – and Alzheimer's is one of the causes of those symptoms.' Research generally associates Alzheimer's disease with the accumulation of two proteins, amyloid and tau, says Taylor. Advertisement 'These toxic proteins damage our brain cells, which are what is used to communicate messages throughout our body,' she explains. 'Overtime, as more brain cells die, it becomes harder for our brain overall to carry out its normal functions. So, depending on where in the brain the damage starts, that indicates what kind of symptoms someone will experience. 'That's why in Alzheimer's early symptoms are often memory loss and confusion because Alzheimer's tends to, but doesn't always, start in the memory centres of the brain.' 2. There are 14 potential risk factors 'A lot of the risk factors for dementia are linked to our heart health,' says Taylor. 'So, we know that what's good for your heart is good for your brain as well. 'Things like having a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, not smoking, keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control etc is really important to improve or maintain our brain health and reduce our risk of dementia. Advertisement 'These risk factors, there are 14 in total, have been linked to 45 per cent of dementia cases worldwide. So, if those risk factors were completely eliminated, then up to 45 per cent would be prevented or delayed.' 3. It isn't an inevitable part of ageing 'A lot of people think it's an inevitable part of ageing, but it's definitely not – we can do things to reduce our risk of dementia,' says Taylor. While Alzheimer's disease is more common in older adults, it can also affect younger people. 'People as young as 30 have developed Alzheimer's and obviously that is quite rare, but it really does show that it's not just a part of ageing,' says Taylor. 'It's a biological disease and if something goes wrong, then we can try and find a way to make it right – that's where research comes in.' Advertisement 4. It isn't just about memory loss Memory loss is just one possible symptom of Alzheimer's 'I think a lot of people just think of Alzheimer's as memory loss, but it can affect a lot of different aspects of someone's memory and thinking,' highlights Taylor. 'Someone might become very confused and might not be sure of the time or the date, they might misplace things a lot or put them in odd places, like putting a TV remote in the fridge.' Alzheimer's can also really affect language skills. 'People might have problems finding the right words or understanding the meaning of words or might struggle to follow conversations, and that might mean that they become quite withdrawn,' says Taylor. In addition, there's a lot of links between Alzheimer's and mood and behaviour changes. Advertisement 'People can become low in mood. other people may become more agitated or aggressive, and that's a really heartbreaking thing for someone to go through,' says Taylor. 5. Getting a diagnosis can be beneficial 'People often ring us and say why would I bother going to the doctor if there's no cure yet – but I think the benefits of getting a diagnosis is that support and understanding that you get from knowing what's going on, and the ability to plan ahead,' says Taylor. 'Getting a diagnosis means you can put things in place like the lasting power of attorney and sort out your will and finances while you have time. 'Getting an early diagnosis also means getting those treatments while they're likely to work best, and a diagnosis also provides more opportunities to take part in research, so the future generations don't have to go through the same thing.' 6. Remember to be patient with loved ones who have Alzheimer's Patience and understanding are key 'Someone might change quite a lot when they have Alzheimer's, but it doesn't mean that they deep down aren't the same person,' emphasises Taylor. 'Someone's behaviour might change quite drastically throughout the course of the disease but it's not coming from a bad place. 'So, patience and understanding is really key when dealing with anyone with any form of dementia. Treasure the time that you have with them.'
