Time does not repeat, it only moves forward, therefore it is very important for every living individual to make the most of what they are able to do at the moment. The problem is, people think that time and life has no end. Sometimes, we all do everything freely without even thinking about the future. Because of this, we tend to ignore our own body’s needs.

As time passes by, we will slowly start to realize that we are not getting younger. Indeed, time flies by quickly, and the number of years left to live are short.

Of course, getting old is not a choice, neither is it an option. It is a MUST, and along with time comes changes in a person’s social, spiritual, physical capabilities and mental abilities. A person’s physical and mental ability are mostly affected by aging since bones, joints, muscles and cells start to weaken and certain body processes start to work poorly which can branch out to certain malfunctions in the body.

One common body malfunction connected to aging is mental decline. Age Related Cognitive Decline (ARCD) normally includes deterioration of thinking abilities and memory according to some experts. Not only that, other cognitive functions such as language, competency, ability to pay attention and concentrate, as well as learning and memory capacities are also affected. This kind of things cannot be avoided, but there are some things that we can do to delay its onset, or slow its progression. Plus, with the breakthrough of new medical studies nowadays, it won’t be long before we can prevent ACRD altogether.

Studies on Cognitive Decline Treatment

A study published in Nutrition indicates that one month supplementation of blueberries to elderly rats improved their memory scores, as tested in a maze. Additional data also showed that a two-month consumption of bluer-enriched foods led to similar performance of the aging rats to the younger rats. According to researchers from the University of Houston and Tufts University’s U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, age related memory deficiencies in rats 19-months old were reversed in 1, 2, and 4 months of bluer-enriched diet.

David Malin Ph.D., from the University of Houston, examined the effects of a one to two-month diet enriched with blueberry to Fischer-344 rats. The one month group did not show any favorable results. However, the two-month group animals having the blueberry-enriched diet had better performance, and two months supplementation resulted to the continuance of the good performance after supplementation was ended.

In addition, rats with blueberry-enriched diet improved their memory scores compared to the control animals whose memory scores were depleted. Although possible human application is being encouraged right now, it’s important that it was proven that certain nutritional intervention can still affect memory deficiencies even after it has occurred.

Another study of researchers from the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center showed that a 500 ml daily drink of blueberry juice in 12 weeks was related to the recall of world list and progressed learning, as well as reducing depressive symptoms.  The results of the study can be seen in the Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry. It was said to be the first human trial on the effects of blueberries on brain function of older adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

What can Blueberries do?

• Aside from the memory aiding effects of blueberries as supported by past and recent studies, another health related benefit of blueberry consumption that is related to aging is that it is highly rich in anti oxidants, mainly due to the presence of anthocyanin. It aids in other aging related problems like cataract, myopia and conditions pertaining to the retina because of its antioxidant properties. A reported data published in the Archives of Opthalmology revealed that regular consumption of 3 or more servings of the fruit per day may reduce one’s risk of macular degeneration, the primary cause of the loss of vision in adults.
  
  
• It can also help in treating urinary tract infection, with a compound that inhibits the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.
  
  
• The fiber in blueberries can aid in constipation, as well as the vitamins, copper sodium and fructose that help in digestion.
  
  
• It also contains a compound called pterostilbene, used in the management of patients diagnosed with liver and colon cancer. The pterostilbene can also help in lowering cholesterol levels, according to a research study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Mississippi’s School of Pharmacy, whose researchers led investigators on the study of the blueberry effects on cholesterol levels.
  
  
• A new study at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center also recommended that blueberry consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and can even reduce belly fat.
  
  
• A study published in the Journal of Nutrition revealed that consumption of blueberry smoothie helps in preventing diabetes thereby reducing its risk.
  
  
• It can also aid in the management of heart disease because of its high fiber content and antioxidant properties. It helps in dissolving the “bad” LDL cholesterol that mainly causes heart diseases. It also helps normalize blood pressure levels.
  
  
• Additionally, it can promote immunity by raising hemoglobin and oxygen concentration in blood to boost up the immunity level and prevent infections.
  
  
• Blueberries also serve as good anti-depressants, therefore making you active, sharp and fit. One good benefit you can get from blueberries is that it doesn’t have any side effects. One thing you should always remember is that the deeper and darker the color of the blueberry is, the richer is its nutritional value.

Natural Ways on How to Prevent Mental Decline

It is true that as we age, cases such as mental decline can happen to any person in the world. In this matter, the Institute for the Study of Aging and the International Longevity Center-USA recommends the following to keep the mind functioning even as people age:

• Stay socially active – this keeps the mind awake and stimulated, as well as it challenges people to communicate, therefore avoiding cognitive decline.
• Exercise – It contributes to cognitive health by reducing stress and improving mood that can trigger cognitive decline.
• Keep Learning – Many studies on humans and animals prove that lifelong learning can help in maintaining cognitive vitality in our later life. Some of these activities may include reading books and newspapers, going to museums and playing brain-stimulating games.
• Eat a nutritious low-fat diet – After all, providing the necessary nutrients needed by the body can help not only in cognitive decline, but in many other conditions as well.
• Seek help for sleep disorders – Sleep disruption are common in older people and can be a cause of cognitive dysfunction, so proper treatment may be applied.
• Practice Stress Management – Acute stress is linked with cognitive impairment, that’s why stress management is important to promote cognitive vitality to the elderly.
• Seek help for underlying medical conditions – Cognitive vitality can be promoted if underlying medical conditions are treated.
• Talk to your doctor – Cognitive decline cannot be avoided as we age, and proper counsel and help from the doctor is just what is needed in order to live a healthier and productive elderly life.

Sources
thirdage.com
womenfitness.net
nutrasanus.com
nutraingredients.com
organicfacts.net
cholesterol.about.com