Vitamin D promotes memory and cognitive function in seniors

(NaturalNews) A lack of vitamin D has already been linked in several studies to depression. Now it appears a deficiency of this crucial nutrient could also play a role in robbing the brain of the ability to process information correctly and clearly. Defined as a person’s ability to process thoughts, cognitive function includes memory and the ability to learn new information, as well as speaking and reading comprehension. Aging is known to affect cognitive function in many people, resulting in memory loss and difficulty thinking of the right words while speaking or writing. But what if a lack of vitamin D could be the culprit that is causing or contributing to cognitive impairment in many elders — and not simply aging by itself? If that’s the case, it offers hope that adequate vitamin D could help keep minds agile and memory sharp. Research headed by epidemiologist Katherine Tucker with the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, and published in Journals of Gerontology raises that possibility. Metabolic pathways for vitamin D have been found in the hippocampus and cerebellum — areas of the brain involved in planning, processing, and forming new memories. So it appears a lack of vitamin D could disrupt these cognitive processes. Dr. Tucker and her colleagues studied more than 1,000 elders receiving home care. The research team investigated associations between measured levels of vitamin D in the blood of these people, who were all between the ages of 65 and 99, and compared them to results of neuropsychological tests. The participants were then grouped by their vitamin D status, which was categorized as deficient, insufficient, or sufficient. The researchers noted in a statement to the media that older people needing home care have an elevated risk of not getting enough vitamin D because of their exposure to sunlight is often limited. And, in fact, only 35 percent of the research subjects had sufficient vitamin D levels in their blood for health. Those elders who did have adequate vitamin D scored far better on cognitive tests than those in the deficient and insufficient vitamin D categories, particularly on measures of executive performance, which included cognitive flexibility, perceptual complexity, and reasoning. The associations persisted after taking into consideration other variables that could also have influenced performance on the cognitive ability tests. Another new study just presented at the Endocrine Society’s 92nd Annual Meeting held in San Diego provides more disturbing evidence that older adults commonly have low vitamin D levels. Researchers from the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam investigated approximately 1,300 Dutch men and women age 65 and older and found almost 50 percent were deficit in vitamin D. For more information: http://biomedgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/content/64A/8/888.abstract?sid=0007591c-0f9e-4df7-bd44-dee95244c8bb http://www.naturalnews.com/vitamin_d.html

Stunning Research Shows High Potential for DNA Damage from Nanoparticles

(NaturalNews) Nanoparticles may be able to damage the DNA of cells without ever coming into contact with it, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Bristol Implant Research Center and published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology . Nanoparticles are particles so small that they have fundamentally different physical and chemical properties than the same substances do at more familiar scales. Industry is increasingly adopting nanotechnology for a variety of applications, from consumer products to medicine, but the technology remains unregulated. Researchers created particles of chromium and cobalt that were either four millionths (micro scale) or 30 billionths (nano scale) of a meter across, then placed them on a thin, artificial membrane composed of human cells. On the other side of the membrane, researchers placed human fibroblast cells, which are important components of connective tissue. They found that although no particles crossed the cellular membrane, fibroblast cells placed across from the metal particles suffered DNA damage in 10 times as many locations and cells placed next to a membrane with nothing on the other side. Researchers are unsure how the particles damaged the cells without crossing the membrane, but they believe they may cause changes in the membrane cells, which in turn signal the fibroblast cells and cause DNA damage. “We used a variety of chemicals to block … cell-to-cell signaling and found that in the presence of these blockers, the damage we were seeing was completely prevented,” lead author Gevdeep Bhabra said. The experiment was conducted with cobalt and chromium because both of those metals are currently used in medical implants. The researchers noted, however, that it would be unlikely for wear and tear to produce enough nano- or micro-sized particles to reach the concentrations used in the study. The implications of the study center more around the risks of actual nanotechnology. Nanoparticles are already used in the manufacture of sunscreens, cosmetics, sporting goods and other consumer products. Researchers are also investigating their use as drug-delivery mechanisms. Sources for this story include: news.bbc.co.uk.

Dr. Nicholas DiMartino reveals ways to eliminate fatigue on the NaturalNews Talk Hour

(NaturalNews) This week’s NaturalNews Talk Hour features Nicholas DiMartino, D.O., ND talking about how to “Eliminate Fatigue — New Ways to Energize YOUR Health”. Low energy is the first sign of poor health… stop the damage before it’s too late. Our program runs this Thursday evening at 6pm Pacific / 9pm Eastern, and registration is FREE. Simply enter your email address in the registration form on the right column of this page and you’ll receive call-in details for the broadcast. The NaturalNews Talk Hour is a behind-the-scenes, up close and personal look at the most important issues of our time. Discover what the mainstream media hasn’t told you about the secrets of optimal health, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Jonathan Landsman, host of NaturalNews Talk Hour, says “Dr. DiMartino, D.O., ND blends his intelligence and compassion into a medical practice that helps thousands of people throughout the United States. This show will help you avoid the dangers of fatigue and its threat to promote dis-ease. You’ll be amazed at what you’re about to learn.” With participation by the Health Ranger, the NaturalNews Talk Hour features high-profile guests like Drs. Julian Whitaker, Bernie Siegel, T. Colin Campbell plus many other notable experts on healthy living. Reader feedback about the talk hour has been extremely positive. One listener sent us this testimonial about the show: I just wanted to say I look forward to the Natural News Talk Hour each week. I learn a tremendous amount of information. It’s extremely helpful to me and my family. – Gina B. The NaturalNews Talk Hour is sponsored by the NaturalNews MOXXOR Team. MOXXOR is a NEW class of omegas and antioxidants blended together into a powerful supplement. Improve your mobility, brain function and emotional well-being. To order MOXXOR, email: naturalnewsteam@optonline.net Each show will continue to feature many of the top natural health experts in the world. To receive each week’s unique call-in number, simply register by entering your email address in the form on the right. This week’s guest: Nicholas DiMartino, D.O., ND Nicholas DiMartino, D.O., ND – “Eliminate Fatigue” Thu. Mar. 18th Nicholas DiMartino is a physician; who early in his career became intrigued by the interrelationship between mind-body-spirit, health and well-being. Consequently, he has taken time to study and broaden his view of healthcare beyond allopathic medicine and into traditional healing systems such as, Ayurveda, Macrobiotics, Naturopathic medicine, Nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine and bodywork. Over the years, his medical practice has become a fusion of ancient wisdom and modern integrative medicine. Through his efforts, he has discovering a deeper, more intimate and transformative healing experience for all those interested. “Dr. D” is currently practicing medicine at the Woodlands Healing Research Center located in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. The Woodlands Healing Research Center is a non-profit, multidisciplinary, integrative medical office that provides comprehensive family medical services emphasizing Environmental, Functional and Preventive Medicine. In order to provide the safest and most effective nontoxic treatments, Woodlands utilizes a wide range of complementary medical modalities. Their doctors find the majority of today’s health problems can be best managed by integrating more “functional” and “natural” therapies into conventional medical diagnosis and treatment. Woodlands’ medical providers are trained in both areas of conventional and complementary medicine. Don’t Miss Out! This show promises to be educational and entertaining. Register now using the email form in the right column, and you will be emailed show details. Space is limited – Register Now!

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