Brain power can improve even at the age of 90

 Brain power can improve even at the age of 90

A new study has been made public, challenging the common belief that mental acuity and thinking ability weaken with age.

A study from the University of Texas has found that the brain health of people over the age of 90 can also be improved.

Published in the scientific journal 'Scientific Reports', 3,966 people aged 19 to 94 participated in this research.

According to the research, 5 to 15 minutes of brain exercise daily can significantly improve a person's thinking clarity and emotional balance.

31 Jestha, Kathmandu. A new study has been made public, challenging the common belief that mental acuity and thinking ability weaken with age. A three-year study conducted by researchers at the 'Center for Brain Health' under 'The University of Texas at Dallas' has shown that the brain health of people over the age of 90 can also be improved.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, involved 3,966 people aged 19 to 94.

During the study, participants engaged in a variety of brain-training activities for just 5 to 15 minutes a day. After three years of continuous tracking, researchers found measurable improvements in their thinking clarity, emotional balance, and outlook on life.

To measure this change in brain health, the research team used a special method called the ‘Brain Health Index’. This index evaluates about 20 indicators, including a person’s sleep quality, happiness level, and ability to think complexly.

According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Lori Cook, each person’s brain is as unique as a fingerprint and always has the potential to develop. This study has proven wrong the old belief that the brain must weaken with age.

Another interesting aspect of the study is that participants with the lowest initial brain health scores showed the greatest improvement over time. People with lower scores were more concerned and motivated about their mental health, so they invested more time in the practice, which resulted in better results, the study found. However, signs of improvement were also recorded in people with already good mental abilities.

Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, chief director of the Center for Brain Health, explained that brain capacity is determined not by age but by potential. According to her, efforts to keep the brain healthy before any problems or diseases appear in it are very effective even in old age.

According to the researchers, factors such as a person’s age, gender or educational level do not make a difference in brain improvement, but rather how much a person engages in these exercises plays a key role. To further clarify this issue, more than 1,200 brain scans (brain imaging) of about 400 participants in the Dallas area are also being conducted.

Development of a medicine to cure gum disease from bitter gourd and pomegranate peel

 Development of a medicine to cure gum disease from bitter gourd and pomegranate peel

A combination of bitter gourd and pomegranate peel has opened up a new way to solve the problem of pain and wear caused by severe gum disease (periodontitis). Brazilian scientists have developed a special biomaterial by combining bitter gourd, pomegranate peel juice and the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Pontifical Catholic University in São Paulo, Brazil, has been published in the scientific journal ‘Polymer Bulletin’. Severe gum disease gradually destroys the bones and tissues that support teeth, which leads to tooth loosening and loss.

Although currently available treatments reduce infection and swelling, they cannot regenerate the destroyed tissues or bones.

To overcome this limitation, scientists have used bitter gourd. Since the bark of the tree has a strong natural ability to stick (mucoadhesive property), it helps to keep the medicine and natural ingredients stuck to the gums for a long time. This eliminates the need for frequent use of antibiotics. All three ingredients used in this technique have different and important roles.

The bark of the tree acts as a base to keep the medicine stuck to the infected part of the gums for a long time, while the antimicrobial properties of the pomegranate peel juice fight harmful germs and infections in the gums. Similarly, the drug simvastatin reduces swelling and helps in the growth of new bone (osteoinduction).

Since most of this medicine is absorbed by the liver when taken directly as a pill, it would have to be taken in large quantities to reach the gums, which could cause side effects such as muscle weakness. However, when applied directly to the gums through this new gel, even a small amount works safely.

Initial laboratory tests on human stem cells have shown significant improvements in the process of new bone formation within 14 to 21 days of using the gel.

According to Professor Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duque, coordinator of the research team, this gel made from the bark of the thorn bush, which has not received much attention in medical science until now, could be a revolutionary step in the treatment of teeth and gums in the future.

Positive thinking makes the mind and body of the elderly healthier with age

 Positive thinking makes the mind and body of the elderly healthier with age

A new study by Yale University in the US has challenged the common belief that people's physical and mental abilities steadily decline as they age.

According to a new study by Yale University in the US, nearly half of the elderly over the age of 65 have seen significant improvements in their physical or mental abilities over time.

The research, published in the scientific journal 'Geriatrics', was conducted on more than 11,000 American elderly people for 12 years.

The study has shown that positive thinking about aging can help bring about significant improvements in the walking speed and mental performance of the elderly.

July 20, Kathmandu. Challenging the common belief that people's physical and mental abilities steadily decline as they age, Yale University in the US has made the findings of a new study public.

According to this long-term research, nearly half of the elderly over the age of 65 have seen significant improvements in their physical, mental, or both abilities over time.

The study, published in the scientific journal Geriatrics, followed more than 11,000 older Americans for 12 years. Their thinking and memory skills and walking speed were measured during the research. According to the results, 45 percent of the participants showed improvement in at least one area. Of these, 32 percent showed improvement in mental ability and 28 percent in physical ability.

“Many people view aging as an inevitable decline in physical and mental abilities,” said Becca R. Levy, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health and lead researcher. “But our study shows that even in old age, improvements in abilities are not rare, but rather a normal process.”

The study found that a person’s own perception of the aging process plays a big role. Older people who had a positive attitude towards aging showed greater improvements in walking speed and mental performance.

The negative perceptions that society creates through the media and advertising have a negative biological impact on people's health, while positive thinking makes the body more energetic, says Professor Levy. "Our findings show that even in old age, there is still an internal capacity for improvement, and that it can be improved by changing our thinking," Levy said.

This improvement was not limited to those who had recovered from illness. Older people who were initially completely healthy also showed further improvement over time. The study suggests that the ongoing decline that comes with aging can be prevented, and the researchers recommend that investment in positive environments and rehabilitation programs for the elderly, along with therapeutic services, be increased.

Omega-3 supplements harm brain, not help: Chinese study

 Omega-3 supplements harm brain, not help: Chinese study

The study was based on an analysis of more than 800 elderly people in North America. About half of them had a gene called APOEε4, which increases the risk of dementia.

The data showed that people who took omega-3 supplements had a significantly faster decline in cognitive ability than those who did not.

The findings of the study were published online in April and will be published in the June issue of The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease.

“These findings challenge the prevailing view that omega-3 is always beneficial and emphasize the need to carefully reevaluate its widespread use for cognitive protection,” the researchers wrote.

These 9 symptoms, which indicate an enlarged prostate

 These 9 symptoms, which indicate an enlarged prostate

If the problem of prostate enlargement that occurs with increasing age is not ignored and recognized and treated in time, most patients can live a normal and healthy life.

Do you have to get up repeatedly at night to urinate? Is your urine stream weaker than before? Do you feel like there is still something left after urinating? Many men are experiencing such problems. They ignore such problems that appear with increasing age as normal. But these symptoms may be signs of an enlarged prostate gland.

According to studies, about half of men around the world who are over 50 years old have prostate enlargement, and by the age of 80, about 80 percent of men have some level of prostate enlargement. However, if recognized and treated in time, most patients can live a normal and healthy life.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a small gland found only in the male body, which is usually the size of a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It plays an important role in the reproductive process by producing seminal fluid.

As we age, this gland gradually begins to enlarge. In medical terms, it is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When the prostate enlarges, the passage for urine becomes narrow, causing various problems.

9 major symptoms of prostate enlargement

1. Weak urine stream

Urine does not come in a strong stream as before, but instead comes in a small stream or drops. In some cases, it may take some time for urination to begin.

2. Feeling that the bladder is not empty even after urinating

Feeling that there is still some urine left after urinating is an important sign of prostate enlargement.

3. Frequent urination

Especially when you have to urinate more often than usual throughout the day.

4. Getting up frequently at night to urinate

Having to get up one or more times during the night to urinate is one of the most common symptoms of prostate enlargement. This can disrupt sleep, causing fatigue and affect quality of life.

5. Straining to urinate

You may have to strain your stomach to start or finish urinating. This is a sign that the urinary tract is narrow.

6. Delayed urination

Hesitancy is when you feel the urge to urinate but don't urinate immediately, or you have to wait or strain. This is one of the early signs of prostate enlargement.

7. Sudden and intense urge to urinate and urine leakage

Urgent urge to urinate and sometimes leaking urine before reaching the toilet can also be a sign of prostate enlargement.

8. Blood in the urine

Sometimes blood may be present in the urine. In such cases, you should seek medical advice without delay.

9. Burning or Painful Urination

Some people may experience discomfort, burning, or pain when urinating. This is especially common if there is an infection.

Who is at higher risk?

–Men over 50

–Family history of prostate problems

–Diabetes or high blood pressure

–Obesity

–Inactivity

–Smoking and drinking alcohol

Why is an enlarged prostate a problem?

The prostate surrounds the urethra. When it is large, the passage for urine to pass out becomes narrow. As a result, there is a risk of urine retention, urine retention in the bladder, infection, stone formation, and even kidney damage in the long term.

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose prostate problems, doctors can perform various tests along with symptoms

-Urine test

-PSA test in the blood

-Ultrasound

-Urine flow test (uroflowmetry)

MRI or biopsy if necessary

Treatment

Not all patients need surgery. In many patients, medication and lifestyle changes give good results.

Lifestyle considerations

-Do not drink too much fluid before going to bed

-Reduce tea, coffee, and alcohol intake

-Do not hold urine for too long

-Do regular walking and exercise

-Do not allow constipation

-Keep weight under control

There are mainly two types of drugs used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms caused by the prostate. In some patients, both types of drugs are used simultaneously.

Alpha-blocker drugs

Such as tamsulosin, alfuzosin, and silodosin. These medications help to relax the urinary tract and make it easier to urinate.

Five-alpha reductase inhibitor medications

Such as finasteride and dutasteride. These medications help to reduce the size of the prostate over time.

When is surgery necessary?

– Complete blockage of urination

– Frequent infections

– Repeated blood in the urine

– Formation of bladder stones

– Kidney damage

– No improvement with medication

How is prostate surgery performed?

– TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)

This is the most commonly performed surgery in the world. The excess prostate is removed by inserting an instrument through the urethra.

– Laser surgery or open or robotic surgery

Are prostate enlargement and prostate cancer the same?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common problem in many men, and prostate cancer are not the same disease. BPH is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that occurs with age. In contrast, prostate cancer is a malignant disease caused by uncontrolled growth of prostate cells, which may not cause any symptoms in the early stages.

Some signs of both diseases

Since they can be similar, it is not possible to differentiate them based on symptoms alone. Therefore, it is very important to make an accurate diagnosis through PSA testing and medical examination. The good news is that both conditions can be effectively managed if identified and treated early.

Many men hide their prostate symptoms due to shame, fear, or neglect. Most prostate problems can be controlled with timely screening, proper treatment, and a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the body's signals should not be ignored.