Ask the Experts: Vicky Perks
Work it. The old adage use it or lose it is true. Staying mentally active by learning a new language or regularly dipping into a crossword puzzle will help to keep your mind sharp.
Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs regular exercise. A healthy diet is also essential. Too much saturated animal fat, salt and alcohol can cause narrowing of the arteries, hampering circulation and the supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the brain, so reduce your intake accordingly, and if you smoke, stop.
A good multivitamin should help to combat dietary deficiencies but opt for an age-specific multivitamin with digestive aids. One major concern in the over-65s is poor digestion, so choose one which contains absorption enhancing elements. A personal favourite is Viridian Nutrition’s 65+ Multi with extra vitamin B12, and the digestive enzymes betaine HCl, lipase and protease.
Oxford University researchers found a compound called homocysteine is also implicated in cognitive decline. Antioxidants are also important. Recent research shows that Alpha Lipoic Acid and Coenzyme Q10 may help improve cognitive dysfunction in older people. A third, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, has been linked to the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Phosphatidyl Serine, has been found in several clinical trials to help with cognitive functionn.
