Brain Health & Memory: Tips for Staying Sharp as You Age

Question
I am writing a short department piece for Arthritis Today Magazine. I have basic info, including tips, on how to keep our memory intact, ways to challenge the brain, such as crosswords, games, reading, etc. I also have what are normal aging symptoms what could be serious (like signs of dementia and Alzheimer's).

What would you say is the most important thing people can do as they get older to help maintain memory?

Thank you,

Sherry B. Hanson
Brunswick, Maine  

Answer
Sherry,

There are a lot of thing that are important.  Good nutrition, exercise, healthy activities (reading, playing chess, etc.) but from a bio-medical standpoint I would have to say maintaing optimum neurotransmitter and hormone levels.  We now have ways to measure serum, saliva or urine levels of neurotransmitters such as Serotonin, GABA, and the catacholamines.  We can also measure thyroid hormones and the sex hormones (Testosterone, Estrogens, DHEA, ...)  When they are in a state of imbalance or are low they play a major role in decreased cognitive function.  

For more information (or an over the phone interview) please call my office.


JP Saleeby, MD
Saleeby Longevity Institute
144 Habersham St.
Savannah, GA
(912) 201-9464 (V)
(912) 201-9467 (F)
www.longevity-institute.com