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Articles by Steffan Abel

Browse published articles attributed to Steffan Abel, with full-archive search.

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By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

The Effects of Low Blood Sugar on Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

New research (from the Journal of the American Medical Association 2009) suggests a link between dangerously low blood sugar and dementia in older patients with type 2 diabetes raises more questions about the strategy of aggressively treating diabetes patients to achieve tight glycaemic control. Older patients in the study whose blood sugar fell so low that they ended up in the hospital were found to have a higher risk for dementia than patients with no history of treatment for low blood sugar. Having uncontrolled diabetes is associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

4,759 views4.3/5 (7)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Three Drinks Known to Improve Brain Power

I would like to get your brain working better and decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s disease with very little effort on your part. To do that here are three suggestions as to drinks that can make a positive difference to your mental well being. Green tea has a unique antioxidant called EGCG that is able to convert the amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease into a less damaging molecule. By converting these plaques in such a way it is believed that green tea should help slow down (if not help prevent) the progression of the Alzheimer’s - and to have an effectr

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

4,849 views4.8/5 (4)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

*** Simple Steps to Improve Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

When you first hear the words Alzheimer’s and dementia it is understandable to be filled with panic, worry, anger or sadness – after all you are told that there is very little that can be done to improve these conditions. You may also wonder why it is you or your loved one who is affected?

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

3,894 views3.6/5 (10)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***The 10 Theories Behind Alzheimer's Disease

Although I personally believe that Alzheimer's is multi-factorial (i.e. there is not one sole cause that leads to its development or progression) below I have tried to link together the possible causes of Alzheimer's into categories. These are listed in no particular order as, I believe, in their own small way they are all equally responsible – but if we can understand the possible causes we can then tackle them with the appropriate therapy, medication or intervention. 1. Chemical Factors.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

7,735 views4/5 (1)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Vitamin B Supplements Could Prevent Alzheimer's Memory Loss

Another recent study has shown the remarkable effects of vitamin B3 on memory loss and high doses of Vitamin B3 could have a dramatic effect on the progression of this disease. This further breakthrough (which as readers of The Alzheimer's Alternative you are already aware of!) comes from the University of California and shows the effect of this incredibly cheap supplement. Researchers believe that the supplement reduces the build up of "tangles" or phosphorylated tau in the brain that cause cell death and dementia and could also boost the general performance of the brains neurons.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,883 views4/5 (7)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Another reason to avoid junk food…

In The Alzheimer's Alternative with have discussed in detail the advantages of a Mediterranean diet and how simple dietary changes can improve mental health and brain function - and this is confirmed once again by a new study. Junk food, cured meats, cheap beer and over-use of agricultural fertilisers may be linked to an increase in Alzheimer's, diabetes and Parkinson's disease, according to new research.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

3,002 views4/5 (6)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Carbohydrates - The Memory Destroyer

I mentioned earlier about the effects of diabetes on dementia and Alzheimer's but you don't necessarily have to have diabetes to be at risk from the effects of uncontrolled blood sugar. The brain is the largest consumer of energy in your body and almost one quarter of the fuel you make goes to “feed” it – give it the wrong fuel and it is not surprising that things start going wrong.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

3,449 views5/5 (2)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***The Effects of Fish Oil on Memory

More and more research proves that the health of your brain is directly linked to your diet. Specific nutrients and vitamins can improve cognitive function and strengthen nerve connection. By making a few simple changes to your diet, it is possible to protect and preserve the brain and improve overall cognitive function well into the golden years. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience in 2007 showed that omega-3 fatty acids boost the production of a protein which is known to eradicate a brain plaque associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,845 views3.7/5 (7)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera holds a place in Ayurvedic (or Indian medicine) similar to ginseng in Chinese medicine. Although its name is derived because its roots smell like a horse – “Ashwa” meaning “horse” and “Gandha” meaning “odour” - don't let this put you off as it is a very potent herb that can play many roles in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias! It is a powerful rejuvenative herb and adaptogen meaning that it can help increase endurance, whilst also helping to increase energy and strengthen the immune system.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

3,657 views4/5 (3)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Chromium and Cholesterol Control

Chromium and Cholesterol Control Chromium is needed by the body in order to handle fats and sugars correctly (which makes it ideal for stabilizing blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetics) and several studies have linked chromium (and in particular chromium picolinate) with excellent results in not lowering LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol but also raising HDL cholesterol. These benefits are particularly noticeable in those already suffering with high cholesterol.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

3,757 views5/5 (1)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***Seven Signs That May Indicate The Onset Of Alzheimer's Disease

With any disease or illness the earlier it is recognised or diagnosed the sooner interventions can be made to start to improve the condition and delay its progression. With that in mind I would like to list some of the important signs to look out for (whilst making a note on any normal variations you may encounter). The following list is not in any order of appearance (as signs may occur simultaneously or even come and go before becoming more permanent) it is just written in a way that can show you the progression of the condition.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,599 views5/5 (2)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Vital Vitamins for Protecting yourself from Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia - Part 1

Vital Vitamins for Protecting yourself from Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia rn(Part 1). The Vitamin C and E Combinationrnr

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,418 views5/5 (2)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***Activities That Alzheimer's Sufferers Should / Could Be Involved With. (Part 2)

One of the major problems faced by those suffering from Alzheimer's disease or any of the dementias is the periods of loneliness, boredom and frustration. The following few articles will give you some ideas of the things that you can do to actively do – a starting point as it were to occupy the odd moment. Outdoor Activitiesrnr

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

3,078 views5/5 (1)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

The Cholesterol Lowering / Heart Improving Effects of Exercise – Part Two

In my last article I mentioned the effects of walking. In this article I want to take that a little further and also cover some other things you can try to keep your heart in perfect condition. If you only need to fit in four 10 minute walks a day to show an improvement in heart function this makes exercising so much easier. For example you can… Use stairs instead of lifts or escalators. When you’re at home you can climb the stairs whilst waiting for your television programme to start.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,342 views5/5 (2)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***Atrial Fibrillation And Alzheimer's – A Direct Link

Atrial fibrillation is one of the main types of cardiac arrhythmia – or abnormal heart rate or rhythm. Atrial fibrillation causes a rapid and irregular heartbeat, during which the upper two chambers of the heart that receive blood (the atria) quiver or "fibrillate" instead of beating normally. Because of this irregular beating the heart cannot pump blood away from itself efficiently and therefore blood tends to collect and pool in the heart increasing the risk of clotting.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

3,035 views5/5 (1)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***How 15 Minutes Of Exercise A Day Reduces Your Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease And Dementia

Being overweight can dramatically increase the risk of all types of dementia and Alzheimer’s – almost doubling your chances of suffering either condition. And, unfortunately, the news gets even worse… Research has shown that those people that measured the greatest increase in their abdomen or stomach size were more than three times as likely to develop dementia – irrespective of whether their weight increased (they just had to have developed larger bellies)!

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,818 views4/5 (3)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Vitamin C – The Most Important Vitamin To Lower Cholesterol?

Vitamin C – The Most Important Vitamin To Lower Cholesterol? Recent research has shown that taking plenty of vitamin C provides more protection against heart disease and cholesterol than almost any other substance. Various studies have shown that… 1. Vitamin C plays a role in the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids. If vitamin C is lacking, less cholesterol is converted leaving it instead to build up in the arteries, blood and liver. 2. Vitamin C is needed for metabolising blood fats.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,837 views5/5 (1)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***Activities That Alzheimer's Sufferers Should / Could Be Involved With

One of the major problems faced by those suffering from Alzheimer's disease or any of the dementias is the periods of loneliness, boredom and frustration. It is therefore important for both the sufferer and the carer that these “empty times” are as few and far between as possible. This not only gives the carer some respite (knowing that the person they are looking after is somewhat occupied) but also reduces the amount of time that the sufferer has trying to occupy himself in activities such as wandering.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,769 views5/5 (1)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***Eat your Polyphenols

A diet rich in antioxidants could delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease or even slow down its evolution according to researchers in Spain.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,184 views4/5 (4)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***Huperzine

Huperzine A is a herbal extract from the Chinese moss Huperzia Serrata. Although it has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for reducing pain, fever and inflammation, it is also commonly used as a diuretic, antispasmodic, and hemostyptic (a compound that reduces blood flow) as well as a herb known for it's memory enhancing properties.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,506 views4/5 (3)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Difficulties handling money may indicate the development of Alzheimer's disease

I like to give you warning signs to look for not only in the progression of Alzheimer's but also as a useful tool to look out for in other people that may be at risk – and here is another one. For people with mild signs of dementia, problems with managing money may be a clue that memory problems are developing into Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study published in the journal Neurology.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,404 views4.5/5 (2)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) And Cholesterol Control

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) And Cholesterol Control Vitamin B3, or niacin, is very effective in helping not only lower bad cholesterol (often more effectively than “statins” such as atorvastatin or “Lipitor”) but also, more importantly, in increasing good cholesterol – so one supplement gives you the best of both worlds! To find out more and to improve your health – read on….

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,421 views5/5 (1)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***Vitamin D is very good for both you and your brain

In a recent study, researchers evaluated the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (better known by its simple name of vitamin D to you and me) in a group of 3,369 men between the ages of 40 and 79. They also measured the subjects' cognitive performance, based on the results of three different tests (for those that are technically minded the tests were the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test, the Camden Topographical Recognition Memory test, and the Digit Symbol Substitution test - for those that aren't technically minded skip that bit!).

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

1,795 views3.7/5 (6)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Vital Vitamins for Protecting yourself from Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia - Part 2

Vital Vitamins For the Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia - Part 2 Come on Choline Choline has been shown to have tremendous results with early onset Alzheimer’s disease and dementia - with no side-effects reported at all on the recommended dose. In the following paragraphs you will be able to find out all you need to know….

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,174 views4.5/5 (2)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***The 6 Risk Factors Associated With The Development Of Alzheimer's Disease

As with the many theories behind the cause of Alzheimer's disease no one is certain as to why some people are more prone to the condition. Because of this there have been several key risk factors identified that may lead to it development and progression. These are again listed in no particular order as no one factor is the major cause, but all are important. 1. Agernr

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,613 views4/5 (2)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***The Mind Destroying Effects of cholesterol – and what to do about it

Unfortunately researchers have found that high cholesterol levels even as early as aged forty increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease by as much as one and a half times. Although the link between high cholesterol and Alzheimer's has been known for years what was unclear was the age at which lifestyle starts to affect dementia risk – and now it is clear the results are quite scary!

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,234 views5/5 (1)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

The Cholesterol Lowering / Heart Improving Effects of Exercise – Part One

For those of you that would enjoy a little more physical involvement (without going to extremes) in order to lower your cholesterol, you could include some gentle stretches and toning exercises into your routine. Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates will not only improve your cholesterol levels but also clear your mind, enhance your balance and strengthen your whole body – which to me sounds like an ideal combination of mind and body working together for maximum improvement.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,037 views5/5 (1)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Lesser Known Herbs Used In The Management Of Cholesterol You May Want To Investigate

No set of articles can give you information on all the herbs and supplements that can help lower your cholesterol because there just wouldn't be room. Therefore below is a list of other herbs that you may want to look into a little more closely and are will cover some of the other more mainstream supplements later in individual articles...

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

1,974 views5/5 (1)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***More on diet and exercise

A study in the journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders reported that people with even moderately elevated cholesterol in their 40s have twice the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in their 60s, 70s and 80s. This adds further proof that cholesterol is a risk factor for developing the disorder – along with other factors... High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking and high-fat diets have all been associated with increasing one's risk.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,078 views4/5 (2)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***Depression linked to Alzheimer's disease

People who have had depression are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than people who have never had depression, according to a study published in the April 8, 2008, issue of Neurology. The study involved 486 people age 60 to 90 who had no dementia. Of those, 134 people had experienced at least one episode of depression that prompted them to seek medical advice. The participants were followed for an average of six years. During that time 33 people developed Alzheimer's disease.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

1,701 views3/5 (5)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Reasons For Giving (Part One)

GIVING “A man there was, and they called him mad, the more he gave, the more he had.” Remember the old saying, “As you sow so shall you reap”? If you do then the following paragraphs will help to clarify the meaning and allow you to use it to maximum effect. If you don’t, then read on because ...

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

1,299 views3.8/5 (4)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***Another reason to stay married

A study published in the July 2009 edition of the British Medical Journal finds that people who lived with a partner during middle age had much lower odds of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Researchers in Sweden and Finland collected data on 1,449 people as part of a large study on cardiovascular risk factors, ageing and dementia. They were first interviewed in the 1970s and 1980s, when their average age was 50, and again nearly 21 years later. On both occasions, they were asked whether they were single, married, divorced or widowed.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

1,615 views3/5 (3)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

***The Link between Infections and Alzheimer's Disease

A study recently in the Alzheimer's and Dementia Journal reviewed previous studies in a bid to find a link between different infections and Alzheimer's. One bacterium the researchers have stumbled upon is the Chlamydia Pneumoniae, believed to be the cause of 10 to 20 percent of pneumonia cases outside of hospital related infections.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

1,611 views3/5 (3)

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

The Low Down on Lithium and Alzheimer's Disease

Some readers may already be aware that lithium is a very useful treatment for certain mental illnesses. However very few of them may know that there are different types of lithium compounds available and that the prescribed type is just one of them. The lithium salts that this article will deal with are used in very small doses and their effects have been linked with slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease, senile dementia and more importantly Alzheimer's disease.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

3,094 views

By Steffan AbelRecently published1 topic

Statins and Alzheimer's Disease

In an earlier article I mention the many health benefits that were to be gained from reducing the amount of carbohydrates in the typical diet. Unfortunately a lot of people worry that if they reduce the amount of carbohydrates that they eat, then very often their consumption of protein and fat increases along with the resultant worry about cholesterol.

Primary topic: Alzheimer's

2,159 views

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