The world hopes for any promising news about how to defeat dementia. Scientists at the University of Warwick, U.K. have revealed the first evidence of a link between a naturally-occurring protein and the early signs of this condition, which robs a person of the ability to think and reason clearly.
“The absence of the protein MK2/3 promotes structural and physiological changes to cells in the nervous system,” the researchers wrote. “These changes were shown to have a significant correlation with early signs of dementia, including restricted learning and memory formation capabilities.”
The takeaway: The study’s lead researcher noted that “pathways are important potential pharmaceutical targets for the treatment of cognitive deficits associated with aging and dementia.”
Next, if you already practice mindfulness, you know about its many benefits, as you actively focus attention on the present moment—no distractions, no interruptions. It does take practice, especially in our “crazy-busy” worlds.
In another new study from across the Atlantic, researchers investigated benefits of mindfulness training for patients with progressive cognitive decline and their caregivers. “Analyses revealed several benefits, including increased quality-of-life ratings, fewer depressive symptoms, and better subjective sleep quality,” the authors said.
A third study this week reaffirms that our blood vessels become “stiffer” as we age, which may contribute to cognitive changes. It suggests simply that physical exercise can preserve vessel elasticity—one more reason to get moving and make aerobic fitness a priority.
And in that vein (no pun intended), “aspirin may be a promising alternative for those who can’t take long-term anticoagulant drugs that prevent clots from reoccurring in the veins,” said new research from the American Heart Association. The little white pill is “inexpensive, easily obtainable, safe and familiar to patients and clinicians worldwide.” It’s a reasonable alternative for people who’ve suffered a clot, since they’re at higher risk of another.