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Exercise Can Help Memory, According To This New Study

We’ve all heard of the wonderful health benefits that fitness and exercise are able to provide, but a new study from Australia reveals its significant positive influence on the brain.

Researchers from Australia’s National Institute of Complementary Medicine in Western Sydney University have found a correlation between aerobic exercise and brain health. This would naturally improve memory function and maintain the health of our minds even as it decreases with older age.

The average brain shrinks in size, vasculature and cognition as we reach our 40s. While some face it in drastic ways, most of us go through these changes at a natural pace.  That’s why a healthy diet and regular exercise is essential even before we start noticing these changes.

In this study conducted on clinical trials, 737 participants were scanned before and after breaking a sweat in a controlled aerobic exercise setting. The ages ranging from 24 to 76 year olds and from healthy adults to individuals with mild to severe cognitive impairments. Fitness activities included walking, treadmill running and even indoor bicycling.

In the end, changes were not as noticed in the physical change to the volume of the hippocampus, but more so in the slowing brain deterioration overall. We can think of exercise as a type of slow motion button, keeping the mind still, in time.

 

 

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A Recap Of This Year’s Nobel Lectures

 

6The future of medical research is looking bright. Nobel week in Stockholm proved to showcase this year’s discoveries with a positive outlook on what’s to come from passionate scientists like Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash and Miachel Young. They took the stage in Aula Medica to share their inspiring lectures with the crowd after winning this year’s Nobel prize in Physiology and Medicine.

The speeches rose excitement with a focus on molecular mechanisms defining the way biological rhythms from living beings (animals,plants,us) are adapted to the Earth’s revolutions. In fact as Rosbash explained, more than 50% of our 20,000 genes are revealed in a rhythmic way. What’s really noteworthy is the realization that all living cells couple their mechanics to our solar system.

In attendance were plenty of different faces from students to researchers and notable international guests, all coming together in one place to celebrate, encourage and consider these exciting new discoveries. A collaborative and open mindedness sparked the lecture halls, proving that with ambition, persistence and acceptance can achieve anything.

 

 

 

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Couple’s Touching Christmas Letter Shines Light on Alzheimer’s

Christmas is a time for reflecting on our thoughts under the glimmering lights of the tree. Showing gratitude to memories, accomplishments, all while spending it with the ones closest to you. It’s a time to remember and perhaps reconnect with people you may not see as often, whole giving thanks to those who are present in your everyday.

But within this reflection of thankfulness, some stories that surface during this time truly melt our hearts with their emotional weight and even, heartbreaking story telling. Such is the case of couple Barb and Harold Arnold, who shared their experience with Alzheimer’s through an open letter.

“Last Christmas we shared Barb’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. This year we would like to share what’s happening in our lives.”

barbandharold_1512264844421_11862530_ver1.0_1512428071152_11871457_ver1.0Arnold goes on by describing how she feels on a day to day, “If you ask Barb how she’s feeling, she will answer, I feel fine. I just tire easily. I have tremors in both hands and forget things and have to jot down a quick reminder.”

The letter goes on by reminding us to truly be grateful for the things we have, especially our health, which can quickly escape us with time and quickly fleet away in the case of Alzheimer’s.

“Words like understanding, giving and receiving, sadness, happiness, dignity, appreciation now have a much clearer meaning to us. Enjoy every moment you have. This Alzheimer’s disease has taught us the true meaning of love, which to us is sharing. Barb and I are now closer than in years and enjoying life as it is,” Harold continues, finding light in this dark time. “She loves to take walks, read, warm at the fireplace, listen to music and talk radio shows, visit with friends and family.”

Sharing stories like these can help bring awareness to this terrible disease that affects millions every year across the globe. Harold’s letter has been picked up by local news and shared on social media sparking emotionally charged conversations.

 

 

 

 

 

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Woman’s Final Alzheimer’s Memories Seen Through Crochets Goes Viral

We’re often used to seeing the progression of  Alzheimer’s through medical imagery, statistics and various case studies. But nearly a day ago, a heartbreaking photo of crochet creations posted by Reddit user Rene Wuillermin has surfaced and changed this view by shifting it into viral visual story telling.

Since then, the photo has been shared hundreds of times, resonating as a tragic tapestry through and through, a representation of the brain’s deterioration in colourful stages, eventually leading to a dark, loose threaded scribble.

“I wanted people to really understand what’s happening for her sake and even just for my family to better understand what the process is,” Sara, now 34, told People this week.

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The photo following Rene’s mum’s unraveling, has stirred quite the interest through online communities and news sources alike, with touching comments and supportive words pouring through.

“I thought about not clicking on your post cause it aches,” wrote a Facebook user, “but it’s almost comforting to know others could understand my family’s situation so well.”

“We lost our mom in September to Alzheimer’s but she had already disappeared, heartbreaking” said another.

Alzheimers to this day affects millions of people, across the globe with no cure available. This photo has brought the disease into the eyes of public in a familiar fashion, reminding everyone that Alzheimer’s is closer than you think.

“I hope sharing this story will help educate and advocate for more research for a cure.”