Dr. Alan Snow, PhD, who has been researching dementia and Alzheimer's disease for three decades, says chronic inflammation is linked to a range of debilitating conditions that include cognitive decline.

In October of this year, he presented his latest research report from "Scientific Reports - a Nature Journal" [1] at the Annual Neuroscience Meeting in Chicago on Cat's Claw, a Peruvian plant whose extract reduced the markers of cognitive decline in mice-- namely brain plaques, tangles and neuro-inflammation.

Anecdotally those who take Cat's Claw extract support these findings. Dr. Snow is the recipient of 18 National Institute of Health grant awards including grants to identify new plaque and tangle inhibitors and the founder and CEO of EDMONDS, WASHINGTON-based Cognitive Clarity Inc.

DR. SNOW OFFERS THIS BRAIN HEALTH ADVICE.

While this plant-based treatment may forestall the onset of dementia, Dr. Snow says, "Brain health, like physical health, depends on lifestyle factors including healthy diet, exercise and proper sleep, all of which reduce inflammation."

FIGHT INFLAMMATION -- Dr. Snow says, "Exercise helps to reduce inflammation in your entire body including your brain. Long walks with friends are of course beneficial. But physical fitness leaders now call for those over 50 to challenge themselves with intense, shorter-duration workouts. If your doctor gives you the okay, consider a supervised High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT program. HIIT participants move rapidly through a sequence of aerobic exercise and resistance training, but for a shorter duration. You get fitter faster. Blood tests during regular physical exams can monitor your progress with inflammation levels."

STAY CONNECTED -- "Break bad habits like watching cable TV. Instead, invite friends and family for meals, game nights or to simply hang out. Look for ways to socialize with people of different age groups--especially if children and grandchildren do not live nearby. Join purpose-driven groups like theater, symphony, movie, book clubs and fitness programs that welcome people of all ages. Exposure to new ideas and perspectives keeps your brain active and healthy," advises Dr. Snow.

LEARN NEW SKILLS:  Challenge your brain by learning new skills such as tennis, a foreign language, or baking, that requires precise measurement. Even something as simple as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand stimulates the brain by forcing it to think outside of its normal routine.

CUT SUGAR -- "Today's nutrition experts are more concerned about cutting sugar than fat from our diet," says Dr. Snow adding, "Partially hydrogenated oils or trans fats _are_ unhealthy, but good fats like olive oil and butter are fine. Sugar can sneak up on you though. A can of Coke has 39 grams of sugar. At four grams per teaspoon, that's a whopping ten teaspoons of sugar. Processed foods often contain hidden sugar and sodium as well. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish instead packaged products. Foods that are heart healthy are also brain healthy. Cut down on alcohol and quit smoking too.

TREAT HEAD TRAUMA — Concussion increases dementia risk later in life. After any head injury, medical professionals now insist on proper diagnoses for possible concussion that may include tests for vision, hearing, balance, strength, and sensation as well as a CT scan. Depending on the diagnosis, doctors will recommend taking a break from laptops and TVs as well as mental and physical activity until symptoms subside.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP —  seven to eight hours a night. "Sleep is essential to a properly functioning brain and may have a hand reducing toxins that build up while awake. Sleep enhances concentration, reduces depression, lessens inflammation, and is believed to help with weight management and heart health," says Dr. Snow.