These days, we can hardly turn around without hearing news of some astounding scientific advance that promises to improve memory, prevent Alzheimer’s, or keep our brains from growing old. Some of it is true. Some of it is flatly contradictory, as in the recent studies showing that estrogen therapy – once believed to reduce risk for Alzheimer’s – may actually increase that risk. And some of it is true but overblown: a new drug may improve memory in rats, but that does not necessarily mean that the drug will ever be shown to be safe, or effective, in humans.
With so much noise, and so many new findings out there, it’s hard to tell what is real, what is speculation, and what is simply wrong. The answers are often out there, but couched in the technical jargon of medical research journals, which are hard for the general public to access, much less understand.
As a university professor who specializes in research on human memory and the brain, part of my job is sorting through this vast literature and trying to keep abreast of the latest findings. Here in this blog, I hope to share some of what I know. I hope that some readers will find the information they need to make their own decisions about what steps to take to preserve their memories and protect their brains.
An important note: I’ll make every effort to keep the information in this blog accurate, current and useful, but the content and opinions are solely mine, and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your own doctor or medical health care professional before starting any changes in your diet, exercise routines, or medications.
Having said that, I hope that the information in this blog is informative and useful, and that some of it will suggest ways in which you can get the most out of your own memory and your own brain.
Tags: aging, Alzheimer's, brain, memory, science
