attention span Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Bali Secret Grows New Brain Cells

The AHA! Team — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:32:15 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – When I was in Bali, I learned that elephants – which are well known for their long and impressive memories – go to great lengths to seek out gotu kola leaves. It’s one of their favorite foods. Could this plant be the reason why elephants never forget? Who knows? What we do know is that research proves gotu kola can enhance your brain power. Let me explain… For decades, scientists believed that the adult human brain couldn’t grow new brain cells. They thought we were born with all the brain cells we’ll ever have – and that when they were gone, they were gone for good. They thought we were born with all the brain cells we’ll ever have However, a breakthrough study by researchers at Princeton University proved the opposite. That study, published in the prestigious Journal of Science, revealed the continuous growth of new brain cells in adult macaque monkeys. Then, a follow-up study published in the journal Cell found that humans also produce new neurons. And that – even in old age – your brain still produces around 700 new neurons a day.[i] In other words, despite what “medical experts” may tell you, your memory and cognitive performance don’t have to decline. In fact, they can actually improve as you age. And one of the best ways to boost your brain performance is with gotu kola, or Centella asiatica. Research shows it can revitalize your brain and nervous system and help you feel sharp and alert as it recharges your memory. Research shows it can revitalize your brain and nervous system In a number of studies, gotu kola enhanced memory performance, problem-solving abilities, intelligence, and mental energy.[ii] A landmark study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that gotu kola stimulates the growth of brain cells…[iii] While additional studies proved that gotu kola: [iv],[v],[vi],[vii] Improves cognitive function – even in cognitively impaired older adults Doubles how quickly and accurately you process information Increases problem-solving skills up to 45% Improves reading skills up to 29% Significantly boosts your attention span Increases concentration Further studies also give us lots of evidence that gotu kola is a powerful antioxidant and brain protector, as well as a nerve growth factor. Studies show it may also help stop plaque formation in Alzheimer’s disease and prevent dopamine neurotoxicity in Parkinson’s.[viii],[ix] I’ve recommended gotu kola for years as a way to treat stroke victims suffering from stroke-related dementia. A recent study backs up what I learned from traditional healers… According to this study from Indonesia, where gotu kola is used commonly in both traditional and mainstream medicine, concluded that therapy with an extract of the herb at 750 mg per day for six weeks was “effective in improving cognitive impairment after stroke.” The extract is called TTFCA, which stands for triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica. This contains gotu kola’s most potent components. And it has shown special strength in improving memory.[x] Other studies have shown gotu kola is highly effective at preventing strokes in the first place – by promoting healthy veins and combatting high blood pressure. TTFCA improves the dilatation of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure and improves blood flow throughout your body – from the largest veins to the tiniest of capillaries.[xi] When choosing a gotu kola supplement, look for one with more of the active components. Choose one that is standardized to the asiaticosides or asiatic acid. 3 Ways You Can Improve Your Memory with Gotu Kola I recommend my patients use gotu kola in three ways. As an extract. Take 10 to 20 ml per day. As a supplement. When choosing a gotu kola supplement, look for one with more of the active components. Select one that is standardized to the asiaticosides or asiatic acid. I recommend taking 300 mg a day. As a dried herb. One of my favorite ways to use gotu kola is by making a cup of tea. Here’s how: Measure 1 to 2 teaspoons (about 6 to 8 grams) of dried gotu kola into a cup. Cover with boiling water and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Strain, then sweeten with organic honey. Enjoy three cups a day. [i] Spalding K, et al. “Dynamics of hippocampal neurogenesis in adult humans.” Cell. 2013 Jun 6; 153(6):1219–1227. [ii] Prakash A, Kumar A. “Mitoprotective effect of Centella asiatica against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity in rats: possible relevance to its anti-oxidant and anti-apoptosis mechanism.” Neurol Sci. 2013 Aug;34(8):1403-9. [iii] Soumyanath A, et al. “Centella asiatica accelerates nerve regeneration upon oral administration and contains multiple active fractions increasing neurite elongation in-vitro.” J Pharmacy Pharmacol. 2005;57(9):1221–1229. [iv] Shinomol GK, et al. “Exploring the role of ‘Brahmi’ (Bacopa monnieri and Centella asiatica) in brain function and therapy.” Recent Pat Endocr Metab Immune Drug Discov. 2011;5(1):51-57. [v] Xu Y, et al. “Gotu kola (Centella Asiatica) extract enhances phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein in neuroblastoma cells expressing amyloid beta peptide.” J Alzheimers Dis. 2008 Apr;13(3):341-9. [vi] Tiwari S, et al. “Effect of Centella asiatica on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and other common age-related clinical problems.” Dig J Nanomater Bio. 2008;3:215–220. [vii] Wattanathorn J, et al. “Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiatica.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;116(2):325-332. [viii] Orhan I. “Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: From traditional medicine to modern medicine with neuroprotective potential.” eCAM. 2012;2012:946259. [ix] Xu Y, et al. “Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) extract enhances phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein in neuroblastoma cells expressing amyloid beta peptide.” J Alzheimers Dis. 2008 Apr; 13(3):341-9. [x] Farhana KM, Malueka RG, et al. “Effectiveness of gotu kola extract 750 mg and 1000 mg compared with folic acid 3 mg in improving vascular cognitive impairment after stroke.” eCAM. 2016: 2795915. [xi] Incandela L, et al. “Total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica in chronic venous insufficiency and in high-perfusion microangiopathy.” Angiology. 2001 Oct.;52 Suppl 2:S9-13. To read the original article click here.

The post Bali Secret Grows New Brain Cells appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Study Examines the Link Between Housework and Functional Health Among Older Adults

AHA Publisher — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 08:00:54 +0000

BMJ via News-Medical – Housework is linked to sharper memory, attention span, and better leg strength, and by extension, greater protection against falls, in older adults, finds research published in the open access journal BMJ Open. The findings were independent of other regular recreational and workplace physical activities, and active commuting. Regular physical activity is good for maintaining optimal physical and mental health. And among older adults, it curbs the risks of long term conditions, falls, immobility, dependency and death. Yet global monitoring data indicate that in 2016, physical activity was well below recommended weekly levels and had budged little in a decade, with people in high income countries more than twice as likely to be couch potatoes as those in low income countries. Given that housework involves physical activity and is an indicator of the ability to live independently, the researchers wanted to explore whether doing the household chores might contribute to healthy aging and boost physical and mental capacity among older adults in a wealthy country. They included 489 randomly selected adults, aged between 21 and 90, with fewer than 5 underlying conditions and no cognitive issues. All were living independently in one large residential town in Singapore, and able to carry out routine daily tasks. Participants were divided into two age bands: 21-64 year olds (249; average age 44), classified as ‘younger’; and 65-90 year olds (240; average age 75), classified as ‘older.’ Walking (gait) speed and sit-to-stand speed from a chair (indicative of leg strength and falls risk) were used to assess physical ability. Validated tests were used to assess mental agility (short and delayed memory, visuospatial ability, language and attention span) and physiological factors linked to falls. Participants were quizzed about the intensity and frequency of household chores they regularly did, as well as how many other types of physical activity they engaged in. Light housework included washing up, dusting, making the bed, hanging out the washing, ironing, tidying up, and cooking. Heavy housework was defined as window cleaning, changing the bed, vacuuming, washing the floor, and activities such as painting/decorating. Housework intensity was measured in metabolic equivalent of task (METs). These are roughly equivalent to the amount of energy (calories) expended per minute of physical activity. Light housework was assigned a MET of 2.5; heavy housework was assigned a MET of 4. Only around a third (36%; 90) of those in the younger group and only around half (48%;116) of those in the older age group, met the recommended physical activity quota from recreational physical activity alone. But nearly two thirds (61%,152 younger; and 66%,159 older) met this target exclusively through housework. After adjusting for other types of regular physical activity, the results showed that housework was associated with sharper mental abilities and better physical capacity. But only among the older age group. Cognitive scores were 8% and 5% higher, respectively, in those doing high volumes of light or heavy housework compared with those in the low volume groups. And the intensity of housework was associated with specific cognitive domains. Specifically, heavy housework was associated with a 14% higher attention score while light housework was associated with 12% and 8% higher short and delayed memory scores, respectively. Similarly, sit-to-stand time and balance/coordination scores were 8% and 23% faster, respectively, in the high volume group than they were in the low volume group. Those in the younger age group had five more years of education on average than their older counterparts. And since education level is positively associated with baseline mental agility and slower cognitive decline, this might explain the observed differences in the impact of housework between the two age groups, explain the researchers. This is an observational study, and as such, can’t establish cause, they caution, adding that the study relied on subjective reporting of physical activity levels and the volume and intensity of household chores. But they point to previous research indicating a link between aerobic exercise and improved cognitive function, so the sharper mental agility associated with housework might occur through similar mechanisms, they suggest. And they conclude: “These results collectively suggest that the higher cognitive, physical and sensorimotor functions related to heavy housework activities might plausibly be associated with lower physiological fall risk among community-dwelling older adults.” They add: “Incorporating [physical activity] into daily lifestyle through domestic duties (ie, housework) has the potential to achieve higher [physical activity], which is positively associated with functional health, especially among older community-dwelling adults.” To read the original article click here.

The post Study Examines the Link Between Housework and Functional Health Among Older Adults appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

The Myth of Multitasking + How to Actually Improve Focus to Get Things Done

AHA Publisher — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 07:00:43 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – In this podcast (episode #327) and blog, I interview cognitive neuroscientist and author Dr. Amishi P. Jha about her amazing new book, Peak Mind: Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention, Invest 12 Minutes a Day. We talk about the different kinds of attention systems in the brain, how to train the brain to pay more attention and focus in high stress situations, how mindfulness can improve attention, and so much more! As Dr. Amishi points out, although attention is an incredibly powerful brain function, there are things that we face every day that are like Kryptonite for our attention, such as stress and feelings of threat. But the great news is that we can learn how to manage these feelings in the moment and protect our ability to pay attention. In Peak Mind, Dr. Amishi discusses her experience working with individuals who experience challenging situations daily, such as soldiers, athletes, government officials and surgeons, and the remarkable discoveries she has made in her own lab. She has consistently found that, although our attention is vulnerable, there are ways we can learn how to control it, especially in high-stress situations. We need to understand that attention is cognitive fuel. We need it for more than just “thinking”; we need attention to make decisions, to deliberate, to regulate our emotions and behavior, and to connect with other people. It is needed for many complex cognitive functions! There are 3 important sub-systems of attention. First is FOCUS, which means to privilege some information and disregard other information. This is also called the orienting system of the brain, which acts like a flashlight in the dark, focusing on certain areas in our external and internal environment. It can be directed by us, and it can be pulled by certain kinds of stimuli. Second is the ALERTING system, which is like a floodlight. It is broad, vigilant and receptive, and privileges what is happening in the moment—right now. The third system is EXECUTIVE control or attention. Its job is to ensure that our goals and actions are aligned, and to course-correct if things are going in the wrong direction. These systems function best as a coordinated system, even though they may seem at odds with one another individually. In fact, we should not be paying attention to everything all the time, because we cannot act on everything simultaneously. Our brain is not designed to multi-task. Our attention system does not have the capacity to do a bunch of important, demanding tasks at once. Multi-tasking is a myth. What we are generally doing when we think we are multi-tasking is actually switching between tasks. This can be exhausting because the entire brain is re-calibrated by a new task, which comes at an energetic cost. This means that you are more likely to make cognitive errors, and you cannot give a task the comprehension it may demand. Our executive function can help us manage our attention and choose what to pay attention to instead of jumping from one task to another. Using this system, we can mono-task instead of multi-task. This can be something as simple as making a choice to put your phone on silent during a meeting or asking people not to disturb you while you work on a deadline. Interestingly, Dr. Amishi has found that certain kinds of mindfulness and mind management practices can help us learn how to pay better attention in other areas of our life instead of just jumping from task to task, especially when partnered with a physical practice like breathwork. Essentially, mindfulness is a specific form of cognitive training for our attention! In her book, Dr. Amishi suggests doing a simple exercise to help you practice this kind of mindfulness to start improving your attention: first, just notice yourself breathing, then choose to focus on a breath-related sensation (such as the coolness of the air passing through your mouth) using your executive function. Then, use your “flashlight”: notice when your mind wanders, and use your executive function to re-direct your thinking. Dr. Amishi has found in her research that practicing this kind of mindfulness for a minimum of 12 minutes a day, around 4 to 5 times a week, can help support your ability to pay attention during stressful times! To read the original article click here.

The post The Myth of Multitasking + How to Actually Improve Focus to Get Things Done appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.