Ever wondered why holidays stand out in our memories? It’s because the brain loves novelty. Our brains are hardwired to respond to things that are new or different and to effectively sear them into our memories. Sometimes called the ‘novelty response’, this reaction can also help our brains survive the threat of dementia. Which is…
WHY EXERCISE IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR AGEING WELL AND THE PERFECT CLOVEY SPICE MIX
One of my favourite ageing blogs comes from an American scientist called Dr Josh Mitteldorf. Last year Josh reviewed the science behind the five things he considers most helpful in fending off dementia: physical exercise; mental stimulation and social interaction; metabolic syndrome/insulin sensitivity; diet; and drugs/supplements. We would add sleep, but Josh didn’t (clearly he’s…
WHY WE NEED TO SPICE UP OUR LIVES and SPICED PARSNIP SOUP
I was flicking through The Times earlier this week, when I spotted – buried away on page 14 – a short piece about pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer: Pfizer gives up on dementia research. Pfizer has said it will no longer be researching treatments for Alzheimer’s. The company has also stopped investing in a cure for Parkinson’s….
WHY YOU SHOULD BE DANCING (& CHRISTMAS NUTS)
What you doin’ on your back, aah/ You should be dancing yeah… Anyone remember those lyrics from the Bee Gees? Well, it turns out the Bee Gees were right. And as we’re in full party swing, I’m delighted to bring you the facts and figures showing why we really should be dancing (yeah). I’m not…
HELP KEEP ALZHEIMER’S AT BAY: ITALIAN BEAN STEW
If you read our last post on the best foods to prevent Alzheimer’s, you’ll know that herbs are right up there – with blueberries and broccoli. Herbs, fresh or dried, contain ten times the anti-oxidants contained in nuts and berries. This Italian Bean Stew (an edited recipe from Elly Pear’s new book, Let’s Eat!) is…
THE TOP TEN FOODS TO PREVENT ALZHEIMER’S
I love this statistic. I repeat it whenever I forget a name, misplace my keys, or don’t pay enough attention to my health. I shout it at my children when they come home with processed food in their pockets. And I remind Mr K&C when he burns the candle at both ends (not that he takes…