More good news about chocolate that is dark

Caregivers, and healthcare professionals,here is some great information

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals,

Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care  professionals to get an easyceu or two

Follow alzheimersideas on twitter
The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

Loma Linda University Health
New studies show dark chocolate improves memory & mood, boosts immunity and reduces stress as well as inflammation. 

---

LOMA LINDA, CA — Findings from two studies show that consuming dark chocolate that has a high concentration of cacao (minimally 70% cacao, 30% organic cane sugar) has positive effects on:

1. Stress levels
2. Inflammation
3. Mood
4. Memory
5. Immunity.

Effects of a Regular-Sized Chocolate Bar

“For years, we have looked at the influence of dark chocolate on neurological functions from the standpoint of sugar content - the more sugar, the happier we are," said Dr. Lee Berk. 

While it is well known that cacao is a major source of flavonoids, this is the first time the effect has been studied in human subjects to determine how it can support cognitive, endocrine and cardiovascular health. 

Lee S. Berk, DrPH, , served as principal investigator on both studies. Dr. Berk is associate dean of research affairs, School of Allied Health Professions and a researcher in psychoneuroimmunology and food science from Loma Linda University.

"Positive Impact"

Berk added, "This is the first time that we have looked at the impact of large amounts of cacao in doses as small as a regular-sized chocolate bar in humans over short or long periods of time, and are encouraged by the findings. These studies show us that the higher the concentration of cacao, the more positive the impact on cognition, memory, mood, immunity and other beneficial effects.” 

The flavonoids found in cacao are extremely potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, with known mechanisms beneficial for brain and cardiovascular health. The following resultswere presented in live poster sessions during the Experimental Biology 2018 meeting.

Two Studies on Dark Chocolate with 70% Cacao

These results were based on two important studies:

• Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao) Effects Human Gene Expression: Cacao Regulates Cellular Immune Response, Neural Signaling, and Sensory Perception
  
  · This pilot feasibility experimental trial examined the impact of 70 percent cacao chocolate consumption on human immune and dendritic cell gene expression, with focus on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Study findings show cacao consumption up-regulates multiple intracellular signaling pathways involved in T-cell activation, cellular immune response and genes involved in neural signaling and sensory perception - the latter potentially associated with the phenomena of brain hyperplasticity.

---



• Dark Chocolate (70% Organic Cacao) Increases Acute and Chronic EEG Power Spectral Density (μv2) Response of Gamma Frequency (25-40Hz) for Brain Health: Enhancement of Neuroplasticity, Neural Synchrony, Cognitive Processing, Learning, Memory, Recall, and Mindfulness Meditation
  
  · This study assessed the electroencephalography (EEG) response to consuming 48 g of dark chocolate (70% cacao) after an acute period of time (30 mins) and after a chronic period of time (120 mins), on modulating brain frequencies 0-40Hz, specifically beneficial gamma frequency (25-40Hz). Findings show that this superfood of 70 percent cacao enhances neuroplasticity for behavioral and brain health benefits.

Berk said the studies require further investigation, specifically to determine the significance of these effects for immune cells and the brain in larger study populations. Further research is in progress to elaborate on the mechanisms that may be involved in the cause-and-effect brain-behavior relationship with cacao at this high concentration.

SOURCE:

• Loma Linda University Health
  Loma Linda University Health includes Loma Linda University's eight professional schools, Loma Linda University Medical Center's six hospitals and more than 900 faculty physicians located in the Inland Empire of Southern California. Established in 1905, Loma Linda University Health is a global leader in education, research and clinical care. It offers over 100 academic programs and provides quality health care to over 40,000 inpatients and 1.5 million outpatients each year.

Why do people get dementia

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities



AC Content

Information from the Alzheimer's Association states that there are around 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and over 27 million people with these conditions worldwide.This costs us about $315.4 billion dollars a year.

Dementia is not a specific disease, but a number of symptoms that cause changes in the the way the brain functions. Many symptoms are related to cognition. Cognition is the act of thinking, learning and perceiving. Cognitiion may affect memory decision making, judgment, reasoning spatial orientation, communication and thinking. Many people with dementia have behavior and personality changes. As you age, you are more likely to develop dementia.

Most people with dementia have Alzheimer's disease. About half of all persons have Alzheimer's disease. There is a genetic componant to it. Amyloid plaques and neurofibratory tangles are seen in the brains of those with Alzheimer's disease. These are abnormal proteins and as they become more prevalent in the brain, cells are rendered useless and can no longer function. Eventually these cells die. As the cells die, more and more brain function is lost.

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia. Sometimes it is called mullti-infarct dementia. Vascular dementia is responsible for about 33 per cent of all dementias. The hallmark of this dementia is the hardening of the arteries in the brain This hardening is caused by fatty deposits which limits blood flow in the brain. The brain cells do not get the required oxygen to maintain function. Eventually these brain cells die. Conditions like....read all of Why do people get dementia

Susan Berg, an aQuire Training Solutions Provider

aQuire Training Solutions announces that Susan Berg is now a provider of EasyCEUs an online program for administators, social workers and nurses. This site provides these professionals with an easy way to get CEUs in the privacy of their own homes.

aQuire Training Solutions was founded by senior care owners and operators. It is a part of the Institute for Senior Living Education (ISLE-Ed), which has built a portfolio of senior care educational resources.

These continuing education course units for administrators, nurses and social workers, give users the advantage of learning when and where it is convenient for them. All courses are nationally accredited through a variety of licensing boards. For more information click here
easyCEUs

There are units on Alzheimer's disease and dementia as well as other topics

Welcome Susan


For more dementia information, click here

Dehydration and dementia

Alzheimer's and Dementia Weekly
Problem: My dad has not been drinking on his own . He used to stop by the sink and get a drink in the kitchen many times a day. Now I can not get him to take any water or Juice during the day .I have offered a wide variety of Gatorade, juice, or hot cocoa . He does drink a small glass of OJ and cup of coffee for breakfast . Then milk for lunch and dinner . That is it He says he is not thirsty and does not want the drink . How harmful is this ? Dad has demensia . He has been slowly progressing downward and not fully aware of what is going on around him. Does he not realize he is thirsty or does and forgets ? He is eating really well but losing the weight
Possible Solution offered by Nurse Dina: Here are some things you might try to increase your dad's fluid intake: First, if possible, avoid caffeinated beverages as they tend to have diuretic properties. Try serving foods that have a high water content such as yogurt, jello, nutritious soups, fruit shakes and the like. Speak with your doctor and see if he recommends nutritional supplements like Ensure.

If your dad is eating but loosing weight, he should...read the rest

For more dementia information, click here

For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here

Alzheimer's drug restricted by Nice may help sufferers for longer than previously thought

Telegraph.com.uk

Current guidelines say patients should stop taking Galantamine (Reminyl) when they have deteriorated past a certain point, and are unable to walk without assistance, bathe or dress themselves.

But a new study published in the Lancet Neurology journal shows that severely ill people can still benefit from taking the drug, as it can improve their movement, memory and awareness of the world around them. It also improves the mortality rate of sufferers.

Campaigners say the findings should lead to a revision of the guidelines by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice), which rules on the cost effectiveness of treatments.

They say the study supports their call for......read the whole article