Aging parents' mental decline
- Thread starter Whacked
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mtinsideout
Well-known member
You should look into nootropics for something that could help with that. My parents are aging as well and I've noticed a lapse in mental focus and overall motivation. They won't take much help from me as far as supplements go but I can at least assist them with healthy food choices by cooking for them every so often.
De__eB
Well-known member
I'd recommend having them look into a doctor.
Lots of nootropics have been studies for mediating age-related cognitive decline but regardless, discussion on that should be between them and their doctor because you don't really know what specifically is causing issues and age-related cognitive decline is a medical issue.
Lots of nootropics have been studies for mediating age-related cognitive decline but regardless, discussion on that should be between them and their doctor because you don't really know what specifically is causing issues and age-related cognitive decline is a medical issue.
mtinsideout
Well-known member
^^^^This is better advice lol... My parents are stubborn and don't want to face that reality so it is tough when I mention things like "you left the door open" or worse yet "why is the stove on"
alvin1
Well-known member
To my understanding a lot of old age mental problem seem to be link with inflammation. Like alzaimer. I remember PA saying that pas 40 everyone should use a baby aspirin to fight inflammation. So maybe something like and adaptogen with anti-inflammatory property could help or Hummanofort.
Just an idea.
Just an idea.
Whacked
Well-known member
Thanks for the suggestions fellas 
De_eb: I concur.
Parents were evaluated for any signs of cognitive/deficit impairment (Dementia, Alzheimers, or otherwise). The specialist assured me that there is no pathology or chronic illness or significant concerns here but rather just a simple case of some generally "normal" age-related decreases (related to response time, infrequent lapses in focus/concentration and transient memory recollection...all considered "aging brain".
His words: Faculties are all there. Be patient with them; they just arent 16 anymore". He used the analogy of the joints. He said, just like those, it's considered "normal" to an Orthpedist when he sees age-related arthritis,etc. It's almost expected and an anomoly not to. Then added that it's not only the joints that are subjected to age-related deterioration.
De_eb: I concur.
Parents were evaluated for any signs of cognitive/deficit impairment (Dementia, Alzheimers, or otherwise). The specialist assured me that there is no pathology or chronic illness or significant concerns here but rather just a simple case of some generally "normal" age-related decreases (related to response time, infrequent lapses in focus/concentration and transient memory recollection...all considered "aging brain".
His words: Faculties are all there. Be patient with them; they just arent 16 anymore". He used the analogy of the joints. He said, just like those, it's considered "normal" to an Orthpedist when he sees age-related arthritis,etc. It's almost expected and an anomoly not to. Then added that it's not only the joints that are subjected to age-related deterioration.
mw1
Sponsor
True^^^ If I would have to pick one I would say Huperzine CA though
HIT4ME
Well-known member
I have done some research on things of this nature and I would say healthy fats play A BIG role in the dementia thing. Fish oils, coconut oils, and MCT oils are all indicated for treatment of this type. I have a grandmother that is in a similar situation at 87. She has her cognitive functions, but you can tell sometimes she is starting to get confused. I try telling my parents, aunt and my grandmother that she REALLY needs to be using coconut oil and taking fish oils. The issue is she is on warfarin for her blood, and she won't take ANYTHING unless her doctor prescribes it. I try explaining that she NEEDS to eat healthy, but her body doesn't NEED the drugs - nobody gets it and I've about given up. You can't make them do what they don't want to unfortunately. They are adults and can make their own decisions, whether we agree with them or not. Probably what they had to learn when we were in our 20's, and now we have to learn it the reverse way....
snagencyV2.0
Legend
de_eb with the win
c'mon guys, stop thinking organic brain issues are gonna be rectified by xyz supplement off the shelf..
ain't gonna happen, damage has been done at that point, time to bring in Rx if applicable
c'mon guys, stop thinking organic brain issues are gonna be rectified by xyz supplement off the shelf..
ain't gonna happen, damage has been done at that point, time to bring in Rx if applicable
antiacus
New member
Recent studies show some success with b vitamins, dha (omega 3), vitamin e (and other antioxidants) and acetylcholine, instrumental in memory function. As people age, for whatever reason, b vitamin absorption is hampered.
Another thing that's clear: Dimentia and Alzheimers are on the rise. My personal opinion is that it's a result of the western diet, where we somewhow manage to have rampant obesity coinciding with malnutrition due to (again my opinion) consuming high calorie low nutritious food from depleted soils that without genetic modification in minimally enhanced soils (see #2 field corn & derivatives as 75% of caloric intake). One area of consensus is that, as HIT4ME alluded, it's a complex disease but it's an inflammatory disease (affecting the medial temporal lobe).
I think true dimentia and autism are the results of diet and lifestyle. Period. As with most diseases, the cure is diet and lifestyle (caught early on) but that doesn't sell many drugs does it?
Another thing that's clear: Dimentia and Alzheimers are on the rise. My personal opinion is that it's a result of the western diet, where we somewhow manage to have rampant obesity coinciding with malnutrition due to (again my opinion) consuming high calorie low nutritious food from depleted soils that without genetic modification in minimally enhanced soils (see #2 field corn & derivatives as 75% of caloric intake). One area of consensus is that, as HIT4ME alluded, it's a complex disease but it's an inflammatory disease (affecting the medial temporal lobe).
I think true dimentia and autism are the results of diet and lifestyle. Period. As with most diseases, the cure is diet and lifestyle (caught early on) but that doesn't sell many drugs does it?
HIT4ME
Well-known member
It doesn't sound like we can classify this as a complex brain issue from the original post. I don't disagree that they should get advice from a doctor, but mental health relies on a healthy metabolism just like physical health. A mix of MCT and coconut oil (coconut oil has Lauric Acid which is not present in MCT oil normally) has been shown to not only STOP the effects of dementia, but also reverse them. One of the big markers of dementia is spatial cognition. The clock test, which you can do this yourself, is a standard test for this. Draw a circle and have your elderly parent draw minute and hour hands to point to a certain time, say 4 O'clock. You'd be suprised at what you get for results when people have even minor symptoms of dementia. And no, I am no doctor, just someone who researches everything and has a grandmother that I love dearly.
I'm not saying fats are the end all be all, but they are vital to proper nutrition and proper nutrition is vital to proper brain function, and these fats in addition to any other treatments will do no harm, so what's the issue?
The theory behind it, apparently, is that our body becomes less efficient at making ketones as we age. The MCTs are more easily converted to ketones, which provide energy for the brain, and this could be a relatively simple reason people start to lose their cognitive function. Can it be more complex? Certainly, as can anything if you think about it enough. But usually the simplest solution is the best solution and of course the inclusion of more MCTs fits the idea of "do no harm".
Still see a doctor and still realize that I could be 100% wrong and incorrect. I don't care about being right or wrong, just about finding useful solutions to the problem.
I'm not saying fats are the end all be all, but they are vital to proper nutrition and proper nutrition is vital to proper brain function, and these fats in addition to any other treatments will do no harm, so what's the issue?
The theory behind it, apparently, is that our body becomes less efficient at making ketones as we age. The MCTs are more easily converted to ketones, which provide energy for the brain, and this could be a relatively simple reason people start to lose their cognitive function. Can it be more complex? Certainly, as can anything if you think about it enough. But usually the simplest solution is the best solution and of course the inclusion of more MCTs fits the idea of "do no harm".
Still see a doctor and still realize that I could be 100% wrong and incorrect. I don't care about being right or wrong, just about finding useful solutions to the problem.
snagencyV2.0
Legend
i don't disagree with the notion of healthy dietary intake and proper fats constituents being in decline, and so theoretically a big driving force behind some of these problems..
what i do disagree with however, is the notion that you can stop these things let alone reverse them, after metabolic damage has accrued thru the yrs
it is just not that simplified, at all
i liken it to the farce that is myostatin "supplementation":
the gene that inhibits myostatin, has to exist in the formative process of development....all these latest greatest supplements that tout myo inhibitors as the next big thing, are so farcical it is quite ridiculous, as it doesn't matter when you reach adult formative stages, will do no good at all
so, too, it the reversal of organic brain dysfunction
10 yrs ago, it was gingko biloba to solve these issues..then couple yrs later, add the fats...now, we have noots being suggested
it is all worthless, at that point in the game
what i do disagree with however, is the notion that you can stop these things let alone reverse them, after metabolic damage has accrued thru the yrs
it is just not that simplified, at all
i liken it to the farce that is myostatin "supplementation":
the gene that inhibits myostatin, has to exist in the formative process of development....all these latest greatest supplements that tout myo inhibitors as the next big thing, are so farcical it is quite ridiculous, as it doesn't matter when you reach adult formative stages, will do no good at all
so, too, it the reversal of organic brain dysfunction
10 yrs ago, it was gingko biloba to solve these issues..then couple yrs later, add the fats...now, we have noots being suggested
it is all worthless, at that point in the game
HIT4ME
Well-known member
Very good points and I don't disagree. I'm not saying that MCTs are a CURE by any means. And when I say there is SOME EVIDENCE that it can reverse the effects of dementia, I'm not saying cure. Like you said, if damage has been done, it has been done. I am merely saying that it may show signs of improvement - not cure.
And your point is spot on - you can't overcome 80 years of poor nutrition with even 5 years of any product. This is something that was brought into focus with my grandmother for me. I realized that she has spent 20 years not fixing any of the physical issues she faces and not taking care of herself, and now, at 87, she is declining fast and the opportunity to turn the ship around has all but past. This is what got me back into the weight room about a year ago.
Still, improving the diet at any point will yield SOME results, but not miracles. You are certainly right about that. You are also right about the snake oil that is often the next big thing.
From the OP's comments, however, it doesn't sound like his parents are necessarily in the throws of dementia, but starting to show signs, and I was thinking of this more in terms of something they can do to be healthier. There are no magic bullets.
Whacked
Well-known member
Bingo!! So let's keep this convo going.
ANY help I can provide for them is good stuff.
I don't expect them to be "16" again; but I also believe in the power of stategically used nutraceuticals.
As far as diet goes, they are old school European and probably eat better/cleaner than 90% of you all and are VERY active as well
ANY help I can provide for them is good stuff.
I don't expect them to be "16" again; but I also believe in the power of stategically used nutraceuticals.
As far as diet goes, they are old school European and probably eat better/cleaner than 90% of you all and are VERY active as well
Jiigzz
Legend
I vote Doc but if they refuse, adding in more fats and supplementing with Hup a, Alcar and other noots is not an entirely bad idea unless it conflicts with current medication.
Current western diets favour carbs and villanize fats despite data showing an increase in cognition and a delay in brain decay when following a higher fat diet. Whilst it may be to late to prevent it, it can still be a viable route to slow the process even if by a small amount.
OTC supplements are not magic so dont expect miracles and seek an Rx if you can.
Current western diets favour carbs and villanize fats despite data showing an increase in cognition and a delay in brain decay when following a higher fat diet. Whilst it may be to late to prevent it, it can still be a viable route to slow the process even if by a small amount.
OTC supplements are not magic so dont expect miracles and seek an Rx if you can.
Whacked
Well-known member
Whacked
Well-known member
They're Italian - off the boat and have followed a Mediterranean diet their entire lives; so strictlly, that they have NEVER ONCE eaten fast food for the 50 years they landed in this country. Processed food to them is arsenic. They also go to the gym DAILY and are chronic walk-a-holics
Jiigzz
Legend
They're Italian - off the boat and have followed a Mediterranean diet their entire lives; so strictlly, that they have NEVER ONCE eaten fast food for the 50 years they landed in this country. Processed food to them is arsenic. They also go to the gym DAILY and are chronic walk-a-holics
I tip my hat off to them
Gradman
New member
Not sure if this helps, but this is a fairly recent abstract: htt p://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/tops.12078/abstract;jsessionid=9FA36A1847E0573AD0B2B34CCF4503CF.f03t02 (also reviewed on ScienceDaily - can't post links), in which the authors indicate that mental lapses/deficits are actually a function of a brain dealing with more data, not necessarily a brain in decline. The comments of your specialist are what makes me think this is in line with what your parents are experiencing.
For what it's worth I know exactly what it's like to have family members undergo dementia/Alzheimer's. I'd start to worry if there was an acceleration in decline - in my case it was ~3 years between occasional lapses, stumbling for names etc. (which had been going on for years, perhaps also in line with the article above) to an almost completely absent short term memory. I don't think the earlier lapses were foreshadowing Alzheimer's, but worth just paying attention to it.
For what it's worth I know exactly what it's like to have family members undergo dementia/Alzheimer's. I'd start to worry if there was an acceleration in decline - in my case it was ~3 years between occasional lapses, stumbling for names etc. (which had been going on for years, perhaps also in line with the article above) to an almost completely absent short term memory. I don't think the earlier lapses were foreshadowing Alzheimer's, but worth just paying attention to it.
mr.cooper69
Legend
Are you diagnosing borderline dementia or is a doctor doing so? This is one of my pet peeves because people tend to think they know more than they actually do based on internet articles they've read, etc
Loss of memory and orientation is a normal part of the aging process. Dementia represents a disproportionate acceleration of these phenomena, and it actually presents with real physiological changes, like massive atrophy of various regions of the brain. So unless you have something real to go off, I wouldn't call your parents borderline demented.
Loss of memory and orientation is a normal part of the aging process. Dementia represents a disproportionate acceleration of these phenomena, and it actually presents with real physiological changes, like massive atrophy of various regions of the brain. So unless you have something real to go off, I wouldn't call your parents borderline demented.
mr.cooper69
Legend
Thanks for the suggestions fellas
De_eb: I concur.
Parents were evaluated for any signs of cognitive/deficit impairment (Dementia, Alzheimers, or otherwise). The specialist assured me that there is no pathology or chronic illness or significant concerns here but rather just a simple case of some generally "normal" age-related decreases (related to response time, infrequent lapses in focus/concentration and transient memory recollection...all considered "aging brain".
His words: Faculties are all there. Be patient with them; they just arent 16 anymore". He used the analogy of the joints. He said, just like those, it's considered "normal" to an Orthpedist when he sees age-related arthritis,etc. It's almost expected and an anomoly not to. Then added that it's not only the joints that are subjected to age-related deterioration.
Ok, well I should have read the thread first, but there you go. They are perfectly healthy
Magdalena
Well-known member
There's nothing that can cure the disease, proper medication will slow it down..
I work in a nursing home ( level I-IV ) with a lot of patients with Dementia... I also participate in monthly Alzheimer's meetings ( to support the families) ... If u have any questions at all, I'd b glad to help... Feel free to PM me....
keithgeiling
Member
this^^^^ for sure.. Or "you should really consider getting the flu shot" WTF, where did that come from??
HIT4ME
Well-known member
I totally agree with this - and it was kind of my leaning. Again, I'm not trying to imply that nutrition will cure any of this. I was just offering some health-conscious options that MAY be of benefit to ALL people. I think the OP does understand this though, and he is just looking for slight improvements to keep his parents healthy.
I know where he is coming from because my grandmother is the same way - she gets confused and is slowly showing a mental decline, but I wouldn't call it dementia unless I was trying to explain to someone that it was a concern for me. In my case, my grandmother eats horribly, and my parents are responsible for her diet (they do her shopping and prepare meals) and they often pick the most horrible carb and bad-fat laden foods with no protein and no healthy fats, and the doctors just keep throwing more drugs at her regardless of potential interactions, or if they upset her already existing conditions.
But you are 100% right - we often think we know more than we do based on something we read on the internet
