There has been a big government push during the past few years from multiple nations to increase the amount of funding that is allocated to brain research.
This is due in part to increased awareness of degenerative cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and the increased life expectancy that accompanies advanced medical techniques also puts more people at risk of developing one of these illnesses. While this is definitely a worthwhile usage of some of the money that is utilized globally to study a wide variety of diseases, it is interesting to note that research has also found a link between poor nutrition and complications with Alzheimer’s disease. With this in mind, it seems like a logical next step to put some of the brain research funding into nutrition outreach programs for the general public.
Ottawa has taken a big stand for brain research funding by pledging part of the $100 million[1] that was awarded on April 21, 2015, to Baycrest Health Services in Toronto, Canada. Finance Minister Joe Oliver recognized the need for funding by including $42 million for Baycrest’s Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation. Other contributors to the $100 million total include the Ontario Brain Institute, IBM, Rexall and Johnson & Johnson. The funding from Ottawa will be spread out over the next five years. This money is intended to help researchers develop new methods of dealing with brain ailments, including the diagnosis and repair stages.
According to Baycrest Health Service’s chief executive, Dr. William Reichman, “this generation says they’re most concerned about their brains.” This viewpoint makes now the perfect time to gain public support for additional government funded brain research, and Canada is not alone in this decision. In fact, U.S. President Barack Obama unveiled the BRAIN Initiative in 2013 with $100 million in funds. Since that time, companies such as General Electric and Google have joined in and brought an estimated $300 million with them.
In other related news, almost 2 million research studies about the brain and neuroscience were conducted worldwide between 2009 and 2013. The countries leading this research include the U.S., U.K. and China. When you put all of these factors together, it becomes clear that many nations are taking brain health extremely seriously. This could ultimately lead to important breakthroughs in treatment methods for dementia and other brain related issues.
Although all of this is a good sign, it is also very important to be aware that research has also proven that there can be a link between nutrition and brain health. For example, scientists from Deakin University and the University of Melbourne recently released findings that show a close relationship between proper nutrition and good mental health.
People with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease should also be paying close attention to the research that is being done into the role of malnutrition in the development of dementia. Scientists have discovered that the accumulation of amyloid beta-peptide and oxidative stress increases an individual’s odds of contracting Alzheimer’s. Due to this, it is recommended that people include a lot of natural antioxidants in their diet if they are concerned about brain health. There is also some evidence that suggests increasing the daily intake of Vitamin C and Vitamin E could reduce the risk of dementia in most people.
A study published on March 27, 2015, found that a specific nutrient combination appears to have the potential to provide the brain with protective qualities that could help prevent Alzheimer’s. This combination includes a higher intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy products, fish and whole grains.
Additionally, it is well-documented that people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease may have a difficult time eating, and this lack of proper nutrition can lead to their physical decline. In some cases, patients have difficulty with basic functions such as using utensils and swallowing properly. Malnutrition also becomes an issue with unsupervised individuals forget to eat or stop recognizing their favorite foods. Approximately 45 percent of dementia patients suffer from malnutrition, and this is a factor in the 600,000[2] deaths in the U.S. that are blamed on Alzheimer’s every year.
Discovering how to treat or even prevent Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is important, and it makes sense to provide funding for research projects. However, with the mounting list of evidence that links nutrition to the development of Alzheimer’s and the post-diagnosis quality of life, it seems equally important to launch a public education campaign with some of the government funding.
Unfortunately, some of the people who are most at risk will probably never take the time to look up this type of information. Therefore, taking steps to educate the public via print, online and TV advertising could help reduce the annual number of newly diagnosed dementia cases.
