Tag Archives: aging

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Improved Strength and Muscle Size in Elderly

Posted on May 24, 2015 | Comments Off on Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Improved Strength and Muscle Size in Elderly
Rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, herring, trout, and mackerel

Rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, herring, trout, and mackerel

Admittedly it was a small study but it was randomized and the only intervention applied was for the experimental group to take 1.86 grams of EPA and 1.5 grams of DHA daily for six months. The control group was given corn oil. Study participants were 60–85 years old. The specific form of the fish-derived fatty acids was a proprietary product called Lovaza.

Improved strength during aging should help with maintenance of independent daily activities and prevention of falls. In other words, these fatty acids are anti-aging. I’d like to see the study replicated with more study participants.

I don’t know if the study was paid for by Lovaza’s manufacturer, nor whether that would influence results.

This study supports my recommendation of cold-water fatty fish (great sources of omega-3 fatty acids) in all my diets:

Steve Parker, M.D.

 

Comments Off on Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Improved Strength and Muscle Size in Elderly

Posted in Longevity

Tagged , , , , ,

Things You’ll Regret When You’re Old

Posted on December 26, 2013 | Comments Off on Things You’ll Regret When You’re Old
What if…?

What if…?

I had a prior post on deathbed regrets. In that same vein, Mike Spohr at Buzzfeed has an article on “37 Things You’ll Regret When You’re Old.” No. 21, neglecting your teeth, resonated with me. I’d never heard anyone else say that. I neglected mine in childhood and exposed them to too many refined carbohydrates. One of my other regrets is quitting Boy Scouts at Life rank instead of forging ahead to Eagle.

Read it unless you’re old and it’s too late. It’s almost time for New Years’ Resolutions.

Comments Off on Things You’ll Regret When You’re Old

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged ,

Does Strength Training Affect Aging?

Posted on February 11, 2013 | Comments Off on Does Strength Training Affect Aging?

Skyler Tanner is one of my favorite bloggers.  Watch his video for his answer.

Comments Off on Does Strength Training Affect Aging?

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , ,

Elderly Mental Decline Is Slowed by Mediterranean Diet

Posted on March 30, 2012 | 1 comment

The Mediterranean diet slowed age-related mental decline in elderly Chicago residents, according to researchers at Rush University Medical Center. The investigators noted that a Manhattan population following the Mediterranean diet also showed slower mental decline and lower rates of Alzheimers dementia.Over 3,000 study participants (2,280 blacks, 1,510 whites) were studied for an average of eight years. Food consumption was determined by questionnaires, and mental function was tested every three years. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was judged according to a Mediterranean diet score developed by Panagiotakis, et al.

The greater the adherence to the Greek-style Mediterranean diet, the lower the rate of mental decline over the course of the study.

Mental decline to some extent is a normal part of aging. If we can avoid it or lessen it’s impact, why not? A couple ways to do that are regular exercise and the Mediterranean diet.

Would a low-carb Mediterranean diet work just as well or better? Nobody knows yet.

Steve Parker, M.D.

Reference: Tangney, Christine, et al. Adherence to a Mediterranean-type dietary pattern and cognitive decline in a community population. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2010. doi 10.3945/ajcn.110.007369

 

1 Comment

Posted in Alzheimer Disease, Dementia

Tagged , , , , ,