Search Results

Insufficient acetylcholine responsible for those “senior moments” – here are natural ways to increase its levels

August 20, 2018 -

The initial means is to prevent a deficiency in the first place. There are some medical conditions that cause low levels of acetylcholine, however.

Diseases can cause antibodies or similar autoimmune problems that disable the neurotransmitter's receptors. They can also prevent the production of acetylcholine.

Still, the most common reasons for acetylcholine deficiency are diet and medications. Indeed, one of the few problems of low-fat ...

Scientists discover that fermenting blueberries can restore cognitive function, improve memory for people with amnesia

September 10, 2018 - acetylcholine and increased levels of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which plays a role in the maintenance and production of healthy nerve cells. The research team arrived at this conclusion after conducting in vivo studies to evaluate the mice's performance in mazes and an avoidance test, wherein the mice would receive a low-intensity shock in one of two chambers.

Results revealed that when fed with blueberry vinegar, the amnesia-induced ...

Nicotine exposure during development leads to hearing problems (press release)

September 20, 2006 - acetylcholine, which is important for a number of cognitive functions.Researchers believe that when people are paying attention to something, such as an important sound, acetylcholine is released into the brain. It then interacts with the nicotinic-acetylcholine receptor and, the UCI study showed, thereby enhances sensitivity to that sound. If that receptor is damaged due to prenatal exposure to nicotine, acetylcholine cannot bind with ...

STUDY: Eating a junk food-filled diet during adolescence could lead to long-term memory impairment in adulthood

April 23, 2024 -

The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain Behavior and Immunity, was conducted among rats fed a diet full of fat and sugar during adolescence. The study also builds on prior research linking poor diet to Alzheimer’s disease, a condition characterized by reduced levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is crucial for memory, learning, attention and other cognitive functions. (Related: Eating junk food causes DEPRESSION ...

14 supplements to give your brain a much-needed edge

December 01, 2019 -

#1 Acetyl-L-carnitine

This amino acid is great for boosting mental and physical energy. It serves as a potent antioxidant and a precursor of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter of memory and learning. Moreover, it is a fast-acting and effective antidepressant as it increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine – neurotransmitters that contribute to feelings of well-being and happiness. It’s also good to take acetyl-L-carnitine for improving mental clarity, mood, ...

CONFIRMED: Antidepressants and other drugs cause dementia

May 29, 2018 - acetylcholine can regulate certain biological functions either by speeding them up or slowing them down. … The cells involved in the contraction of these muscles have nerve receptors. Those receptive to acetylcholine are considered cholinergic.

When faced with abnormal muscle function, there are drugs that can block acetylcholine by binding to the cholinergic receptors. Without the means to deliver the chemical messages, the contractions can be stopped ...

Could aloe vera hold the key to slowing Alzheimer’s? New study points to promising compound

7 days ago - acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory and cognitive function, BrightU.AI's Enoch notes. Two enzymes, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, break down acetylcholine, worsening symptoms. Current medications, such as donepezil (Aricept), slow these enzymes but do not halt disease progression.

Using computational simulations, the Moroccan team analyzed how aloe vera's Beta sitosterol binds to these enzymes. The results were striking: ...

Compounds from two Nigerian vegetables found to inhibit enzymes implicated in neurodegenerative diseases

December 24, 2020 - acetylcholinesterase [AChE] and butyrylcholinesterase [BChE]) and the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) in vitro.

AChE is an enzyme found in neuromuscular junctions. Its function is to break down acetylcholine, the chief neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) of the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby terminating impulse transmission between nerves. Low levels of acetylcholine have been found in patients with Alzheimer's dementia. Inhibiting AChE ...

Aloe vera emerges as a surprising candidate in the fight against Alzheimer’s

8 days ago - acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Think of these as biological cleanup crews in the brain.

Their job is to break down a crucial chemical messenger called acetylcholine, which nerve cells use to communicate. In the Alzheimer's brain, acetylcholine levels are already perilously low. The enzymes' continued work further depletes this supply, worsening memory loss and cognitive decline.

This enzymatic process is the target of the primary ...

Study: Over-the-counter drugs can increase your risk of developing dementia

August 19, 2020 -

Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine, which serves as the chief neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system. This part of the nervous system, also known as the rest and digest system, governs various bodily functions, including heart rate, blood vessel dilation and smooth muscle contraction.

But according to recent studies, prolonged use of anticholinergic medications has deleterious effects, especially on the brain....

If they can’t cure your depression, maybe they can make you forget you have it: Common anticholinergic drugs increase dementia risk by 50 percent

June 02, 2020 - acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is produced by neurons to facilitate the transmission of signals from one cell to another. In the central nervous system, this neurotransmitter helps modulate responses involved in arousal, attention, learning, memory, motivation and sleep. In fact, decreased acetylcholine levels is often associated with Alzheimer's disease. In the peripheral nervous system, acetylcholine can be found in motor neurons and helps make ...

Doctors are now suggesting de-prescribing antipsychotics since they INCREASE dementia risk – who knew?

April 15, 2020 -

Anticholinergics are drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter associated with many bodily functions. Acetylcholine is found in motor neurons, where it stimulates muscle contraction. The neurotransmitter is also involved in the movements of the heart and stomach, even in the blinking of the eyes. Acetylcholine is also found in the brain, where it plays a vital role in cognition and memory.

Anticholinergics are prescribed ...

Rosemary can be used to enhance memory in university students

October 18, 2018 - acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that relays messages between your brain and your muscles, which makes it essential for mobility.

It also plays an important role in learning, enhancing your brain's ability to encode or create new memories. By suppressing acetylcholinesterase, rosemary helps increase the concentration of acetylcholine and improve ...

Are you taking these prescription drugs that cause memory loss?

July 06, 2018 - acetylcholine, a primary neurotransmitter associated with memory and learning. Neurologists have found that people with low levels of acetylcholine have difficulties concentrating or finding the correct word. In fact, deficiencies in this neurotransmitter are often linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s and the medications for these disorders “work” by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain.

What your doctor won’t tell you though is that ...

An evidence-based guide to brain foods that improve memory and focus

October 31, 2018 - acetylcholine, respectively.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning. By having adequate levels of acetylcholine, people can enjoy sharper memory, improved focus, and lower risk for Alzheimer's. Choline is also necessary to produce citicoline, a chemical important for promoting blood flow to the brain as well as the breakdown of glucose for energy. Although many people avoid this food because of the cholesterol content, ...

OTC sleeping pills linked to increased risk of dementia, say researchers

April 30, 2019 -

The most prominent of the sleeping pills are the anticholinergics. These drugs are prescribed for all kinds of medical conditions, such as sleeping disorders. But recent studies revealed that anticholinergic drugs can make older people much more vulnerable to developing dementia.

Anticholinergic drugs stop the activity of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter that bonds to nerve cells. The central and peripheral nervous systems rely on this important chemical ...

A natural remedy for asthma found in traditional medicine from Ghana

December 19, 2018 - acetylcholine or histamine, two substances that induce bronchoconstriction.

The researchers took note of the time it took for the animal to begin experiencing problems with breathing after it was exposed to the aerosol. They also kept track of how long it took for the animals to recover once the latter were placed in fresh air.

Further tests determined how the Ming aralia extract affects agonists such as acetylcholine and histamine. The extract ...

A little-known flavonoid improves symptoms caused by traumatic brain injury

October 26, 2018 - acetylcholine in their hippocampus, higher levels of mRNA and protein levels of choline acetyltransferase, and better protein levels of acetylated histone H3. These chemicals are important for proper brain function.

Acetylcholine is the chemical used by motor neurons to trigger muscles. It is synthesized by choline acetyltransferase, an enzyme that takes an acetyl group from acetyl-coenzyme A and adds it to choline.

Finally, histone H3 is an important ...

Research finds that supplementing with B vitamins can help treat bipolar disorder

August 31, 2018 -

It is one naturally-occurring B vitamin in particular that is responsible for this benefit. Choline is needed by the body to biosynthesize the neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine; low levels of acetylcholine are believed to be behind some cases of mania. The brain needs choline for processes that are related to learning, mental alertness, and memory.

There have been case reports that point to choline’s ability to reduce mania. In one small case study ...

Fermented turmeric prevents memory loss caused by oxidative stress and inflammation

July 11, 2018 - acetylcholine in the brain. To boost this neurotransmitter, the amount of acetylcholinesterase that metabolizes acetylcholine must be reduced.

Therefore, the Keimyung University (KMU) research team looked into the possibility of using turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) to protect the brain against oxidative stress and inflammation. Turmeric contains curcumunoids like curcumin, a well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that shields neurons from ...