Considering changing your diet to boost cognitive function in old age?

A recent study suggests that a balanced diet could be your best bet. Here are the main takeaways:

What we eat affects our well-being, but understanding the precise relationship between diet and brain health is complex. Recent research published in Nature Mental Health indicates that different dietary patterns can influence various aspects of brain health, including mental health, cognitive function, metabolic biomarkers, and brain structure.

Among four dietary patterns examined in the study, including starch-free, vegetarian, high-protein/low-fiber, and balanced diet, the balanced diet emerged as the winner. Participants adhering to a balanced diet showed better mental health, cognitive functioning, and overall brain health.

Registered dietitian Isabel M. Vazquez underscores the importance of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats for supporting cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars may have adverse effects on the brain.

Researchers found that participants' food preferences correlated with actual food consumption traits. The balanced dietary subtype exhibited the most favourable outcomes across mental health measurements, cognitive function tests, and brain structure assessments.

Genetic differences were observed between dietary groups, suggesting a link between genetics, diet, and brain health outcomes. The balanced dietary group showed a lower genetic risk for most mental disorders compared to other groups.

While the study sheds light on the impact of diet on brain health, it has limitations. Data from the UK Biobank may not fully represent the population's diversity, and the study primarily focused on older individuals. Additionally, the study's observational nature prevents establishing causality between diet and brain health outcomes.

Despite limitations, the study underscores the significance of adopting a balanced diet for optimal brain health and mental well-being, especially in older age. Future research could explore the impact of dietary patterns on brain health in younger populations and delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying these associations.

In conclusion, choosing a balanced diet rich in diverse food groups may be a proactive step toward maintaining cognitive function and promoting overall brain health as you age.

CPP is Canada’s national retirement plan

 The CPP is Canada’s national retirement plan. It’s designed to provide a foundation for millions of Canadians to build their retirement.

Right now, conversations are taking place about the potential of withdrawing from the CPP. It’s an important decision for Albertans, with implications for all Canadians.

CPP Investments, the independent, non-partisan, global investment management organization responsible for investing in the CPP Fund, has launched a new online resource yourcpp.ca to support the conversation and help residents make an informed choice about their future. 

Today, the CPP is well-funded, resilient, and financially sustainable for generations to come, despite rapidly aging populations and longer life expectancies.

The CPP is safe. When it comes to pensions, there is strength in numbers. Pooling contributions from more than 22 million Canadians helps protect the CPP Fund from market volatility and changing demographics.

What makes the CPP one of the best in the world?

CPP Investments has a clear mandate to maximize returns without taking unnecessary risks, independent from government interference. Our diversified portfolio has achieved a 10-year net rate of return of 9.3% – a proven track record of performance surpassing many of our domestic and global peers.

The CPP Fund is resilient and well diversified. The CPP Fund is invested in Canada and in more than 50 countries. It holds assets in many sectors, such as Alberta oil and gas, ports in the United States, and toll roads in Australia. The investment returns we generate abroad are brought back to pay pension benefits in Canada.

The CPP is portable. Since its creation nearly 60 years ago, the CPP guarantees full portability across every province and in almost 60 countries, allowing you to access your pension wherever you live.

The CPP is financially sustainable. Independent experts have concluded the CPP is financially sustainable for generations to come. That means you, your children, and your grandchildren can rely on the CPP for security in retirement.

The CPP Fund is independent of the government. The CPP Fund is managed by investment professionals who invest the funds and maximize returns without taking excessive risk. Governments do not direct how or where the CPP Fund is invested.

What is RSV and why should I care about it

 Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus affecting Canadians' health. It infects the airways and lungs, causing cold-like symptoms such as runny nose and coughing, usually lasting one to two weeks. Vulnerable groups include children under two, older adults, those with heart or lung conditions, and immunocompromised individuals. Adults over 65 face more severe complications, including hospitalization and sometimes needing intensive care.

RSV is highly contagious, more so than seasonal flu, and lacks specific treatments beyond supportive care. While flu causes more hospitalizations in older adults, RSV can be just as deadly. However, RSV hospitalizations in adults, especially older adults, are often underreported due to testing limitations and inadequate surveillance systems.

Preventing RSV includes using monoclonal antibodies for high-risk infants and developing vaccines for all age groups. Three vaccines for older adults show promise in reducing severe RSV infections. Despite progress, more efforts are needed to improve vaccination rates, educate the public and healthcare providers, and enhance surveillance and reporting systems.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) proposes ten recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and organizations to support RSV vaccination efforts and reduce its impact. They have recommended 10 ideas to ensure the public is protected.  Let’s look at each one to see if they make sense.

1.               Promote preventive practices: This includes educating seniors and their loved ones about the importance of hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and covering coughs and sneezes. For example, placing hand sanitizers in common areas and encouraging their use can help reduce the spread of RSV.

2.               Improve RSV surveillance and understanding: Continuously monitor and track RSV cases to better understand the virus and its impact on different populations. For example, healthcare providers can keep accurate records of RSV cases and share this data with local and national health organizations. Which should be available to the public.

3.               Continue RSV vaccine development: Support ongoing research and development of RSV vaccines to ensure effective vaccines are available for all age groups. For example, family members can donate to organizations focused on RSV research or participate in clinical trials.

4.               Promote lifelong vaccination schedules: Encourage seniors to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations, including RSV vaccines when they become available. For example, healthcare providers can use reminder systems to notify patients when it's time for their vaccinations or if you are not sure, be proactive and check with your provider.

5.               Include older adults in vaccination programs: Ensure that vaccination programs target older adults, who are at higher risk for severe RSV infections. For example, healthcare providers can proactively reach out to seniors to schedule vaccination appointments and we can chose to work with rather than ignore our providers.

6.               Provide cost-effective RSV vaccinations: Make RSV vaccinations affordable for all by advocating for insurance coverage and public funding. For example, seniors can contact their local representatives to express the importance of RSV vaccine coverage.

7.               Follow national vaccination guidelines: Adhere to established vaccination guidelines to ensure safe and effective administration of RSV vaccines. For example, healthcare providers can participate in continuing education courses to stay current on vaccination best practices.

8.               Educate and support healthcare providers: Provide resources and training for healthcare providers to ensure they are knowledgeable about RSV and its prevention. For example, organizations can offer webinars or workshops on RSV for healthcare professionals.

9.               Standardize vaccination procedures: Implement consistent vaccination procedures across healthcare settings to ensure safety and efficiency. For example, healthcare facilities can develop standardized vaccination checklists and protocols.

10.            Monitor RSV vaccination rates accurately: Track and analyze RSV vaccination rates to identify gaps and areas for improvement. For example, public health departments can use immunization information systems to monitor vaccination coverage.

Some humour about trying to quit smoking

 I hope these jokes bring a smile and a reminder that quitting smoking, while challenging, can also have moments of humour and triumph!

1.      Why did the guy trying to quit smoking start telling jokes? Because laughter is the best distraction from cravings!

2.      Quitting smoking is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the needle is a non-smoking life and the haystack is a mountain of cigarette packs.

3.      Did you hear about the smoker who tried to quit cold turkey? It didn't work because the turkey kept asking for a smoke break.

4.      Why did the cigarette go to therapy? It was trying to find a healthier coping mechanism!

5.      Quitting smoking is like playing a game of hide and seek with your willpower. Sometimes it's hiding in plain sight, and other times it's nowhere to be found!

6.      Why did the ex-smoker become a gardener? Because they wanted to plant seeds of health instead of tobacco leaves!

7.      What do you call a group of ex-smokers? A puff-less posse!

8.      Why don't smokers ever win at poker? Because they always fold before the game even starts!

9.      Quitting smoking is like breaking up with a bad habit. You have to go through withdrawal, but you'll feel better in the long run.

10. Why did the cigarette cross the road? To get to the "other side" of health and wellness!

11. How do you know when a smoker is serious about quitting? When they start counting the days since their last cigarette like it's a high score!

12. Why did the doctor prescribe laughter to smokers trying to quit? Because it's the best medicine for cravings!

13. What's a smoker's favourite song when they decide to quit? "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor!

14. Why did the smoker switch to vaping? Because they wanted a cloud of vapor, not a clouded future!