Even those among us who’d like to slim down a little might be understandably upset at the thought of losing weight in our brains, but it seems our brains do shrink as we age. Decreases in brain volume are associated with cognitive impairments such as memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The good news is that British researchers recently found that some brain shrinkage may be associated with low levels of B-12 — which suggest that perhaps supplementing might be a preventive strategy.
ABOUT THE RESEARCH
Several studies have linked B-12 deficits with cognitive decline and dementia. A. David Smith, DPhil, FMedSci, and his colleagues at the University of Oxford, set out to learn more about the association by measuring the amount of bioavailable B-12 in older people. In a five-year longitudinal study, they followed 107 individuals of both genders (mean age 73) with no mental impairments at the start of the study. Participants were given yearly exams that included cognitive tests, MRI scans and blood tests to track the amount of bioavailable B-12.
The researchers found two things. First, those whose B-12 levels were lowest at the start of the study had the most — and fastest — brain shrinkage over the five-year period. In addition, brain shrinkage occurred even in those whose plasma B-12 levels were still considered to be within a normal range.
TO SUPPLEMENT OR NOT TO SUPPLEMENT?
The RDA for B-12 is 2.4 micrograms, which can generally be obtained from the effective digestion and uptake of foods like meat, milk, eggs, fish and vitamin-fortified cereals.  However, poor diet and, unfortunately, the effects of aging itself lead to depleted B-12 levels.
Now, Dr. Smith and his colleagues are turning their attention to the obvious next question of whether B-12 supplements can reverse or halt the loss of brain volume once it has begun, with a study of elderly people they hope to conclude later this year. Though there is little consensus among the medical community about when B-12 supplements should be prescribed, Dr. Smith believes people over age 50 should have B-12 levels checked every five years or so, and take supplements if the levels are in the low-normal range. Have your B-12 levels checked right away if you notice symptoms of deficiency, which can include tingling and numbness in the extremities in addition to poor memory. Vegetarians and pregnant women and nursing mothers are also at higher risk for low B-12 status, so they too should discuss with their doctor whether supplementation might be advisable. Other people who might have low B-12 levels are those who take proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists for prolonged periods.

Source(s): ??A. David Smith, DPhil, FMedSci, is professor emeritus of pharmacology, founding director of Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA) and honorary associate director, MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit, at University of Oxford in Oxford, United Kingdom.

My name is Wnobr. I have earth for my first assignment. Madaline said that it would be good to check in to “The” blog. I have traveled to many occupied solar systems in my 103,000 years of service to the Confederation. I have found that every one had something unique to offer. I must admit it took me the better part of 95,000 years to discover that.

The first 8,000 years or so were spent thinking of the life forms that I discovered on planets as inferior beings who existed solely for the exploitation of the particular Commander I was serving under during the excursion. In that time we had visited thousands of world like yours. Worlds that existed within their own solar systems without too much contemplation of what life forms existed without.

We often walked among them as one of them. I come from a planet that dines on solid minerals and inert gases. Hence, I have often been partnered with a shipmate who dines on the live specie. This enables us to make a scientific evaluation as to the merits of making the planet a “cattle” planet or one which has intergalactic promise.

I have been told much about your planet by Zmiv, Madaline, and Nikki. I have spent the required time in the Simulator to prepare me for this excursion. I look forward to hearing from its inhabitants before I actually make the trip down.

Wnobr

–Steve Jobs

—Rodney Dangerfield

Power to the People. We showed’em. Thanks to all the write ins(also thanks to those of you who mentioned me in your protests emails) to the Guam Airport Authority and their bosses, the memorials will be restored.
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Concerned Veterans Force GIAA To Re-install Fallen Hero’s Banners

Written by Nick Delgado, Pacific News Center – Guam, Saipan, CNMI, Asia-Pacific

Thursday, 16 April 2009 18:06
Guam

Guam – After overwhelming support of the display, the Guam international airport will be re-installing the banners of the island’s fallen hero’s until a permanent home is found. Airport general manager, Carlos Salas says the airport extends its sincerest regrets for any inconvenience or emotions stirred as a result of its earlier action.
Earlier today, the veteran’s of Guam were concerned over the removal of the photos. Veteran and member with the order of the purple heart, Tom Beblin expressed his frustration that there was no notice put out regarding the banners removal.
In a letter to airport management, Lt. Governor Mike Cruz expressed his utter shock and sincere outrage that the “hall of fallen heroes” was replaced by decoratively painted turtles. Cruz also stated that the the memorial was started two years ago, and that they should not be degraded, taken down, or pushed aside. However, airport spokesperson, Rolenda Faasuamalie says their intention is to present these keepsakes to the family members of the fallen brave who are enormously impacted by the loss of their loved ones. She adds that the airport still intends to create a permanent memorial piece similar to the memorial which honors those who fought during World War 2.
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Thank you also Michelle for allowing me to use your blog to get the word out. Guamanians from all over the world expressed their outrage.

Peter