Be mindful of your mind..
Over 60’s invited to take part in a new natural memory boosting study that pays €400
Atlantia Clinical Trials highlights the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and more serious memory problems and offers tips on natural methods to aid memory retention ~
If you are aged over 60 and a little forgetful on occasion, you might be looking for natural ways to boost your memory.
From July, a Cork-based research company Atlantia Clinical Trials will embark on an exciting new scientific study that will clinically assess the effectiveness of a daily turmeric supplement in boosting cognitive function in older people. They are seeking to recruit over 150 participants aged from 60 to 85 to be part of this 6-month study. Not only could you reap the health benefits, but suitable candidates will be paid €400 for their time.
Picture: Miki Barlok
The study takes place over 24 weeks and involves taking a daily turmeric capsule, with 4 visits to the Atlantia premises in Blackpool, where free health checks will be undertaken to confirm eligibility. These include basic measurements of weight, height, BMI, waist-hip ratio and vitals including blood pressure, heart rate & temperature, along with a blood sample.
To qualify for the study, candidates need to be aged between 60 and 85 and have general good health, although they should have noticed a gradual decline in their memory or mental acuity that can be confirmed by a relative or life partner. However, it should not be to a point of concern where it impacts ability to undertake everyday functions, or a diagnosis of dementia, which is a separate condition and not within the remit of this research.
The Atlantia Cognition Study will investigate the memory health benefits obtained from consuming the natural turmeric root, which is more commonly recognised as the vibrant yellow spice used in Indian cooking. Turmeric is rich in a compound called curcumin which is an antioxidant meaning that it can protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, and it is also well known for its anti-inflammatory properties which have been long used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Recent studies have pinpointed benefits of the compound in improving memory so this claim is being further explored by Atlantia to determine validity and whether it can be brought to market as a natural supplement to offer a memory boosting benefit for age related memory depreciation.
If you are getting older and are worried about memory and mental agility, it’s useful to know what is normal and what is not. As with any changes as we age, the unknown can be daunting – after all our memories are linked to who we are as people, our identity, and our social interactions. You may find it takes longer than before to learn something new, you occasionally forget a word or a name, and now and then you might misplace an item like keys, wallet or phone and start to feel a little self-conscious about it and wonder if it a normal part of aging or the first sign of more serious memory problems.
Claire Tansey, Director of Operations at Atlantia Clinical Trials says “The most important difference to be aware of is that serious memory and cognitive problems inhibit the ability to clearly think and perform daily tasks and our usual roles in life – it then becomes a health concern that needs further evaluation by healthcare professionals. If you have any concerns about memory and cognition, then speak to your GP or other medical professional”.
Science backed tips to preserve memory capacity include:
- Following a healthy diet
- Taking regular exercise
- Not smoking and keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum
- Staying involved in activities that can help both the mind and body.
- Learning a new skill.
- Following a daily routine.
- Planning tasks, making to-do lists, and using calendars and notes.
- Putting your personal possessions in the same place each day.
- Volunteering in the community (where social distancing allows).
- Spend time with friends and family (where social distancing allows).
- Getting enough sleep, generally seven to eight hours each night.
- Keeping cholesterol and blood sugar in check.
- Preventing or controlling high blood pressure.
To ascertain your eligibility to participate in the Memory Impairment Study with Atlantia see www.atlantiaclinicaltrials.com where you can complete an online pre-screening questionnaire, email studies@atlantiafoodtrials.com, or phone: +353 (0)21 430 7442 for more information
