RESEARCHERS studied autopsy findings on 24 brains, 5 of them people called “SuperAgers,” those who are 80 and over. I refer to them as “TeenAged,” individuals whose cognitive ability, alertness, attitude, behavior, posture, and movements are almost similar to people 20 or more years younger than they are.
The findings in this study revealed the brains of “SuperAgers” had larger neurons, the “information messenger” of the brain that transmit electrical impulses and chemical signs between various areas of the brain and between the brain and the rest of the nervous system and the body. The larger neurons in the entorhinal cortex (ERC) appear to help preserve memory capacity among “SuperAgers.” Memory capacity usually decreases with age, with about 40 percent of people aged 65 years and older having age-associated memory impairment, and about 1 percent of them progress into dementia each year.
The study also found that SuperAgers lacked neurons with “tau tangles,” that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s Disease. SuperAgers have been “described as the ‘professional athletes of cognition,’ since they are rare people who continue to have sharp memories well into old age.”
Nasal vaccines
“No-needle” mucosal vaccination is now being developed, to be delivered nasally or orally (also transdermal, with a micro needle). Since the virus enters the nose and mouth, the hope is that the nasal/oral versions would halt the virus at those entry points and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the body. At least “a dozen nasal vaccine candidates are being studied and are at their phase III clinical trials.” The ones for COVID-19 are still far off from being available in the United States. China has approved an inhaled COVID-19 vaccine as a booster about 5 weeks ago. India is following suit with its own version of an intranasal vaccine for emergency use.
In the meantime, as of last Monday, October 17, 2022, there were 46,146 cases of COVID-19, with 338 deaths, 24,091 hospitalized in the United States. Sadly, very few have opted for the bivalent booster shot, which is a big mistake.
Vaping worse?
Jumping from the pan to the fire could well be the case of those who stopped smoking and started vaping (e-cigarettes). Vaping, like smoking tobacco, is self-induced slow suicide. Why some people have to take in hazardous substances into their body is mind-boggling. Almost half a million die each year from tobacco-related illnesses in the United States. Secondhand smoke kills more than 41,000 people in the United States alone. Vaping use is catapulting to a serious high. They are advertised as a safer option to cigarettes. Does it mean it would destroy the body more slowly, killing more softly? Those vaping are 40 percent more likely to have bronchitis symptoms, with lingering cough, phlegm, congestion, etc., and 53 percent, shortness of breath. Vaping is more toxic in close quarters. Those near a person vaping could also be exposed to second[1]hand vaping. Let’s stop being masochistic and cease hurting our body.
Early onset cancer
Cancer of the colon and 13 other digestive system cancers have been observed to be spiking as early-onset malignancies, targeting younger and younger people. This was revealed by a new study in 44 countries. The fact that these are gastrointestinal suggests the big role diet and the bacteria in our gut (microbiome) have in causing these cancers. Some factors that increase the risk for cancers are smoking, high alcohol intake, obesity, consuming mostly meat, lack of vegetables, fruits, nuts in the diet, too much carbohydrates (sugars), lack of exercise, environmental pollution. In 2022, about 1.9 million cases of cancer and nearly 610,000 related deaths (1670 deaths a day) are expected in the United States alone.
Selenium and aging
As we grow older, the caps on the ends of some of our chromosomes, called telomeres, get shorter. More evident signs of aging are wrinkles and gray hair. In the bloodstream, an ingredient, selenium, declines. Daily requirement is 55 micrograms per day for 14 and older. Pregnant or lactating mothers need 60-70 micrograms. Selenium, a trace element, which plays a vital role in DNA and cell[1]health (and protecting the body from free radicals), can be found in multivitamins and mineral (combo) supplements. Experts believe selenium might help fight against aging. Selenium may be found in seafood, like shrimp, tuna, halibut, and sardines, as well as meats, Brazil nuts, and grains. Consult your physician for more details.
Microbiome – Diabetes
A new study links gut microbiome to the development of diabetes, where there is loss of dysfunction of the beta cells of the pancreas (which manufacture natural body insulin). This research reports that “a protein called beta cell expansion factor A (BefA) secreted by certain gut bacterial species could induce the proliferation of beta cells in young mice and zebrafish.” This means dysfunctional beta cells (which is the situation in diabetes T2) could someday be replicated to produce insulin for the body, hence effectively helping treat or preventing diabetes.
This study shows how gut microbiome (the balance of the good and bad gut bacteria milieu) influences pancreatic beta cells development early in childhood. When this lab discovery is found applicable to humans, this gut microbiome strategy in “replenishing the beta cells of the pancreas” will tremendously benefit the more than 462 million individuals (6.28 percent of the world’s population) who have T2 diabetes and, especially, the 8.7 million with T1 diabetes. As we have posted in this column before, a healthy gut microbiome by living a healthy lifestyle would maximize our health and longevity.
Protect your DNA
We are healthy when our DNA is healthy. Protecting our DNA from childhood to adulthood is existentially vital. Any damage to the DNA caused by self-abuse (alcohol excess, smoking, illicit drugs, unhealthy diet, too much stress, lack of exercise, sleep deprivation, lack of rest, etc.), exposure to harmful chemicals, too much sun, and bodily injuries, will lead to disease of our system, resulting in illnesses.
As I have stated in my book, “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ our Children” (view at philipSchua. com), protecting the DNA starts in the womb (maternal healthy behavior during pregnancy), and in the crib, when dieting should start, not in high school, if we are to prevent damages to the child’s DNA. The strategy to a healthy life and longevity, unlike the lengthy global search of Ponce de Leon for the Fountain of Youth, is actually here with us, all along. It is called living a healthy lifestyle. The execution of living a healthy lifestyle is the challenge, because it takes a lot of personal sacrifices and strict discipline to achieve its great rewards
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/ author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network[1]USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti[1]graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com
