Vices that destroy your brain

Posted on August 4, 2013 by john in Health care

The alcohol, snuff and drugs like cocaine reduce the size of this vital organ.

Keep bad lifestyle habits such as drinking, smoking and taking drugs, not only contributes to the development of chronic disease, but it affects the brain, the body that controls and coordinates all body functions.

Should be clear that, although with age brain size tends to decrease, it is estimated that at age 80 loses 15 percent of its original weight, the use of these harmful substances accelerate this process dramatically.

As shown by a study from the University of Cambridge, published in 2012 in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, in which chronic cocaine consumption accelerates brain aging. Worth noting that, according to United Nations statistics, of the 230 million drug users in the world, about 21 million are cocaine addicts.

Using magnetic resonance imaging, the researchers found that the loss of gray matter is higher in cocaine-dependent individuals in the population is not. To make matters worse, brain size also decreases: while in healthy people, the brain volume decreased 1.69 mm per year, who have used cocaine in adulthood the figure rises to 3.08 millimeters. These phenomena are associated with a decline in the fine structure of neurons and connections between them. It is known that certain brain areas suffer greater impairment, such as cerebral cortex, which analyzes and processes information. This shrinks more than the cerebellum, which is responsible for motor control.

Beware smoking and drinking

Cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol the brain ages too early. This is the result of a recent study by the University of California and led by Professor Timothy Durazzo. The researchers analyzed data from 158 people between 26 and 71 years and separated into four groups: healthy and non-smokers, not taking alcoholic drink for a month and had never smoked, and alcohol a month of abstinence and who continued to smoke.

Participants were assessed cognitive abilities such as memory, learning, processing speed and mathematical problem solving. The current smokers showed a greater age for their age. They also had problems with memory, his ability to think fast and efficiently and troubleshooting. While non-smokers or those who had stopped doing so showed better performances.

This happens because alcohol is coupled with some brain protein, as do other drugs.

The damage resulting from the increased levels of free radicals (can increase cellular aging), and other compounds that damage neurons. After the results of the study, it is worth thinking before subjecting the body to these substances, which not only hurt your health, but they age and shrink the brain.

What about marijuana?

Affects attention and memory

After tracking the health of 1,037 New Zealanders from birth (1972) until age 38, researchers from King’s College London and Duke University (USA) concluded that continuous consumption of marijuana before age 18 years may cause or permanent loss of mental faculties decline.

Terrie Moffitt, one of the authors of the research, explained that before 18 the brain is still developing and organizing to be more efficient and perhaps more vulnerable to damage from these drugs.

Mental stimulation at all times

More and more people complain about forgetting appointments or important dates. Hope Avila, who conducts workshops for mental stimulation, give some advice.

1. Pauses

It is advisable, in the case of reading, pause for 45 minutes. At work, it is best to switch to resume activity concentration.

2. Location

In the morning, check the date and day of the month. That helps consolidate memories. Know the location and spaces where repetitive activities.

3. Good Habits

Physical exercise improves brain oxygenation and increases its functions. Eat healthy and drink moderately. Take vitamins.

4. Socialization

Socialization can take the brain in activities such as listening, attention and interaction with other individuals.

5. Organization

Watch for daily issues that can be cumbersome, such as taxes, to increase concentration. It should review the list only once or calendar market.