Homocysteine is an amino acid that can be measured with a simple blood test. The study, which appeared in the Journal of Affective Disorders in August 2013, studied 358 people aged 50 and up who had symptoms of depression. They gave the subjects cognitive tests that looked at immediate and delayed memory, as well as … Continue reading “Diminished Cognitive Function in Elderly Linked to Homocysteine”
In a study of more than 1,200 people undergoing cardiac imaging at Emory because of suspected heart disease, people with high levels of cysteine in the blood were twice as likely to have a heart attack or die over the next few years.
A research study shows that people with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) had significantly higher levels of homocysteine (Hcy) levels in their tear fluids. Patients with open-angle glaucoma who also had dry eye disease had significantly higher Hcy levels both in tear fluid and plasma than OAG patients without dry eye disease. SOURCE: Roedl JB, Bleich S, … Continue reading “Increased Homocysteine Levels in Tear Fluid of Glaucoma Patients”
Oxidative stress happens everywhere in the body and can create havoc over time. Many eye and brain diseases are triggered or exacerbated by oxidative stress. The body counteracts this stress by producing antioxidants. However, you must also ingest additional antioxidants through healthy food, drinks, and supplements. Green tea, rich in antioxidants, offers protective benefits for … Continue reading “Green Tea Benefits for Seniors – Antioxidants for the Eyes, Brain, and Body”
Retinal scans are proving to be an effective way to detect early signs of diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and dementia. They can sometimes detect disease before symptoms appear. The best news about retinal scans is that they are painless and non-invasive. You may have looked into machines that scan the retina at your optometrist … Continue reading “Retinal Scans Can Detect Diabetes, MS and Dementia Early”
We might not connect our eating habits to eye disease, but poor nutrition impairs circulation. Reduced circulation can contribute to eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal vascular occlusions, ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), dry eyes, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Instead of being a “victim” of eye diseases in your senior years, you can take charge … Continue reading “Eating Habits Can Impair Circulation, Increasing the Risk of Glaucoma, Retinal Vascular Occlusions, Dry Eyes, Macular Degeneration”
Poor circulation significantly contributes to eye diseases, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Heart disease and diabetes lead to poor circulation. Our eyes and brain require the most oxygen and nutrients, so they need healthy blood circulation. In this article, we will explore the connections between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and poor circulation. We … Continue reading “Poor Circulation is Linked to Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy”
Neuroinflammation is inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. It’s a defensive response to injury, infection, or illness. Neuroinflammation is beneficial after, for example, a spinal cord injury.1 However, chronic inflammation is a significant contributing factor to disease onset. Researchers are concerned that an inflamed brain and spinal cord can lead to disease in the … Continue reading “Neuroinflammation and Glaucoma: Bridging Brain Health and Vision”
Oxidative stress significantly affects health and vision. It is a process in which free radicals are produced, leading to potential harm as these unstable molecules steal electrons from healthy cells. This oxidative damage can manifest visibly as aging skin and ocular changes, such as cataract formation. However, oxidation is not the only factor contributing to … Continue reading “Oxidative Stress and Its Impact on Health and Vision”
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month—a time to shed light on an eye disease that is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the US. Seniors are especially at risk. Glaucoma, often dubbed “the silent thief,” primarily impacts peripheral vision. Severe and untreated cases can lead to blindness. This stealthy eye disease can progress unnoticed until … Continue reading “Prevent and Support Glaucoma: The Silent Thief”