Although occasional bouts of forgetfulness are jokingly referred to as “senior moments” and “old-timers disease,” the onset of dementia is no laughing matter for the five million Americans who suffer from Alzheimer’s.  The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who discovered it in 1906 during the autopsy of a woman in her 50s who had experienced memory loss, language problems and erratic behavior. He discovered plaques in her brain and also tangled bundles of brain fiber that are the unique hallmarks of the disorder.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive, heart-breaking disease, causing mild memory loss in the early stages and eventually robbing individuals of the ability to carry on a conversation or even perform mundane tasks such as feeding themselves or brushing their teeth.  One of the saddest aspects of Alzheimer’s is the emotional toll it takes on caregivers when they realize that their loved one no longer knows who they are. The disease is fatal and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The number of people with Alzheimer’s is expected to grow exponentially as the baby boomers enter their 60s and the number of  Alzheimer’s and dementia patients is expected to reach 16 million by 2050.

The good news is that Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related problems are not inevitable aspects of growing older. Recent studies have offered significant hope for natural methods of preventing and treating the disease. Antioxidant supplements have emerged as viable weapons in the fight against Alzheimer’s, especially those containing curcumin.

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric and researchers believe it may help reduce the plaque formation that is associated with Alzheimer’s. The fact that India produces nearly all of the world’s turmeric (and consumes 80 percent of it) probably explains why many inflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer’s are not as prevalent in that country. In fact, India has one of the lowest Alzheimer’s rates in the world. People who are born in India and move to Western countries do not enjoy the same low rates of Alzheimer’s. Researchers believe the traditional Indian diet, which contains large amounts of turmeric, plays a significant role in disease prevention.

Pain and Brain Plus is a brain-boosting nutritional supplement  that contains curcumin compounds that come together to form the most powerful antioxidant phytonutrients on the market. Pain and Brain Plus combines five nutrients that work together to support optimal brain and body function.  In addition to supporting brain health, Pain and Brain Plus can also help the body overcome other issues such as poor digestion, fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sinusitis and chronic skin problems.

Although there are some risk factors for Alzheimer’s (such as age and family history) that cannot be controlled there are many proactive steps you can take to prevent it. A healthy lifestyle, an active social life and antioxidant nutritional supplements can help give you’re the support you need to stay vibrant and alert throughout your life.