With an aging population, cognitive decline is quickly moving to the forefront of studies in older people. One such study has found a possible link between the use of antibiotics by middle-aged women and cognitive decline later in life.
Previous studies have suggested a connection between gut microbiome health and mental health issues such as depression and schizophrenia. This communication between the gut and central nervous system has been labelled the gut-brain axis.
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Other studies have also shown that antibiotic use can lead to severe disruptions in the microbiome. This is because the microbiome is partly made up of bacteria that antibiotics can wipe out.
For this new study, researchers were able to find a link between antibiotic use by women in middle age and cognitive impairment issues. Researchers pulled data from the Nurses’ Health Study II, focusing on middle-aged females with a mean age of 54.7. Data from 15,129 nurses describing antibiotic use and the results of cognitive scores were collected over several years. The cognitive tests consisted of computerized playing card tasks to measure memory, learning, attention, and thinking speed.
It was concluded that the nurses who had taken antibiotics for at least two months scored lower on the cognitive tests than those who had taken antibiotics for a shorter period, or not at all. It was suggested that this decline was the equivalent of three to four years of aging.
Brain Health
Brain function and memory are issues that should be addressed from middle age onwards, as this study suggests. Some degree of cognitive function is normal with aging, but steps can be taken to help reduce the factors that take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. Environmental factors can affect concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function.
All of this highlights the importance of supporting brain function. The Smart Pill is an excellent way to maintain healthy brain function and support memory. This unique formula includes ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. The Smart Pill can help improve memory, promote clear thinking, increase concentration and more. Try it today!
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
