When someone is paying close attention to something, a structure located behind the eyes and deep within the brain, floods the brain with a special neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Some of this acetylcholine targets astrocytes in the visual cortex.

This means that if you pay attention to something, it will cause the release of acetylcholine. And that surge of acetylcholine will ultimately lead to a long-lasting memory.

Anticholinergic Drugs and The Brain

A recent study discovered that older individuals who took anticholinergic drugs every day for three years or more were at an increased risk for developing dementia.  Anticholinergic drugs inhibit the action of acetylcholine.

Some Anticholinergic Common Drugs:

• Benadryl
• Tagamet
• Zyrtec
• Imodium
• Zantac

Naturopaths Can Help

If your prescription medication is one that falls into the anticholinergic category, talk to your prescribing doctor about your concerns, the risks and if there are alternatives.

If you are taking over the counter medications, Mr Vitamins practitioners are highly trained and have expertise in specific drug interactions so that they can help suggest natural.  They can also work with you and your doctor to find the right balance of medications and natural alternatives for the best health solutions for you.

But if paying close attention to something has the effect of stimulating the release of acetylcholine, then wouldn’t that be a smarter strategy for avoiding Alzheimer’s and keeping all your marbles, naturally!

Attention Strengthens Response

Memory and concentration certainly go hand-in-hand, but it is something you have to work at. A good place to start is with exercising your brain.

Some examples of this include:

• Playing interactive games
• Learning a new skill or language
• Reading regularly,
• Doing crosswords or sudokus

Concentration is key, so play or learn with attention, and remember.

Reference: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-30988643