CDC & Foods to Avoid

I read a news bulletin saying CDC recommends not eating specific foods if you are over age 65. Why is that?

I looked up the recommendation. The elderly and children under age 5 are more likely to get severe illness from food poisoning. Apparently, there are four types of risky foods to avoid. People ages 65 and older should avoid eating undercooked or raw food from animals, like beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, or seafood, as well as raw or lightly cooked sprouts. They should also not eat or drink unpasteurized milk products and juices, or eat soft cheeses, like queso fresco, unless there is a label stating that it has been made with pasteurized milk. The CDC noted that children younger than age 5, immunocompromised individuals, and those who are pregnant, should also avoid these foods, as they, have a higher risk of severe food poisoning that elderly and younger immune systems often cannot handle well.

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Marriage Equality

When did equality in marriage begin to gain traction in the US?

According to Historian Stephanie Coontz, the early 20th century marked a monumental change in the history of marriage and the view of subordinate females. In 1920 women received the right to vote. This resulted in a newfound sense of equality. It transformed the traditional family structure wherein a dominant male was considered absolute head of the household, to one in which two individuals had equal citizenship. Unfortunately, that was not always honored behind closed doors. Interracial marriage was legalized in 1960. Marital rape was recognized in 1970. June 26, 2015, marked the date when the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages must be recognized nationwide and given the same equal rights that heterosexual couples receive. 

Neutering & Anthropomorphizing

Some individuals who ascribe human-like qualities to their pet(s) may believe that their pet is experiencing an emotional state similar to what humans might feel. My best guess is that your husband has anthropomorphized the Great Dane, your family pet. I would agree with your Vet. Perhaps the vet could speak with your husband (if you are reluctant to do so), especially if you think he may be cringing at the thought of neutering your Great Dane because he himself likely would not jump at the opportunity to be neutered. This assumption, that the Great Dane would feel the same way, is likely unhelpful to the situation. It is a relatively simple procedure and can usually be accomplished in the Veterinary clinic quite easily. Otherwise, you run the risk of him injuring another creature or child because of his exuberant humping, or of inseminating a neighbor's pooch who did not want that to happen. As his hormones fall, the dog will alter his behavior in all probability. He will likely have a calmer and happier life.

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Anthropomorphizing: Plus & Minus

The human brain is a relational brain. This leads some children to anthropomorphize their non-human pets or toys. It seems to help them make sense of their environment and even to the world around them. This tendency to anthropomorphize can persist into adulthood. Some of the world’s religious beliefs as far back as Egypt anthropomorphized images of non-human gods. There can be some benefits to anthropomorphizing such as filling a social need, promoting wildlife conservation and reducing animal cruelty. Anxiety or stress can sometimes be relieved by sleeping with a comfortable soft toy. There can be negatives. Applying human thoughts and behaviors can be detrimental to pets, leading to actually harming their needs and best interests. Studies in 2021 reported that anthropomorphizing could cause misunderstandings that end up negatively impacting pets. More tomorrow.

Anthropomorphizing

We have Great Dane that has been wonderful pet for the first year. Lately he is humping everything he can reach, animate or inanimate, and being really obnoxious. In order to address this behavior, the vet said he needs to be neutered as he has abnormally high levels of testosterone. My husband refuses to even consider that. What is wrong with his brain? My husband’s, not the dog’s.

My guess is that this might involve something known as anthropomorphism. Wikipedia’s definition is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. It is considered to be an innate tendency of human psychology. It has ancient roots in storytelling and other artistic devices. More tomorrow.

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Strategies for Prosopagnosia

An individual can be born with face blindness that apparently cannot be cured. It may be acquired after damage to the occipital or parietal areas of the brain and there is no garantee that it can be reversed. In the case of long COVID, the virus may attack an area of the brain related to facial recognition. It is not yet known whether the ability can return with recovery from long COVID (as had happened with the senses of smell and taste). Meantime there are strategies that can help. If friends are with you, they can perhaps tell you who the individual is, or you can learn to identify the person based on the type of glasses they wear, hairstyle, unusual facial features, or location where you typically meet them. The sound of the person’s voice or information revealed through conversation may also be helpful. You can also just be honest and say, “Please remind me how we know each other because I have prosopagnosia and cannot recognize faces."  Likely that would be the route I would take.

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Beyond the Hippocampus

Studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston reported that the memory network in the brain that is responsible for remembering the face goes beyond the memory functions of the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyri, located in the medial temporal lobe (MTL), There is a region deep inside the brain known as the medial parietal cortex (MPC). The MPC contains specific regions that are involved in face and scene recognition. It appears the MTL and MPC regions work together to help an individual recognize faces and places. Estimates are that the average brain is able to recognize 5,000 faces and who knows how many scenes. Interestingly, the part of the parietal lobe where the MPC is located is an area of the brain that begins to deteriorate early in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Facial Recognition

A network of brain areas are nvolved in facial perception with at perhaps 20,000 neurons involved. These areas appear to include at least the amygdala, the hippocampus, the frontal lobe, the parahippocampal gyri located in the medial temporal lobe, the fusiform face area (FFA), and the occipital face area (OFA). The FFA and the OFA are in close proximity in the occipital lobes. However, they process different aspects of facial recognition. The OFA is responsible for identifying parts of faces—noses, mouths, and eyes. The FFA is responsible for processing the whole face. It is also in charge of associating a face to certain parts of that person's identity, like name and occupation.

Facial Recognition and the Brain | Let's Talk Science (letstalkscience.ca)

Thompson, P. (1980). Margaret Thatcher: A new illusion. Perception, 9(4), 483–484. DOI: 10.1068/p090483

Long COVID & Face Blindness

My sister finally is recovering from long COVID. But now she doesn’t recognize me anymore. What in the world is that about?

 It’s called “Face Blindness,” or prosopagnosia. Recently it has been identified as a potential side-effect from long COVID in addition to the more familiar symptoms of fatigue, “brain fog,” and loss of taste and/or smell. New research is linking prosopagnosia—an inability to recognize faces—to a potential side-effect of long COVID. Estimates are that more than 1% of the general population have difficulty recognizing faces. The severity can run the gamut from difficulty following some TV shows because all the faces look the same to not even recognizing their own face in the mirror or in pictures. Now it’s beginning to look like it can be a developed side-effect of long COVID. More tomorrow.

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What’s so Bad About Fructose

The brain needs glucose (preferably healthier forms) tor brain energy and health. It does not need fructose that must be metabolized in the liver. Table sugar is 50% glucose and 50% fructose. High Fructose Corn Syrup is 100% fructose. Studies have shown that prior to the development of beta-amyloid and tau proteins, that result in plaques and tangles in the brain, the brain shows lower glucose (sugar) metabolism along with depletion of energy (like ATP) that is stored in the cells. Some researchers are saying that the alteration in brain metabolism that occurs before beta-amyloid and tau plaques and tangles arise, may be the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s. If so, prevention can be a reality for many—as long as they are willing to alter their lifestyle—minimizing foods high in sugar, salt, and high glycemic carbohydrates, all of which can stimulate the production of fructose in the brain.

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Alzheimer’s Stats

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for the largest number of diagnosed dementias. In 2022 estimates were that 10.7% of people aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s disease. Of the 6.5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s, 4 million are female and 2.5 million are males. Every 65 seconds another individual in the US develops Alzheimer’s. By the end of 2022, the cost of Alzheimer’s in the US will have amounted to $321 billion. California has the highest number of cases—690,000. It is an ugly disease for the patient but also for everyone who knows and loves them—to say nothing of the loss of brain resources. It’s beginning to look a lot like “lifestyle” decisions related to diet may be a trigger for the beta-amyloid and tau proteins that look like plaques and tangles in the brain. As I’ve said for years, a Longevity Lifestyle Matters.

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Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

In the past, an accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s (versus other dementias) was possible only by an autopsy in which doctors could identify the physical hallmarks of the disease; the beta amyloid and tau proteins that look like plaques and tangles. Recently a type of PET scan or a sampling of cerebrospinal fluid has been able to identify these with a reported 95% accuracy. Researchers are still looking for a “cure:” something that controls the symptoms of the disease or that gets rid of the beta-amyloid and tau proteins. Earlier this year, some researchers began investigating what might be done to prevent the development of plaques and tangles, as it is common knowledge that prevention tends to bump cure. Early results are pointing to lifestyle contributors, especially fructose that is metabolized in the liver. 

Dementia vs Alzheimer’s

Aren’t Dementia and Alzheimer’s the same thing? I thought they were.

They have somewhat similar symptoms, however there are differences. Dementia is a syndrome that causes memory loss, impaired reasoning, or personality changes. There are several types. Vascular dementia is related to issues of high blood pressure. Alcoholic dementia is related to the consumption of alcohol. Parkinson’s dementia related to Lewy bodies in the cells. Frontotemporal dementia is related to the shrinkage of the frontal and temporal lobes. Alzheimer’s is a specific brain disease that eventually destroys thinking skills and memory functions. Imagine that you have a brief case with several internal dividers. The brief case represents dementia. One divider in the brief case represents Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for an estimated 60-80% of known dementias.

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What I do - 2

My two favorite breakfasts are old fashion rolled oat cereal with a few raisins, cranberries, and cinnamon that I make in 2-3 helpings at a time, and vegan gluten-free waffles. For several years I bought waffles from the frozen food section in the grocery store and recently read the ingredients. No more! Instead, I purchased a DASH four-round-waffle maker from Amazon.com. Once a month or so I mix up a double or triple batch of batter using my healthier waffle recipe. I make the waffles four-at-a time and freeze them two at a time. It’s fast and easy to remove them from the freezer, pop them into my toaster on the defrost setting, and then eat them with blueberries or applesauce on top. Inasmuch as I aim to be a supercentenarian (older than age 110) with good mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational functions, it’s the only way to go for me. Choosing healthier options and thinking ahead is first and foremost a mindset.

[https://www.arlenetaylor.org/resources/recipes-left-menu/73-bread-n-breakfast/9006-taylor-s-vegan-hi-protein-pancakes] 

What I do - 1

I just read your blogs on the NOVA scale. You author books, a weekly blog, have four different video series on EQ, Taylor’s Brain Bytes, a Brain Function Podcast series, Brain Secrets—Ask Dr. Taylor and Ask Dr. Taylor Online. Plus you work full-time as a Brain Function Specialist and you are over age 39! How can you not depend on fast food? What do you do?

It make choices to minimize Category 3 and 4 processed and ultra-processed foods and think ahead. For example, I love split pea soup because my little French Grandmother made it. I found a canned-food source that is fast, easy, and tasty. I could eat the soup from one can in one sitting. HOLD IT! The ingredients list “no fat.” However, it has 880 mg of salt per serving. Two servings per can equals 1530 mg of salt—more than twice my desired amount for an entire day! Instead, I make a batch of home-made split pea soup and freeze it in 2-cup containers. Easy. Healthy. Less expensive. No oil. Low salt. Plus, it reminds me of my Grandmother as I cook. [https://www.arlenetaylor.org/resources/recipes-left-menu/soups-recipes/321-taylor-s-split-pea-soup] More tomorrow.

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NOVA Scale Usefulness

How can you use the NOVA scale to make healthier choices? Read labels—even if you have to carry a magnifying glass—and select foods with the fewest listed ingredients. Choose the majority of your food intake from groups 1 and 2, a few from group 3, and only very occasionally from group 4. It’s a mindset and requires a bit of thinking ahead. What is that in comparison with a reduction in risks for disease, dementia, or a shortened lifespan? Brazil is credited with having prepared the first NOVA Scale in 2018 and it has been since embraced by Harvard Health and other organizations that are interested in preventing diseases including cancer and dementia—to say nothing of individuals who have learned about it.

To read the original NOVA Scale:  NOVA-Classification-Reference-Sheet.pdf (educhange.com)

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UPF Examples

 Ultra-processed foods contain a significant amount of manufactured ingredients that are added to food to enhance sweetness or sodium levels and in edition, they make “low-fat” or “non-fat” food more. In generally, they lack nutritional value. Foods that quality for a UPF listing include soft drinks, hot dogs, deli meats, frozen dinners, packaged cookies, cakes, salty snacks, and sauces in a jar. UPF foods with less fiber, simple sugars, and fats digest faster than less processed foods. They also trigger the Brain Reward System, which motivates individuals to overeat (if not actually become addicted to them). This also increases the risk of a person becoming overweight and obese. WHO has listed obesity as contributing to at least 50 chronic diseases, all of which can interfere with a healthy aging process.

Ultra-Processed Foods & Healthy Aging

Do ultra-processed foods slow the aging process or help prevent dementia?

Slow the aging process or help prevent dementia? I don’t think so! The opposite, actually.  Several studies such as the one published in JAMA Neurology in December of 2022 reported that those who eat significant amounts of UPF have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic diseases, dementia, or dying prematurely. A study of 10,774 individuals for 10 years reported that those who obtained 28% or more of their calories from ultra-processed foods had a higher risk of dementia.  More tomorrow.

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Ultra-Processed Foods

What is the deal with so-called Ultra-Processed Foods?

 Good question. How much time do you have? Ultra-Processed Foods—call them UPF for short—are part of a relatively recent NOVA scale. The four NOVA-scale categories are:

      1.     Unprocessed or minimally processed foods such as lettuce, fresh fruits such as blueberries, bananas, and avocados

2.     Processed culinary ingredients created by pressing, refining, grinding, or milling, such as olive oil or flour made from grains or nuts

3.     Processed foods that are altered from their natural state by the addition of salt, sugar, oil, or other substances, such as aged cheeses

4.     Ultra-processed foods that contain added ingredients to preserve texture or shelf stability or artificial colors and flavors, such as many packaged foods. Their list of ingredients typically include more than five ingredients, some of which are not commonly used in culinary preparation. More tomorrow. 

Birth Trauma Sequelae

 

Birth Trauma Sequelae

I was stuck in the birth canal for over four hours before finally being delivered with a huge hematoma on my head grapefruit from banging my little forehead against her pubic bone. I don’t remember anything about my birthing experience. I am terrified of small spaces, even tunnels. Why?

I could not say specifically. However, Dr. Tomatis would likely say that your deep unconscious likely remembers a lot about your delivery experience. Amniotic fluid is said to be extremely vibratory. Any part of the parent’s experience while pregnant has the potential to be absorbed by the fetus. Anxiety, pain, nicotine, alcohol, pollutants, toxic or abusive relationships, and fear, etc., can be transferred to the fetus, because all those things alter the mother’s neurochemistry. In my brain’s opinion, four hours in the birth canal would be enough to contribute to your feeling scared of small spaces and tunnels. Once you make this connection, the brain is able to help you overcome those fears. That was then and this is now, and you are capable of taking care of yourself as an adult.

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