An important word for anyone older than age 25 is collagen. The body has an extraordinary ability to heal itself, but the process becomes strained as the body becomes older, especially when it comes to connective tissue. The symptoms are what people associate with aging: weaker bones, easily torn tendons and ligaments, brittle hair and nails, and less-elastic skin. Collagen is pure protein that builds cells, which leads to synovial fluid production, and finally to strengthening tissue.
The best way to get collagen into the body is through eating it. As in, nutrition is key. All the creams and lotions that contain the word “collagen” on their labels is not really the magical cure they claim to be. Yes, after topically applying some, skin and nails may seem to enjoy a reprieve, but this is simply a temporary relief and not really a solution. Foods high in collagen are soup stock made from animal bones – which is why many vegetarians may be unknowingly suffering from alarming rates of decreased collagen.
Why is this important in dementia prevention? Preserving the mind is arguably easily assured by preserving the brain, and the brain is made of nervous tissue, which is surrounded by connective tissue. Neglecting to maintain collagen levels is essentially the same as destroying the brain. Not taking care of the physical brain is like damaging the computer hardware – and then expecting the software to work perfectly. It won’t.