Published: 9:48AM Thursday November 06, 2014 Source: ONENews

Brain – Source: Thinkstock

Public Health England is reportedly developing a new tool to tell
patients their brain age, as part of the fight against dementia and
alzheimers.

It’s easy to see the physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles, weight
gain and bone density. But what about your brain? How do you figure
out how fast your brain is aging?

A similar test to the one coming to England can also be used to find
out your brain age. Developed by Dr Vincent Fortanasce, clinical
professor of neurology at the University of Southern California and
published in his book The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription, here it is
below.

Answer either true or false to the following:

I get between seven and eight hours (or more) sleep each night.
I eat at least five or more servings of fruits and vegetables high in
antioxidants daily.
I eat at least one serving of blueberries, raspberries or blackberries daily.
I eat baked or grilled fish high in omega-3 fatty acids at least three
times a week.
I take fish oil supplements high in omega-3 fatty acids or flaxseed
supplements at least five times per week.
I take folic acid supplementation and a daily multivitamin.
I take a low-dose aspirin daily.
I drink red wine or grape juice at least five times a week.
I exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes each time
(total of three hours or more of strenuous exercise weekly).
I read challenging books, do crossword puzzles or Sudoku, or engage in
activities that require active learning, memorising, computation,
analysis and problem solving at least five times a week.
I have ‘longevity genes’ in my family, with members who have lived to
80 and older without memory loss.
My total cholesterol is below 5.2 mmol/l.
My LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol is below 3.3 mmol/l.
I am not obese (less than 1.4 stone overweight for a woman; less than
2.1 stone overweight for a man).
I eat a Mediterranean style diet – one high in fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, with olive oil as the source of
fat and little red meat.
Instead of butter and margarine, I use olive oil and no trans-fat spreads.
I have never smoked cigarettes.
I have normal blood pressure.
I do not have diabetes.
I do not have metabolic syndrome (high triglycerides, central obesity,
and hypertension), also called insulin resistance syndrome.
I do not have a sleep disorder such as snoring or obstructive sleep
apnea or untreated insomnia.
Daily uncontrolled stress is not a problem for me.
I have a strong support group and enjoy many activities with friends,
colleagues, and family members.
I have no problems with short or long-term memory.
I’m ready to prevent Alzheimer’s and am willing to do whatever it takes.

Now add up how many questions you answered true to:
0-11: You have a high risk of Alzheimer’s. Add 10 years to your
chronological age for your Real Brain Age. Right now, call your doctor
and talk openly about health problems you have. Ask if you’re doing
all you can to manage these problems.

12-14: You have a moderate risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Add five years
to your chronological age for your Real Brain Age. While there’s not a
lot of disparity between your Real Brain Age and your chronological
age, you need to understand the risks you have that increase the
chances of Alzheimer’s.

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15-19: OK. Your Real Brain Age is the same as your chronological age.
That said, you have a mild risk of Alzheimer’s disease, so pay
attention. Carefully review the quiz to see what changes you need to
make to your diet, exercise, mental stimulation or rest and
relaxation.

20-22: Not bad! Subtract ten years from your chronological age for
your Real Brain Age. You are doing a lot to take care of your physical
and mental health. Check the specific questions that you marked
‘False’ and be sure to pay attention to changes you need to make.

23-25: Congratulations, you are ageing well! Subtract 15 years from
your chronological age for your Real Brain Age. You are presently
healthy, with a youthful and productive mind. Unless things change in
your life, your risk of Alzheimer’s disease is extremely low.

http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/s-your-brain-age-take-test-find-6124175