Monitoring glucose performance in older adults may lead to cognitive improvements if you are having trouble with cognitive functions, according to a report in Age and Aging. Cognitive function measures how well your brain can manage information and relay it to your brain so that you can effectively handle day-to-day activities. The human brain continues to change; changes become progressive with age and may require dietary modifications to remain healthy.
Glucose
Blood sugar, also called blood glucose, is sugar that is in your bloodstream and passes through the blood/brain barrier. Glucose is a simple sugar that provides an immediate source of energy. The brain requires a continuous supply of glucose because it doesn't have the ability to store it. Normal, healthy adults should have a blood glucose level ranging between 70 and 100 mg/dl. How you respond to glucose varies differently between individuals, though most people have a natural drop in blood sugar levels in the afternoon, causing a decrease in cognitive performance.
Brain Activity
Glucose is one of the main nutrients needed for proper brain functioning. It provides the energy needed for metabolism of nutrients and oxygen through the central nervous system. Little glucose is stored in the body, which must receive a continual supply of blood sugar through your daily diet. Low blood sugar levels lead to hypoglycemia, which in turn causes reduced brain function and changes on a cellular level. While healthy individuals can maintain normal cognitive functions through a balanced daily diet, increased amounts of glucose can help relieve damage incurred by people with impairments such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and diabetes.
Benefits
Increasing the amount of glucose that's circulating in your bloodstream may improve your cognitive performance. According to the journal "Psychopharmacology," increased glucose may be especially helpful for improving short and long-term memory. Glucose loading also improves spatial skills. The benefits of monitored glucose supplementation may be an effective treatment for young, healthy adults as well as for seniors who have noticed a decline in cognitive functioning.
Sources
Your doctor should monitor glucose loading supplementation to make sure you don't undergo serious side effects. The most effective, and quickest source of glucose comes from eating carbohydrates. Liquid carbs, such as juice, milk or sports drinks, cause the quickest rise in blood glucose, while solid foods take longer to have an effect. Significant rises in blood sugar numbers occur after eating larger amounts of food, suggesting that spreading out your meals between five or six portions during the day can help you sustain your maximum blood glucose levels to maintenance optimum performance cognition.
References
- PubMed.gov: The Impact of Glucose Ingestion; A. Meikle, et al; 2004
- Psychopharmacology: Glucose Facilitation; Sandra J. Sunram-Lea, et al; 2001
- Age and Aging: The Effects of Aging and Glucose Ingestion; Leigh Martin Riby, et al; 2004
- NASA: The Effects of Blood Glucose Levels on Cognitive Performance; Jolene Feldman; 2007
- University of Illinois: Eating for Target Blood Glucose Levels
