Dr Mariela Bozhilova is a renowned neurologist. She graduated from the Medical University of Sofia in 1994 and completed her specialisation in neurology in 2000. Throughout her professional career, Dr Bozhilova has continuously honed her skills by participating in numerous specialised medical courses both in Bulgaria and abroad.
She is an active member of the Bulgarian Society of Neurology, the Bulgarian Society for Movement Disorders and the Bulgarian Association for Neuro-sonology and Cerebral Haemodynamics. She specialises in neurosonology, which enables her to use the most advanced methods for the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.
In her practice, Dr Bojilova works with technologies that enable a wide range of investigations into various conditions. She employs methods that allow for rapid, non-invasive and accurate early diagnosis of cerebral blood flow and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques.
In today’s interview with Dr Mariela Bozhilova, we will be discussing the extremely important topic of memory and how to preserve it as we age. Memory is a key component of quality of life and cognitive health, but it can begin to decline with age. We will look at the most common diseases that affect memory, how to recognise them and which signs should alert us. Dr Bozhilova will share her experience and knowledge to help us understand how we can keep our minds sharp and active, regardless of age.
The best tablets for memory
Dr Bojilova, could you briefly explain how the human brain works and, more specifically, how it creates and stores memories?
The best tablets for memory
The human brain is a complex and highly organised organ composed of billions of nerve cells called neurons. These neurons communicate with each other through electrochemical signals transmitted across synapses – small gaps between cells. Memory is formed when neurons create new connections or strengthen existing ones.
The brain creates and stores memory through three main processes: encoding, storage and retrieval. Encoding is the process by which information received by our senses is converted into signals that the brain can “understand.” This information first passes through the hippocampus (a structure in the brain) which helps to convert short-term memory into long-term memory.
Memory storage takes place in different parts of the brain, and long-term memory is stored in the cerebral cortex. When we need to remember something, the brain retrieves the information from where it is stored. This can be easier or more difficult depending on how often we use that information and how strong the connections between the brain’s neurons are.
As we age, these processes can change and lead to memory difficulties. However, with appropriate exercises we can maintain and even improve our memory.
What are the most common memory disorders?
The most common memory-related diseases are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and other forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form. The diagnosis is made through a neurological examination, cognitive tests and imaging examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Biomarkers are sometimes used for confirmation.
Vascular dementia is caused by disturbances in the brain’s blood supply, usually as a result of strokes or chronic vascular disease. It is diagnosed through a neurological examination, imaging and an assessment of cardiovascular health. It is important to have a full assessment by a specialist and to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
What are the early signs of these diseases and how can we distinguish them from the normal ageing process?
Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease include frequent lapses in short-term memory, difficulties in planning and carrying out routine tasks, confusion about time and place, and problems with speech and writing. Unlike normal ageing, when someone might forget the name of an acquaintance or experience a momentary difficulty in finding the right word, in Alzheimer’s disease these problems are more pronounced and interfere with daily activities.
Early symptoms of vascular dementia often include sudden cognitive changes after a stroke, problems with attention and concentration, and difficulties with organising and decision-making. Compared with normal ageing, where these functions decline gradually, in vascular dementia the changes are more pronounced and are associated with circulatory disturbances.
Some other forms of dementia are also accompanied by drastic changes in personality and behaviour. Some patients may experience visual hallucinations or motor changes. Again, the main difference compared with normal ageing is that these changes do not occur gradually but all at once and are much more pronounced.
What preventive measures would you recommend?
There are several important preventive measures I would recommend for maintaining memory as we age. First and foremost, a healthy lifestyle is essential. A proper diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats helps to maintain brain function. It is important not to overdo it with sugar and saturated fats.
Particular attention should be paid to the levels of vitamins and minerals in the body. Vitamin B12, for example, plays a key role in the health of the nervous system and cognitive functions. I recommend regular blood tests for vitamin B12 levels, especially in older adults. If vitamin B12 levels are low, additional supplementation or dietary changes may be necessary to ensure an adequate intake of this important nutrient.
I often recommend certain products with proven effects to my patients. One such product is Selenogin Super, which is suitable for supporting brain function. In addition to enhancing the resilience of nerve cells, this product also improves blood circulation in the brain. These effects are extremely beneficial for caring for our brain and maintaining memory.
Physical activity is also important for brain activity. Regular exercise, even moderate ones such as walking, improves blood circulation and supports brain health. Targeted brain stimulation is also an important measure. This can be achieved through reading, solving crosswords, learning new skills or engaging in hobbies. Stress management is also essential, as chronic stress can have a negative effect on brain function.
Another important aspect is social contact. It stimulates brain activity and helps prevent cognitive decline. Regular meetings with friends and family, and participation in clubs or group activities, can significantly improve mental health.
Is there any progress in understanding and treating memory-related disorders?
In recent years, there has been significant progress in the understanding and treatment of memory-related disorders. Scientific research in the field of neurology has led to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and other forms of dementia. The development of new diagnostic methods enables earlier and more precise detection of these diseases, with imaging technologies such as MRI and PET identifying changes in the brain before symptoms appear.
In the field of treatment, new drugs are being developed that aim to slow the progression of diseases and even reverse their effects. Additionally, non-drug approaches such as cognitive rehabilitation and lifestyle changes also play an important role. Selenogen Super, which contains active ingredients with scientifically proven effects, is one of the non-drug options.
Advances in genetic research offer new possibilities for personalised therapeutic approaches. Although there is still no definitive cure, scientific progress offers new hope for improving patients’ quality of life.
The best tablets for memory
What other problems associated with ageing might we encounter besides memory loss?
As people age, they may face a range of other health problems. Some of these include a decline in cognitive functions such as concentration and attention span, an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular problems and diabetes, and balance disorders.
Also, many people begin to experience difficulties with their sight and hearing as they age. As one gets older, these senses deteriorate, which is normal. However, as hearing worsens, unpleasant symptoms such as tinnitus can become more frequent. In such cases, taking SelenoGin Super again can be beneficial. In addition to supporting cognitive function and blood circulation, this product has a proven effect against tinnitus.
Various changes in our bodies and memory are an inevitable part of ageing. However, we can slow these processes and prevent the onset of certain diseases if we take good care of ourselves. It is important to keep our bodies and minds active to maintain their health for longer.
