Do High Blood Sugar Levels Hinder Memory?

A preliminary study published in the American Academy of Neurology Journal suggests chronically high blood sugar levels in humans, without Type 2 diabetes, have a negative effect on their ability to remember and repeat a list of words.

The German study of 141 people, average age 63, without signs of memory problems but with elevated glucose levels showed a correlation between long term high blood-sugar levels and the inability to recall

words from a list. Researcher Agnes Floel finds that even in  this small study, people with normal blood sugar ranges could possibly prevent age related memory decline by lowering their blood glucose levels.  

Glucose level is determine by genetics, diet and recent emotional activity. 

Floel suggests the need for large clinical trials to determine if lowering glucose levels will help prevent some dementia's.                                                                                                         USA Today                                                             

Increase the Size of Your Hippocampus to Improve Your Memory

Study by Kirk Erickson Ph.D. published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences:
Seniors were able to improve their memory by increasing the size of their hippocampus, the part of the brain where memory and emotion are stored and controled, by walking 40 minutes-three times a week for a year.  
Participants who walked showed an average 2% increase while those who did stretching exercises showed a
1.4% declinle in their hippocampus volume. Dr. Erickson, the lead author in the study, suspects increase blood flow and growth in the cell connections may be the contributing factors. Lets get out and walk!