Life Extension's Dr. Mike Smith appears on The SUZANNE Show this week on Lifetime Television

Dr. Mike Smith from Life Extension, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla-based organization dedicated to the extension of the healthy human lifespan, returns to The SUZANNE Show this week to discuss memory loss and aging.  His appearance, which is one in a series devoted to nutrition and longevity, airs Wednesday, December 12, at 7 a.m. (ET/PT) on Lifetime Television.

Memory loss occurs naturally as we age and can begin to take its toll on individuals as young as 30 years old.  Early symptoms like misplacing the keys or missing appointments can become much more serious as time goes by.  For some, what begins as general "forgetfulness" can eventually even lead to severe neurological disorders.

"Brain cells work by making connections with other nerve cells," say Dr. Smith.  "As we age these connections deteriorate and the cells can't communicate well anymore.  The mild result is my 'keys in the freezer' and the extreme result is dementia and Alzheimer's disease."

Thankfully, cell connections can be rejuvenated and new ones created.  This astonishing cerebral attribute is a phenomenon that scientists call "neuroplasticity" – the brain's ability to form new neural connections throughout life.  But just as physical exercise is needed to improve our muscular strength, intellectual stimulation is required to maximize brain function.

According to Dr. Smith, exercising the mind is as easy as playing a game of chess or completing a cross-word puzzle.  Nutritional supplements like vitamin B12, Omega-3 DHA, and the newest "brain food" magnesium threonate can also significantly improve brain function and memory.