www.nj.com
By MEG NUGENT
Top 10 aging myths

The U.S. had a record 4.3 million births in 1957, which translates into a big bunch of baby boomers who are facing their 50th birthdays this year.

If you're thinking this is the beginning of the end when it comes to your enjoyment of good health, you're buying into misconceptions about the aging process.

Here are our Top 10 myths about your body and aging:

You're going to lose your mental faculties.

First, the sobering news: Nearly half of all Americans over 85 suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Now, the encouraging news: There are things you can do to minimize your chances of losing big chunks of your brain power as you age.

Start with what you've been putting in your mouth. Several studies published in the Archives of Neurology and other medical journals determined people who consume foods high in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol have at least double the risk of developing Alzheimer's in the future.

Try to focus more on foods that are plant-based, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. These foods will supply your body with lots of fiber and antioxidants, which help to keep your arteries unclogged and ready to deliver an abundant supply of blood to the brain.

By Stuart Macdonald

SCIENTISTS at a Scots firm have devised a miracle gel to pep up middle-aged men's sex lives.

The revolutionary treatment Tostran will also combat other effects of lack of testosterone, such as flabbiness and hair loss.

It is aimed at men over 40 who suffer from hypogonadism, a condition which causes reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, baldness, weight gain, and lethargy.

Makers ProStrakan, based in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, estimate six to 12 per cent of men over 40 have the condition, rising to 91 per cent of men over 80.

Men experience a natural decline in the production of the male hormone testosterone from the age of about 30.

The colourless gel, available on prescription at a cost of NHS to the NHS, is applied to the shoulders, upper arms or abdomen.

It releases a synthetic version of testosterone slowly into the bloodstream and normal levels are restored in most men within hours.

The gel's launch in the UK came after it was piloted in Sweden and became a huge hit with Scandinavian men.

Previous testosterone replacement therapies have had unpleasant side-effects such as acne, headaches and even enlarged breasts.

Dr Wilson Totten, chief executive of Prostrakan, said they hoped to soon launch the product across Europe and America.

He said: "Tostran represents a high-potential, high-value opportunity for us and its UK launch is a major milestone in the group's development."