Brain Health & Neuroprotection
Introducing brain health as a topic series for cognitive function and healthy aging
Our discussions on brain health draw from multiple disciplines and focus on practicality and function. The brain like every other part of the body has a lifespan. Its long-term preservation is subject to how well it is cared for throughout life. Sometimes it is subjected to the opposite – misuse, injury, neglect or even abuse.
The principles described in this short piece and the articles in our Brain Health topic series are all practically applied in 12 month clinical Empowered Brain Program for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the articles are intended to enrich our patient participants' experience with easy to digest educational materials.
Brain health encompasses all aspects of life
Brain health encompasses all aspects of life. Therefore, an integrative approach to working with brain health encompasses factors such as neuro-cognitive, nutrition, behavior, on-going learning, physical activity, routines vs novelty, challenge and adversity, relationships, biochemistry, injury and trauma, addiction and much more.
Why are all those things so important in a discussion on brain health?
For one, the brain is a material-based neurological tissue. It requires balanced nutrients, blood flow, glucose, oxygenation and waste removal to function. Thus, the importance of nutrition and exercise.
Secondly, the brain is a living and dynamically responsive programming center. Directives are constantly being reinforced and extinguished. The brain learns to perform at the potentials it is challenged by utilizing all available resources. Adversity, learning, novelty and challenge contribute to brain performance. Conversely, brain function diminishes with disuse. Use it or lose it. Daily basic routine use is insufficient, however; it needs more.
Thirdly, our thoughts, emotions, behavior, relationships and life attitude determine the chemical environment in the brain. Working with our baggage frees up and repurposes “trapped and imprisoned bandwidth.” That also increases our potential to embrace positive relationships and live a balanced life. Filling life with purpose and meaning.
Topics of discussion in our brain health articles
Ultimately, brain health is a point of confluence between cognition, nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, psychological hygiene, learning and more. To that end, articles in this section will include discussions on:
Neuroplasticity
The brain's capacity to relearn and reorganize functions via neuronal connections.
Neurogenesis
The process by which the brain naturally forms new brain cells and research based findings for its optimization. Get started with these articles:
Neurogenesis Explained: How to Support Brain Regeneration & Cognitive Function
Neurogenesis, BDNF & Exercise: How Movement Supports Brain Regeneration & Cognitive Health
Nutritional health for the brain
A great starting point is, what’s good for the heart is good for the brain.
Benfotiamine: A Vital Neuroprotective Agent in Alzheimer’s Disease Management
Turmeric, the all healing spice
The brain healing itself
It does with the right inputs. Practice them in health and injury alike.
The embodied brain
The body is an extension of the brain and vice versa. It all works together.
Prevent and treat cognitive decline
Studies and methods to prevent and treat cognitive decline and preserve function.
I look forward to sharing more, enjoy!
