Everyone forgets things at times. Perhaps you misplace your car keys or forget the name of a person you just met.
Everyone forgets things at times. Perhaps you misplace your car keys or forget the name of a person you just met.
Some degree of memory problems, as well as a modest decline in other thinking skills, is a fairly common part of ageing.
There’s a difference, however, between normal changes in memory and memory loss associated with disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Some memory problems are the result of treatable conditions.
We now know that much of brain function can be attributed to metabolic processes but there has been little advancement in mainstream medicine in maintaining healthy brain function and memory. However, science is mapping developments in neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt) and some of this research offers an optimistic outlook for neurodegeneration issues.
So what new things have we learned about neuroplasticity lately? As it turns out, quite a bit!
As with most chronic illnesses, they are by and large a result of how we have been living over the last 100 years. The advent of the chemical revolution, stressful lifestyles, living longer, sedentary lifestyles, working indoors rather than outdoors all combine to create a perfect soup for suboptimal brain function.
The key though is that we can modulate many of these things in our life. We can start eating organic. We can reduce stress in our lives. Through bioregulatory medicine, we can target specific pathways in the brain that support neurogeneration.
Here are some of the ways we can help ourselves to maintain healthy brain function:
Eliminate all simple carbohydrates
By removing foods that raise your blood sugar levels, you may be helping to support your cognition. In a 2018 study, 5,189 people over 10 years were observed and the results comprehensively showed that the higher the blood sugars the faster the cognitive decline.
Eliminate gluten and processed foods from the diet
The omission of processed foods is hopefully an obvious task but why gluten? Simply, gluten activates a zonulin pathway in the gut and this creates ‘leaky gut‘ or intestinal permeability. This sets up unnecessary immune reactions in the bloodstream and can lead to unwanted metabolic by-products getting into the system such as lipopolysaccharides (bacterial toxins).
Diet and intermittent fasting
To enhance autophagy, the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells, in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells, it is a really useful practice to start intermittent fasting. A minimum eating window should be 8 hours, but if this can be reduced to 6 hours then all the better.
Following a high fat diet will start pushing the body towards ketosis which will help the body produce ketones and the brain loves to burn ketones for fuel. They burn much cleaner than glucose. Fasting for a minimum of 3 hours before bed is also really important. The goal here is to reduce insulin levels.
Manage stress
Stress means cortisol release, and elevated cortisol levels can have very detrimental effects on neurochemistry. A common complaint among people who live very busy lives, burning the candle at both ends in high-stress jobs, is poor short-term memory. This is the effect that elevated cortisol is having on their frontal cortex. Cortisol also stimulates the release of insulin which again has a negative impact on blood sugars.
Some practices for managing stress include meditation, yoga, and tai-chi. Read more about ways to manage your stress here.
Sleep
Sleep is essential to rest and repair. Melatonin is key. In one study, 6 mg of melatonin per day reduced sundowning (onset of behavioural changes in the evening – anxiety and mood changes are common for Alzheimer’s patients in the evening) and it also slowed the evolution of cognitive decline. If melatonin is not tolerated then it is worth trying other herbal sleep supports. Weighted blankets are well researched to increase deep sleep so these are worth using.
Exercise
If you have memory decline you do need to get plenty of exercise. Aim for about 30-60 minutes a day 4-6 days a week. High intensity is very beneficial but do what you can. Combining exercise and intermittent fasting are useful ways to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), a protein that supports the survival of neurons.
Near infrared (NIR) light therapy
NIR is the light that best supports the mitochondria in the body. We get it at sunrise and sunset. NIR also structures water in the cells. The hypothesis is that structured water has a greater electrical potential in the cells than de-structured water.
Studies are showing the benefits of NIR therapy for neurodegeneration issues. You can make your own head kit with NIR lamps or if your budget permits you can purchase some of the more cutting-edge gadgets.
Balance hormones
Cortisol and insulin have already been mentioned but add to the list your thyroid hormones. Thyroid regulates metabolism in the body and slow thyroid function is not going to help in the energy or cognitive department.
Detox
Our cells are literally constipated with industrial and chemical toxins. Tests invariably show trace or greater amounts of chemicals/pesticides. Heavy metals are strongly linked with cognitive decline. These accumulate in our fat cells. As we age cells break down and these long-held toxins are released and can accumulate in the brain. A thorough screening of toxins is so important with cognitive issues.
Optimise vitamin and mineral status
Dysregulation of brain metals/minerals is a cofactor in declining memory and brain function.
Getting a detailed analysis of all the body’s systems can detect any imbalances or deficiencies you may have.
HOW BIOMED CAN HELP
Bioresonance and Quantum-analysis Screening are non-invasive, computerised testing programmes which carry out this important analysis and create reports, highlighting any lack of vital nutrients or vitamins, whilst also identifying any other general health issues.
So, if you have any concerns about your brain function or your memory seems to be ‘getting worse’ BOOK a consultation with Claudia, your BioMed Health Care Professional, who will recommend the best tests for you, explain the results in full, and provide a comprehensive protocol to optimise what your body is lacking.
This may include recommending Bioregulatory remedies and/or supplements, alongside other treatments tailored to your individual needs.