“Many patients come to the Tru Age Wellness Center to not only be physically well as they age, but more importantly, to be alert, oriented, and engaged with their friends and family around them. The problem is that, from eating poorly to staying up too late at night, our societal habits are anything but performance enhancing.”
Fiona Wright MD
For many, the concerns about memory loss, cognitive decline, and fear of dementia is foremost in our minds, and most people are doing things every day that negatively impact their memory and performance. If we want to improve memory, we need to focus on lifestyle habits that will improve the levels of a key Neurotransmitter and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors (BNDF).
What are the Key Factors in Memory Decline?
NeuroTransmitters and Memory:
Specific neurotransmitters are involved with the process of memory, such as epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, and acetylcholine. Although we don’t yet know which role each neurotransmitter plays in memory, we do know that communication among neurons via neurotransmitters is critical for developing new memories. The key player in Alzheimer’s Disease is Acetylcholine.
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors:
BDNF is a protein that is found in various parts of the body but is highest in the brain. Its role is to stimulate and control the growth and repair of brain cells. So, the brain is always at work, and energy requirements are never ending.
All body and brain function derives their energy from mitochondria (fundamental energy-producing organelle) that lives in every one of our cells. In addition to supplying energy – mitochondria also monitor cellular health and initiate death. Unfortunately, BDNF levels and mitochondria function declines with age, stress, lack of sleep and inflammation.
How Can you Support a Healthy Brain and Strong Memory?
There are many things you can do to support a healthy brain during the aging process. At Tru Age Wellness Center we will work with you to improve your neurotransmitter levels, increase your BDNF and reduce the oxidative stress that your mitochondria face. Here are some of our healthy, helpful tips.
Eat the Right Foods: Good nutrition is essential for optimal brain function. Eat nutrient dense, choline rich foods. These foods are rich in choline, which is the major precursor to acetylcholine. Additionally, they contain omega 3 fatty acids, saturated fats, zinc and B12, which are all essential nutrients for healthy acetylcholine levels. Healthy examples are wild-caught salmon or sardines, walnuts and flaxseed.
Cut out Sugar:The brain depends upon a steady level of sugar or ketones in the blood in order to function effectively and produce healthy neurotransmitters. When sugar levels get too high, the sugar molecules bind to proteins in the body and create Advanced Glycolytic Enzymes (AGE’s). These These AGE’s damage tissue, in particular nerve tissue, and you see this commonly in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes. Alzheimer’s and dementia are now considered type III diabetes because of the impact of high blood sugar and insulin resistance on the brain
Get Moving:Exercise is a powerful way to improve mitochondrial health and BDNF production. When you exercise you increase blood flow, strengthen neural connections and releases endorphins which has a host of healthy benefits, such as, restful sleep, better mood, metabolic boost and detoxification.
Take Brain Boosting Supplements:There are several supplements for boosting up your neurotransmitters and reducing oxidative stress in the brain. However, lifestyle principles you should be the first step and then add in supplements.
Mitochondrial Support: Coenzyme Q10, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Acetyl-L Carnitine, and Alpha lipoic acid,
Gut Biome Support: L- Glutamine, Turmeric, Pre and Pro Biotics, Zinc, and Vitamin D
AcetylCholine Support: Hyperzine A, Glutathione, and Choline Bitartrate
Anti-Inflammation Support: Curcumin, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin A, and CBD oil
How Can Tru Age Wellness Center Help You?
If you have already noticed difficulties with your memory or have a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s, then you may like to begin your personal Cognitive and Memory SupportProgram at Tru Age Wellness Centerand address any of the factors above Please consider clicking HERE to request our Initial Health & Medical Questionnaire.
We welcome you to call Tru Age Wellness center today to start the testing process and discover what is driving your health issues and to get on the road to recovery!
Your in-office consultation begins with a comprehensive history & lifestyle evaluation to determine your specific metabolism, the status of your hormone levels and the overall functionality of your physiology. We will work with you to identify any imbalances you may have and develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatment plans may include behavior and lifestyle changes, nutraceuticals, therapeutic nutrition plans, stress management techniques, health coaching, and/or advanced diagnostic testing.
Our program may also include functional laboratory tests for brain and body aging, metabolic errors, genetic markers, traditional risk factors, nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, heavy metal toxicity, and structural integrity of your muscles and joints.
