“It’s your best friend and your worst enemy – your own brain”
~Fred Durst
One of the most fascinating scientific frontiers is the human brain and we are at the very beginning of understanding its complexities and function.
The brain receives information through our five senses: smell, touch, sight, taste, and hearing. It then synthesizes the information in our memory. When we think of the brain, we tend to focus on the “gray matter” that sits behind the cranium. The brain is actually made up of several other important aspects, including the brain stem, spinal cord, and the nervous system. This miraculous organ controls our thoughts, memory and speech, the movement of our limbs, and the functions of many organs throughout the body.
While the brain is protected by our skull, it is actually quite vulnerable. It is negatively impacted by stress, inflammation and toxins. Our brain’s security system, the blood-brain barrier, is similar to the gut barrier and can be easily breached. In fact, evidence indicates there is a definite link between a leaky gut and a leaky brain.
The brain requires key nutrients, balanced glucose, exercise, a clean environment, and oxygen. Even socialization, or having meaningful relationships, is linked to brain health. Because it uses the most energy in the body, the brain is subject to mitochondrial dysfunction and aging. When this occurs, it can lead to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
One of the scariest health issues we face today is the fear of dementia or Alzheimer’s. The thought of losing ones’ mental ability to make decisions and care for oneself is terrifying. This fear is very real and the stats are staggering. 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s – that’s more than 5 million Americans who are currently living with it. Between 2017 and 2025, a 14% rise in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s in the U.S. is expected due to an aging population, poor diet, toxic environment, and sedentary lifestyle. The ramifications are heartbreaking and it’s impossible to find a single person who doesn’t have a family member or know someone with this terrible disease.
In his book, The End of Alzheimer’s, Dr. Dale Bredesen discusses how someone with Alzheimer’s Disease is similar to a leaky roof. Bredesen has determined 36 health factors that can compromise the brain. In other words, a person with Alzheimer’s may have as many as 36 leaks in their roof, all of which can be compromising their brain function. Through his work with Alzheimer’s patients, Bredesen found that typically only half of these 36 leaks need to be “repaired” or corrected for the individual to experience profound benefit and, in some cases, reverse the disease entirely.
This is such great news!
As functional nutritionists, we can have a profound and positive impact IF, and it’s a big if, signs and symptoms are caught and addressed early enough. Research tells us that the brain starts deteriorating a decade before symptoms appear. Additionally, most people tend to be in denial when their memory begins to fail – even family members are loathe to bring attention to it out of fear. When it comes to both dementia and Alzheimer’s, prevention is key.
Having said that, there are several useful tools that can help identify what aspect of the brain is being impacted. This includes looking at brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which relates to nerve growth factors. Low levels of BDNF are linked with depression and smaller hippocampal volume (hippocampus shrinkage is associated with Alzheimer’s), elevations in neuron specific enolase, which can reveal neoplasms, and markers of blood brain-barrier permeability. Other valuable tests look for neurological autoimmune markers, along with processing speed and short/long-term memory function. With so many powerful testing options available, identifying the drivers of diminished brain function has entered a new era.
When it comes to recommendations, utilizing your clinical skills and appropriate testing is invaluable. As always, we address the diet first: are there signs (either on a food journal or on labs) of glucose dysregulation? With dementia or Alzheimer’s, a ketogenic diet is essential. Is the client sedentary or active? Are they getting appropriate sleep and handling stress well? Is there a genetic propensity?
Discussing brain function isn’t always on our list to discuss with clients but it should be. Broaching this delicate topic might be a true lifesaver for someone too afraid to bring it up.
We dive into issues of brain decline and many other brain imbalances in the Institute of Restorative Health, Level 4 program, The Art & Science of Clinical Mastery. You can find more information here.
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FAQ
The following frequently asked questions expand on the key concepts in this article and provide additional clinical context for practitioners supporting brain health.
Who is at greatest risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia?
Age is a major risk factor, but brain health is also influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. The article highlights aging, poor diet, a toxic environment, and a sedentary lifestyle as contributors to the rising prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, emphasizing the importance of prevention before symptoms develop.
Why is prevention so important for maintaining brain health?
Prevention is critical because brain deterioration can begin years before noticeable symptoms appear. The article notes that research suggests the brain may begin declining up to a decade before clinical signs emerge, making early identification and intervention especially valuable.
What factors can compromise brain function?
Brain function can be affected by multiple interacting factors rather than a single cause. According to the article, stress, inflammation, toxins, nutrient status, glucose balance, physical activity, oxygen, mitochondrial function, aging, and social connection all influence brain health.
How is the blood-brain barrier related to gut health?
The blood-brain barrier and the gut barrier share important similarities. The article explains that the blood-brain barrier can become compromised and notes evidence supporting a relationship between increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) and increased blood-brain barrier permeability (“leaky brain”).
Why is balanced blood glucose important for the brain?
The brain depends on a steady supply of energy to function optimally. The article emphasizes balanced glucose as one of the key requirements for brain health and recommends evaluating clients for signs of glucose dysregulation during clinical assessment.
What role do mitochondria play in brain health?
The brain has exceptionally high energy demands, making healthy mitochondrial function essential. According to the article, mitochondrial dysfunction associated with aging may contribute to neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
What nutrients and lifestyle factors support healthy brain function?
Brain health depends on both nutrition and lifestyle. The article identifies several important factors, including:
- Adequate nutrient intake
- Balanced glucose regulation
- Regular exercise
- A clean environment
- Sufficient oxygen
- Meaningful social relationships
Together, these factors help support normal brain function throughout life.
Can Alzheimer’s disease involve multiple underlying contributors?
Yes. The article describes Dr. Dale Bredesen’s “leaky roof” analogy, explaining that Alzheimer’s disease may involve numerous contributing factors occurring simultaneously. His framework proposes that addressing a portion of these underlying contributors may lead to meaningful clinical improvements in some individuals.
What testing may help identify contributors to diminished brain function?
Several laboratory markers and functional assessments may help evaluate brain health. The article discusses:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
- Neuron-specific enolase
- Markers of blood-brain barrier permeability
- Neurological autoimmune markers
- Processing speed assessments
- Short- and long-term memory testing
These tools may help practitioners investigate potential drivers of compromised brain function.
What is the significance of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)?
BDNF is associated with nerve growth and brain health. The article notes that lower BDNF levels have been linked with depression and smaller hippocampal volume, while hippocampal shrinkage is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
What clinical recommendations does the article suggest when supporting clients with brain decline?
The article recommends beginning with a comprehensive clinical assessment and individualized testing. Practitioners are encouraged to evaluate dietary patterns, glucose regulation, activity level, sleep quality, stress management, and genetic predisposition before developing recommendations.
Why should practitioners proactively discuss cognitive health with clients?
Many people may hesitate to mention early memory concerns, and family members may also avoid the topic. The article encourages practitioners to initiate conversations about brain health because early recognition and intervention may provide the greatest opportunity to support long-term cognitive function.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne Fischer Silva’s journey in the field of functional nutrition over the last 23 years began in a functional medicine practice, where she learned the power of objective testing. From there she opened her own business, A New Leaf Nutrition, where she built a wait-list distance practice. Anne has taught nutrition courses in Washington, Hawaii, and California, and hosted a radio show, “Health-Wise”, for 3 years. She helped develop the original curriculum for the Nutritional Therapy Association, was a lead instructor with NTA for 8 years, and she continues to lecture nationally on a variety of health topics. Anne founded the Institute of Restorative Health in 2013 with the sole purpose of training other nutrition professionals how to address complex issues with their clients and achieve the same stellar results she gets in her practice.
The core principles Anne built the Institute of Restorative Health upon are the importance of nutrient-dense foods and balancing biochemistry. From there, she looks for the deeper underlying issues by utilizing a variety of testing techniques and customized healing methods to restore optimal function and health.
Anne received her certification in functional nutrition from Advanced Integrated Medical Institute in Washington, DC in 2000 and she is a Master Restorative Health Practitioner and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner.
*In 2022, Anne decided to pursue new and different aspects of holistic wellness and left the Institute of Restorative Health in the hands of her dear friend and business partner, Margaret Floyd Barry.
