Within the past decade, an important paradigm advance in brain research has occurred – the realization that the human brain can markedly repair itself. The old dogma that the brain cannot make new reparative cells is no longer supportable. The new paradigm views the adult human brain as highly adaptable, capable even of regeneration. When existing circuits become damaged, other circuits can reorganize and replace the lost circuitry. This phenomenon is known as “plasticity”, and it is good news, because it means there are interventions we can take to increase the plasticity of our brains (1).

Brain diseases and disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Stroke, Huntington’s Disease, and others are thought to be caused by degeneration due to internal or external toxins and depleted energy reserve in the brain tissue. The internal toxins, in part, may be caused by a necessary process brain cells undergo to create energy to function and stay alive. The external toxins may come from exposure to mercury and other contaminants.

Clinical evidence available today supports that the use of nutrients, especially in combinations, can significantly counter brain degeneration. Let’s review some of these nutrients. Phosphatidylserine (PS) protects brain cell receptors from damage. It also supports the ability of brain cells to make energy by producing an important component of the mitochondrial membranes, where energy is produced. PS has been proven after 21 double-blind trials to be effective for improvement of memory, learning, mood, and stress (2).

Coenzyme Q10 acts both as a potent antioxidant and as a co-factor in brain cell energy production. Supplementation with Co-Q10 has been shown to benefit symptoms of neurodegeneration (3). This nutrient is available by itself or in combination with other nutrients.

The last brain protective nutrient I’ll discuss here, although there are more, is Acetyl L-carnitine. A great deal of experimental evidence suggests this nutrient boosts cell energy production and helps protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals (4).

In addition to taking high quality nutritional supplements, there is more you can do to improve brain function. Avoid exposure to toxic elements as much as you can. Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant content. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol excessively.

Remember the word “plasticity” in the first paragraph? Since we now know that the brain can regenerate itself, it’s important to know that one way new circuits are formed is from using your mind in a new way. So instead of watching TV, try a crossword puzzle, or buy a mind-teasing book or game. Read about a subject that’s new and interesting to you. When it comes to keeping your brain young, the old adage is true: Use it or lose it!

Reference

1. Alternative Medicine Review 2005;10(4):268-293
2. Kidd PM. PS (PhosphatidylSerine), Nature’s Brain Booster. St. George, UT: Total Health Publications; 2005
3. Lamperti C, Naini A, Hirano M, et al. Cerebellar ataxia and coenzyme Q 10 deficiency. Neurology 2003;60:1206-1208
4. Beal MF. Bioenergetic approaches for neuroprotection in Parkinson’s disease. Ann Neurol 2003;53:S39-S47