CLINICAL COGNITION: A COMMON MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NUTRITIONAL MATCHES
Editors Note: There are several million people who suffer from problems with memory, efficient thought processing and other aspects of cognitive decline. Common clinical circumstances include the elderly population and phases around or after the menopause. In the U.S, several dietary supplements are available that are actually used as prescription drugs in several overseas locations e.g. selected phospholipids and vinpocetine. This newsletter reviews the formulation and composition of a synergistic nutritional approach to support brain function. The ingredients that comprise the formulation of Clinical Cognition have a clear evidence base for their use. Many other supplements used to support brain function do not carry the evidence base behind Clinical Cognition.
CLINICAL COGNITION TM: AN EVIDENCE-BASED NUTRACEUTICAL SUPPORT FOR BRAIN FUNCTION
Declines in Cognition: Stealing Quality of Life
Poor mental functioning robs mature people of their quality of life. Impairment of brain function is often called “cognitive” decline or deficit. Cognitive decline has been perceived, in an incorrect manner, as an inevitable consequence of growing old. There are increasing numbers of Americans in their elderly years and up to 1 in 4 of these elite citizens may suffer from varying degrees of poor brain function. The commonest cause of serious cognitive decline is related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Lifestyle and Nutritional Advice for Good Brain Function
While some interventions for improving brain function are obvious, others are so obvious that they have been overlooked. Evidence has emerged that there is a growing epidemic of sleeplessness. Sleep deprivation causes both physical and mental disability, largely because it disturbs biological rhythms, affects cognitive function and causes hormone imbalances. Good sleep hygiene and well selected nutritional support for sleep are important antidotes to poor mental function. I have discussed these matters in detail in my book entitled “Sleep Naturally”. Readers are referred to Clinical SleepTM, a product of Natural Clinician. This sleep product is a synergistic supplement used in millions of unit dosages with safety and effectiveness.
Stress and disordered emotions such as chronic anxiety or depression can have major effects on brain function. Stress hormones produced by the body may be somewhat toxic to the nervous system and high levels of these hormones have been associated with poor memory. Therefore, many physicians are recommending techniques to cope with psychological problems that can adversely affect brain function in a profound manner.
Memory Protective Diets and Psycho-Nutrition
Of all interventions, good nutrition affords great promise for the protection of memory and efficient thought processing by the brain. General nutritional recommendations for memory protection include controlled calorie intake, limitation of saturated fat intake in the diet and intensive supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil containing omega -3 fatty acids is best taken in enteric-coated format for better patient tolerance and enhanced absorption (see Clinical EPA/DHATM, a product of Natural Clinician). Other positive dietary changes include increased dietary fiber intake, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, reduced meat intake and the avoidance of chemical pollutants in the environment. Naturopathic physicians are focused on detoxification which can be facilitated by Clinical Colon CleansingTM and Clinical Oral ChelationTM (products of Natural Clinician). Beyond these general recommendations are a number of specific nutrients or botanicals that have a basis in science for the nutritional support of brain function. Combinations of these brain specific natural agents can be used to make valuable dietary supplements to promote cognitive function. There are many intergrative medicine physicians that are strong supporters of fruit, berry, vegetable and greens powders that can provide “missing-links” to good brain health (see Clinical Daily PreventionTM, www.naturalclinician.com)
The Power of Phospholipids (Clinical CognitionTM)
Phospholipids are a key structural component of all membranes that surround cells. The function of the brain is highly dependent upon the health of membranes around nerve cells. Thus, a good dietary source of phospholipids can have major benefits on the structure and function of the brain. Important types of phospholipids that have specific nutritional benefits for the function of the central nervous system include phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylthenolamine (PE), and phosphatidylinositol (PI). Some of these agents are used as prescription drugs for dementia in some countries.
Energy Conversion for Brain Function: Acety-L-Carnitine
Acety-L-Carnitine [ALC] provides versatile and potent support to the function of nervous tissue. On the one hand, ALC assists in the burning of fuel inside energy factories [mitochondria] in nerve cells, whereas, on the other, it involves itself in the manufacture of chemicals that are involved in transmission of messages in the brain [neurotransmitters]. ALC has a rich history of scientific study in the management of decline in cognitive function. In some disorders of cognition, there is a deficit in the neurotransmitter acetylcoline and ALC may help reverse this deficit. ALC has been shown to improve the action of phospholipids in nerve cell membranes by favorably altering chemistry in the brain. These properties of ALC mean that it has an additive benefit when used with other phospholipids, by producing nutritional synergy.
Of major importance, is the potential anti-aging activity of ALC in altering cross-linking between sugar and protein. In summary, ALC shows protective effects on nervous tissue and it may increase blood flow to the brain, and play a role in the nutritional management of neuropathies, disorders of the nerves supplying the body.
Vinpocetine: A Memory Secret
Vinpocetine is derived from a plant that is a member of the periwinkle family [Vinca minor]. While vinpocetine is widely used in Europe and Japan as a drug for the treatment of cognitive disorders, in the U.S. vinpocetine is available as a valuable dietary supplement.
This extract of periwinkle plant increases blood flow to the brain and has a positive effect on the overall chemistry of the brain. It is an antioxidant which seems to protect nervous tissue and enhance brain function. Antioxidants generally have anti-aging properties. It may exert some effects on dilating blood vessels hat supply the brain, it appears that vinpocetine has special health properties in circumstances of vascular disease of the brain, and it has particular value in individuals who are prone to stroke.
Some studies show the value of vinpocetine in cases of dementia where measures of cognitive skills may improve and other brain functions such as memory show overall improvement. The power of vinpocetine is more apparent in cases of cerebrovascular disease and diseases of the central nervous system, but vinpocetine has not starred in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. Added benefits of vinpocetine include a protective effect on the stomach, reduction in motion sickness, and some protective actions for sight and hearing.
A Soy Treasure: L-Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine [Alpha-GPC]
Alpha-GPC is a natural substance that originates from lecithin, a major component of soybeans. There have been many proposals about the health benefits of Alpha-GPC. This potent and versatile supplement can deliver substances of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is recognized that people with Alzheimer’s disease can suffer from a relative deficiency of acetylcholine and Alpha-GPC may compensate for this deficiency, and Alpha-GPC exerts beneficial effects on cognitive declines on people with Alzheimer’s disease. An interesting effect of Alpha-GPC is its ability to enhance the overall actions of the anti-aging hormone known as growth hormone. It is speculated that Alpha-GPC may enhance growth hormone secretion from the pituitary gland. The complex actions of Alpha-GPC have led to its use as an anti-aging supplement that can enhance the availability of human growth hormone in the body. Alpha-GPC is gaining increasing acceptance in alternative medicine as a valuable and nutritional support for cognitive disorders. Alpha-GPC that warrants much further investigation for its beneficial properties in anti-aging and the support of brain function.
Conclusion
Poor memory and other declines in cognitive function are increasing problems in society, especially as our elderly population grows. Clinical CognitionTM is the quintessential protomorphogenic and biointegrative approach to nutritional support for brain structure and function. The use of natural options, including positive lifestyle changes, for the prevention of age-related impairment of brain function is a key public health initiative.
Mature adults are advised to think in advance about nutritional support brain function. Do not let the misplaced keys of today become the cognitive decline of tomorrow.
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NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT
Stephen Holt MD is pleased to announce the publication of his new book entitled "The Antiaging Triad" in October 2010. Dr. Holt was the Chairman of the 2010, Stem Cell Summit Meeting in April at the International Society of Antiaging (A4M).
The book discusses modern scientific principles that can be applied to longevity promotion, with a focus on stem cells, telomeres and the use of calorie restriction. Dr. Robert Goldman MD, PhD, states in the foreword to Dr. Holts book: "This book will be valuable to healthcare givers, including medical specialists, because it reflects a move towards "natural therapeutics", without dismissing the obvious value of allopathic medical interventions." Call 973-256-4660 to pre-order the book! |
