Three Pounds of Gray
This month, it’s all about that incredibly efficient, yet mushy, organ known as the brain. I would like to discuss one of the things we admire most about the brain, and that is the speed that is inherent to its function. Brain speed is important for both your memory and cognition so we need to do everything we can to protect it. Studies show that 50 percent of people who reach the age of 85 will become senile. Let’s see what we can do about those odds.

Myth
People who have higher IQs are likely to keep their brain function longer than others. False. Simply having a high intelligence quotient does not guarantee sustained brain function throughout your life. A high Intelligence Quotient is really not a factor in keeping your brain functioning in a youthful way. Even with a modest IQ you can choose behaviors and lifestyles that are more likely to sustain good brain function throughout your lifespan.

Anatomy
The human brain is divided into several lobes that are responsible for many different functions. These include movement, coordination, memory, vision, comprehension, sensation, and decision making to name a few. Through a complex system of neurons and chemicals, your brain is characterized by your signature voltage, speed, rhythm, and synchronicity. Specific mixtures of these components help to define your personality or nature; pattern of thought and response. For example, the benevolent guy is probably regulated more by brain speed than by brain rhythm that dominates the adventuresome gal. Regardless of our brain personality, we all need enough brain speed for healthy memory and cognition. Brain speed is primarily dependent upon the production of the parietallobe chemical acetylcholine. This brain chemical (neurotransmitter) determines the rate at which electrical signals connect nerve to nerve and dictate function.

Aging Brain
Loss of mental function is one of the greatest fears of getting older. When an imbalance or deficiency of acetylcholine occurs, brain speed can slow down significantly. You can detect a significant change in brain function with even 7 one thousandth of a second change in speed. Normal brain speeds are around 300ms and only a tenth of a second demotion places you at early Alzheimer’s disease; a brain speed of 400ms. Loss of brain quickness may begin as early as the 20s and 30s, with memory and cognition decline starting between 40 and 60 years of age. Symptoms of relative acetylcholine deficiency and brain speed slowing may include dry mouth, concentration difficulties, and memory lapses. Beyond falling acetylcholine levels, cognitive decline is thought to be multi-factorial. Stress, increased trans-fat in the diet, and lack of exercise have been shown to contribute to decline of brain function. One theory suggests that memory loss worsens as the layer of healthy fat that coats the neurons diminishes.

Preservation of Brain Function
Exercise the brain and the body – studies show that challenging the brain has a positive effect on mental fitness. For instance, getting all the answers right on a crossword puzzle is not as effective as doing one that challenges your thinking. The mere act of forcing the brain to think about possible answers provides improved mental function. A study of Starbucks’ patrons revealed that those who walked while drinking their favorite coffee improved their IQ while those who simply sat down and enjoyed their coffee did not. The idea being that exercise of the body improves blood flow to the brain thereby improving brain function.

Brain food- diets rich in choline supports healthier levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Huperazine A, acetyl-carnitine, phosphatidyl serine, and lipoic acid have been studied for their natural impact on brain speed. Eliminating saturated and trans-fat from the body is essential to preserve brain function. Increasing omega-3 fatty acids in the diet may have a protective effect as the appropriate materials are made available for neuron protection.

Supplements- Many supplements can help prevent declining brain speed. Discussing an appropriate regimen with your physician is important so that you are aware of not only the type of supplement, but also of the dose you should be taking. Hormone balance is essential to good function throughout the body, and HGH, Vasopressin and DHEA may have specific support for brain speed.

The important thing to remember is that aging of the brain can be slowed. There are new pharmaceutical products available and even more on the horizon that may be effective in treating imbalances of the brain. But I would caution that like most prescription drugs, these may require a diagnosis that you do not want to have. Knowing what to do the preserve brain function and refusing to accept cognitive decline as “normal” are keys to maintaining good health.