Cognitive Health: Use Your Mind, Don’t Lose It

Several studies have examined the influence of emotions on cognition, but common everyday situations also testify to the prevalence of this phenomenon. Indeed, who has never forgotten something important under the effect of acute stress, or hasn’t witnessed a menopausal relative complaining about becoming forgetful? The mechanisms and neural circuits involved in emotions and cognition are inextricably linked, and the maintenance of this delicate neurochemical balance is easily disrupted from exposure to stress. Stress triggers a cascade of hormone and neurotransmitter release throughout the brain, affecting our thoughts, decision-making process and behavior. Understanding the Impact of Stress Hans Selye (1907-1982),

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions are generating greater medical and research interest as public awareness grows, especially in terms of their impact on younger and more vulnerable populations. A recent study found there are approximately 30,000 concussions or head related injuries reported annually among the 12 to 19 year old age group, with over 80% being sports related.1 While these numbers are increasing every year, the majority of concussions are still not being reported so the true numbers are most likely underestimated. An explosion of recent research has uncovered some of the pathophysiological pathways involved in TBI. While one

Ayurveda or “the science of life”, is a widely popular system of healing and is considered the oldest as described in ancient Indian texts dating back to 3500 BCE. Classically, Ayurveda is a holistic method of treating health by addressing the physical, mental and spiritual aspects in unison. Diet, exercise and meditation play a key role in this traditional but highly effective system. Naturally, Ayurveda uses a wide variety of herbs and minerals in various combinations that still continue to be used today and that have been described in detail in numerous texts. Ayurveda and homeopathy are considered on par

Acteyl-L-Carnitine Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is the ester form of the amino acid, L-carnitine, and also the form capable of passing the blood-brain barrier to enter the central nervous system.1 It is quite a versatile nutrient as it acts on many different metabolic pathways within the body. Specifically, ALC helps to transport acetyl Coenzyme A into the cell mitochondria, a process necessary for fatty acid oxidation and cellular energy production within the Kreb’s cycle.1 It also stimulates protein and membrane phospholipid synthesis. Lastly, ALC enhances acetylcholine production, a neurotransmitter primarily used in muscle activation but also other nervous system functions such as

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) PQQ is a relatively large molecule that was first discovered in bacteria, by scientists in 1979. The significance of this molecule wasn’t fully realized until a few years later when researchers found that the PQQ molecule could take part in redox reactions. These reactions are vital to the body for energy generation. Energy is the key, since it is required in carrying out virtually all the functions in a cell including: growth, repair, reproduction, synthesis, breakdown, waste removal and others. If energy isn’t produced rapidly and efficiently then cells die. How PQQ Functions in the Body PQQ

The human brain is like no other in terms of its ability to simultaneously synthesize information and carry out complex tasks on a regular basis. While it would be naive to say that we fully understand its interrelationship with the rest of the body and our environment, modern research has made great strides to elucidate its various structures and functions. Here is a brief look at our current understanding of cognitive function and the risk factors that threaten its well-being. While a focus on memory is highlighted, all aspects of cognitive performance including language, reaction time, focus, mood and information