Healthy Brain Seminar Oct 13

8/8/2019 Healthy Brain Seminar Oct 13

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Keeping Your Brain HealthyPresented by Connie Keck & Norma Miller

For BrownRichards & Associates


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How the Brain Functions The brain consists

of about 100 billion

cells.

It works off of both

chemical and

electrical signals.

A neuron is basically

an on/off switch. Neurons are the

basis of our brains.


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Chemical Receptors

Neurotransmitters must be released from the

axon, cross the synaptic cleft and be taken up

by the proper receptors in the dendrite.


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Chemical Receptors

Our brains need some basic things to

produce the chemicals that carry all the

signals in the brain:Proper nutrition

Oxygen

RestStress Control

New Learning


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Some predictors of age-related decline:

Forgetfulness and inability to concentrate are

indications of some decline or imbalance.

Earlier indications can include diverse symptoms: Loss of appetite, sense of smell or taste.

Difficulty reading people.

Loss of interest in hobbies, family or friends.


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HOW THE BRAIN AGES

Possible declines in:

Processing SpeedExecutive Function

Speech Comprehension

Visuospatial Skill


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HOW THE BRAIN IMPROVES:

Possible increases in:

Knowledge

Experience

Problem-Solving Skills

AdaptabilityFocus


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How Memory Works

Memory is dependent on the hippocampus.

Most new neurons are produced

in the hippocampus.

Learning tasks that engage several areas of thebrain cause more new neurons to be retained.

How much is learned directly affects the

number of new neurons that are retained. The more new neurons, the healthier the

brain.


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How Memory Works

Hippocampus requires dopamine. Dopamine requires B vitamins

Memory speed is dependent on the myelin

sheath. Memory speed requires acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine requires B vitamins. fish

oil/omega 3 oils and high protein foods.


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Facts

Short term memory can be exercised.

Short term memory is linked to imagination

Imagery is linked to a healthy brain.

Having new experiences can trigger and

improve short term memory.

Releases dopamine, a reward.


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Enemies to Memory

Lack of Sleep

Stress

Lack of Focus

Poor nutrition

Poor health/pain


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Sleep

Sleep helps information to process into the

brains memory.

You need a minimum of one complete sleep

cycle (4 hours) plus an additional 4 hours of

sleep.

In studies, loss of even one hour of sleepsignificantly reduced performance on memory

tests.


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Stress

Stress causes the body to make epinephrine

and norepinephrine.

Fight or flight response.

Robs the brain of dopamine to

make the stress neurochemicals.

Good nutrition, vitamins and

supplements help replace the dopamine. Use positive worry techniques.


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Lack of Focus

New Studies Multitasking wastes time. Each time you switch your attention from one task

to another you have a drop in productivity.

Distractions Like multitasking, distractionscause you to retrace steps or forget where you

were in a process.

Lack of sleep, poor nutrition,

stress and conditions like ADD

contribute to a lack of focus.


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Poor Nutrition

The brain needs certain nutrients to make the

neurochemicals required for memory.

Blood sugar highs and lows work the same onyour brain as power surges and lags on your

computer.

Dehydration causes sleepiness and lack of

concentration.


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Poor Health/Pain

Pain interferes with transferring short termmemory to long term memory.

Specifically, it disrupts the short term memory.

Chronic pain permanently changes the brainsphysical structure.

Other health problems that interfere with

memory: diabetes, arthritis, gum problems,and many others.


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What Affects the Brain?

Environment

Surroundings

Change is good.

Socialization

The more socialized you are, the more likely

your brain will stay healthy.

Safety Brain damage can show up years after

injury, often in subtle ways.


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What Affects the Brain?

Activities

Brain Exercises

Change your game.

Body Exercises

A healthy body makes a healthy brain.

Adventures Try new things, build your brain.


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Activities and Neurotransmitters

Certain activities and experiences releaseneurotransmitters:

Stress releases epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Human touch releases serotonin.

Exercise, adventure, new learning andaccomplishments release dopamine.

Cutting down on stress neurotransmitters

and increasing good neurotransmitters helpour brains to stay healthy.


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Improving Brain Health

Take B vitamins. All vitamins are good, Bvitamins are vital.

TakeOmega 3 or fish oils.

Eat high protein foods like chicken, nuts, andeggs.

Exercise.

Play new games.

Learn new things/have new experiences. Practice using your memory.

Eat dark foods. Drink green tea.

Documents

Healthy Brain Seminar Oct 13