The Neuro-Protective Lifestyle

B12 Deficiency And The Amazing Shrinking Brain: Don’t Let It Happen To You

Posted on 10. Nov, 2008 by Kerry Friesen, M.D..

photo credit: SOCIALisBETTER

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (impaired memory, irritability, depression and personality changes) are well known complications of vitamin B12 deficiency. Pernicious anemia caused by intrinsic factor deficiency, decreased stomach acid or gastric by-pass surgery is another classic presentation.

Now with better research tools, scientists have established a link between B12 deficiency and brain volume loss.

In this recent study published in Neurology,  one hundred and seven men and women without cognitive impairment underwent MRI scans to record brain volume and blood tests to determine B12 levels.

The study participants were followed for 5 years and underwent a neurological exam and repeat MRI scan annually.

Based on the results the subjects were divided into three groups according to brain volume.

Conclusion:  Subjects with the lowest levels of B12 lost twice as much brain volume regardless of age, gender or previous educational status.

Recommendations:   B12 is a safe, water-soluble B vitamin with multiple functions.

Supplementing with B12, while NOT proven to prevent loss of brain volume, certainly appears to be a safe neuroprotective strategy. 

I take it…..fais-tu?

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Need A Neuroprotective “Hangover-Helper”?

Posted on 06. Jul, 2008 by Kerry Friesen, M.D..

photo credit: andronicusmax

Internet hype and global democracy ideologies aside, the elusive hangover cure does not exist–and mostly likely, never will.

There are simply too many variables involved for a one-size fits all approach. Everything from the amount and rate of alcohol consumption, the presence of congeners (impurities produced during the fermentation process) and genetic makeup determine the level of “intolerance” to alcohol. According to one study, up to 30% of people are resistant to hangover, regardless of the amount of alcohol consumed.

For the rest of us hangover sufferers, here are five harmless and relatively well studied remedies worth trying.

Water: taken in abundance before, during and after, can relieve even the most devastating hangover headache.

N-acetyl-cysteine: precursor to the antioxidant glutathione and able to reverse Tylenol®-induced liver damage with a single dose. NAC is probably the single most important hepatic antioxidant available.

Magnesium: 500 mg/day can help reverse potential liver toxicity associated with excess alcohol consumption. It may also improve cerebral blood flow by reversing the constriction of blood vessels.

B6: works but no one knows why. In one study, more than 1000 mg were given. A one time 100 mg dose is a much more reasonable.

B12: again it’s not known why, but it certainly can’t hurt!

Now that you know what to do, stock up now and be kind to your brain!!!

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Depression: A Novel Nutritional Neuroscientific Approach

Posted on 11. Jun, 2008 by Kerry Friesen, M.D..

Depression can be difficult to treat.

Even with the most effective medications, a sixty percent response rate is considered exceptional. Worse yet for most people, continued treatment revolves around minimizing side-effects rather than aggressively addressing the circumstances that allowed the depression to develop in the first place.

To confound matters even more, recent studies suggest that for moderately depressed patients, new-generation anti-depressant medications function primarily as a placebo and clinically significant medication effects are reserved for only the most severely depressed.

Like most physicians, I have watched select patients benefit from SSRI and dopaminergic-type medications and marveled at their relatively rapid onset and ease of use. And, like most physicians, I’ve watched as patients gain weight, develop sexual side-effects and after prolonged drug therapy become less engaged and more dispassionate about life in general.

They are no longer sad — but they’re not happy either.

Now, recent studies in neuropsychopharmacology and nutritional neuroscience may help restore the chemical and informational imbalance that characterizes the current approach to anti-depressant therapy.

For example, from the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, scientists reveal how DHEA levels in the mesolimbic system of the brain up-regulate GABA receptors resulting in a pronounced anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effect.

In another study researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) discovered that practicing yoga, in addition to it’s behavioral benefits is capable of elevating GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) levels in the brain.

GABA is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter and is thought to be the final common pathway for most anti-depressant, sedative and anesthetic-type medications. The GABA neurotransmitter system possesses the ability to counterbalance the action of excitatory neurotransmitters contributing to an overall calming effect. If yoga is just not your thing, GABA is available in capsule form without a prescription and the recommended dosage is 600-700 mg, 1-2 per day.

Nutritional neuroscience has also peered into the “mood-stabilizing” properties of omega-3 fatty acids. Epidemiological studies have confirmed that, the lower the intake of omega-3 fatty acids in a given population, the higher the incidence of major depressive disorders. The exact mechanism behind the mood stabilizing properties of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is unknown. Their effectiveness however, remains unquestioned. The recommended dosage is approximately 1.5 to 2 grams of EPA per day and less is more in this case since larger amounts have not been shown to be any more effective.

Not surprisingly, other nutritional deficiencies have been linked to depression, including folic acid and magnesium. Randomized, controlled trials have been conducted confirming the benefit of B12 and folic acid supplementation in the treatment of depression. While not as powerful, case studies in which patients received magnesium (glycinate or taurate) supplementation resulted in rapid resolution of major depression.

To sum it up – - if you “suddenly” find yourself on the Paxil, Prozac or Zoloft super-highway, remember you didn’t get there suddenly. This is the perfect time to introduce stress-management skills such as yoga to your daily routine. Ask your doctor about adding omega-3 fatty acid supplementation especially if you have a triglyceride disorder. DHEA is generally safe but may increase hormone levels if you are already taking estrogen or testosterone.

Finally, consider giving magnesium a try. Use it at bedtime for its sleep-inducing “side-effect” and wake up to a brighter day!

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