The Well Nurtured Brain

In part 1 of our special two-part series of the Well Nurtured Brain, Dr Pamela Hutchison will dive deep into the fascinating world of the MIND diet and its remarkable impact on slowing down neurodegenerative decline. In this episode Dr. Pamela will explore 4 different studies that show the profound impact of this diet on brain health. Prepare to have your neurons fired up and gain insights that will forever change your approach to nourishing your brain.

Mark your calendars for July 11th for the second installment of this series where Dr Pamela will explain what the diet is and the theories around why it works!

Connect with Dr Pamela Hutchison:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

References used in this Episode:

Morris MC, Tangney CC, Wang Y, Sacks FM, Bennett DA, Aggarwal NT. MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2015 Sep;11(9):1007-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2014.11.009. Epub 2015 Feb 11. PMID: 25681666; PMCID: PMC4532650.

MIND diet effect on cognitive performance and brain structure in healthy obese women

Arjmand, G., Abbas-Zadeh, M., & Eftekhari, M. H. (2022). Effect of MIND diet intervention on cognitive performance and brain structure in healthy obese women: a randomized controlled trial. Scientific reports, 12(1), 2871. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-04258-9

Cherian L, Wang Y, Fakuda K, Leurgans S, Aggarwal N, Morris M. Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet Slows Cognitive Decline After Stroke. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2019;6(4):267-273. doi: 10.14283/jpad.2019.28. PMID: 31686099; PMCID: PMC7199507.

Metcalfe-Roach A, Yu AC, Golz E, Cirstea M, Sundvick K, Kliger D, Foulger LH, Mackenzie M, Finlay BB, Appel-Cresswell S. MIND and Mediterranean Diets Associated with Later Onset of Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord. 2021 Apr;36(4):977-984. doi: 10.1002/mds.28464. Epub 2021 Jan 6. PMID: 33404118; PMCID: PMC8248352.

Liu, X., Morris, M. C., Dhana, K., Ventrelle, J., Johnson, K., Bishop, L., Hollings, C. S., Boulin, A., Laranjo, N., Stubbs, B. J., Reilly, X., Carey, V. J., Wang, Y., Furtado, J. D., Marcovina, S. M., Tangney, C., Aggarwal, N. T., Arfanakis, K., Sacks, F. M., & Barnes, L. L. (2021). Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) study: Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of a randomized control trial of the MIND diet on cognitive decline. Contemporary clinical trials, 102, 106270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2021.106270

Devranis, P., Vassilopoulou, Ε., Tsironis, V., Sotiriadis, P. M., Chourdakis, M., Aivaliotis, M., & Tsolaki, M. (2023). Mediterranean Diet, Ketogenic Diet or MIND Diet for Aging Populations with Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 13(1), 173. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13010173

Agarwal, P., Wang, Y., Buchman, A. S., Holland, T. M., Bennett, D. A., & Morris, M. C. (2018). MIND Diet Associated with Reduced Incidence and Delayed Progression of ParkinsonismA in Old Age. The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 22(10), 1211–1215. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-018-1094-5

In this episode of the Well Nurtured Brain Dr Pamela Hutchison had the pleasure of her first guest, Dr. Laurie Mischley!

During this incredible conversation Dr Laurie will share the significance of a supportive healthcare team, and the strategies she has employed to navigate the unique hurdles Parkinson's presents. We will also gain a deeper understanding of the role medication, food, exercise, and lifestyle modifications play in managing the disease and slowing its progression.

About Dr. Laurie Mischley, PhD:

Laurie Mischley studied naturopathic medicine (ND, epidemiology (MPH) and nutritional sciences (PhD) at Bastyr University and the University of Washington. Her work is focused on identifying the nutritional requirements unique to individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and has published on coenzyme Q10, lithium, glutathione, NAD+, and ATP deficiency (www.lauriemischley.com). She is Principal Investigator of the Modifiable Variables in Parkinsonism (MVP) Study (MVP-study.com), which is attempting to describe why some people with PD progress slower than others. She is working on ways to study, package and deliver evidence-based lifestyle modification as a therapeutic strategy. She founded the canine scent-based PD screening tool, ParK-9 (www.Park-9.com), developed the Parkinson Symptom Tracking (PRO-PD) App to quantify PD severity (www.PD-symptoms.com), and is instructor of the online series, Parkinson School (www.Parkinson-School.com). Dr. Mischley maintains a small clinical practice at Seattle Integrative Medicine (www.SeattleIntegrativeMedicine.com). You can find Dr. Laurie Mischley, PhD at:

https://www.lauriemischley.com

https://bastyrpdschool.org

www.parkinson-school.com

Parkinsons Symptom Tracking App available wherever you find your apps or at https://www.lauriemischley.com/pro-pd

Connect with Dr Pamela Hutchison:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

The anticipated conclusion to the two part series on ultra-processed food. In this episode Dr. Pamela Hutchison will share practical strategies to identify these tasty foods and understand their impact on your health.

If you missed the first episode of this podcast series download season 1 episode 8. It's the perfect starting point for your quest toward a more informed and conscious approach to ultra-processed foods.

In today's episode we'll discuss:

1. Briefly review what are ultra-processed foods

2. Why ultra-processed foods are so delicious

3. Some tools and tips to identify, avoid and understand the impact of these foods in our diets.

Connect with me:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode References:

• https://news.ku.edu/2023/01/30/research-shows-impact-hyper-palatable-foods-across-four-diets#:~:text=First%20described%20by%20KU%20scientist,and%20harder%20to%20stop%20consuming

• Fazzino, T.L., Courville, A.B., Guo, J. et al. Ad libitum meal energy intake is positively influenced by energy density, eating rate and hyper-palatable food across four dietary patterns. Nat Food 4, 144–147 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-022-00688-4

• Fazzino, T.L., Rohde, K. and Sullivan, D.K. (2019), Hyper-Palatable Foods: Development of a Quantitative Definition and Application to the US Food System Database. Obesity, 27: 1761-1768. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22639

• Gearhardt, AN, DiFeliceantonio, AG. Highly processed foods can be considered addictive substances based on established scientific criteria. Addiction. 2023; 118( 4): 589– 598. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.16065

• https://shows.acast.com/5eaeb1c98ad11b317bf47794/6388f4091af4a90011ec7e1e

• Monteiro, C., Cannon, G., Levy, R., Moubarac, J., Louzada, M., Rauber, F., . . . Jaime, P. (2019). Ultra-processed foods: What they are and how to identify them. Public Health Nutrition, 22(5), 936-941. doi:10.1017/S1368980018003762

Studies cited or used as resources for episode

• Tian, Y. R., Deng, C. Y., Xie, H. C., Long, Q. J., Yao, Y., Deng, Y., Zhao, H., Li, Y., Liu, H., & Xiao, L. (2023). Ultra-processed food intake and risk of depression: a systematic review. Ingestión de alimentos ultraprocesados y riesgo de depresión: revisión sistemática. Nutricion hospitalaria, 40(1), 160–176. https://doi.org/10.20960/nh.03723

• Lane, M. M., Gamage, E., Travica, N., Dissanayaka, T., Ashtree, D. N., Gauci, S., Lotfaliany, M., O'Neil, A., Jacka, F. N., & Marx, W. (2022). Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients, 14(13), 2568. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14132568

• Gomes Gonçalves, N., Vidal Ferreira, N., Khandpur, N., Martinez Steele, E., Bertazzi Levy, R., Andrade Lotufo, P., Bensenor, I. M., Caramelli, P., Alvim de Matos, S. M., Marchioni, D. M., & Suemoto, C. K. (2023). Association Between Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods and Cognitive Decline. JAMA neurology, 80(2), 142–150. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.4397

Additional resources

Resources:

NOVA Classification Reference Sheet PDF

In part one of this two part series of the Well Nurtured Brain, Dr. Pamela Hutchison will dive into the intriguing relationship between ultra-processed foods and the intricate workings of our brain. She will share the research related to these processed delights and shed some light on the potential links to neurodegenerative disorders and mental health conditions.

Stay tuned for the second instalment of this series on May 30th where Dr. Pamela will share how to identify these foods.

In today's episode we'll discuss:

1. The Nova Food Classification system

2. Ultra-processed foods and depression

3. A study that examined cognitive decline in relation to ultra-processed foods

Studies cited or used as resources for episode

• Tian, Y. R., Deng, C. Y., Xie, H. C., Long, Q. J., Yao, Y., Deng, Y., Zhao, H., Li, Y., Liu, H., & Xiao, L. (2023). Ultra-processed food intake and risk of depression: a systematic review. Ingestión de alimentos ultraprocesados y riesgo de depresión: revisión sistemática. Nutricion hospitalaria, 40(1), 160–176. https://doi.org/10.20960/nh.03723

• Lane, M. M., Gamage, E., Travica, N., Dissanayaka, T., Ashtree, D. N., Gauci, S., Lotfaliany, M., O'Neil, A., Jacka, F. N., & Marx, W. (2022). Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients, 14(13), 2568. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14132568

• Gomes Gonçalves, N., Vidal Ferreira, N., Khandpur, N., Martinez Steele, E., Bertazzi Levy, R., Andrade Lotufo, P., Bensenor, I. M., Caramelli, P., Alvim de Matos, S. M., Marchioni, D. M., & Suemoto, C. K. (2023). Association Between Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods and Cognitive Decline. JAMA neurology, 80(2), 142–150. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.4397

Additional resources

Resources:

NOVA Classification Reference Sheet PDF

Connect with me:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Well Nurtured Brain, Dr. Pamela Hutchison discusses the big topic of social prescribing. Social prescribing is a practice that involves healthcare professionals referring patients to non-medical community activities, such as social clubs, volunteering opportunities, and exercise classes, as a way to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

In today's episode we'll discuss:

1. How social isolation and loneliness impact health including both physical and mental health.
2. What's being shown in studies since the pandemic regarding brain health post social isolation.
3. Why this is clinically relevant and how we can shift the narrative

Episode Resources:

Tools for clinicians

• A Social History Tool using the IF-IT-HELPS mnemonic

• https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/everyone_project/action-plan.pdf

• https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/everyone_project/hops19-physician-guide-sdoh.pdf

• https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/everyone_project/hops19-physician-form-sdoh.pdf

• UCLA Loneliness Scale https://fetzer.org/sites/default/files/images/stories/pdf/selfmeasures/Self_Measures_for_Loneliness_and_Interpersonal_Problems_UCLA_LONELINESS_REVISED.pdf

• Canada 211 https://211.ca/

Studies cited or used as resources for episodes

• Nowak, D. A., & Mulligan, K. (2021). Social prescribing: A call to action. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 67(2), 88–91. https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.670288

• Perlman D., Peplau L.A. Toward a social psychology of loneliness. Pers. Relatsh. 1981;3:31–56.

• Hutten, E., Jongen, E. M. M., Vos, A. E. C. C., van den Hout, A. J. H. C., & van Lankveld, J. J. D. M. (2021). Loneliness and Mental Health: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Social Support. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(22), 11963. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211963

• Cacioppo, J. T., & Cacioppo, S. (2018). Loneliness in the modern age: An evolutionary theory of loneliness (ETL). In Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 58, pp. 127-197). Academic press.

• McWhirter B.T. Loneliness: A review of current literature, with implications for counseling and research. J. Couns. Dev. 1990;68:417–422. doi: 10.1002/j.1556-6676.1990.tb02521.x.

• Subramanian, I., Farahnik, J. & Mischley, L.K. Synergy of pandemics-social isolation is associated with worsened Parkinson severity and quality of life. npj Parkinsons Dis. 6, 28 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-020-00128-9

• Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Layton JB (2010) Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. PLoS Med 7(7): e1000316. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316

Additional resources

WHO Social determinants of health https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Connect with me:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com (coming soon!)

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Well Nurtured Brain, Dr. Pamela Hutchison ND dispells the myth that natural medicine and lifestyle changes can't help those with "real" mental health or neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease (PD).

In reality there are some phenomenal lifestyle changes that can be made to slow the progression of PD.

We'll discuss:

1. What Parkinsons Disease is and why movement matters
2. A large study that showed exercise slowed the progression of patients with Parkinson's Disease
3. The challenges around this. Why exercise is hard and how clinicians can cheer on their Parkinson's patients.

Resources:

Tsukita K, Sakamaki-Tsukita H, Takahashi R. Long-term Effect of Regular Physical Activity and Exercise Habits in Patients With Early Parkinson Disease. Neurology. 2022;98(8):e859-e871. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000013218

Dorsey, E. R., Sherer, T., Okun, M. S., & Bloem, B. R. (2018). The Emerging Evidence of the Parkinson Pandemic. Journal of Parkinson's disease, 8(s1), S3–S8. https://doi.org/10.3233/JPD-181474

Connect with me:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNurturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Loved this episode? Leave us a review!

In this episode of The Well Nurtured Brain, Dr. Pamela Hutchison ND explores a 2018 study that asked this question:

"How does the consumption of green leafy vegetables affect the risk of age-related cognitive decline?"

The surprising findings reveal an often overlooked aspect of human health. The fact that what we do in small ways, every day, with our diet, can effect big changes over time.

In today's episode we discuss

1. The impressive potential protective effect of regular leafy green intake.

2. Two additional studies that support these findings.

3. What amount and types of greens were associated with good outcomes.

Connect with me:

Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website: www.TheWellNuturedBrain.com

Email: [email protected]

Episode References:

1. Nutrients and bioactives in green leafy vegetables and cognitive decline: Prospective study.

Morris MC, Wang Y, Barnes LL, Bennett DA, Dawson-Hughes B, Booth SL. Neurology. 2018 Jan 16;90(3):e214-e222.

doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000004815.

2. Associations of vegetable and fruit consumption with age-related cognitive change.

Morris MC, Evans DA, Tangney CC, Bienias JL, Wilson RS.

Neurology. 2006 Oct 24;67(8):1370-6.

doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000240224.38978.d8.

3. Fruit and vegetable consumption and cognitive decline in aging women.

Kang JH, Ascherio A, Grodstein F.

Ann Neurol. 2005 May;57(5):713-20.

doi: 10.1002/ana.20476.

In this episode of The Well Nurtured Brain, Dr. Pamela Hutchison ND explores the concept of cognitive reserve - the brain's thinking capacity, which is based on the number and health of connections between the neurons in the brain.

Dr. Hutchison discusses how cognitive reserve is built and maintained, and shares insights from the Nun Study, a cohort of almost 700 Catholic nuns, to demonstrate how cognitive reserve can help people maintain their brain health as they age.

We'll discuss:

1. Use it or Lose it: The brain repairs and maintains the pathways, neurons, and systems that we use.

2. Diversity of Use: The more diversity of use, the more pathways our brain has to perform a task.

3. Nun Study Insights: How the study showed that higher education is correlated to increased cognitive reserve

4. The intriguing correlation of one specific measurement, made from the Nun's teenage personal biographies and their later cognitive health.

Resources:

Snowdon DA; Nun Study. Healthy aging and dementia: findings from the Nun Study. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Sep 2;139(5 Pt 2):450-4. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-139-5_part_2-200309021-00014. PMID: 12965975.

Iacono D, Zandi P, Gross M, et al. APOε2 and education in cognitively normal older subjects with high levels of AD pathology at autopsy: findings from the Nun Study. Oncotarget. 2015;6(16):14082-14091. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.4118 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4546453/

Snowdon DA, Kemper SJ, Mortimer JA, Greiner LH, Wekstein DR, Markesbery WR. Linguistic ability in early life and cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease in late life. Findings from the Nun Study. JAMA. 1996;275(7):528-532. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8606473/

Farias ST, Chand V, Bonnici L, et al. Idea density measured in late life predicts subsequent cognitive trajectories: implications for the measurement of cognitive reserve. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2012;67(6):677-686. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbr162 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3478727/

Idea density definition from here: https://research-management.mq.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/109328352/109153764.pdf

Blog post: NATHANIEL WOODWARD,Educator, Applied Statistician, and Learning Scientist, University of Texas at Austin, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (Learning Sciences) https://nathanielwoodward.com/post/idea-density-or-teenage-essays-predict-old-age-alzheimers/

Sumowski, J. F., Rocca, M. A., Leavitt, V. M., Riccitelli, G., Comi, G., DeLuca, J., & Filippi, M. (2013). Brain reserve and cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis: what you've got and how you use it. Neurology, 80(24), 2186–2193. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e318296e98b https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23667062/

David Snowdon's book: "Aging with Grace: What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives" https://www.amazon.ca/Aging-Grace-Teaches-Healthier-Meaningful/dp/0553380923

Connect with me: Dr. Pam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd

The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d Website: www.TheWellNuturedBrain.com Email: [email protected]

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating!

In this episode of The Well Nurtured Brain, Dr. Pamela Hutchison discusses Brain Reserve, exploring the remarkable irony of positive deviants with asymptomatic Alzheimer's dementia and the powerful effects of Folate, to reveal the importance of nourishing the brain.

Brain Reserve refers to the volume and size of our brains, including the mass and the sum total of all the cells in the brain and is largely thought to be determined by genetics. It can be damaged by concussions, alcohol, smoking, and malnutrition, and can be supported by preventative measures, such as wearing a helmet, seatbelt, and fall prevention, as well as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep. The Nun study revealed a possible correlation between Folate levels and the severity of Alzheimer's dementia, and that higher levels of Folate may help support brain reserve, and delay or prevent symptom onset.

"Your brain needs to be in a body that is healthy, it needs to be in a body that's well rested. It itself needs to be well rested in order to go through its own repair processes."

We'll discuss:

1. Brain reserve and how it can be damaged.

2. The potential of Folate and other micronutrients in preserving brain reserve.

3. The importance of preventative measures to protect against brain injury.

Resources:

Snowdon DA; Nun Study. Healthy aging and dementia: findings from the Nun Study. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Sep 2;139(5 Pt 2):450-4. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-139-5_part_2-200309021-00014. PMID: 12965975.

Mez J, Daneshvar DH, Kiernan PT, et al. Clinicopathological Evaluation of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Players of American Football. JAMA. 2017;318(4):360-370. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.8334

Snowdon DA, Tully CL, Smith CD, Riley KP, Markesbery WR. Serum folate and the severity of atrophy of the neocortex in Alzheimer disease: findings from the Nun study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71(4):993-998. doi:10.1093/ajcn/71.4.993

Wang H, Odegaard A, Thyagarajan B, et al. Blood folate is associated with asymptomatic or partially symptomatic Alzheimer's disease in the Nun study. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;28(3):637-645. doi:10.3233/JAD-2011-111271

David Snowdon's book: "Aging with Grace: What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives" https://www.amazon.ca/Aging-Grace-Teaches-Healthier-Meaningful/dp/0553380923

Connect with me: Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d Website: www.TheWellNuturedBrain.com Email: [email protected]

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating!

In this episode of The Well Nurtured Brain, Dr. Pamela Hutchison guides listeners on an exploration of Neurological Reserve, as she shares inspiring details from the Nun Study, including an 85 year-old sister who remained cognitively normal despite having significant Alzheimer disease pathology in her brain.

Neurological Reserve is the capacity of the brain to handle various metabolic and physiological stressors. It is important because it helps the brain resist, respond to and recover from injury, stress, aging, illness, and other metabolic challenges. Having a high level of neurological reserve can help someone recover faster from a concussion and can help them maintain physical and cognitive abilities for longer in their life, even if they have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have learned about this from the Nun Study, where some nuns maintained good brain function in old age despite having the pathology associated with Alzheimer's. In future episodes, we will explore how to support these reserves so that we can all live long and healthy lives.

We need a good brain to enjoy all the things that we love and to make life meaningful as long as possible.

We'll discuss: 1. The concept of neurological reserve, which is the capacity of the brain to handle various metabolic and physiological stressors.

2. How having a high level of neurological reserve can help the brain to better resist, respond, and recover from injury, stress, aging, illness, and other metabolic challenges.

3. The Nun study, which is a longitudinal study of Catholic sisters conducted to better understand brain health and its relation to a long and healthy lifespan.

Resources:

Snowdon DA; Nun Study. Healthy aging and dementia: findings from the Nun Study. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Sep 2;139(5 Pt 2):450-4. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-139-5_part_2-200309021-00014. PMID: 12965975. David Snowdon's book: "Aging with Grace: What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives" https://www.amazon.ca/Aging-Grace-Teaches-Healthier-Meaningful/dp/0553380923

Connect with me: Pamela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pamela_hutchison_nd The Well Nurtured Brain's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_well_nurtured_brain/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089475401521&mibextid=LQQJ4d Website: www.TheWellNuturedBrain.com Email: [email protected]

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating!