My mother, Grandmother, and her sister all had Alzheimer's and I watched as their presence, the person they once were, slipped away. It was only 10 years ago that fear became a reality for me, while disarming the alarm in my office early morning, I found I couldn't remember one number. The code had been the same for many years. I got busy and started researching how to reverse or minimize the situation. I already had been taking several supplements and ate healthy 95% of the time.

I knew that the brain is primarily made up of fat and amino acids (protein) so I added DHA to my program. DHA is a type of fish oil that is found in cold-water, fatty, fish and is a excellent brain food. I increased my methyl B12, not to be confused with B complex. I can tell you in a short order my memory had greatly improved and has continued to do so.

Lack of B12 has long been connected to cognitive decline and memory loss. In 1858, Thomas Addison documented pernicious anemia or low B12 as one major cause of cognitive decline and memory loss. So the association between B12 deficiency and memory loss has been understood for 167 years. Can you believe it?

B12 is primarily found in animal products, including:

• Meat (beef, pork, poultry)
• Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines)
• Eggs
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)

I wasn't a vegetarian, but I was low B12? So I decided to take a genetic test which included MTHFR gene test and found I had a genetic mutation that wouldn't allow me to Methylate. Its estimated that 30-40% of the population has the same problem. In simple terms, I could not make the B12 in my food convert to a usable nutrient. However individuals of all ages may not have the genetic issue but still are having problems currently, why?

The answer can be found in Gut health, to put it simply: the chemicals and antibiotics in our food today are changing and damaging our Gut Microbiome which will potentially prevent us from effectively utilizing B12 from food. Research in the U.S. is finding a noticeable decline in Memory levels of people in their 30s. I believe its a challenge for children currently.

Let's talk about the contributing factors to Memory Loss and what supplements you can take to prevent it and protect yourself.

• Normal aging can lead to mild forgetfulness like forgetting names or appointments occasionally.
• Mild cognitive impairment involves more significant memory issues than normal aging but not severe enough to interfere drastically with daily life.

• Alzheimer's disease: The most common cause of dementia, involving progressive memory and cognitive decline.
• Other dementias: Such as Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially repeated concussions, can lead to long-term memory problems.
• Other dementias: Such as Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Stroke

• Interruption of blood flow to the brain can damage areas involved in memory and cognition.

• Depression: Often causes memory issues, sometimes referred to as "pseudodementia."
• Anxiety and stress: Can impair concentration and memory formation.

Sleep Disorders

• Poor sleep quality (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea) impairs memory consolidation.

• Sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs, Cholesterol medications, pain medications, and some sleep aids can interfere with memory.

Infections and Illnesses

• Oral infections such as encephalitis or HIV, and illnesses like multiple sclerosis or
  lupus, can affect brain function.

• Long-term alcohol or drug abuse can cause memory deficits, destroying microbiome of the gut, your gut is your second brain.

• Methyl B12 Helps by promoting healthy red cells that carry oxygen to the brain. A lack of this nutrient can have opposite effects.
• Your brain is made of good fat, DHA is brain food the closest thing to the fat in the brain.
• Micro-nutrients include alphabet nutrients {A, B, C, D, E, etc.and mineral such as zinc.
• Iron

Read below to see the supplements I recommend for optimal brain function & memory.

GENETIC TESTING looks for genetic changes, sometimes called mutations or variants in DNA. The MTHFR test is just one of them. If interested, call the office. 519-8500
Take care!!