by Michael Colgan, Ph.D. August 10, 2012

For the first time in history, over 1,000 scientists in the 130 universities involved in the Human Brain Project, have accurately counted the neurons in the brain. It is much, much higher than we thought, at least 89 billion neurons. It shows why even the best super-computers, such as IBM’s Deep Blue chess-playing computer, which is equivalent to about 200 million brain cells, still have less than one-millionth the power of the human brain.

With such a magnificent machine operating every single activity of your mind and body, it makes good sense to nurture it every day. Yet most of us seem to take our brain for granted, and take less care of it than we do of our teeth. Not a wise strategy because, during aging, the adult brain suffers changes that impair cognition, caused primarily by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Recent controlled research on people aged 35 and above, documents progressive declines in memory, learning, attention, and decision making. Balance and motor movement also decline.

These findings from recent research are so strong that, in April 2011, the US National Institutes of Health made its first revision in 27 years to the criteria for cognitive impairment, stating that it is not a condition that occurs only in the elderly, but is a progressive decline of brain function that begins decades before it shows. Official intervention has now changed its focus to optimizing health lifelong.Brain Imaging Links Cell Loss to Cognitive Decline

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the human brain confirms cell losses in discrete areas of the brain (illustrated above) that accompany specific cognitive impairments. Especially relevant are cell losses in the prefrontal cortex, a crucial area for attention, decision making, and working memory. New research shows that the integrity of the pre-frontal cortex is highly dependent on its neurochemical environment, especially its nutrition and oxygenation.

Linked to the prefrontal cortex by multiple networks of neurons is the hippocampus,whose neurons produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, essential for the formation of new memories.  Neurotransmitters are chemicals made in the neurons that transfer information from neuron to neuron.  When cells that produce a particular neurotransmitter die, the neurotransmitter flow declines, and the flow of information ceases. As acetylcholine declines with aging, formation of new memories becomes progressively more difficult.

Also linked to the prefrontal cortex, and to the motor cortex behind it, is the substantia nigra (black body), whose neurons produce the neurotransmitter dopamine, critical for attention, decision making, working memory, balance, and motor movement. Loss of dopamine cells with aging results in declines in all these cognitive functions.

Optimizing Brain Nutrition

In collaboration with Isagenix scientists, my research has focussed on brain nutrition.  We reviewed more than 1,000 recent animal studies and human clinical trials that have identified a number of individual nutrients that support different parts of brain function. A few of these trials have found combinations of nutrients that work synergistically.  That is, combining the nutrients multiplies their power to support brain function beyond the use of individual nutrients alone.

Unlike other companies, who have focussed on one or two individual nutrients to support one or two brain functions, we have sought the best synergistic combinations.  From the most significant research we have devised synergistic combinations of eight nutrients to provide potent and wide ranging support of the multiple brain structures and functions discussed above.

We have completed 60-day pilot clinical trials on normal human subjects with the best three formulations we could devise.  Using standardized tests of mental focus, concentration, decision making, and memory, all three trials showed positive effects.  One formulation proved slightly better, and we selected that as the basis of the newIsagenix Brain Support. It is designed to provide optimum brain nutrition.  It is also specifically designed to complement IsaLean Shakes, Ageless Essentials with Product B, and the new Isagenix Sleep Support. There is no other product comparable to Isagenix Brain Support available anywhere.

About Dr. Colgan

Dr. Michael Colgan is a world-renowned research scientist, leading expert in the inhibition of aging, and a member of the Isagenix Science Advisory Board. Dr. Colgan has provided nutrition, training and anti-aging programs to more than 11,000 athletes, including many Olympians. He is director of his eponymous Colgan Institute, a consulting, educational and research facility concerned with the effects of nutrition and exercise on athletic performance, along with prevention of chronic degenerative disease, and prevention of degeneration of the brain.

source: http://www.isagenixhealth.net/blog/2012/08/10/optimum-nutrition-for-the-aging-brain/#more-5096

To read more articles by Dr. Colgan, click on one of the following links:

• You Have Ample Power to Guard Your Health
• Whey Protein Concentrate: A Brief Summary
• How Safe is Whey Protein? Ask Dr. Colgan
• You Can Prevent Sarcopenia Lifelong
• How to Take Your Vitamins