Welcome everyone to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health.
This week on the podcast we did a deep dive on a subject that hits close to home for so many of us - brain health. I’m incredibly honored to have Dr. Randy Pardue on the show again. Dr. Pardue is an expert in functional and integrative medicine with a particular passion for understanding and improving brain health. Together, we’ll explore profound insights into neuroplasticity, the metabolic roots of dementia, and practical lifestyle changes you can make to ward off cognitive decline.
Whether you have a family history of Alzheimer’s or are just curious about how to keep your brain sharp as you age, this week’s episode is a must-listen.
PODCAST NOTES
Dr. Pardue brought up the concept of neuroplasticity, which is a game changer. Contrary to old beliefs, our brains aren’t fixed at 25. They can grow new neurons, synapses, and blood vessels even into our 80s. This adaptive ability of the brain is highlighted in Norman Doidge’s book, The Brain That Changes Itself. It’s truly remarkable to think that our brains have this inherent capacity for renewal and adaptation.
We obviously are both advocates for functional and integrative medicine. We believe in digging deep to find the root causes of diseases rather than just treating symptoms. This approach is indispensable, particularly for chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementia types. Dr. Pardue shared his journey of focusing on metabolic diseases, which paved the way for his interest in brain health.
Alzheimer’s is also called “Type 3 Diabetes”. The connection lies in insulin resistance in the brain, which severely impacts brain cell health. Insulin acts as a trophic factor, promoting the survival and functionality of brain cells. Insulin resistance, therefore, becomes a major factor in cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s.
Exercise is absolutely vital and here’s why: it boosts the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is like miracle-grow for our brain, fostering the growth and maintenance of neural connections. Regular physical activity, hence, becomes a crucial element in maintaining and enhancing brain health.
We can’t emphasize enough the detrimental effects of sugar on brain health. It’s incredibly inflammatory, contributing to what we describe as a “brain on fire” in conditions like Alzheimer’s. Not to mention, sugar is highly addictive - more so than cocaine, believe it or not. Cutting it out or significantly reducing it can dramatically improve cognitive health.
Maintaining sensory health - hearing and vision - is equally important for cognitive function. Early hearing loss, for instance, is closely linked to cognitive decline. We always encourage patients to get their hearing and vision tested regularly because these sensory inputs are critical for brain health and overall quality of life.
There are medications out there that can contribute to cognitive decline. Sleep aids like Ambien and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can have significant adverse effects. PPIs, in particular, can lead to malabsorption of essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and magnesium, both of which are crucial for brain function. We strongly advocate for minimizing or carefully managing the use of these medications.
Lastly, the gut-brain connection is astonishingly significant. The gut, housing 80% of the body’s immune system, has bacteria that communicate with our brain. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids, which are crucial signals for brain health. Interestingly, certain gut bacteria thrive on sugar and can signal our brain to crave more. This complex interaction between diet, gut health, and brain function underscores the importance of a holistic approach to health.
These points collectively illustrate the multifaceted approach needed for maintaining brain health. We need to look at lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, and a holistic view of health, incorporating sensory and gut health considerations. Proactive education on the multifactorial nature of brain disease and integrating functional medicine principles will go a long way in preventing and managing cognitive decline.
I hope today’s discussion has empowered you with practical insights and hope for keeping your brain healthy.
Stay educated. Stay healthy.
Till next week.
