A fellow Naturopathic doctor and NCNM alum has recently received accolades by the New York Times and Huffington Post for a research study published in the January 2012 issue of Neurology. Dr. Gene Bowman and his research team at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) studied the effects certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients had on 100+ elderly individuals. Using blood levels, brain imaging, and cognitive testing Dr. Bowman and colleagues determined that high blood levels of B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid), and vitamins C, D, & E were associated with improved cognitive function and brain volume. Additionally, high blood levels of omega-3′s were linked to higher scores on cognitive tests, but offered no correlation to brain volume.
Trans Fatty Acids and the Brain:
Dr. Bowman and colleagues, had the opportunity to study the effects trans fatty acids have on brain function and cognitive decline. As expected, higher blood levels of trans fats, were significantly associated with impaired mental ability and smaller brain volume.
How This Effects You:
Eating a diet full of fruits, veggies, wild fish, grass-fed beef, and other nutrient dense foods may slow the effects of age related cognitive decline and may prevent the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in susceptible individuals. Aiming for 10 servings of veggies daily, or filling half of your plate with veggies at each meal may be enough to keep your brain healthy and active for a life time!
Way to go Dr. Bowman and OHSU for making it to the national platform! Fellow ND’s and NCNM alum appreciate your hard work.
References:
Bowman GL, Silbert LS, Howieson D, Dodge HH, Traber MG, Frei B, Kaye JA, Shannon J, Quinn JF. Nutrient Biomarker Patterns, Cognitive Function and MRI Measures of Brain Aging. Neurology 2012;78:1-1. Read on pubmed
Huffington Post Article: www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/31/trans-fats-brain-damage_n_1173487.html
New York Times Article: www.nytimes.com/2012/01/03/health/research/vitamins-b-c-d-and-e-and-omega-3-strengthen-older-brains.html
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