Brain Health Awareness
June is Brain Awareness Month
Lifecare Center Presentation June 2, 2023
Brain awareness month is an opportunity to learn more about how to protect and improve your cognitive health, recognize the warning signs of dementia, and support the Alzheimer's movement to end the disease.
What is it and why is it important?
- Brain awareness month is a time to raise awareness and educate the public about brain health and diseases that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer's and other dementias¹²³.
- Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive impairments that interfere with daily life¹.
- Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's or another dementia¹.
- Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. It is a progressive and fatal disease that destroys brain cells and affects memory, thinking, behavior, and ability to perform everyday tasks¹.
- There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but treatments can help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life for people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers¹.
- Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's can help people access available treatments, plan for the future, and participate in clinical trials for new therapies².
What are the warning signs of dementia?
- Dementia is not a specific disease, but a term that describes a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning¹.
- Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases¹.
- The symptoms of Alzheimer's vary from person to person and may worsen over time. However, some common signs that may indicate a need to see a doctor are¹:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as forgetting important dates, events, or names
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work, or leisure, such as managing finances, driving, or following recipes
- Confusion with time or place, such as losing track of dates, seasons, or locations
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, such as judging distances, reading, or recognizing faces
- Problems with words in speaking or writing, such as repeating oneself, struggling to find the right words, or calling things by the wrong name
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps, such as putting items in unusual places or accusing others of stealing
- Decreased or poor judgment, such as making bad decisions, neglecting personal hygiene, or falling for scams
- Withdrawal from work or social activities, such as losing interest in hobbies, friends, or family
- Changes in mood and personality, such as becoming irritable, anxious, depressed, or fearful
How can you protect your brain health?
- Brain health refers to the ability to remember, learn, plan, concentrate, and maintain a clear and active mind².
- Brain health is influenced by many factors, such as genetics, age, lifestyle, environment, and medical conditions².
- Some risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia are beyond our control, such as age and family history. However, some risk factors can be modified by adopting healthy habits that benefit both the brain and the body².
Some examples of healthy habits that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia are²:
- Staying physically active, this includes aerobic exercise and strength training if your doctor approves.
- Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and water
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress and practicing relaxation techniques.
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use
- Protecting your head from injury – wear a helmet when needed.
- Treating chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and depression
- Keep your mind stimulated by learning new things, doing puzzles, reading books, or playing games
- Seek medical help if you have any symptoms of cognitive impairment or mental health issues
- Follow your doctor's advice and take any prescribed medications as directed
Information about brain supplements (6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,1516)
There are many supplements that claim to improve brain health and function, but the evidence for their effectiveness is often limited or conflicting. Therefore, it's important to consult your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or take any medications.
Some of the supplements that may have some benefits for brain health are:
- **Omega-3 fatty acids**. These are essential fats that play a role in building cell membranes, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain development and function¹²⁶. They are found naturally in fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, as well as in nuts, seeds, and plant oils. Some studies suggest that omega-3 supplements may help prevent or slow cognitive decline and dementia, especially in people with mild impairment or genetic risk factors¹²³. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and optimal dosage. And not all fish oil is the same. Read the label and look for supplements that have high amounts of EPA and DHA.
- **B vitamins**. These include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9), and cobalamin (B12). They are involved in various aspects of brain metabolism, such as energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and DNA repair¹²⁵. They are found in a variety of foods, such as whole grains, eggs, dairy, meat, poultry, fish, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Some studies suggest that B vitamin supplements may help improve memory and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or high homocysteine levels¹²⁵. However, they may not have any effect in people who have adequate levels of these vitamins or who have normal cognitive function.
- **Antioxidant supplements**. These include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and flavonoids. They help protect the brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases¹²⁵. They are found in various foods, such as citrus fruits, berries, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and tea. Some studies suggest that antioxidant supplements may help prevent or delay cognitive decline and dementia, especially in people with low dietary intake or high oxidative stress¹²⁵. However, other studies have found no benefit or even potential harm from high doses of these supplements.
- **Caffeine**. This is a natural stimulant that can enhance alertness, attention, and mood. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the brain from damage¹²⁴. It is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and some supplements. Some studies suggest that moderate caffeine intake may help improve cognitive performance and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia¹²⁴. However, too much caffeine can cause side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, jitteriness, and palpitations.
- **Creatine**. This is a natural compound that helps provide energy to the muscles and the brain. It is produced by the body and also found in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Some studies suggest that creatine supplementation may improve memory, intelligence, and mental fatigue in healthy adults¹²⁶. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and safety of creatine for brain health.
What about Prevagen? (10,11,12,13,14,1516).
Prevagen is a dietary supplement that claims to improve mild memory loss associated with aging and support healthy brain function. The main ingredient in Prevagen is apoaequorin, a protein originally derived from jellyfish but now made synthetically in a lab.
However, the effectiveness of Prevagen is controversial and not well supported by scientific evidence. Some of the reasons for this are:
· The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements for safety or efficacy, so the claims made by Prevagen are not verified by independent authorities.
· The clinical study cited by Prevagen as proof of its benefits was sponsored by its own manufacturer, Quincy Bioscience, which raises concerns about bias and conflict of interest.
· The clinical study was small, involving only 218 participants, and showed only slight improvements in some cognitive tests for a subgroup of people with normal or mild cognitive impairment.
· The clinical study did not compare Prevagen with other supplements or treatments that may have similar or better effects on memory and cognition.
· The mechanism of action of apoaequorin is unclear and unlikely to reach the brain after oral ingestion, as it would be broken down by the digestive system before crossing the blood-brain barrier¹²³⁵. The gut breaks down proteins to amino acids before absorbing them. Then the body reconstructs proteins from these amino acids. It is not proven that the body produces its own apoaequorin. For example, we all need insulin. Insulin is a protein. But we cannot treat diabetes by swallowing insulin. It must be injected to be effective.
· The safety and side effects of apoaequorin are not well studied, and some people may experience allergic reactions or interactions with other medications (10,11,12,13,14,1516).
In summary, Prevagen is a supplement that may have some benefits for brain health, but the evidence for its effectiveness is weak and questionable. There are also potential risks and costs associated with taking Prevagen. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Prevagen or any other supplement, and to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and adequate sleep.
I hope this has given you some useful information and insights about brain awareness month. Our pharmacists can help you make informed choices on any nutritional supplement. If you are interested in scheduling a one on one consult to discuss your supplement needs use our handy scheduler to schedule a Nutritional assessments and supplement optimization. I am happy to answer any questions.
My contact information.
Harry Webb, PD
Pharmacist
Webb’s Family Pharmacy
Rochester, Akron, and North Manchester
Office Phone 574-224-2220
Reference Sources for more information:
(1) Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month | Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/abam/overview.asp.
(2) Improve Cognitive Health During Alzheimer’s &6 Brain Awareness Month. https://health.gov/news/202106/improve-cognitive-health-during-alzheimers-brain-awareness-month.
(3) Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month – June 2023. https://nationaltoday.com/alzheimers-brain-awareness-month/.
(4) Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. https://www.alz.org/manh/events/abam-2022.
(5) Brain Injury Awareness Month - Brain Injury Association of America. https://www.biausa.org/public-affairs/public-awareness/brain-injury-awareness.
(6) Brain Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t - WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/brain/ss/slideshow-brain-supplements.
(7) 5 Best Brain-Boosting Supplements, According to Experts - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/best-brain-boosting-products.
(8) The Best Brain Supplements For Cognitive Health – Forbes Health. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/best-brain-supplements/.
(9) Supplements for the brain: What to know - Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-brain-supplements.
(10) Don’t buy into brain health supplements - Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/dont-buy-into-brain-health-supplements.
(11) 12 best brain foods: Memory, concentration, and brain health. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324044.
(12)Prevagen Review 2023: Ingredients, Benefits, Price & Side Effects .... https://evidencelive.org/prevagen-review/.
(13) Prevagen Review: A Word Of Caution (2023) – Forbes Health. https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/prevagen-review/.
(14) Apoaequorin: What You Need to Know - WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/apoaequorin-what-to-know.
(15) Prevagen Reviews - Does It Really Work & Is It Worth the Money?. H165) Prevagen for Memory Loss: Does It Really Work? - GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/supplements-herbs/prevagen-for-memory-loss-claims.
(16) Does the supplement Prevagen improve memory? A court case is asking .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/prevagen-memory-loss-does-it-work/2021/09/10/53e5d3e8-f3a6-11eb-a49b-d96f2dac0942_story.html.
- If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to ask