How Much Can a Brain Improve in 6 Months?

Jeff Wittek

Change your brain, change your life. It’s the concept Daniel G. Amen, MD, first introduced in his mega-bestselling book of the same name. The idea of improving brain health to help overcome symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, memory problems, and more has inspired millions of people around the world to adopt better daily habits. The result for many of them? Feeling happier, calmer, more focused, and sharper. But they often wonder just how much the brain can physically improve in a short amount of time.

That’s what Jeff Wittek, a superstar YouTuber with over 3 million subscribers, wanted to know. And it’s why he got a follow-up brain SPECT scan 6 months after his first one. It revealed some very interesting findings.

JEFF WITTEK: BEFORE-TREATMENT BRAIN SCANS

In 2020, Wittek experienced a terrible accident in a stunt gone wrong that not only left him with serious injuries to his eye and face but also had a negative impact on his mental health. It left him feeling depressed, anxious, and lost. In May 2021, Wittek visited Amen Clinics and filmed an episode of Scan My Brain. During the visit, the YouTuber had a brain SPECT scan to evaluate his brain function and find out why his mental health was suffering.

His brain scan showed that the accident had damaged his brain by reducing blood flow, especially in the frontal lobes, and had increased activity in the emotional and anxiety centers of the brain. Low blood flow in the frontal lobes is associated with problems with forethought, judgment, decision-making, and impulse control. Too much activity in the emotional brain is linked to depression and anxiety.

He walked away from the consultation with recommendations to improve his anxiety and to heal depression after a head injury and started implementing them in his life. In an effort to improve his brain health and his psychological well-being, Wittek engaged in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), started taking nutritional supplements, and began killing the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) that infested his mind. How much would it help, he wondered?

JEFF WITTEK: AFTER-TREATMENT BRAIN SCANS

Fast forward 6 months. Wittek returned to Amen Clinics for a follow-up SPECT scan to evaluate his progress. In a new episode of Scan My Brain, he says he feels happier and is doing much better. These days, he rates his mood as an 8 out of 10 (on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best) compared to a 4 just half a year ago. Even better, he says his brighter moods are shining through in his YouTube videos and getting better responses from his viewers.

After 6 months of following Dr. Amen’s brain-healthy recommendations, Wittek’s whole outlook has shifted. “I wake up with a purpose…a sense of this is what life’s about more than just stupid jokes,” says Wittek. “I’m still going to do the stupid jokes, but I feel like I’m back to myself.”

After 6 months of following Dr. Amen’s brain-healthy recommendations, YouTuber Jeff Wittek says, “I feel like I’m back to myself.” Click To Tweet

Wittek says one of Dr. Amen’s recommendations has been particularly helpful. “Something you said to me last time stuck with me, and I’ve been using it, and I think it’s really helped me out,” he says. Wittek’s talking about killing the ANTs. He says he’ll hear something that in the past might have gotten him riled up, but now he recognizes the thought is just an ANT. “I don’t waste my energy on something that’s out of my control,” he says. Instead, he takes that energy and tries to use it in a productive way.

Feeling better is one thing. Wittek wanted to see if his brain was better too. His follow-up SPECT scans didn’t disappoint. The overactivity in the emotional and anxiety centers of the brain was much calmer, which is associated with less depression and anxiousness. In his frontal lobes, where blood flow was too low on his previous scan, the blood flow had improved, which is linked to better decision-making, judgment, and planning.

WITH THE BRAIN, THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Even though Wittek’s brain function showed improvement, there is room for further optimization. Wittek admits to a few bad habits that aren’t helping his brain, such as smoking marijuana and boxing. If he can curtail these habits, it will help his brain heal even faster, according to Dr. Amen.

The most surprising thing Wittek has experienced in his post-accident journey back to brain health and mental health is how people have reacted to his story. After sharing the truth about his injuries and his efforts to get healthy, he has become a motivational and inspirational figure to people. It’s not something he ever anticipated. In fact, he admits, “I used to make fun of those guys… but it’s given me a purpose.”

With a purpose and a plan, brain health is more attainable than ever. And as follow-up brain SPECT scans show, it can happen quickly when you stick to the recommendations. Getting a follow-up SPECT scan can often provide the motivation needed to stay on track and keep improving.

Depression, anxiety, head injuries, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.

16 Comments »

  1. I am 83.5 years old. I wish I could afford your treatments…. I am sure it would make a big difference for me….

    Comment by Phyllis J Fitzgerald — December 24, 2021 @ 8:49 AM

  2. Can you get a brain scan first to see if there is an issue before you obligate yourself to further expense? I’m saying this as a retired person needing to spend my income wisely.

    Comment by Phil Johnsen — December 24, 2021 @ 9:56 AM

  3. Is the SPECT SCAN covered by Medicare? If not, what is the cost & are there a specific hospitals where the SPECT is done…e.g. Chicago?

    Comment by ANN G. Martin — December 24, 2021 @ 1:14 PM

  4. My mother is in her 80’s and I wish she could have access to the SPECT scan and the hyperbaric oxygen treatment. We are all on fixed incomes. I wish we could take advantage of some kind of a program to help her enjoy life more.

    Comment by Lorrie Morris — December 25, 2021 @ 5:12 AM

  5. That is right. Some people is. Not able to pay even for the scan. I have followed Dr. Anen for many years now. I have bought all his books abs his wife’s Tana and follow most of their recommendations. My son has a mental health condition. I even safe some monet for my son to have a scan in Costa Mesa California. But when I finally save the $ 3000 , the price was up. Si no scan for my son. I do still believe. In the diet and right vitamins abs mineral. But I have had months opportunity por the acaba. Abs that happen to a lot of people. This kind of treatment are just for the. Rich people abs that is very unfair.

    Comment by Blanca — December 25, 2021 @ 7:24 AM

  6. As a 78-year-old on a limited income, I read these reports

    Comment by Faith Fowler — December 25, 2021 @ 7:56 AM

  7. This entire article pretty much sums it all
    My entire life was a hot mess. I found and took the ADD type test, and started taking the Brain MD supplements after viewing and learning about my results.

    I was born with cerebral palsy and I have severe ADD. My memory is trash, I cant get moving, or productive. All followed by a huge physical crash by about 1 in the afternoon. More symptoms include depression, anxiety, negative thoughts and constant fatigue (emotionally and physically). Even inflammation from the way my body is.

    Because of this, I have always found it very easy to become addicted to instant gratification.

    Since daily taking my recommended supplements, I have felt better, and happier than I have ever been in my entire life. I sleep amazingly, my appetite is where it needs to be, and i have actual clean, sustainable energy that doesn’t come from a jittery caffeine dose. I wake up go to work with a purpose, get the job done and then some.

    I am much more confident in my ability to do simple things like run errands, clean my home, and other tedious tasks without getting lost, frustrated, or overwhelmed with the amount of work to get done without distraction.

    I never thought taking a supplement or probiotic would help with inflammation. I feel like I can actually walk without my back or legs hurting. Neurolink, and Gaba hlep with pain more than Marijuana has.

    I’ve always thought there was something wrong with me. Always told I don’t try hard enough, and that I have a bad attitude. Many accusations of “he’s just lazy” and believe me, it makes you want to give up, but you cant even explain to people how much you’re suffering or struggling.

    Little by litte Im proving to myself that I can have a great life and that I can get anything I need done! These treatments have saved my life and look forward to being happy, in a good mood, and proactive every day now!

    I am not back to normal, I’m having the best quality of life I never thought I’d have!

    Comment by Jameal — December 25, 2021 @ 5:43 PM

  8. Post vaccinal autoimmune brain stem encephalopathy in 1989 after measles shot. 1962 right eyelid ptosis. Can a brain scan definitely show where my brainstem was injured twice. ESP 1989 where I was told I don’t produce enough serotonin. Short term memory problems and low immune function?

    Comment by Melanie Gray — December 26, 2021 @ 2:52 PM

  9. Mental health is a serious issue so why is this treatment not covered by insurance. The average person can not afford the scan like the famous people profiled in your articles.

    Comment by A Henry — December 27, 2021 @ 6:38 AM

  10. Hi Lorrie, thank you for reaching out. Amen Clinics offers consultations and different types of evaluations based on the needs of the patient. For information regarding pricing, insurance, and financing options, please contact our Care Coordinators: https://amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/.

    Comment by Amen Clinics — December 27, 2021 @ 10:44 AM

  11. Hello Melanie, thank you for reaching out. We’d be happy to contact you directly with more information and possible resources for you.

    Comment by Amen Clinics — December 27, 2021 @ 4:20 PM

  12. Hello Ann, thank you for reaching out. We currently have 9 locations nationwide, and one is located in Bannockburn, IL. https://amenclinics.com/locations/. We’d be happy to contact you directly with more information about SPECT scans, pricing, insurance, and financing options. We look forward to speaking with you!

    Comment by Amen Clinics — December 27, 2021 @ 4:24 PM

  13. Dear Dr. Amen
    My daughter was diagnosed as ADHD and Tourette syndrome since she was 8 years old, and now she is 20, had bipolar. We are in Thailand, I had done SPECT scan for her found hypoperfusion at the area of right frontal operculum and right insular cortex, I have HBOT at my clinic, which I plan to prescript at least 30 sessions, and need consultation from Dr. Amen or his colleagues for treatment to improve her brain function beside HBOT, how can I send the SPECT scan picture for your opinion. I was studied hyperbaric medicine at ATMO, San Antonio, Texas since 1998, please give me how to contact your clinic and start therapy with your team via telemed or any kind, we can not travel by this time.
    Best
    Dr. Julee Jatuvorapat

    Comment by Julee — December 28, 2021 @ 1:18 AM

  14. Hello Dr. Julee, thank you for reaching out. For more information about Telehealth: https://amenclinics.com/services/telehealth-and-video-therapy/

    Comment by Amen Clinics — December 29, 2021 @ 10:29 AM

  15. If one has an adequate blood test someone should be able to see what supplements might be helpful to add to
    your better health without having the SPECT Scan. It’s worth a try. I’m 86 and I’ve always wanted to have my brain
    scanned to see what on earth was wrong with me!! It wasn’t until Dr Amen appeared that it seemed possible!

    Comment by Doris Greaves — February 20, 2022 @ 1:39 AM

  16. I'm following Youtube videos of the amazing, positive & genious Dr Amen out of South Africa. GP's prescribing left right and centre presriptions for mental healh problems not having done any tests, only relying in the answers of patients. Wanting to deal out meds and not testing my brain chemicals and not scanning my brain for any proof. I refused because I never felt moody or depressed. I started to do research on the internet. Found Dr Amen & Dr Hyman. Got the answers an treated my thyroid. Thank you for your valuable informaion on supplements. And hallelujah for Saffron and HolyBasil. I feel healthy and on top of the world.
    We should stand togeher that any mental problem should only be treated by mental physicians and that your brain needs to be scanned or blood tests before any medications are prescribed. Dr's are causing much more permaent damage without these tests. Dr. Amen, you are the hope for millions of people on the globe and you can safe medical aids trillions.
    Please start training your brain medical field colleagues. But you need to get the medical aids to approve these tests. This should be available for all, as the people in your links complained, it's only for the rich. This will really be great and a lot of empty intuitions over the world that can safe governments on health expenses. A win-win situation. All the best.

    Comment by Adele Davison — July 22, 2023 @ 1:15 AM

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