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A good night’s sleep has a hard time getting the respect it deserves in our 24/7 world. But lack of quality sleep can make anyone’s health and memory take a nose dive. “Nearly every disease killing us in later life has a causal link to lack of sleep,” says Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California – Berkeley. In a review of sleep and aging, Walker and colleagues found that older people suffer cognitively from a lack of deep sleep, but that even starting in your 30s it’s possible to shift to more fitful slumbers, which is harmful to body and brain health. Another cause of poor sleep is sleep apnea, a disorder that affects an estimated 30 percent of adults and is characterized by the upper airways closing off during sleep, causing a brief interruption of breathing and, often, loud snoring. New research shows that if it’s left untreated for just a few days, it can cause a rise in stress hormones and blood pressure as well as blood sugar and fat levels. Sleep apnea also triples your risk of dementia and depression, so it’s critical to get it diagnosed—either at a sleep lab or at home—and treated. Just think: If you start to sleep better, not only will you wake up refreshed and energized every day, but you will also be preventing brain fog and memory loss and likely helping keep serious illness at bay. (You may also be helping your bed partner—if you have one—get better sleep!) Sleep issues are the “last but not least” risk factor in the Amen Clinics’ comprehensive new BRIGHT MINDS Program, which identifies and treats the 11 risk factors that can steal your memory and your mind. Studies have shown that tackling all of them is the best way to preserve your memory while improving your overall health. The words “BRIGHT MINDS” sum up all 11 of the risk factors and also happen to be an easy way to remember them: B – Blood Flow R – Retirement/Aging I – Inflammation G – Genetics H – Head Trauma T – Toxins
M – Mental Health I – Immunity/Infection Issues N – Neurohormone Deficiencies D – Diabesity S – Sleep Issues Check in with your healthcare provider if you snore. You may need to be assessed for sleep apnea—and begin using a CPAP mask if you have it. If you have insomnia, there are also dozens of things you can do to get the requisite seven to eight hours of quality sleep every night: In the video below, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses sleep and the role it plays in rescuing your memory today! To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE. Diabetes is a disease that no one wants to have. When insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels, becomes deficient or ineffective, the body suffers from chronically high blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes results when inadequate amounts of insulin are produced; type 2 develops when the body doesn’t use insulin properly. In both cases, the resulting damage to blood vessels harms every organ in your body, including your brain. Being overweight (diabetes + obesity = diabesity) makes things worse. Recent research revealed that people with early stage Type 2 diabetes who were also overweight had more severe and progressive abnormalities in brain structures and cognition than normal weight type 2 diabetics. The temporal lobe, which is one of the first brain regions to show changes in Alzheimer’s disease, was particularly vulnerable. Both Daniel and Tana Amen have lost loved ones and friends to the scourge of diabetes. They have seen first-hand how devastating the disease can be to someone’s health, happiness and life—and to their families. But diabetes doesn’t have to ruin your life. This is a disease that can be prevented—and even, in some cases, reversed—through simple lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising more and eating a healthy diet, with more fiber, vegetables and fruit. Diabesity is one of the risk factors in the Amen Clinics BRIGHT MINDS Program, which identifies and treats the 11 risk factors that can rob you of your memory and your mind. Research shows that addressing all of these vulnerabilities is the best way to keep your memory strong for life. The list below includes all 11 risks, summed up in the words BRIGHT MINDS, which makes it easier to remember them: B – Blood Flow R – Retirement/Aging I – Inflammation G – Genetics H – Head Trauma T – Toxins
M – Mental Health I – Immunity/Infection Issues N – Neurohormone Deficiencies D – Diabesity S – Sleep Issues If you are overweight or getting on in years (age is a primary risk factor for diabetes), make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss these lab tests: It is also important to know your waist to height ration (WHtR), which you can calculate by dividing your waist size (in inches) by your height (in inches). A woman with a 30-inch waist who is 5’4” (64”) would divide 30 by 64 to get a WHtR or 46.8 percent. A ratio that’s less than 50 percent is considered healthy. Use a tape measure to get an accurate waist size! The other critical number to know is your body mass index, or BMI, which is a measurement that compares your weight to your height. An optimal BMI is 18.5 to 25; overweight is 25 to 30; over 30 is considered obese. Several online calculators will give you your BMI if you plug in your weight and height. To lower your risk of diabetes and pre-diabetes, the precursor to type 2 diabetes, adopt these healthy habits: In the video below, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses diabesity and the role diet plays in rescuing your memory today! To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE.

How Brain SPECT Imaging Can Help

Brain SPECT imaging looks at the functioning of the brain. It can tell us if your brain is healthy, experiencing accelerated aging, injured, overactive, or underactive. Without imaging and other assessments, there’s really no way to know what’s going on inside your brain. Although getting older is unavoidable, aging is optional. To learn how we can help you prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia, call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule a visit. Wouldn’t it be great if someone made Miracle-Gro for your brain? “Drink this twice a day and you’ll feel great and have a terrific memory!” Nice promise, right? That’s a lot like what hormones do. When the various glands and organs that produce these chemical messengers—the pancreas, thyroid, adrenals and more—are in sync, you have a secure sense of wellbeing. But when they’re not and levels of hormones are either too low or too high, you can feel pretty lousy. And because the brain is in such close communication with hormones—signaling their release and being affected by them—differences in the amounts produced can easily cause brain fog and mood problems. Although there are literally hundreds of hormones in the body that affect the brain, seven of the most important are thyroid, cortisol, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and insulin. Take estrogen: Women naturally cycle through rising and falling levels of estrogen right up to and past menopause, when estrogen drops off and cognitive function wanes. Or thyroid: Between 5 and 25 percent of the world’s population, men and women, are thought to have thyroid problems. Why not make sure your hormones are at optimal levels so that your brain and memory are in top condition—throughout your life? Neurohormonal deficiencies are a key risk factor in the Amen Clinics’ comprehensive new BRIGHT MINDS Program, which identifies and treats the 11 risk factors that can steal your memory and your mind. Research underscores that addressing all of them is the best way to keep your memory strong. Here are all 11 risks, summed up in the words BRIGHT MINDS so they are easy to recall: B – Blood Flow R – Retirement/Aging I – Inflammation G – Genetics H – Head Trauma T – Toxins
M – Mental Health I – Immunity/Infection Issues N – Neurohormone Deficiencies D – Diabesity S – Sleep Issues You’ll want to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to have the levels of various hormones measured: To keep the production of your hormones in sync, it helps if you: In the video below, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses neurohormonal deficiencies and the role they play in rescuing your memory today! To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE. Mental fog can have a lot of causes, but one of the more surprising and distressing culprits is Lyme disease. Yes, the bite of an infected tick can lead not just to flu-like symptoms and fatigue, but also to grasping for words, forgetting directions moments after hearing them and a general sense of mental slowness. Lyme is just one example of how protecting your brain is tied to bolstering your body’s immunity. This natural defense system is designed to fight off outside invaders like bacteria (the cause of Lyme), viruses and parasites. It also helps you tolerate allergenic triggers like pollen, peanuts and bee stings, as well as internal attacks from autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treating infections and autoimmune disorders is an important and often overlooked path to a clearer, sharper memory. When you support your immune system, your reward is also better health and well-being and less fatigue. Immunity and infection issues are addressed together in the Amen Clinics’ new BRIGHT MINDS Program, which identifies and treats the 11 risk factors that can rob you of your memory and cloud your mind. This breakthrough, science-backed program is the most effective way to better your brain, reverse forgetfulness and keep Alzheimer’s disease and dementia at bay. The 11 risks are all contained in the words BRIGHT MINDS so you can recall them easily: B – Blood Flow R – Retirement/Aging I – Inflammation G – Genetics H – Head Trauma T – Toxins
M – Mental Health I – Immunity/Infection Issues N – Neurohormone Deficiencies D – Diabesity S – Sleep Issues If your memory is foggy and you suspect an infection or immune system problem, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider and ask about these tests: Take action to shore up your immune system with these simple steps: Try an elimination diet for a month. This will tell you if you have food allergies, which could be harming your immune system: In the video below, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses immunity and infections and the role they play in rescuing your memory today! To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE. When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll do anything to help that person. Dr. Daniel Amen recounts a story that really brought this to light in his family: I know because a number of years before David, a 62-year-old pastor, became my father-in-law, he was told he had Alzheimer’s disease. I convinced my wife, Tana, that we should evaluate her dad and scan his brain. We’re so glad we did: It turned out that instead of Alzheimer’s, David had pseudodementia, a form of depression that masquerades as Alzheimer’s. The medications he was on at the time only worsened his symptoms. With treatment, David’s depression and mental confusion lifted and his life was renewed. Mental illness is still such a taboo subject in the U.S., many people don’t know that depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic stress and other problems affecting the mind can wreak havoc on the brain and memory. A well-respected study on depressive symptoms and cognitive decline, for example, found that elderly women with six or more depressive symptoms had a 230 percent risk of cognitive deterioration. In fact, failing to seek early treatment for depression is one of the key factors that, if controlled, could prevent one in three cases of dementia, according to recent research published in the Lancet. Getting your mind right is critical if you want to get your memory back, and your whole life will benefit—your energy, self-confidence, and outlook will all improve.   You can heal your mental health issues and strengthen your memory by following Amen Clinics new BRIGHT MINDS Program. This research-based program identifies and provides treatment for the 11 risk factors that damage your mind and memory. The risks are summed up in the words BRIGHT MINDS, which makes it simple to remember them: B – Blood Flow R – Retirement/Aging I – Inflammation G – Genetics H – Head Trauma T – Toxins
M – Mental Health I – Immunity/Infection Issues N – Neurohormone Deficiencies D – Diabesity S – Sleep Issues The most important step is to get treated for any mental illness you may have. Schedule a visit to your health-care provider to discuss your mental health and decide whether you need to be evaluated by a local therapist or psychiatrist. Addressing your problem doesn’t necessarily mean taking psychiatric drugs. At Amen Clinics we recommend natural treatments whenever possible. However, if they aren’t working, it’s important to consider medications. We have found that neurofeedback and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can also be helpful for depression and other mental health issues. One lab test we recommend is the Omega-3 Index, which measures the red-blood-cell levels of EPA and DHA, two fatty acids critical to the brain and emotional health. You can do a lot to improve your mental and emotional health. Here are easy steps to take: Start every day with the phrase, “Today is going to be a great day”; positive self-talk has a powerful influence on the brain For general mental health support, use more saffron (which helps mood and memory), turmeric, peppermint and cinnamon (attention) in your cooking. And boost your diet for these specific issues: In the video below, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses toxins and the role they play in rescuing your memory today! Be vigilant about your brain health and you could be rewarded with excellent recall and many dementia-free years. To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE. Can there be anything more heart-wrenching than watching a parent struggle with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)? Or more anxiety-provoking than wondering if Alzheimer’s is in your future—especially if you notice your memory slipping? The risk is real: If you have a family member who has (or had) AD—especially if it’s a first-degree relative like a mom, a dad or a sibling—you’re 3.5 times more likely to develop symptoms than someone with no family history. There are several genes that are known to increase production of the sticky beta-amyloid plaques of Alzheimer’s or the tangles of tau protein that disrupt brain cell function. But even if you have one of the e4 versions of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, there is a 75 percent chance you won’t get Alzheimer’s! Research shows that having an APOE e4 is not an unavoidable dementia death sentence. Learning how to protect yourself and your brain is what the Amen Clinics’ new BRIGHT MINDS Program is all about. Genetics is the fourth of the 11 risk factors that you need to be aware of if you want to keep your mind sharp for the rest of your life. Studies show that knowing your personal vulnerabilities and addressing each one is the most effective way to prevent Alzheimer’s and memory loss—or to get your memory back when it’s weakened. Here are all 11 risks contained in the words BRIGHT MINDS, which is a simple and effective way to remember them: B – Blood Flow R – Retirement/Aging I – Inflammation G – Genetics H – Head Trauma T – Toxins
M – Mental Health I – Immunity/Infection Issues N – Neurohormone Deficiencies D – Diabesity S – Sleep Issues If you have family members with dementia or Alzheimer’s, consider having a test for your APOE gene status so that if you do have one or two e4 variants, you can work wholeheartedly to reduce your other risk factors. Discuss with your physician whether you need to have further genetic testing if there’s a family history of early-onset memory problems. It’s also wise to reduce your genetic risk with these strategies: In the video below, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses genetics and the role they play in rescuing your memory today!   Be hypervigilant about your brain health and you could be rewarded with excellent recall and many dementia-free years. To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE. People who struggle with memory loss probably don’t think their gut might be to blame. But it could be. The gut, or gastrointestinal tract, is home to trillions of microorganisms, both helpful and harmful, collectively known as the microbiome. This community of bugs plays a key role in the health of your brain: Its activities include protecting your gut lining and nutrient absorption, synthesizing vitamins and neurotransmitters, and helping manage immunity, appetite, and blood sugar levels. When the harmful bugs outnumber the good ones, it can disrupt the gut lining, causing what’s known as a leaky gut, which can lead to chronic inflammation and a host of health problems, from seasonal allergies to autoimmune diseases and even Alzheimer’s. Chronic inflammation is like a fire inside your body, an insidious, low-level burn that can damage your organs and your brain. Put out that fire and your overall health will improve and you’ll strengthen your memory. That’s why inflammation is the third risk factor in the Amen Clinics’ new BRIGHT MINDS Program, which identifies and treats the 11 risk factors that can steal your memory and your mind. This approach has been shown to be the best way to keep your memory sharp—for life. The risks are summed up in the words BRIGHT MINDS, which makes them easier to remember: B – Blood Flow R – Retirement/Aging I – Inflammation G – Genetics H – Head Trauma T – Toxins
M – Mental Health I – Immunity/Infection Issues N – Neurohormone Deficiencies D – Diabesity S – Sleep Issues In addition to a leaky gut, other factors associated with chronic inflammation include: If you suspect chronic inflammation is a problem for you, be sure to include these laboratory tests at your next checkup with your health-care provider: Take these simple, smart steps to keep your gut happy and quench chronic inflammation throughout your body: In this video, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses how your troubled gut could be hurting your brain and the steps you can take today to help prevent memory loss. To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE. The breakthrough BRIGHT MINDS plan will help anyone who is struggling with brain fog and memory deficits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by communication challenges, abnormal social skills, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Since ASD are “spectrum disorders,” they affect each person in different ways and can range from very mild to severe.

Your Vitamin Levels & Autism

For some time, autism has been correlated with low levels of serotonin and vitamin D. One study shows that vitamin D, which is actually a hormone, activates a genetic sequence that converts the essential amino acid tryptophan into serotonin in the brain. These findings confirm the importance of adequate vitamin D for serotonin production in the brain, where it acts as a neurotransmitter, affecting brain development, mood stabilization, cognitive flexibility, social behavior, and sleep patterns. Another study found that pregnant women with low vitamin D levels increase their chances of having a child with autistic traits. This reiterates the importance of regularly measuring vitamin D and maintaining optimal levels in pregnant women and people of all ages, which is easy and affordable through dietary supplementation.

Supplements to Help Improve Autism Symptoms

In addition to vitamin D3, here are ten supplements that are known to improve the symptoms associated with autism: Due to the variability of the underlying brain function problems in ASD, SPECT brain imaging is extremely useful for revealing otherwise hidden information, which helps us select the best course of treatment for each person with the disorder. Along with SPECT scans, a detailed clinical history, neuropsychological testing and laboratory studies may be used to target treatment specifically to the brain using the least toxic, most effective means. Autism is a multi-faceted and misunderstood condition. Amen Clinics can help decipher the right treatments and protocols. If you would like to learn more, please visit us online or call 1-888-288-9834. We’ve all heard of mildew, and some of us know about black mold, but do you know what mold can do to your health? Mold is actually a toxin, and it releases toxic gas and spores into the air. When the toxins enter your body, via skin or air, the toxic gases cause a disturbance in many organs, including your brain. Often confused as just allergies, or “just being out of it,” mold infections can affect cognitive function, especially in the frontal cortical area.

Is it Mold Toxicity or Stress?

When mold toxicity occurs, many dysfunctions can occur, and add psychological distress, or feelings of “craziness.” Since the 1950’s when drywall began replacing plaster, high-efficiency, energy-saving appliances are smaller and more airtight for many houses. This has increased the reports of mold infections and their drastic indicators.

Scary Symptoms of Mold Infection or Mold Toxicity:

Is it TBI, Lyme Disease or a Mold Infection?

Traumatic brain injuries, Lyme disease, and mold infections have very similar symptoms. These conditions are often associated with brain fog, memory loss, insomnia, and even nausea. Because TBIs are often painful and frightening, people tend to seek help more immediately. Symptoms of a TBI appear suddenly and can last for years, which is why many of these illnesses are misdiagnosed as something else. When a mold infection isn’t misdiagnosed as Lyme or a TBI, it’s often diagnosed as other brain conditions because of the symptoms. The sudden “brain fog” and memory loss allows for people to simply write it off as getting older, while depression and anxiety symptoms seem to signal mental illness.

How Can You Treat a Mold Infection?

Because of the long-term effects of mold, it is often misdiagnosed, and therefore mistreated, leaving the person even more frustrated, and still suffering from the distressing side effects of mold toxicity. If you even think your symptoms are similar to a mold infection, it’s important to get a comprehensive evaluation. The first three things we’d do to help are: An Amen Clinics full evaluation uses SPECT brain imaging to assess the brain’s function and brain flow, while other tests confirm and help to find other conditions. Because there are often other concurrent conditions, it’s even more vital to find out everything, and not just treat the side effects. Many people have found hope and help at Amen Clinics, just like Kimberlyn. She went from an active, organized person, to feeling exhausted and out of sorts. When she went to her doctor, he did a series of tests and found that she was suffering from mold illness. She began treatments, and after her full evaluation, Kimberlyn was finally diagnosed, treated, and her symptoms gradually improved. If you or a loved one has symptoms that sound a lot like Kimberlyn’s contact Amen Clinics today, or call 888-288-9834 and find the hope you’ve been looking for.