12 Weeks to a Better, Fatter Brain - Real Life Neuroplasticity with Majid Fotuhi MD

Evolving Past Alzheimer's

Today's Guest is, Dr Majid Fotuhi of the Neurogrow program and Johns Hopkins University. He is the author of 3 books and multiple academic as well as popular scientific articles. Dr Fotuhi's work has been featured in Time Magazine and Reuters and he has been seen on PBS, CNN, NBC, ABC and FoxNews.

Show Summary:

The hippocampus is an area in our brain that - when smaller than average compared to those our age - seems to be highly related to Alzheimer's. The hippocampus is partially responsible for storing and processing memories. it is highly susceptible and sensitivity to toxicants and the ongoing effects of stress. Over time this area can get penetrated resulting in leaks through the blood brain barrier (a protective lining of cells that protects the brain from harmful elements in the blood). This "leaky brain" has an effect on over all brain function and is associated with Alzheimer's disease and poor brain functioning.

Hippocampal "size matters" - hippocampal volumes of the brain correlate with better brain function and seem to protect against memory loss and Alzheimer's. and you can impact the size of your hippocampus.

Poor diet, obesity, lack of activity/exercise, poor sleep/uncorrected sleep apnea, high stress all seem to impact the hippocampal size either positively or negatively.

Ask your institution about getting an MRI of your brain with "quantitative volumetrics" with software like Neuroquant or Neuroreader (listen to episode with Dr Cyrus Raji for more information) that can tell you how large or small your hippocampus is compared to those your age.

Dr Fotuhi published an article that showed 84% of participants improved their in memory and positively increased the sizes of their hippocampi after participating in a 12 week brain health program.

The Key Practical elements of Dr Fotuhi's program are:

• adherence to a Mediterranean diet with the additional of omega 3 fatty acids
• stress reduction and meditation
• regular exercise
• identifying and treating sleep apnea
• memory and brain training
• brain mapping with qEEG and neurofeedback

Significantly positive EEG (brainwave formation) changes were shown on the "brainmapping" portion of his program within just 6 weeks. This was due to the use of neurofeedback, a way of training the brainwaves using EEG-related biofeedback technology. The result...better brain function!

Walking 10,000 steps per day seems to be more effective than at least one FDA approved medication for Alzheimer's.

Practice Makes Cortex Article

Dr Fotuhi's Brainfitness Calculator - take this test and score your own brain fitness

Dr Majid Fotuhi's website: www.neurogrow.com for information or to enroll as a patient

Books by Dr Fotuhi:

Boost Your Brain: The New Art and Science Behind Enhanced Brain Performance

The Memory Cure : How to Protect Your Brain Against Memory Loss and Alzheimer's Disease

The New York Times Crosswords to Keep Your Brain Young: The 6-Step Age-Defying Program