Nourishing Brain Reserve: Exploring Neurological Reserve and the Nun Study
In this episode of The Well Nurtured Brain, Dr. Pamela Hutchison discusses Brain Reserve, exploring the remarkable irony of positive deviants with asymptomatic Alzheimer's dementia and the powerful effects of Folate, to reveal the importance of nourishing the brain.
Brain Reserve refers to the volume and size of our brains, including the mass and the sum total of all the cells in the brain and is largely thought to be determined by genetics. It can be damaged by concussions, alcohol, smoking, and malnutrition, and can be supported by preventative measures, such as wearing a helmet, seatbelt, and fall prevention, as well as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep. The Nun study revealed a possible correlation between Folate levels and the severity of Alzheimer's dementia, and that higher levels of Folate may help support brain reserve, and delay or prevent symptom onset.
"Your brain needs to be in a body that is healthy, it needs to be in a body that's well rested. It itself needs to be well rested in order to go through its own repair processes."
We’ll discuss:
1. Brain reserve and how it can be damaged.
2. The potential of Folate and other micronutrients in preserving brain reserve.
3. The importance of preventative measures to protect against brain injury.
Resources:
Snowdon DA; Nun Study. Healthy aging and dementia: findings from the Nun Study. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Sep 2;139(5 Pt 2):450-4. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-139-5_part_2-200309021-00014. PMID: 12965975.
Mez J, Daneshvar DH, Kiernan PT, et al. Clinicopathological Evaluation of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Players of American Football. JAMA. 2017;318(4):360-370. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.8334
Snowdon DA, Tully CL, Smith CD, Riley KP, Markesbery WR. Serum folate and the severity of atrophy of the neocortex in Alzheimer disease: findings from the Nun study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71(4):993-998. doi:10.1093/ajcn/71.4.993
Wang H, Odegaard A, Thyagarajan B, et al. Blood folate is associated with asymptomatic or partially symptomatic Alzheimer's disease in the Nun study. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;28(3):637-645. doi:10.3233/JAD-2011-111271
David Snowdon’s book: “Aging with Grace: What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives” https://www.amazon.ca/Aging-Grace-Teaches-Healthier-Meaningful/dp/0553380923
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Quotes:
"Your brain needs to be in a body that is healthy, it needs to be in a body that's well rested. It itself needs to be well rested in order to go through its own repair processes."
"One of the most important things you can be doing is adhering to the professional recommendations for return to sport or school after concussion."
