Clinical Yimbits for the Mind

Vitamin D and Cognitive Function

In the last newsletter I said I wouldn't be mentioning vitamin D again...well, I have to break that promise.  A new piece of research suggests that a deficiency in vitamin D may worsen cognitive function.  This is worth sharing! As a mid-lifer experiencing changes in memory I am always looking for ways to improve and protect my brain.  In this study involving 3,133 men and women between the ages of 40 and 79, higher cognitive function was associated with higher levels of vitamin D. Researchers suggested these results warranted more investigation!  I concur, I'm heading upstairs to take my vitamin D right now! Lee DM, J Neurology Neurosurg Psychiatry, 2009 May 21.

DHA and Neurogenesis

Here's something else for the middle age brain. DHA, one of the essential fatty acids found in fish oil can "induce accelerated neurite outgrowth starting 2 hours after receiving DHA". Scratching your head? Well, let's grow some brain matter. Neurogenesis is a process where neurons are created, neurite outgrowth is part of that process. By monitoring the neuritic outgrowth researchers can monitor how effective the DHA was. They concluded that "...DHA significantly stimulates immediate-early neurogenesis events, as is evident by both morphological and molecular markers." This is another reason Dr. Yim is always promoting fish oil! Just don't forget it must be pharmaceutical grade." Birk RZ, Neurochem Res, 2009; 34(5): 867-75. Check out this youtube video on adult neurogenesis.

Memory and Sleep

We find meaning throughout our day in small and large things but it's not until we are fast asleep that our minds can analyze and catalogue these new experiences and knowledge and place them in memory.  Current research suggests that while we sleep our brain processes daily events allowing information to become resistant to interference from other memories. This is radically different from prior understanding that believed that the brain shut off during rest. Research has even found that while we sleep our mind deletes extraneous details so only the important stuff is left. What's even more interesting is how those memories behave when they involve strong emotion.  Researchers found that emotionally charged memories are easier for the brain to hold on to after a good night's sleep.  What can you do with this information?  Over the past ten years the average amount of sleep the average North American gets has dropped by over 45 minutes from 7 hours to about 6 hours.  This borders on sleep deprivation.  Our body needs sleep to heal and repair itself and now we know it also needs sleep to ensure a healthy memory!  If you are having trouble with sleep contact Dr. Yim's office for an appointment and to get started on your personal sleep program.