As man ages, Omega-3s and especially DHA decreases in man's fatty tissues and especially in the brain. Research reveals DHA to be deficient in the regions associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Brain atrophy (shrinkage) is the result of the structural and functional loss of neurons and their interconnections, which may be exhibited as White Matter Lesions (WMLs) in MRIs. Brain atrophy can be both local and/or general. As man ages, he can lose about 0.4% - 0.5% of his brain mass per year. By the age of 60, about 0.5% to 1% of brain volume can be lost per year. By the age of 75, man's brain can shrink and be 15% smaller on average than when he was younger. Older adults with these associated brain shrinkages can exhibit serious cognitive disorders and are at increased risk of dementia, Alzheimer's, ischemic stroke and vascular death. A wasting mind is a cruel death for both patient and caregivers. A landmark study found that aging humans who consumed more Omega-3s had increased gray matter brain volume! A recent follow-up study (March 2018) measured the "Omega-3 Index" in 2500 participants made up mostly of the offspring of the original Framingham study which began in 1948. The results amazingly revealed that those with the highest Omega-3 Index compared to the lowest had a 34% lower risk for death from any cause and a 39% lower risk for cardiovascular disease!! Another separate study involved the largest human clinical study using Tocotrienols for neuroprotection included 121 people over the age of 35 with Cardiovascular risk factors and White Matter Lesions. The results showed that Tocotrienols could attenuate the progression of White Matter Lesions in the human brain! (There was no increase in White Matter Lesions when Tocotrienols (200-400 mg/day) were taken over 1 and 2 years as measured by MRIs, whereas the controls all got worse!)
Besides evaluating subclinical markers for dementia by expensive MRI tests and/or by involved cognitive neuropsychological testing, there now exists a new, convenient and less expensive method to screen for brain cellular health. A simple test, using a drop of blood, can identify DHA and EPA fatty acids in your Red Blood Cells (RBCs) that are biomarkers of your body's Omega-3 status. (RBCs are advantageous because of their stability in blood with an average lifespan of 120 days which allows for a longer term assessment). These biomarkers, coupled with a Fifteen Minute Cognitive Assessment Test taken Online in your privacy, are used to identify nervous system deficiencies that may be inhibiting optimal cognitive performance. These assessments will provide suggested interventions that can help optimize memory, attention span, cognitive flexibility and mental processing.
For more information, please go to www.mybrainspan.com
If further interested in getting the Brain Assessment Kit, please go to the Order section of this website. (Be sure to include your Date of Birth, as your individual results will be compared to an International Database of similar individuals of your age and gender. Also clearly indicate your email address as we will send you the link to access the Cognitive Assessment Test.)