Author: Invite® Health

Liver & Kidney Intermission, Invite Health Blog

Liver & Kidney Intermission, Invite Health Blog

Written by: Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]† For this blog I wanted to take a brief break from memory and brain health. In my last 2 blogs I have written about several tests that your doctor may recommend. 

Feeling Good in the Sun with Folate, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 651

Feeling Good in the Sun with Folate, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 651

Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. FEELING GOOD IN THE SUN WITH FOLATE, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 651 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our 

The Brain, Blood Tests & More, Part 2, Invite Health Blog

The Brain, Blood Tests & More, Part 2, Invite Health Blog

Written by: Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]

In our last blog we started our conversation regarding brain health talking about different conditions that you should rule out when experiencing memory changes. This week we will be delving into more neurologically based tests.  Let’s start with recommended blood tests. When you visit your doctor, they may recommend some or all of the following tests. To start with a simple CBC or complete blood count. Included in a CBC is white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit. The next test is a CMP or comprehensive metabolic panel.  This panel includes sodium, glucose, bicarb, creatine, BUN, and liver function tests. As I mentioned in my prior blog thyroid hormones as well as certain vitamins may also be tested. † (1)

Depending on what the doctor suspects is causing the memory / brain changes they may also recommend what is called a cerebrospinal fluid exam. (Remember this? It is that fluid that is around your brain that brings nutrients and collects the brains waste!). The doctor will collect the cerebrospinal fluid by doing a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. This is possible since in addition to surrounding your brain the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) also surrounds the spinal cord. Once the CSF has been collected a number of tests can be performed. CSF tests can be used to indicate if there is rapid injury to nerve cells in the brain. A CSF is highly recommended in all cases of rapidly progressive dementia. It is also suggested if Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is suspected, by collecting CSF, it allows us to study brain markers from living humans. Current research has found certain CSF markers to be reliable in helping detect early Alzheimer disease. The more we study these markers the more we find markers associated with degenerative disease and thus we are able to diagnose these conditions earlier. † (2)

In addition to blood tests and CSF tests the doctor may recommend certain scans. I know that these tests can be intimidating. It is important to discuss any fears you may have.  I know that some people are concerned with radiation, any dye that is used as well as suffering from claustrophobia induced anxiety. Feel free to call an Invite nutritionist to talk about your concerns.  Anyhow on to the tests! The first test that the doctor may recommend for dementia is called a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. An MRI produces images of the inside of the body using magnetic fields and radio waves rather than X-Rays. It is considered to be non-invasive. While an MRI can be done without contrast in some cases the doctor may recommend its use. For example, contrast can help with the visibility of tumors, inflammation and it can help us see the blood vessels better. An MRI can help your neurologist diagnose several different brain conditions. These include dementia, stroke, aneurysm, brain hemorrhages, infections, MS, cancers and traumatic brain injury. In summary an MRI can detect inflammation, swelling, structural issues, growths, fluid leaks, bleeding and any white matter disease. † (3)

ICYMI:THE BRAIN: BLOOD TESTS & MORE, PART 1>>READ NOW!

Another type of structural scan that the doctor may recommend is a computed tomography or CT scan. This is very similar to an MRI.  However, it does involve x-rays unlike the MRI. Additionally, the image produced is not as clear as the image produced by an MRI. †

There are 3 types of functional (rather than structural) scans that your doctor may suggest.  The first is a SPECT which shows how blood flows through the brain. A radioactive material is injected into a vein and then a scanner tract the material as it flows through the brain. When there is any disease in the brain there is usually less blood flow/ circulation.†

Now I know that I already spoke about the MRI but there is a special type of MRI called a functional MRI (fMRI). This is used to show any changes in circulation to the brain. It is performed in a similar way to a traditional MRI. †

Lastly your doctor may recommend a PET scan. What this scan looks for is how much energy is used by the brain. This is very similar to the SPECT scan in that it also uses a radioactive material that is “tracked” through the brain. This test can help detect such things Amyloid protein which is a sign of Alzheimer disease. † (2)

In addition to these tests, it is important for your doctor to do a complete history.  This includes neuro-psychological testing. This is the most common screening tests and takes approximately 5 minutes. The abbreviated mental test score (AMTS) helps to detect possible dementia and includes 10 unique questions such as your address and date of birth. Another screening test is the mini cog which usually takes approximately 3 mins. A more sensitive screening test is known as the general practitioner assessment cognition (GPCOG). This involves an interview with both the patient and someone who knows the patient well.  Lastly there is the Montreal cognitive assessment which consists of 30 questions takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. (4)  In a 2021 study the MCA was found to be a better measure of cognitive function than the MMSE. † (5)

ICYMI:DAILY FOCUS & MEMORY SUPPORT JUST GOT EASIER, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 648>>LISTEN NOW!

When seeking a consultation with an Invite nutritionist, it is important to bring a food log for 1 week including any liquids you consume. It is also important to include a list of any medications and supplements you are taking. †

Next week we will be starting more condition blogs and we will start off with one of the most common, which is dementia. †

 

REFERENCES

  1. https://memory.ucsf.edu/sites/memory.ucsf.edu/files/wysiwyg/UCSF%20Dementia%20Patient%20Guide_Dementia%20Evaluation%20Lab%20Testing_11-3-17.pdf
  2. https://memory.ucsf.edu/diagnosis
  3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22966-brain-mri
  4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cognitive-test-for-dementia
  5. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-021-03495-6

 

 

Feeling Frazzled? Get Focused! Invite Health Podcast, Episode 650

Feeling Frazzled? Get Focused! Invite Health Podcast, Episode 650

  Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. FEELING FRAZZLED? GET FOCUSED! INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 650 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care 

Being Supplement Savvy in the Summer, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 649

Being Supplement Savvy in the Summer, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 649

Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. BEING SUPPLEMENT SAVVY IN THE SUMMER, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 649 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH. InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care professionals 

DAILY FOCUS & MEMORY SUPPORT JUST GOT EASIER, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 648

DAILY FOCUS & MEMORY SUPPORT JUST GOT EASIER, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 648


Subscribe Today!

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Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode.

DAILY FOCUS & MEMORY SUPPORT JUST GOT EASIER, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 648

Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH.

*Intro Music*

InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care professionals are excited to offer you the most important health and wellness information you need to make informed choices about your health. You can learn more about the products discussed in each of these episodes and all that Invite Health has to offer, at www.invitehealth.com/podcast. First time customers can use promo code podcast at checkout for an additional 15% off your first purchase. Let’s get started. † [00:00:34]

*Intro Music*

Amanda Williams MD, MPH: [00:00:40] We’ve all probably had those times where you say, gosh, I feel super scatterbrained today, or I just can’t seem to focus. My memory is not that great today. And we know that there are many factors that can lead to this. We can look at just the aging process alone. We can look at how underlying disease states can affect our cognition. This is usually one of the biggest concerns that many individuals have as they grow older is to maintain their memory and their attention, their focus, their ability to connect with others, having conversations. We know that there are many things that we can be doing as far as lifestyle modifications to include healthy foods, adherence to a Mediterranean style way of eating, incorporating in the right nutrients, including omega three fatty acids to maintain that brain volume. And there are other things that we know through scientific research that can be so beneficial for the health of your brain to improve upon your overall cognition, including focus and attention. I am Dr. Amanda Williams, scientific director at Invite Health and I want to discuss our Memory Multivitamin. This is an excellent choice for anyone who has those daily concerns of high stress feeling, lack of focus. Maybe you feel like you’re not as sharp as you used to be. This is your go to daily multivitamin. It comes in an individual packet. It is our core multivitamin. So, it’s giving you all of those powerful vitamins and minerals and key antioxidants to help fight off all of the free radicals that can be detrimental to our brain’s daily function. It includes the activated B vitamins, which help to enhance the way that your neurotransmitters are released to help us regulate our anxiety, our stress help us feel good with that release of serotonin. It has all of the key minerals that the body requires for proper functioning to regulate inflammation. They are high absorption minerals, they are highlighted, which is wonderful. But what really sets this particular multivitamin apart from any other multivitamin is that it contains three key nutrients that zero in have been shown to be clinically effective and safe when it comes to your memory, focus and attention, and that is lithium, ginkgo biloba and CDP choline. † [00:03:13]

[00:03:14] So let’s talk about the science of these different nutrients. We know that when it comes to mild cognitive impairment, memory loss, attention deficit, you know, a lot of folks feel like they can’t focus. And we know that diet plays a major role into this. But we also have to look at the key reasons as to why that is. Why are we losing that connection for the brain cells to be able to effectively communicate with one another? Why are we having issues when it comes to the way that the neurotransmitters are being released? Well, we can certainly look at the influence, the outside influence, the extrinsic factors that can impact our day-to-day brain function as being one driver. We can look at the inadequate intake of healthy brain foods, including things like berries and healthy fats, which we know are very, very good for our brain. So, we have to look and say, well, the brain needs energy, the brain needs proper blood flow and oxygenation, and the brain needs a mechanism to be able to communicate effectively between brain cells so that we can do and perform each and every single day. So, this is what this combination, this trio of ginkgo biloba, CDP, choline and the lithium are going to provide for you. So, let’s first start with lithium, because this is the one that I think most people will have a question about. What is lithium? What exactly is it doing? Well, what we know about lithium is this is a trace mineral. And we recognize that lithium can actually prevent cognitive decline. Mine in clinical studies have actually indicated how it helps to activate different pathways that can actually slow the aging process that’s occurring within the brain. We know that lithium is this naturally occurring mineral, and there have been studies that have even indicated that areas in the world have higher lithium in the drinking water, that those individuals actually have longer lifespans than areas that are more deficient in lithium. The way in which lithium is actually working is through its benefit to be able to inhibit an enzyme known as glycogen synthase kinase three. So, glycogen synthase kinase three also goes by the name GSK three. This controls many different important functions within the cell. But we know that when GSK three is overactive, if it’s working too much, this can be incredibly harmful for our brain, and that can actually accelerate the aging process when we get loss of function. We know that overactivity of GSK three is linked to many different chronic disease states, including type two diabetes, different mood disorders, and, of course, Alzheimer’s disease. What we recognize is that low dose lithium can actually inhibit or reduce the activity of this overactive GSK three enzyme, which is very important when it comes to your focus and to your memory. This is a wonderful thing. † [00:06:39]

BRAIN HEALTH & MEMORY, PART 2: BRAIN ANATOMY>>READ NOW!

[00:06:39] We can now look at lithium as being an anti-aging mineral that helps to optimize our brain function. Of course, it’s also very beneficial when it comes to bone health as well. So, you know, I always like to talk about side benefits of nutrients. So, when you’re taking the Memory Multivitamin, not only is this going to be very beneficial for the health of your brain, it’s also incredibly supportive for cardiac function as well as for bone health. And we’ve seen studies that have indicated that this low dose lithium is very protective to the health of your kidneys. So, in the setting of diabetes, where we know that there’s diabetic related dementia, there is loss of function within the renal system where your kidneys aren’t functioning as well. There are the cardiac stressors that go along with diabetes. So having the low dose lithium that’s contained in the memory multivitamin can certainly be incredibly beneficial. We can see how its use initially was in the setting of psychiatric care and is still prescribed at much higher doses for folks who suffer from conditions such as bipolar disorder. But through its use in psychiatric care, we can see all of its multiple system benefits, such as the protection of bones, the protection of kidneys. So when you’re taking a daily multivitamin that contains this wonderful low dose lithium, we can now start to fast track and say, oh, wow, I’m going to be not only helping with the neuronal connections, extending the life span of my brain cells, helping to support my mood, but at the same time, I’m getting this additional support when it comes to bone health and the Journal of Osteoporosis International, they actually talked about this, the use of lithium and the reduced risk of a fracture. So, this was a meta-analysis. So, they populated multiple clinical studies and they looked at how lithium use was incredibly supportive to maintaining healthy bone density as we get older. So that’s one of the wonderful side benefits that goes along with the lithium. And we can see through the many years of research on lithium when it comes to psychiatric treatments, you could start to see its many benefits when it comes to how it protects the brain. So, the neuroprotective aspects of lithium, the way in which the lithium is actually working, is to reduce the buildup of beta amyloid so that misfolded protein that accumulates in the brain and causes disruption. This is the hallmark, one of the key indications for Alzheimer’s disease. So, understanding that the memory multivitamin contains this low dose lithium to yield us all of these wonderful effects that helps the brain cells better communicate, helps us stay more focused, help support a healthy mood as we grow older, and at the end of the day is a overall neural protectant. † [00:09:51]

[00:09:52] Now, we also combine this with ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba is one of the most widely, outside of all of the different herbal extracts that you can get your hands on. And this is a wonderful addition to this daily multivitamin, because we can recognize that ginkgo biloba helps to facilitate proper cerebral blood flow. So, it helps to enhance and protect the vessels that run into the brain, keep them protected from oxidative stress, those daily stressors that can impact our focus and our attention. We can see through functional MRIs how impactful ginkgo biloba supplementation can be in helping to highlight up, help to activate parts of the brain that help us with memory, help us with cognition, performing daily tasks. And of course, it helps with the oxygenation into the brain as well. In the evidence based complementary and alternative medicine journal, they talk about this. They talk about how ginkgo biloba has all of these multiple benefits for cardiovascular function. Working as a very powerful antioxidant, certainly has the ability to help limit inflammation. It’s enhancing that nitric oxide production, so, we’re getting that optimal blood flow. But unlike other, you know, medications, let’s say, that are out there, this is working to also help to repair damaged vessels. And this is key. We have to maintain that vascular integrity, especially when we think about our brain’s blood supply. So, through functional MRI, they can see how areas of the brain, when exposed to ginkgo biloba, really help to enhance those neuronal connections once again. So now we’ve got two things that are helping with those cell-to-cell communication pathways. Wonderful, right? This is always what we’re looking at. We know there’s anti-aging effects that go with lithium. We can see all of the many different ways that ginkgo biloba has been studied to help us with working memory. Also, in the Journal of evidence based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, they talked about this. They looked at brain cognition in the effects of ginkgo biloba, how it helps with the activation within the brain and different parts of the brain, the temporal lobe, the hippocampus, the cortex, and allows us to be more sharp, be more focused, have better attention, which is a wonderful thing. And then we add in the CDP choline this very important phospholipid, the CDP Choline helps the brain manufacture acetylcholine, which is our primary neurotransmitter, very important when it comes to memory and daily function of performing tasks. Choline is that precursor. So having this very important membrane fat helps to not only protect the brain cell in terms of its structures, we don’t want to have dings and dents in our brain cells. So, we have this CDP choline that has been shown in multiple clinical trials to have this very powerful effect. In many parts of the world, CDP Choline is actually prescribed as a treatment for dementia, mild cognitive impairment as well as Alzheimer’s disease. So, we want to be able to support healthy cognition and attention. We want to support our overall memory, our mood. And we know that this trio of nutrients, the ginkgo biloba, the low dose lithium and that CDP Choline, can allow us to achieve better brain performance each and every single day. So, this is our brand-new Memory Multivitamin, very easy to use. † [00:13:57]

ICYMI:KEEPING THE BRAIN CLEAN WITH RESVERATROL, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 645>>LISTEN NOW!

[00:13:58] Remember, we’re covering those gaps that perhaps our diet is not giving us when it comes to adequate exposure to those key vitamins and minerals powering up the brain with all of those nutrients, helping our immune system, giving us those antioxidants to fight off free radicals. Definitely encourage you to check this one out for sure. You are concerned with your aging brain. The Memory Multivitamin is going to be your go-to. So, I want to thank you so much for tuning in to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast. Remember, you can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting invitehealth.com/podcast. Do make sure that you subscribe, you leave us a review. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and we will see you next time for another episode of the InViteⓇ Health Podcast.† [00:13:58]

*Exit Music*