Can The Brain Repair Itself? So Impressive & Complex!

Can Our Brain Repair Itself?

Our brains — so complex and so impressive! Capable of generating all the information needed to work all the parts of our body yet still often mysterious. Imagine – there are about 100 billion nerve cells — neurons — in the human brain. Each of them can be connected directly with about 10,000 others bringing the total to some 100 trillion nerve connections.

According to the University of California, San Francisco, there are more than 600 neurological disorders that affect the brain and the central and autonomic nervous systems, including:
• Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Migraines

And the World Health Organization reports that various types of neurological disorders affect millions of people around the world, including 24 million that suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and 326 million who experience migraines.

There are also traumatic brain injuries that can change everything about a person in a matter of seconds by affecting neuron function, nerve tracts and sections of the brain in charge of the way we think, act, feel, and move the body. Brain injuries can also change the complex internal functions of the body, such as regulating body temperature; blood pressure; bowel and bladder control. These changes can be temporary or permanent. They may cause impairment or a complete inability to perform a function.

For generations, the prevailing medical wisdom has been that we simply cannot re-grow lost or damaged neurons in the brain. But new research appears to be proving this wrong. Studies at George Washington University have found that given the right conditions, the brain can indeed repair itself. The best part is that many of the nutritional and lifestyle-based interventions that reduce cardio-metabolic risk will promote what is known as adult neurogenesis— the process of generating new neurons in the brain which integrate into existing circuits after fetal and early postnatal development has ceased.

Recent studies suggest that two nutraceutical compounds can actually accelerate neurogenesis and prevent neuronal damage.

The first, Rg3, found in Panax Ginseng, appears to be particularly effective at protecting the brain from oxidative stress and also at inducing neurogenesis. The other is nicotinamide riboside or NR, a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) found in cow’s milk.

And as we age, memory impairment caused by a decline in neuronal function along with oxidative stress is a major factor in the brain aging. Every year over one million adults in the US are diagnosed with chronic brain diseases with Alzheimer’s being the most prevalent. Research estimates that in the U.S., 35.8% of those 85 or older have moderate or severe memory impairment, and individuals 85 years and older are the fastest growing segment of the population.
In 2016, it was estimated that 5.4 million Americans had Alzheimer’s disease, with Alzheimer’s and other dementias accounting for $236 billion in health care costs. By mid century, it is projected that 14 million will have Alzheimer’s, with treatment and care amounting to over $1 trillion.
Both Rg3 and NR “brain foods” may have the ability to turn back the aging clock. A number of research groups worldwide have shown evidence of neuro- repair in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s pathology in both animal and human models.

All the more reason the use of these natural brain nutrients should be recommended as a course of treatment.

Synapsin® is an innovative, patent-pending powder blend of both Rg3 and NR along with ingredients that aid in solubilization and dispersion. It is designed to be used in formulations to support neuronal health, NAD production in the central and peripheral nervous system, healthy mitochondrial function and cognitive function issues which are usually due to neuroinflammation.

Synapsin® can be compounded and dispensed as prescribed by a health care provider in several forms including sublingual suspension and nasal sprays.

Synapsin® was invented by renowned author, pharmacist and functional medicine speaker Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, ND, and is commonly used in combination with methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin in formulations to support neuronal function and cognition.