Dr. Will Mitchell, DOM, MS Nutrition of Primal Health L.P. wrote the book, The Unbreakable Brain published in 2016. His book makes the case that brain health is achievable and necessary. Citing numerous sources, Mitchell explains the current understanding of how the brain works and what we can do to prevent cognitive decline as defined by dementia and Alzheimer’s.
To clarify, dementia is the general term which includes Alzheimer’s and various other diseases related to mental decline. Dr. Mitchell’s plan outlines actions that prevent these difficulties – beginning early in life. Therefore, consider this information applicable to all ages.
In chapter one Mitchell connects Alzheimer’s to inflammation, poor blood sugar, poor nutrition, and life stresses. “All of which ... the brain is way too complex to simply point to the part that controls memory and say, ‘Look, there it is!’ It’s a dense and highly connected web that processes countless pieces of information at once.” (p. 12)
Our brain needs the following neurotransmitters for memory, learning, attention, wakefulness: serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, glutamate, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. (p. 12)
“In fact, brains are so sensitive that even minor drops in blood sugar or oxygen can significantly reduce their functionality – leading to symptoms like fatigue, an inability to concentrate, and irritability or other mood changes...” (p.13)
Finally, “...when [our brains] constantly are exposed to certain stressors, they accumulate and/or become damaged over time.” (p. 14)
*Reader alert, Dr. Mitchell subscribes to the evolutionary theory, and you will see it in his book. Evolutionary and creation scientists can make great observations and come to different conclusions, some of which are erroneous and others accurate.