Change Your Brain, Change Your Life - NT - Amazon S3 · Change Your Brain, Change Your Life P.O....
Transcript of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life - NT - Amazon S3 · Change Your Brain, Change Your Life P.O....
AmenClinics'
ChangeYourBrain,
ChangeYourLife
P.O.Box739•Forest,VA24551•1-800-526-8673•www.AACC.net
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
LightUniversity2
Welcome to Light University and the “Amen Clinics' Change Your Brain, Change Your Life”programofstudy.Our prayer is that you will be blessed by your studies and increase your effectiveness inreaching out to others. We believe you will find this program to be academically sound,clinicallyexcellentandbiblically-based.Our faculty represents some of the best in their field – including professors, counselors andministers who provide students with current, practical instruction relevant to the needs oftoday’sgenerations.We have alsoworked hard to provide youwith a program that is convenient and flexible –givingyoutheadvantageof“classroominstruction”onDVDandallowingyoutocompleteyourtrainingonyourowntimeandscheduleinthecomfortofyourhomeoroffice.Thetestmaterialcanbefoundatwww.lightuniversity.comandmaybetakenopenbook.Onceyouhavesuccessfullycompletedthetest,whichcoverstheunitswithinthiscourse,youwillbeawardedacertificateofcompletionsignifyingyouhavecompletedthisprogramofstudy.Thank you for your interest in this program of study. Our prayer is that you will grow inknowledge,discernment,andpeople-skillsthroughoutthiscourseofstudy.Sincerely,
RonHawkinsDean,LightUniversity
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
LightUniversity3
TheAmericanAssociationofChristianCounselors
• RepresentsthelargestorganizedmembershipofChristiancounselorsandcaregiversintheworld,havingjustcelebratedits30thanniversaryin2016.
• Known for its top-tier publications (Christian Counseling Today, the Christian CounselingConnectionandChristianCoachingToday),professionalcredentialingopportunitiesofferedthroughtheInternationalBoardofChristianCare(IBCC),excellenceinChristiancounselingeducation, an arrayof broad-based conferences and live training events, radioprograms,regulatoryandadvocacyeffortsonbehalfofChristianprofessionals,apeer-reviewedEthicsCode,andcollaborativepartnershipssuchasCompassion International,TimberlineKnolls,and Road to Freedom (to name a few), the AACC has become the face of Christiancounselingtoday.
• With the needed vision and practical support necessary, the AACC helped launch the
International Christian Coaching Association (ICCA) in 2011, which now represents thelargest Christian life coaching organization in the world with over 2,000 members andgrowing.
OurMission
TheAACC is committed to assisting all Christian counselors, the entire “community of care,”fromlicensedprofessionals,topastors,tolaychurchmemberswithlittleornoformaltraining.It is our intention to equip clinical, pastoral, and lay caregivers with biblical truth andpsychosocial insights that minister to hurting persons and helps them move to personalwholeness,interpersonalcompetence,mentalstability,andspiritualmaturity.
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OurVision
TheAACC’svisionhastwocriticaldimensions:First,wedesiretoservetheworldwideChristianChurch by helping foster maturity in Christ. Secondly, we aim to serve, educate, and equip1,000,000 professional clinicians, pastoral counselors, and lay helpers throughout the nextdecade.WearecommittedtohelpingtheChurchequipGod’speopletoloveandcareforoneanother.We recognize Christian counseling as a unique form of Christian discipleship, assisting thechurch in its call to bring believers to maturity in the lifelong process of sanctification—ofgrowingtomaturityinChristandexperiencingabundantlife.Werecognizesomearegiftedtodosointhecontextofaclinical,professionaland/orpastoralmanner.Wealsobelieveselected laypeoplearecalledtocareforothersandthattheyneedtheappropriatetrainingandmentoringtodoso.WebelievetheroleofthehelpingministryintheChurchmustbesupportedbythreestrongcords:thepastor,thelayhelper,andtheclinicalprofessional.ItistothesethreerolesthattheAACCisdedicatedtoserve(Ephesians4:11-13).
OurCoreValues
InthenameofChrist,theAmericanAssociationofChristianCounselorsabidesbythefollowingvalues:
VALUE1:OURSOURCEWearecommittedtohonorJesusChristandglorifyGod,remainingflexibleandresponsivetotheHolySpiritinallthatHehascalledustobeanddo.VALUE2:OURSTRENGTHWearecommittedtobiblicaltruths,andtoclinicalexcellenceandunityinthedeliveryofallourresources,services,trainingandbenefits.VALUE3:OURSERVICEWeare committed toeffectivelyandcompetently serve the communityof careworldwide—bothourmembership and the churchat large—withexcellenceand timeliness, andbyover-deliveryonourpromises.VALUE4:OURSTAFFWearecommittedtovalueandinvestinourpeopleaspartnersinourmissiontohelpotherseffectivelyprovideChrist-centeredcounselingandsoulcareforhurtingpeople.VALUE5:OURSTEWARDSHIPWe are committed to profitably steward the resourcesGod gives to us in order to continueservingtheneedsofhurtingpeople.
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
LightUniversity5
LightUniversityI. Establishedin1999undertheleadershipofDr.TimClinton—hasnowseennearly200,000
students from around the world (including lay caregivers, pastors and chaplains, crisisresponders,lifecoaches,andlicensedmentalhealthpractitioners)enrollincoursesthataredelivered via multiple formats (live conference and webinar presentations, video-basedcertificationtraining,andastate-of-theartonlinedistanceteachingplatform).
II. Thesepresentations,courses,andcertificateanddiplomaprograms,offeroneofthemostcomprehensive orientations to Christian counseling anywhere. The strength of LightUniversity is partially determined by its world-class faculty—over 150 of the leadingChristianeducators,authors,mentalhealthcliniciansandlifecoachingexpertsintheUnitedStates. This core groupof facultymembers represents a literal “Who’sWho” inChristiancounseling. No other university in the world has pulled together such a diverse andcomprehensivegroupofprofessionals.
III. Educational and training materials cover over 40 relevant core areas in Christian—
counseling, lifecoaching,mediation,andcrisis response—equippingcompetentcaregiversand ministry leaders who are making a difference in their churches, communities, andorganizations.
OurMissionStatement
TotrainonemillionBiblicalCounselors,ChristianLifeCoaches,andChristianCrisisRespondersbyeducating,equipping,andservingtoday’sChristianleaders.
AcademicallySound•ClinicallyExcellent•DistinctivelyChristian
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Video-basedCurriculum
• UtilizesDVDpresentations that incorporateover 150 of the leading Christian educators,authors,mentalhealthclinicians,andlifecoachingexpertsintheUnitedStates.
• Eachpresentationisapproximately50-60minutesinlengthandmostareaccompaniedbyacorrespondingtext(inoutlineformat)anda10-questionexaminationtomeasurelearningoutcomes.Therearenearly1,000uniquepresentationsthatareavailableandorganizedinvariouscourseofferings.
• Learning is self-directed and pacing is determined according to the individual time
parameters/scheduleofeachparticipant.• With the successful completion of each program course, participants receive an official
Certificate of Completion. In addition to the normal Certificate of Completion that eachparticipant receives, Regular and Advanced Diplomas in Biblical Counseling are alsoavailable.
Ø TheRegularDiploma isawardedbytakingCaringForPeopleGod’sWay,BreakingFreeandoneadditionalElectiveamongtheavailableCoreCourses.
Ø TheAdvancedDiplomaisawardedbytakingCaringForPeopleGod’sWay,BreakingFree,andanythreeElectivesamongtheavailableCoreCourses.
Credentialing
• LightUniversitycourses,programs,certificatesanddiplomasarerecognizedandendorsedbytheInternationalBoardofChristianCare(IBCC)anditsthreeaffiliateBoards:theBoardofChristianProfessional&PastoralCounselors(BCPPC);theBoardofChristianLifeCoaching(BCLC);andtheBoardofChristianCrisis&TraumaResponse(BCCTR).
• Credentialing is a separateprocess from certificate or diploma completion.However, theIBCC accepts Light University and Light University Online programs as meeting theacademic requirements for credentialing purposes. Graduates are eligible to apply forcredentialinginmostcases.
Ø Credentialinginvolvesanapplication,attestation,andpersonalreferences.
Ø CredentialrenewalsincludeContinuingEducationrequirements,re-attestation,andoccureitherannuallyorbienniallydependingonthespecificBoard.
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OnlineTesting
TheURLfortakingallquizzesforthiscourseis:http://www.lightuniversity.com/my-account/.
• TOLOGINTOYOURACCOUNT
Ø Youshouldhavereceivedanemailuponcheckoutthatincludedyourusername,password,andalinktologintoyouraccountonline.
• MYDASHBOARDPAGE
Ø Onceregistered,youwillseetheMyDVDCourseDashboardlinkbyplacingyourmousepointerovertheMyAccountmenuinthetopbarofthewebsite.ThispagewillincludestudentPROFILEinformationandtheREGISTEREDCOURSESforwhichyouareregistered.TheLOG-OUTandMYDASHBOARDtabswillbeinthetoprightofeachscreen.Clickingonthe>nexttothecoursewilltakeyoutothecoursepagecontainingthequizzes.
• QUIZZES
Ø Simplyclickonthefirstquiztobegin.• PRINTCERTIFICATE
Afterallquizzesaresuccessfullycompleted,a“PrintYourCertificate”buttonwillappearnearthetopofthe course page. You will now be able to print out a Certificate of Completion. Your name and thecourseinformationarepre-populated.ContinuingEducationTheAACCisapprovedbytheAmericanPsychologicalAssociation(APA)tooffercontinuingeducationforpsychologists. The AACC is a co-sponsor of this training curriculum and a National Board of CertifiedCounselors (NBCC) Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM). The AACC may award NBCCapproved clock hours for events or programs that meet NBCC requirements. The AACC maintainsresponsibility for the content of this training curriculum. The AACC also offers continuing educationcreditforplaytherapiststhroughtheAssociationforPlayTherapy(APTApprovedProvider#14-373),solongasthetrainingelementisspecificallyapplicabletothepracticeofplaytherapy.It remains the responsibility of each individual to be aware of his/her state licensure and ContinuingEducationrequirements.AlettercertifyingparticipationwillbemailedtothoseindividualswhosubmitaContinuingEducationrequestandhavesuccessfullycompletedallcourserequirements.
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Presenterfor
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
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PresenterBiographyDaniel Amen,M.D., is a physician; double board certified psychiatrist, teacher and five-timeNew York Times bestselling author. He is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremostexpertsonapplyingbrainimagingsciencetoeverydayclinicalpractice.Dr.AmenistheFounderof Amen Clinics in Newport Beach, San Francisco, California; Bellevue, Washington; Reston,Virginia; Atlanta and New York City. Amen Clinics have the world’s largest database offunctionalbrainscansrelatingtobehavior,totaling73,000scansonpatientsfrom90countries.Dr.Amen isaDistinguishedFellowoftheAmericanPsychiatricAssociationandhe is the leadresearcherontheworld’slargestbrainimagingandrehabilitationstudyonprofessionalfootballplayers.AlongwithPastorRickWarrenandDrs.MarkHymanandMehmetOz,Dr.Amenisoneof the chief architects on Saddleback Church’s “Daniel Plan,” a 52-week program to fosterhealththroughreligiousorganizations.TheDanielPlanisnowbeingexportedaroundtheworldtohelpchurches,synagoguesandallreligiouspeoplebecomehealthy.
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PRODUCTIONNOTEThevideotapedsegments forthiscoursearedrawnfromanothercoursetaughtbyDr.DanielAmenforhisonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunity.Assuch,youmayhear certain phrases orwords from time-to-time (e.g., post, community, “leavecomments and questions below”, etc.) that specifically pertain to the onlineformattedcoursesandnotthisDVD-basedcourse.TheviewsandopinionsinthiscoursearesolelythatofthepresenterandarenotnecessarilysharedorendorsedbytheAACC.
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AmenClinics'ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLifeTableofContents:
CYB101:12PrinciplestoChangeYourBrainandEverythinginYourLife...............................12CYB102:TheAmenClinicsMethod.......................................................................................28CYB103:LimbicSystem:LookingIntoLoveandDepression...................................................44CYB104:BasalGanglia:LookingIntoAnxietyandFear..........................................................57CYB105:PrefrontalCortexandCerebellum:LookingIntoAttentionandImpulsivity.............67CYB106:AnteriorCingulateGyrus:LookingIntoWorryandObsessiveness...........................76CYB107:TemporalLobes:LookingIntoMemory,Temper,andMysticism.............................83CYB108:SubtypingADD,Anxiety,Depression,Addictions,andObesity................................92CYB109:TheBraininRelationships.....................................................................................100CYB110:BrainHealthyNutritionandtheBrainGutConnection..........................................118CYB111:NaturalWaystoHealtheBrain.............................................................................156CYB112:AmenClinicsAlzheimer’sRiskReductionProgram................................................174
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CYB101:
12PrinciplestoChangeYourBrainand
EverythinginYourLife
DanielAmen,M.D.
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Summary
Havingahealthybrainiscriticaltohavingahealthylife,yetsooftenpeopledonottakecareof
their brains in the way that they should. In this presentation, Dr. Daniel Amen lays the
foundation for the course, describing the purpose and methods of the Amen Clinics and
introducing listeners to the ideaofbrain SPECT imaging.Healso shareshis personal journey
andhowthathasimpactedhiscurrentpassionforbrainhealth.Healsodiscusses12principles
tochangeyourlifebychangingyourbrain.Youarenotstuckwiththebrainyouhave–youcan
changeyourbrainandchangeyourlife!
LearningObjectives
1. Participantswilldiscoverhowbrainscanscanbeusedinpsychiatry
2. ParticipantswillascertainhowDanielAmen’spastledhimtowhereheistoday
3. Participantswillevaluate12importantprinciplestochangethebrain
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I. CourseIntroduction
A. CourseOutline
1. Myjourneyand12principlestochangeyourbrainandeverythinginyourlife
2. TheAmenclinicsmethod
3. Limbicsystem:Lookingintoloveanddepression–feelingbetterfast
4. Basalganglia:Lookingintoanxietyandfear–stopfeelingnervousnow
5. Prefrontalcortexandcerebellum:Lookingintoattentionandimpulsivity–achieving
totalfocus
6. Anteriorcingulategyrus:Lookingintoworryandobsessiveness–gettingunstuck
7. Temporal lobes: looking intomemory, temper andmysticism – boostingmemory,
learningandtempercontrol
8. SubtypingADD,anxiety,depression,addictionsandobesity
9. Thebraininrelationships
10. Brainhealthynutrition,braingutconnection
11. Naturalwaystohealthebrain
12. TheAmenclinicsAlzheimer’sriskreductionprogram
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B. World’sLargestDatabaseofBrainScans
1. SixClinics
2. Morethan100,000SPECTstudiesonpatientsfrom111countries
3. CollaborationswithColumbia,NYU,UCLA,ThomasJefferson,Duke, JohnsHopkins,
U/BritishColumbiaandUCIrvine
C. ScientificPublishing
1. 70peerreviewedSPECTarticles
• HowSPECTchangesclinicalpractice
• Amenclinicsmethodimprovesoutcomes
• PredictingADHDtreatmentresponse
• Suicide,murder
• Effectsofbraindirectednutrients
• Braineffectsoffootballconcussions
• Rehabilitatingbraintrauma
• Braineffectsofobesity
• BraineffectsofmeditationandEMDR
2. Overthreemillionbookssold,nineNewYorkTimesbestsellers
D. PromotingBrainHealth
1. NationalPublicTelevision
• NinePBSspecialsonthebrain/health
• Showsaired>80,000times
• Raised>$55milliondollarsforPBS
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2. Education
• 12-weekhighschoolcourseonbrainhealth,42states,sevencountries
• Collegecourse
3. TransformingHealthThroughChurches
• Co-Creator of Saddleback Church’s “Daniel Plan,” with Pastor Rick Warren,
MehmetOzandMarkHyman
• TheDanielPlanisbeingdonebythousandsofchurchesaroundtheworld
4. BrainHealthinAddictionTreatment
• Plantedbrainhealthand/orbrainimagingintodrugtreatmentcenters,including
Salvation Army ARC Anaheim, Beacon House, Sierra Tucson in AZ, and Hanley
CenterinFL
5. BrianHealthinBusiness
• PartofFranklinCovey’sProductivitySolutionBringingHealthtoBusinesses
6. BrainHealthCommunity
• BrainFitforLife
7. BrainHealthNutraceuticals
• Products to support overall brain health, memory, mood, sleep, relaxation,
focus,cravingcontrol
8. ChangeYourBrain,ChangeyourLife501(C)(3)Foundation
• Educate
• Research
• Service
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E. AmenClinics:ATrustedResource
1. Clinicshavetreated
• Hundredsofphysicians
• Nobellaureates
• Politicalfigures
• Over150NFLplayers,“HallofFame”athletes
• PulitzerPrizewriters
• Oscarwinningactors
• Legendarymusicians
• Religiousleaders
2. Over5,000medicalandmentalhealthprofessionalshavereferredpatients
3. Manyoftheirownfamilymembers
4. 38%ofourpatientsarereferredbyourpatientsortheirfamilyorfriends
II. DanielAmen’sJourney
A. EarlyLife
1. Middleofsevenchildren
2. Called“Maverick”
B. 1972
1. Draftedasaninfantrymedic
2. Retrainedasanx-raytechnician
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C. 1979
1. Wifeattemptedsuicide
2. Fell in lovewith psychiatry because it has the potential to change generations of
people
D. 1991
1. BrainSPECTimaging
2. Psychiatry
3. Revolution
E. 1992
1. AlldayconferenceonSPECTinpsychiatry
2. Researcherscomplainthatscansareonlyforresearch
F. TheImportanceofImaging
1. Psychiatristsaretheonlymedicalspecialistswhorarelylookattheorgantheytreat
• Cardiologistslook
• Neurologistslook
• Orthopedistslook
• Allotherspecialtieslook
• Psychiatristsguess
2. Thereisareasonwhymostpsychiatricmedicationshave“blackbox”warnings
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3. Throwingdartsinthedark
4. The current model does not work very well! Outcomes in psychiatry have not
improvedindecades
• Insel, NIMH, “The unfortunate reality is that currentmedications help too few
peopletogetbetterandveryfewpeopletogetwell.”
• Antidepressantseffectsimilartoplacebo
• Antipsychoticsandstimulantshavethesameeffectivenessasthoseusedin1954
5. Symptomclusterswillneverbeabletotellifthebrainistoxic!
G. EarlyLessonsfromImaging
1. ADHD
2. Anxiety
3. Depression
4. Addictions
5. Autism
6. NOTsingleorsimpledisorders
7. Allhavemultipletypes
8. Mildtraumaticbraininjuriesareamajorcauseofpsychiatricillnesses
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9. Undiagnosedbraininjuriesareamajorcauseof:
• Homelessness
• Drugandalcoholabuse
• Depression
• Panicattacks
• ADHD
• Suicide
10. SPECTisoneofthebeststudiesforTraumaticBrainInjury
11. Judgesanddefenseattorneyssoughthelptounderstandcriminalbehavior
12. Over500convictedfelons,including90murderers
13. Peoplewhodobadthingsoftenhavetroubledbrains
14. Manyofthesebrainscouldberehabilitated
Radical Idea: What if we evaluated and treated troubled brains rather than simply
warehousingthemintoxic,stressfulenvironments?
“Asocietyshouldbe judgednotbyhowittreats itsoutstandingcitizens,butbyhowit
treatsitscriminals.”–FyodorDostoevsky
15. Imagingdecreasesstigma
• Seeproblemsasmedical,notmoral
• Decreasesshameandguilt
• Increasesforgivenessandcompassionfromfamilies
• Wehavenothingelseinpsychiatrythatisthispowerfulandimmediate
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H. ImagingCompletelyChangestheDiscussionAroundMentalHealth
1. Noonewantstoseeapsychiatrist
2. Noonewantstobelabeledasabnormal
3. Butallofuswantabetterbrain
4. Whatifmentalhealthwasreallybrainhealth?
5. Youarenotstuckwiththebrainyouhave
III. 12PrinciplestoChangeYourBrainandLife
A. YourBrainisInvolvedinEverythingYouDO
1. Howyou
• Think
• Feel
• Act
• Interact
2. Itisanorganof
• Judgment
• Personality
• Intelligence
• Decisions
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B. WhenYourbrainWorksRight–YouWorkRight
1. Whenyourbrainhastrouble,youhavetroubleinyourlife
2. Healthybrain
• Happier
• Healthier
• Wealthier
• Moresuccessful
3. Unhealthy
• Sadder
• Sicker
• Poorer
• Lesssuccessful
C. TheBrainistheMostAmazing,EnergyHungryOrganintheUniverse
1. 100billionneurons,trillionsupportingcells
2. Moreconnectionsthanstarsinuniverse
3. 2%ofbody’sweight,uses20-30%ofkcals
4. 20%ofoxygenandbloodflow
5. Apieceofbraintissuethesizeofagrainofsandhas100,000neuronsandabillion
connectionstalkingtooneanother
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D. BrainisVerySoft,HousedinaHardSkull
1. Brainisverysoft
• Consistencyofsoftbutter,tofu,custardorbetweenaneggwhiteandgelatin
2. Skullisreallyhard
• Manysharpridges
3. Braininjuriesmatter
4. Hiddentraumalinkedto
• Alcoholismanddrugabuse
• Homelessness
• Dementia
• Depression,anxietyattacksandsuicide
• Learningproblems
• Howwouldyoueverknowunlessyoulooked?
5. ThecaseofPhineasGage
6. Unrecognizedandforgottenbraininjuries
E. ManyThingsHurttheBrain
1. Poordecisions
2. Braininjuries
3. Drugsandalcohol
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4. Obesity
5. Inactivity
6. Poordiet
7. Insomnia/apnea
8. Nicotine/highcaffeine
9. Diabetes
10. Hypertension
11. Abnormallabs
12. Chronicstress
13. Environmentaltoxinsorinfections
14. Depression,ADD
15. Unhealthypeergroup
16. Notknowingyourownbrain’svulnerability
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F. ManyThingsHelptheBrain
1. Appropriateanxiety
2. Sustainedself-control
3. Newlearningdaily
4. Exercise–weights,walking,waltzes
5. Greatnutrition–lowglycemic,highfiberandhealthyfat
6. Healthyweight–nottoohighorlow
7. Healthyfriends
8. Sleep–7-8hours
9. ANT-freethinking
10. Meditation
11. Supplements–Multivitamins,Omega3s,vitaminD,brainnutrients
12. Knowingyourownbrainhealth
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G. CertainBrainSystemsareInvolvedwithCertainBehaviors
1. Prefrontalcortex
2. Temporallobes
3. Parietallobes
4. Occipitallobes
5. Cerebellum
6. Problemsinbrainsystemstendtocausespecificproblems
H. BrainImagingGivesManyPowerfulInsightsNotAvailablethroughSymptoms
1. Howdoyouknowunlessyoulook?
2. Neverlookinisolation
I. OneSizeDoesNotFitEveryone
1. Most problems, such as obesity, ADD, or depression, are not single or simple
disorders
J. BrainAgingisOptional:BoostYourBrain’sReserve
1. Yourbehavioracceleratesordeceleratesbrainaging
2. Brainactivitydecreasesovertime
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K. YouAreNotStuckwiththeBrainYouHave
1. Youcanmakeitbetter,evenifyou’vebeenbadtoit
2. Fromfailuretosuccess
3. Changeyourbrain,literallychangeyourlife
L. GetIt,GiveItAway,KeepItForever,ChangetheWorld
M. WhatToDoNow
1. Whatwasyourbiggesttake-awayfromlesson1?
2. Shareitwithsomeoneandwriteitdown
3. Givetheprogramawaytoanotherpersontocreateyourownsupportgroup
ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen’sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
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CYB102:
TheAmenClinicsMethod
DanielAmen,M.D.
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Summary
Therearenot“one-size-fits-all”treatmentsforbraininjuries.Toreallyunderstandwhatneeds
tobedonetohelpthebrain,itisimportanttolookatscansthatwillpinpointexactlywherethe
problem lies. The brain can be divided into four circles; biological, psychological, social, and
spiritual. Within each of these areas are important dynamics that need to be taken into
considerationwhenevaluatingbrainissues.Therearewaystoincreasebrainhealthwithineach
ofthesefourcircles.Yetsomethingscanonlybeseenonbrainscans,sothispresentationalso
goesoverseveralcommonpatternsthatcanbeseeninthebrainwithSPECTscans.
LearningObjectives
1. Participantswillassessthefourcirclesofbrainhealth
2. Participantswillrecognizeandunderstandcommonbrainpatterns
3. Participantswillexploretreatmentrecommendationsforspecifictypesofbrainissues
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I. TheAmenClinicsMethod
A. Purpose
1. Toalleviatesufferingandoptimizebrainfunction
2. Whether struggles are symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood cycles,
autism,TBI,addictions,weightormemoryproblems
3. Developed>24yearson100,000patientsfrom111countries
4. Usedcurrentlyinsixclinics,whichseeover4,000patientspermonth
5. Itiscriticaltoknowwhythismethodissoimportantatthispointintime.
B. NotLookingattheBrainHurtsPsychiatry,Patients,andFamilies
1. Symptom based diagnoses aremisleading – there aremany roads to depression,
symptomstellnothingofunderlyingphysiology,physiciansoftenmakemistakesby
calmingunderactivebrainsorstimulatingoveractiveones
2. Leadtoone-size-fits-alltreatments–whichoftenfail
3. Nounderstandingofillnesssubtypes–allwithmultiplesubtypes
4. Often completely miss TBI, toxicity or infections – often the primary cause of
psychiatricsymptoms
5. Missesthatsomepsychiatricmedicationsaretoxic
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6. Marital problemsmislabeledaspsychological –when theymaybebrain related–
maritaltherapistshavenotraininginneuroscience
7. Missahugeopportunitytodecreasestigmaand increasecompliance–andcreate
brainenvyforpatients,familiesandhealthcareprofessionals
C. NotLookingattheBrainHurtsSociety
1. OrganizationslikeNFL/NHLremainedindenialfordecadesaboutlong-termeffects
ofTBI–functionalbrainimagingtoolschangedeverything
2. MilitarypersonnelwithTBIareoftenleftwithoutappropriatehelpandhope–how
doyouknowifaTBIwasasignificantunlessyouactuallylookatbrainfunction?
3. Costly dementias not diagnosed until late in illness – even though it starts in the
brain decades before any symptoms appear, so no prevention or early treatment
canoccur
4. Violentbehaviornevertrulyrehabilitatedaspeopleareonlyjudgedmorally,andnot
treatedmedically–likedoingsoftwareprogrammingonpeoplewhohavehardware
problems
D. IneffectiveTreatmentisVeryExpensive!
1. Underachievement, demoralization – Not living up to your potential is costly and
decreasestaxrevenue!
2. Schoolfailure–multiplefailedcollegeattemptsiscostly!
3. Jobfailure–multiplejobchanges,absenteeism,beingfiredisexpensive!
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4. Relationshipproblems–divorceisveryexpensive!
5. Legalproblems–lawyersareexpensive!
6. Failedtherapyattempts
7. Multiplefailedmedicationtrailswithsideeffects
8. Residentialtreatmentcancost~$100,000ayearfortroubledteens
9. 28daydrugtreatmentis~$20-80,000permonth
10. Psychiatrichospitalstaysareoftenover$2,000aday
II. ThereIsaBetterWay
A. AmenClinicMethodHelpsto:
1. Seetheunderlyingphysiologyinindividualpatients
2. Seeallpsychiatricillnesseshavemultipletypes
3. Seetraumaticbraininjuries,toxins,infections
4. Seemanycurrentmedscanbetoxictothebrain
5. Prevent mistakes, such as stimulating an overactive brain or calming one that is
underactive,ormissingtoxicityorspaceoccupyinglesion.
6. Decreasestigma
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7. Patientsandfamiliesseeproblemasmedical,notmoral
8. Dramaticallydecreasesshame,guilt,self-loathingandanger
9. Increaseforgivenessandcompassion
10. Increasebrainenvyandcompliance
11. Wehavenothingelseinpsychiatrythatisthispowerfulorimmediate
B. AssesstheFourCirclesofBrainHealth
1. Biological
• Brainhealth
• Physicalhealth
• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Sleep
• Hydration
• Hormones
• Bloodsugarlevel
• Supplements
• Medication
• Genetics(Familyhistory)
• Trauma/injuries
• Allergies
• Toxins(Environment:mold,drugs,excessivecaffeine,alcohol,smoking)
• Infections
• Physicalillness
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2. Psychological
• Self-talk
• Self-concept
• Bodyimage
• Upbringing
• Development
• Pastemotionaltrauma
• Pastsuccesses
• Pastfailures
• Senseofworth
• Senseofpowerorcontrol
• Generationalhistoriesandissues(i.e.,immigrants,survivorsoftrauma,children,
orgrandchildrenofalcoholics)
• Grief/loss
• Hope
3. Social
• QualityofCurrentEnvironment
• Senseofconnectiontofamily,friends,andcommunity
• Work,school
• Relationships
• Stresses
• Health
• Finances
• Currentsuccessesorfailures
• Information
• Healthhabitsoffriendsandfamily
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4. Spiritual
• Senseofmeaningandpurpose
• Whydoesmylifematter?
• Values
• Morality
• WhoamIaccountableto?
• Connectiontopastgenerations
• Connectiontofuturegenerations
• Connectiontoplanet
• Connectiontohigherpower
C. BrainSPECTImaging
1. SPECTmeasurescerebralbloodflow–healthy,low,orhighinactivity
2. SinglePhotonEmissionComputedTomography
3. Measuresbrainbloodflow–seeareasthatworkwell,low,andhigh
4. Evaluateslivingbraintissue
5. 3DSPECTisyoungerthanMRI,PET,andQEEG
6. Costeffective–SPECTcamerasinallmajorhospitalsaroundtheglobe
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D. 10WaysSPECTImagingWillChangeEverythingYouDo
1. Youwilldevelopbrainenvy.
2. Youwillbemorecarefulwithpsychotropicmedications.
3. Youwon’tletyourkidsplaytacklefootball.
4. Iftheydoplay,youwillworkhardtorehabilitatetheirbrains.
5. Youwilltakesleepapneaseriously.
6. Youwilltakeyourweightmoreseriously.Don’tbeadinosaur!
7. StopthinkinginDSMtermsonlyandmoreinbrainsystempathology.
8. ThinkabouttheearlydetectionandpreventionofAlzheimer’sdisease.
9. Youwillbemorecautiousinhandingourpersonalitydisorderdiagnoses.
10. You’llstartthinkingoutsidethebox!
• HBOT
• Supplements
• WeightControl
• Transcranialmagneticstimulation
• Etc.
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III. CommentSPECTPatternsThatInformDecisionMakinginPsychiatry
A. Scalloping/OverallDecreasedPerfusion
1. Symptoms
• Toxicity(drugsoralcohol)
• Chemotherapy
• Environmentaltoxins
• COpoisoning
• Anoxia
• Infection
• Hypothyroidism
• Severeanemia
2. Interventions
• Stopthetoxin,treattheinfection!
• Brainrehabprogram
B. OverallIncreasedPerfusion
1. Symptoms
• Bipolardisorder/mania
• Inflammatoryprocess,i.e.,SLE
• ADHDthatistypicallymadeworsebystimulants
2. Interventions
• Workuppotentialinflammation,suchasSLEorfoodallergies
• Calminginterventions,suchasanticonvulsants
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C. TraumaticBrainInjury
1. Symptoms
• Focaldeficits
• Prefrontalcortexflattening
• Decreasetemporalpores
• Contra-coupsites
• Crossedcerebellardiaschisis
2. Interventions
• Brainrehabprogram
• Dotherightthings!
D. Hyperfrontality
1. Symptoms
• OCDspectrum
• Autisticspectrum
• Getsstuck,worried,rigid,inflexible
• Over-focusedanxietyordepression
2. Interventions
• Calminginterventions
• Increaseserotonin
• SSRIs
E. Hypofrontality
1. Symptoms
• ADHD
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• Schizophrenia
• TBI
• Predictsrelapseinalcoholics
• Someformsofdepression
2. Interventions
• StimulantsifADHD
• Stimulatingantipsychoticsifpsychotic
• Stimulatingantidepressantsifdepressed
• Brainrehabifneeded
F. TemporalLobeHypoperfusion
1. Symptoms
• TLE
• Dyslexia
• Moodinstability
• IntermittentExplosiveDisorder
• MemoryProblems
2. Interventions
• Anticonvulsantsifirritable,moodinstabilityoranxious
• Memory enhancing medications or supplements if memory problems present
G. SPECTAidsinDiagnosisandTreatmentofSubstanceAbusers1
1. Breakdenial
2. Increasecompliance–“brainenvy”
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3. Helpunderstandco-morbidity(44%TBIatST)
4. Followtreatment
5. Educationandprevention
IV. DoesSPECTChangeClinicalPractice?
A. AmenClinicsResearch
1. Amen,D.G.,etal.JofPsychoactiveDrugs2012
2. SPECTchangeddiagnosisand/ortreatment79%
3. 22%unexpectedbraininjury
4. 22%unexpectedtoxicity
5. 10%needforstructuralimaging
6. 60%newtargetsformedication/supplements
B. ConsistentwithUniversityofWashingtonResearchinDementia
1. Borhesanietal.,JournalofAmericanGeriatricSociety2010
2. Helpful>80%
3. “Usefulevenifitonlyconfirmedthediagnosis.”
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4. Seeingdiseaseprocessincreaseddiagnosticconfidence
5. “Images have a special resonance for patients/families, grounding symptoms in
observablebrainchanges.”
C. TargetedLabStudiesandGenetics
1. CBC
2. GeneralMetabolicPanel
3. ThyroidFunction
4. CRP,Homocysteine
5. Lipidpanelwithfractionation
6. VitaminDlevel
7. Fastingbloodglucose,HgA1c
8. Ferritin
9. DHEA,Testosterone
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D. TreatmentTargetedtoYourBrain
1. Allleadtobetteroutcomes
2. Brainhealthyhabitstoboostreserveandresilience
3. Alwaysprotectyourbrain’sreserve
E. AmenClinicsMethodImprovesOutcomes
1. AmenClinics(2013)
2. 500consecutivepatients
3. Ourpatientshave4.2diagnoses
4. Failed3.3priorprovidersand5medications
5. 75%significantlyimproved,84%ifwetreatthem
6. QualityofLifeInventorysignificantlyincreasedin85%
7. ClevelandClinicQOLIin<50%
F. ConsistentwithCreightonUniversityStudyPresentedatAPA1993
1. 100hospitalizedbipolarteens
2. 50scanneddayofadmission
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3. 50neverscanned
4. Averagelengthofstayin“neverscanned”groupwas44days
5. Averagelengthofstayin“SPECT”groupwas17days
6. Averagecostsavingsof~$15,000perpatient
G. WhattoDoNow
1. WhatwasyourbiggesttakeawayfromLesson2?
2. Shareitwithsomeoneandwriteitdown
3. Whatareyoudoingtohurtyourbrainreserve?
4. Whatareyoudoingtohelpyourbrainreserve?
5. Getyourimportantnumberschecked
1Amen,D.G.(2010).HighresolutionbrainSPECTimaginginaclinicalsubstanceabusepractice,
JournalofPsychoactiveDrugs,24(2).
ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen’sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
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CYB103:
LimbicSystem:Lookinginto
LoveandDepression
DanielAmen,M.D.
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Summary
Thoughtsandfeelingscancontrolusifwearenotcareful.Or,withintentionalityandcare,we
cancontrolourthoughtsandfeelings.Inthispresentation,Dr.DanielAmendescribestherole
ofthelimbicsystemanddiscussesthevariouscategoriesofautomaticnegativethoughtsthat
can steal our joy. There are a number ofways to “kill the ANTs” and enhance your life. Dr.
Amendescribes techniquesandresearch-basedstrategies toovercomenegative thinkingand
combat the lies thatpreventyou fromstartingyour journeytoahealthybrainandahealthy
life.
LearningObjectives:
1. Participantswillanalyzetheroleofthedeeplimbicsysteminthoughtsandfeelings
2. ParticipantswilldiscoverthedifferentspeciesofANTsandwaystofightthem
3. Participantswillexploreresearchpertainingtothepowerofgratitudeandappreciation
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I. DeepLimbicSystem
A. EmotionalCenters
1. Medialthalamus
2. Amygdala
3. Hippocampus
4. Hypothalamus
5. InferiororbitalPFC
6. Anteriorcingulate
B. Thalamus
1. Integrates/gatessensoryinformation
2. Setsemotionaltone
3. Bonding
4. Chargedmemories
5. Senseofsmell
6. Libido
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C. Problems
1. Sad,moody
2. Negativethoughts
3. Lowmotivation
4. Socialisolation
5. Lossoflibido
6. Pain
D. SomeConditionsAffectingtheThalamus/DeepLimbicArea
1. Toolow
• Decreasedreactiveness
2. Toohigh
• Depression
• Cyclicmoodchanges
• Pain
• SensoryOverload
3. Bonding
4. Depression
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E. DeepLimbicHelp
1. Exercise
2. FeedingtheANT-eater
3. Healingscents(lavender)
4. Gettingalongbetterwithothers
5. Fishoil
6. Antidepressantsmedsorstimulants
F. ApostlePaulasFirstCognitiveTherapist,MindCoach
1. Focusonthegoodinyourlife
2. Thinkonwhatever is true,honorable,right,pure, lovely,good,excellent,worthyof
praise–letyourminddwellonthesethings(Philippians4:8)
II. KilltheANTsthatStealYourHappinessandMakeYouFat,Depressed,and
FeebleMinded
A. ANT=AutomaticNegativeThoughts
1. Everytimeyouhaveathoughtyourbrainreleaseschemicals
2. Everybadthoughtreleaseschemicalsthatmakeyoufeelbad
3. Everygoodthoughtreleaseschemicalsthatmakeyoufeelgood
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4. Thoughtsareautomatic
5. Thoughtsarebasedoncomplexchemicalreactionsandmemories
6. Theyareoftenerroneous
7. Youdonothavetobelieveeverythoughtyouhave–oftentheylietoyou
8. Youhavetotakecontrol
B. NineANTSpecies
1. Alwaysthinking
2. Mindreading
3. Blame
4. Focusonnegative
5. Fortunetelling
6. Thinkingwithfeelings
7. Guiltbeating
8. Labeling
9. Allornone
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C. ANTKillingExercise
1. Wheneveryoufeelsad,mad,nervous,oroutofcontrol
2. WritedownyourANTs
3. Labelthem
4. Talkbacktothem
5. Don’tbelieveeverystupidthoughtyouhave
6. ANTkillingisabigpartofgettingwell
7. Bestbrainfoods
• Avocados
• Apples
• Berries
• Beans
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cherries
• Coconuts
• Oranges
• Olives/Oliveoil
• Redpeppers
• Salmon
• Spinach
• GreenTea
• Tomatoes
• Walnuts
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8. TripleColumn:Writedownthethought,identifythetypeofant,andthentalkback
toit
9. TheFourQuestions
• Isittrue?
• CanIabsolutelyknowthatitistrue?
• HowdoIfeelwhenIhavethisthought?
• WhowouldIbewithoutthethought?
• Turnthethoughtaround.Istheturnaroundtrueoreventruerthantheoriginal
thought?
10. Examples
• Icanneverlosetheweight.
• Doctorkilledgrandpa.
• Idon’twanttofiretheemployee.
• Iamnotagoodmother.
• I’mevil.
• I’mfractured.
• Mypartnerwillleaveme.
• Ishouldhavesavedhim.
D. TheLittleLiesthatDriveAgingandIllness
1. Mymemoryisnotgood;thatisnormal.
2. MyfamilygetsAlzheimer’s;itisinmygenes.
3. Everythinginmoderation
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4. “Idon’twanttodeprivemyself.”
• Doesn’t eating bad food deprive you of your health, your most precious
resource?
• Whatisworthmore?Energy,atrimwaistline,health;or,themountainoffries,
sodas,cakes,cookies,andthelikeyouhaveconsumedoverthelastdecade?
5. “Ican’teathealthybecauseItravel.”
• Itjusttakesalittleforethoughtandplanning.
6. “Mywholefamilyisoverweight,itisinmygenes.”
• Oneofthebiggestlies.Genesaccountforonlyabout20-30%ofyourhealth.
• Thevastmajorityofhealthproblemsaredrivenbybaddecisionspeoplemake.
• Genesmaysayyouarelikelytobefat,butyoudon’thavetomakethedecisions
thatmakeitlikelytohappen.
7. “Ican’taffordtogethealthy.”
• Beingsickisalwaysmoreexpensivethangettinghealthy.
8. “Ican’tfindthetimetoworkout.”
• Withasharpermind,youwillactuallysavetimeifyouworkout.
9. “It’s Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas,Monday,
Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,SaturdayorSunday.”
• Thereisalwaysanexcusetohurtyourself.
• Whenyoustopbelievingeverythoughtyouhave, thequalityofyourdecisions
andyourhealthwillgowayup.
10. I’llstarttomorrow.
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11. Theyonlyservebadfoodatwork.
12. Goodfoodisexpensive.
13. RathergetAlzheimer’sdisease,cancerordiabetesthangetridofsugar.
III. ResearchFindings
A. CognitiveTherapy(ANTTherapy)
1. Furmark,Sweden
• 18patientsinCelexavs.“group”CBTvs.waitgroupforsocialphobia
• After9weeks,equaleffectivenessforCBTandCelexa,notinwaitgroup
• DecreasedR>L,inamygdalaandhippocampusinrespondersinbothgroups
2. Paquette,Canada
• 12patientswith“spiderphobias”
• fMRI
• FearactivatedrightlateralPFC
• AfterCBT,noactivationofrightlateralPFC
B. HappinessNewResearch
1. Geneticpredisposition
2. Engagementinlife
3. Meaningfullife
4. Thequalityofyourthoughts
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C. GratitudeTherapy
1. Studyofgratitudeandfear
2. Fearcausedmarkeddeactivationofcerebellum.
3. Fearincreasesconfusion
4. Athleticsumporemotionalslump
5. Writedownthreethingsyouaregratefulfor.
D. Appreciation
1. Makesomeone’sday.Changealife.Allthatisrequiredistoputitintowords.
2. Morepowerfulthangratitude
3. External
4. Connectsyoutoothers
5. Expandsgratitude’sreach.
E. Soul-to-SoulHealing
1. Wearerelationalspecies.
2. Interpersonalpsychotherapyenhancesbrainfunction.
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3. Longevityisenhancedwithpositiverelationships
4. Brainproblemsofteninterferewithlove
F. ScentsandBonding
1. Limbiclove
2. Lavender
3. Cinnamon
4. BabyPower
G. LimbicMeds
1. Mood
• Wellbutrin=LowPFC
• Effexor=LowPFC+AC
• Cymbalta=LowPFC+AC
• SSRI=AC
2. Pain
• Cymbalta
• Lyrica
• Neurontin
Supplements
1. Mood
• SAMe
• 5HTP+SAMe
• 5HTP+SAMe
• 5HTP
2. Pain
• SAMe
• Fishoil
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H. WhattoDoNow?
1. WhatwasyourbiggesttakeawayfromLesson3?
2. Shareitwithsomeoneandwriteitdown.
3. Whatareyoudoingtoprotectyourlimbicsystem?
4. StartkillingtheANTsandquestioningyourthoughts.
ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen’sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
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CYB104:
BasalGanglia:LookingInto
AnxietyandFear
DanielAmen,M.D.
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
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Summary
TheBasalGanglia is significantly involved inanxiety.Manypeopledealwithcripplinganxiety
and panic, and while a certain amount of anxiety is healthy, when the anxiety becomes
overwhelmingitcanhavenegativeeffectsonaperson’semotionalhealth.Inthispresentation,
Dr.Amendescribes the functionsof theBasalGanglia, someof theproblemsthatcanoccur,
and different treatment strategies. There are natural ways to de-stress your brain without
relyingonmedicationstocalmyoudown.Thispresentationwillcoveranumberofwaystouse
relaxationtechniquestoremovestressandanxiety.
LearningObjectives
1. ParticipantswillexplorethepurposeandfunctionoftheBasalGanglia
2. Participantswillidentifydifferenttreatmentstrategiesforbasalgangliaproblems
3. Participantswilldiscoverrelaxationtechniquesandnaturalwaystode-stressthebrain
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I. BasalGanglia/Insula
A. Movement,Anxiety,Motivation
1. Insula
2. Anterior
• Emotionalprocessing
3. Posterior–Auditoryandvisualprocessing
4. Nucleusaccumbens
• Pleasure
5. Putamen
• Motor
6. Caudate
• Thoughts
B. BasalGangliaAnxietyCenters
1. Blendsfeelingsandmovement
2. Controlbody’sidle
3. Involvedwithmotivation
4. Helpscontrolsmoothmovement(likehandwriting)
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C. BasalGangliaProblems
1. Increased
• Anxiety,panic
• Conflictavoidant
• Predictstheworst
• Excessmotivation
2. Decreased
• ADDlikesymptoms
• Decreasedmotivation
• Movementdisorders
D. YouNeedSomeAnxiety
1. Whenanxietyistoolow:
• Getintotrouble
• Makebaddecisions
• Morelikelytobearrested
• Riskybehavior
2. Panic
3. PTSD
E. ConditionsAffectingtheBasalGanglia
1. Toolow
• Motordisorders(Personalitydisorders,Huntington’s,extrapyramidal)
• Lowmotivation
• Apathy
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2. Toohigh
• Panic
• Generalizedanxiety
• Somatoformdisorders
• Tourette’s
• Boosyndrome
II. HighBasalGangliaTreatment
A. TreatmentOverview
1. Relaxation
2. Hypnosis
3. Meditation
4. ANTtherapy
5. Balanceddiet/fishoil
6. Calmingmedsorsupplements
B. CalmingMeds
1. Buspar
2. Benzos
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3. Anti-epilepticmeds
• Neurontin
• Lyrica
• Lamictal
• Depakote
• Dilantin
4. Propranolol
C. Supplements
1. Magnesium
2. Relora
3. HolyBasil
4. B6
5. Theanine
6. GABA
7. Valerian
8. Kavakava
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III. De-StressYourBrain
A. FightorFlight
1. Sympathetic
• Breathingrateincreases
• Handsgetcolder(bloodflowdecreases)
• Heartrateincreases(becomeslessvariable)
• Bloodpressureincreases
• Bloodsugarincreases
• Musclesbecometense
2. Parasympathetic
• Breathingslows
• Handsbecomewarmer(bloodflowincreases)
• Heartrateslows,morevariable
• Lowerbloodpressure
• Lowerbloodsugar
• Musclesmorerelaxed
B. Skills,NotJustPills
1. SkillsOverview
• Biofeedback
• Diaphragmaticbreathing
• Handwarmingimaging
• Heartratevariability
• Prayerormeditation
• Hypnosis,guidedmeditation
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2. DisciplineYourBreath
• Breathwithyourstomach,notyourchest
3. HandWarming
• Puppy
• Holdinghands
• Warmwater
• Hottub
• Sauna
• Beach
• Holdingpartner’sskin
• Holdingacupoftea
• Warminghandsinfrontoffire
• Warmgloves
4. PrayerandMeditation
• AndrewNewberg2001&2003study
• TibetanBuddhistsandFranciscanNunsprayerandmeditation
• IncreasedPFCanddecreasedleftparietallobe
• WhyWon’tGodGoAway
5. SPECTandmeditation
• AmenClinics2009Study
• 11subjects,10experiencedmeditators
• Baselineversusmeditation(12minutes)
• KirtanKriya…SaaTaaNaaMaa
• Results:down–leftparietallobe;up–leftandrightPFCandrighttemporallobe
6. Meditationcalmslimbicbrain
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7. Psychotherapyhypnosis
• Maquet,Belgium,PET,increasedlefthemisphere
• Rainville,Canada,PET,increasedbrain’sattentionalsystem
• Faymonville,Belgium,PET,decreasedpainandareaofbrainthatfeelspain
8. ComponentsofHypnosis
• Natural,allinhypnoticstates
• Focusedrelaxation
• Focuseyes
• Deepbreathing
• Progressiverelaxation
• Deepening
• Imagery
• Individualtechniques
C. WhattoDoNow
1. WhatwasyourbiggesttakeawayfromLesson4?
2. Shareitwithsomeoneandwriteitdown.
3. Whatareyoudoingtohelpyourbasalganglia?
4. StartkillingthefortunetellingANTs.
5. Doasimplemeditationdaily.
6. Listentoahypnosisaudio.
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ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen’sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
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CYB105:
PrefrontalCortexandCerebellum:
LookingintoAttentionandImpulsivity
DanielAmen,M.D.
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
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Summary
Theprefrontalcortex(PFC)isthebrain’ssupervisor,andassuch,itplaysanimportantrolein
everythingpeopledo.WhenactivityinthePFCistoolow,thereareanumberofproblemsthat
can occur. In this presentation, Dr. Daniel Amen describes the role and function of the PFC,
along with some of the common problems and corresponding treatment options. He also
discussesthefunctionofthecerebellumandsuggestswaystokeepthecerebellumhealthy.
LearningObjectives
1. ParticipantswillexploretheroleofthePFC
2. Participantswillidentifycommonproblemsanddiscovertreatmentoptions
3. Participantswilldiscussthefunctionofthecerebelluminbrainhealth
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I. PrefrontalCortex(PFC)
A. TheSupervisor
1. DorsalLateralPFC
• Shorttermmemory
2. InferiorOrbitalPFC
• Impulseandmoodcontrol
B. PrefrontalCortexFunctions
“Thebestcarsafetydeviceisarear-viewmirrorwithacopinit.”–DudleyMoore
1. Focus
2. Forethought
3. Impulsecontrol
4. Organization
5. Planning
6. Judgment
7. Empathy
8. Insightandlearningfromourmistakes
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C. PrefrontalCortexProblems
1. Shortattentionspan
2. Impulsivity
3. Procrastination
4. Disorganization
5. Poorjudgment
6. Lackofempathyandinsight
7. Brutalhonesty
D. ThePrefrontalCortexLikeisYourBoss
1. Goodboss(GoodPFC)
• Supervises
• Encourages
• Learnsfrommistakes
• Empathy
• Moral
2. BadBoss(lowPFC)
• Late
• Onlyseesbad
• Ignores
• Liesandcheats
• Impulsive
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E. ConditionsAffectingthePFC–TooLow
1. Badhabits–smokingandobesity
2. ADHD
3. Schizophrenia
4. AntisocialPD
5. Braintrauma
6. Frontaltemporaldementia
7. Depression
F. PFCHelp
1. Goalsetting
2. Exercise
3. Diet(moreprotein)
4. EPAfishoil
5. Brainrehabstrategies
6. Stimulatingsupplements
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7. Stimulatingmeds
8. Neurofeedback
9. Transcranialmagneticstimulation
10. Hyperbaricoxygentreatment
G. StimulatingMeds
1. Ritalin-Typedrugs
2. Adderall
3. Vyvanse
4. Dexedrine
5. Provigil/Nuvigil
6. Strattera
7. Wellbutrin
8. Abilify
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H. Supplements
1. Greentea
2. Rhodiola
3. Ginseng
4. Ashwagandha
5. L-tyrosine
6. Phenylalanine
7. Iron
8. Zinc
I. PFCExercise–FOCUS
1. Focusisaprefrontalcortexfunction
2. OnePageMiracle
• Relationships
• School/work
• Money
• Body
• Mind,spirit
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II. Cerebellum:Processing/Integration
A. Cerebellum
1. Physicalcoordination–regulatesmotorforce,rate,rhythm,andmodulation
2. Thought coordination – regulates speed, capacity, consistency, appropriateness of
cognitiveandemotionalprocesses
3. Right–attentionandempathy
4. Left–visuospatialandorganization
5. Vermis–limbiccerebellum
6. Lefthemisphereconnectedtorightfrontallobeandviceversa
B. CerebellarProblems
1. Coordinationproblems
2. Slowedwalking,thinking,speech
3. Disorganization
4. Lefthemisphere–visuospatialissues
5. Righthemisphere–language/memory
6. Anterior–sensoryandmotorissues
7. Medial(vermis)–emotionalability,irritability,impulsivity,disinhibition
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C. CerebellarHelp
1. Coordinationexercises
2. Juggling
3. Dancing
4. Tabletennis
5. Gratitude
6. Stimulants
D. WhattoDoNow
1. WhatwasyourbiggesttakeawayfromLesson5?
2. Shareitwithsomeoneandwriteitdown.
3. WhatareyoudoingtoprotectyourPFC?
4. Whatareyoudoingtohelpyourcerebellum?
5. Writeoutyouronepagemiracle.
6. Learnanewcoordinationexercise.
ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen’sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
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CYB106:
AnteriorCingulateGyrus:Lookinginto
WorryandObsessiveness
DanielAmen,M.D.
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
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Summary
Whenpeopleare constantlyworriedandobsessive, it isoftena resultofhighactivity in the
cingulate gyrus. In this presentation,Dr. Amendiscusses the functionof the cingulate gyrus,
alongwithsomeofthecommonproblemsthatcanoccurwhenactivityistoohighortoolow.
Eventhoughpeoplecangetstuck, it isdefinitelypossible togetunstuckandhelpyourbrain
returntohealthyfunctioning.
LearningObjectives
1. Participantswillexploretheroleoftheanteriorcingulateinbrainhealth
2. Participants will identify common problems that occur when activity in the anterior
cingulateistoohighortoolow
3. Participantswill analyze treatment strategies and natural remedies for anterior cingulate
problems
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I. CingulateGyrus
A. GearShifter/Integration
1. Posteriorpart:Memoryintegration
2. Anteriordorsalpart:Thoughtshifting
3. Anteriorventralpart:Emotionalshifting
B. AnteriorCingulateFunctions:GearShifter
1. Cognitiveflexibility
2. Shiftattention
3. Gofromideatoidea
4. Seeoptions
5. Gowiththeflow
6. Cooperation
7. Errordetection
C. AnteriorCingulateProblems
1. Getsstuck
2. Worries
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3. Holdsgrudges
4. Obsesses
5. Compulsions
6. Addictions
7. Oppositional/argues
8. Seestoomanyerrors
9. Theautomaticno
10. Roadrage
11. OCD/Alcohol
12. Depression
D. SomeConditionsAffectingtheAnteriorCingulateSystem
1. Toolow
• Lowmotivation
• Mutism
• Lowmovement
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2. Toohigh–getsstuck
• Anxietydisorders
• PTSD
• OCDspectrum
II. AnteriorCingulateHelp
A. Overview
1. Distraction
2. Options/sovereignty
3. Paradox
4. Exercise
5. Diet(morecarbohydrates)
6. DHAfishoil
7. Boostserotoninwithmedsorsupplements.
8. RisperdalandZyprexatocalmACandPFC
B. Distraction
1. Don’targuewithsomeonewho’sstuck.
2. Bathroomtechnique
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C. Options
1. Writeoutoptions/solutionswhenstuck.
2. SerenityPrayer
• God,grantmetheserenitytoacceptthethingsIcannotchange,thecourageto
changethethingsIcan,andthewisdomtoknowthedifference.
D. Paradox
1. Avoidtheautomaticno.
2. Reversepsychology
E. Exercise/Diet
1. HighCHOs
2. Exercisetoboostdopamine.
F. SerotoninMedsandSupplements
1. Medications
• Prozac
• Zoloft
• Lexapro
• Celexa
• Paxil
• Luvox
• Anafranil
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2. Supplements
• 5HTP
• Inositol
• Saffron
• B6
• L-tryptophan
• St.John’sWort
G. WhattoDoNow
1. WhatwasyourbiggesttakeawayfromLesson6?
2. Shareitwithsomeonebelowandwriteitbelow.
3. WhatareyoudoingtohelpyourACG?
4. Wheneveryouarestuck,writeitout,andwriteoutthethingsyoucanandcannot
dotosolvetheproblem.
ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen'sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
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CYB107:
TemporalLobes:LookingintoMemory,
Temper,andMysticism
DanielAmen,M.D.
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
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Summary
Keepingyourtemperisanimportantpartofmaintaininghealthyrelationshipswithothers,yet
this social requirement is exceedinglydifficult for thosewith temporal lobeproblems. In this
presentation, Dr. Amen describes the functions of the temporal lobe and the common
problemsthatcanoccurwhenthetemporallobeisdamaged.Yetevenafterthetemporallobe
hasbeendamagedthroughbraintraumaorothermeans,therearetreatmentstrategiesthat
can help restore functioning. This presentation will discuss those treatment strategies and
providehopeforthosewithtemporallobedamage.
LearningObjectives
1. Participantswilldiscoverthelocationandfunctionofthetemporallobe
2. Participantswillevaluateproblemsandconditionsthatcanoccurwhenthetemporallobeis
damaged
3. ParticipantswilldiscusstheIrlensyndromeanddiscoverhowitimpactsthebrain
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I. TemporalLobes
A. Memory,Mood,Music,andLearning
1. Lateralaspect–auditory
2. Medialaspect–hippocampus/memory,amygdala/emotionalreactions
3. Underside–visualprocessingandfacialrecognition
B. TemporalLobeFunctions
1. Languageusage
2. Memory
3. Moodstability
4. Listening/reading
5. Socialcues
6. Rhythm,music
7. Spiritualexperience
8. Whatpathway
C. TemporalLobeProblems
1. Emotionalinstability
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2. Memoryproblems
3. Feelingsofpanic
4. Aggression
5. Headaches
6. Learningproblems
7. Unusualreligious/sexualexperiences
D. SomeConditionsAffectingtheTemporalLobes
1. TooLow
• Learningproblems
• Memoryproblems
• Dementias
• Temporallobeepilepsy
• Aggression/Suicidal
• Braintrauma
2. TooHigh
• Seizures
• Irritability
• Panic
• Mysticism
• Spiritualorreligiousexperiences
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E. BrainScans
1. Temporallobetrauma
2. Temporallobeepilepsy
3. Anger,maritalproblems
4. Alzheimer’sdisease
5. Violence–KipKinkel
F. TemporalLobeTreatment
1. Neurofeedback
2. Balanceddiet/fishoil
3. Ketogenicdietforsome
4. Meds/supplementsformoodstabilityormemory
5. Angermanagement
6. Librariesofexperience
7. EMDR
8. Music
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G. TemporalLobeMedications
1. Moodstability:Anti-epilepticmeds
• Neurontin
• Lyrica
• Lamictal
• Depakote
• Dilantin
2. Memory
• ACEI–Aricept,Exelon
• Namenda
H. Supplements
1. Moodstability
• GABA
• Magnesium
• B6
• Fishoil
2. Memory
• Bloodflow–gingko,vinpocetine
• Acetylcholine–acetyl-l-carnitine,huperzineA
• Membrane–PS
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II. TreatmentStrategies
Tobewrongedisnothing,unlessyoucontinuetorememberit.–Confucius
A. MakeaHealingMemoryLibrary
1. Memorymanipulations
2. Choosingbetweenhealingmemoriesandmemoriesthatmakeyousick
3. Focusontimesyoufeltthemostconfident,connected,andcompetent.
4. Rememberwonderfulexperiences.
B. EMDR
1. Eyemovementdesensitizationandreprocessingtherapy
2. DevelopedbyFrancineShapiro
3. Systematictherapeuticsystem
4. PositivebeforeandafterSPECTstudies
5. PTSD,anxiety,performanceanxiety
• Diamondpattern
• Increasedanteriorcingulate
• Increasedbasalganglia
• Increasedthalamus(limbic)
• Increasedrightlateraltemporallobe
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C. Developa“ConcertState”forYourBrain
1. Relaxedbodywithaclearmind
2. Bellybreathing
3. Exercise/musictogetherenhanceslearning
4. Mozart,Sonatafor2Pianos,k448
5. Learnamusicalinstrument
III. TheIrlenSyndrome
A. IrlenSyndrome:ScotopicSensitivitySyndrome
1. Lightsensitive,botheredbyglare,sunlight,headlightsorstreetlights
2. Withbrightorfluorescent lightsbecometired,headaches,moodchanges,restless,
unfocused
3. Troublereadingwordsthatareonwhiteglossypaper
4. Words/letters shift, shake,blur,move, run together,disappearorbecomedifficult
toperceivewhenreading
5. Feeltense,tired,sleep,orevengetheadacheswithreading
6. Problemsjudgingdistanceandhavedifficultywithsuchthingsasescalators,stairs,
ballsports,ordriving
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B. IrlenSyndromeBrainScans
C. WhattoDoNow
1. WhatwasyourbiggesttakeawayfromLesson7?
2. Shareitwithsomeoneandwriteitdown.
3. Whatareyoudoingtoprotectyourtemporallobes?
ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen’sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
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CYB108:
SubtypingADD,Anxiety,
Depression,andObesity
DanielAmen,M.D.
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
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Summary
PeopletendtothinkofADD,anxiety,depression,orobesityinspecificways.Yetwithineachof
thesediagnosesthereareanumberofsubtypes.Inthispresentation,Dr.Amendescribesthe
numeroussubtypesthatexistwithinADD,anxiety,depression,andobesity,alongwithdifferent
waysthatpeoplecanhelptreatthespecifictypes.Theseareproblemsthatdonothaveaone-
size-fits-all solution. Based on the type of brain associated with each problem there are
differenttreatmentmethodsthatwillbeeffective.
LearningObjectives
1. ParticipantswillidentifythebraintypesthatexistwithinADD
2. Participantswillidentifythebraintypesthatexistwithinanxietyanddepression
3. Participantswillidentifythebraintypesthatexistwithinobesity
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I. KnowtheBrainType
A. 7BrainTypesAssociatedwithADHD
1. Classic–PFC/CB–DA
2. Inattentive–PFC/CB–DA
3. Overfocused–AC/PFC–DA/S
4. Limbic–Limbic/PFC–NE/DA
5. TemporalLobe–TLs/PFC–DA/GABA
6. RingofFire–Hyper–GABA,SandDA
7. Anxious–PFC/BG–DA/GABA
B. SevenBrainTypesAssociatedwithAnxietyandDepression
1. Pureanxiety–BG–GABA
2. Puredepression–limbic–DA/NE
3. Mixed–DA/NEandGABA
4. Overfocused–S
5. Cyclic–GABA
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6. TemporalLobe–GABA
7. Unfocused–stoptoxin,boostDA
C. 6BrainTypesAssociatedwithSubstanceAbuse
1. Impulsive–PFC–DA
2. Compulsive–AC–S
3. Impulsive-Compulsive–AC/PFC–DA/S
4. Sad–Limbic–DA/NE
5. Anxious–BG–GABA
6. TemporalLobe–TLs–GABA
D. 5BrainTypesAssociatedwithObesity
1. Impulsive–PFC–DA
2. Compulsive–AC–S
3. Impulsive-Compulsive–PFC/AC–DA/S
4. Sad–Limbic–DA/NE
5. Anxious–BG–GABA
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II. HelpingTheTypes
A. BrainType1:TheImpulsiveOvereater
1. Symptoms
• Poorimpulsecontrol
• Geteasilydistracted
• Lowprefrontalactivity(PFC)
• PFCisthebrain’sbrake
• CommoninADD
• Associatedwithlowdopaminelevels
• Shortattentionspan
• Distractibility
• Disorganization
• Impulsivity
• ADDnearlydoublestheriskforobesity
• Thehardertheytry,theworseitgets
2. ImpulsiveTypeHelp
• LowPFC–lowdopamine–BoostDA,StrengthenPFC
• Structuredgoalsetting
• Intenseexercise
• Ahigherhigh-qualityproteindiet
• EPAfishoil
• Boost dopamine: Phentermine or stimulants, green tea, l-tyrosine, rhodiola,
ginseng,zinc,iron
B. BrainType2:TheCompulsiveOvereater
1. Symptoms
• Stuckonthoughtoffood
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• Compulsivelydriven
• Feelnocontrol
• Nighttimeeaters
• Worry
• Troublesleeping
• Lowserotoninlevel
2. CompulsiveTypeHelp
• Raiseserotonin
• Learnhowtodistractyourselfwhenyougetathoughtinyourheadmorethan
threetimes
• Intenseexercise
• Ahigher“smart”carbohydratediet
• DHAfishoil
• Boostserotonin:SSRIs,5HTP,inositol,saffron,l-tryptophan,SaintJohn’sWort
C. BrainType3:TheImpulsive-CompulsiveOvereater
1. CombinationofType1and2
2. Toomuchactivityintheattentionregion
• Over-thinkandgetstuck
• Lowserotonin
3. Toolittleprefrontalcortexactivity
• Troublesupervisingbehavior
• Lowdopamine
4. Impulsive-CompulsiveTypeHelp
• Raisedopamine,raiseserotonin
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• Learnhowtodistractyourselfwhenyougetathoughtinyourheardmorethan
threetimes
• Structuredgoalsetting
• Intenseexercise
• Abalanceddiet
D. BrainType4:TheSadOvereater
1. Symptoms
• Medicatefeelingsofsadnesswithfood
• Calmemotionalstorms
• Depression
• Lowenergy
• Lowself-esteem
• Painsymptoms
• Tendtogainweightinwinter
2. SadTypeHelp
• Raisedopamineandnorepinephrine
• LearntokilltheANTs(automaticnegativethoughts)
• Intenseexercise
• Balanceddiet
• Balancedfishoil
• BoostDA/NE(Wellbutrin,SAMe)
E. BrainType5:TheAnxiousOvereater
1. Symptoms
• Eattosootheanxiety
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• Nervous
• Predictstheworse
• Physicaltension
• Highbasalgangliaactivity
2. Help
• RaiseGABA
• LearntokilltheANTs(automaticnegativethoughts)
• Deepbreathing,HRVtraining
• Intenseexercise
• Balanceddiet
• DHAfishoil
• BoostGABA
• Magnesium,relora,holybasil,B6,theanine,GABA,valerian,kavakava
F. WhattoDoNow
1. WhatwasyourbiggesttakeawayformLesson8?
2. Shareitwithsomeoneandwriteitdown
3. Doyouidentifywithasubtype?
4. Whatcanyoudowithit?
ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen’sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
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CYB109:
TheBraininRelationships
DanielAmen,M.D.
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
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Summary
The brain plays a fundamental role in relationships, whether friendships or romantic
relationships. When the brain is not functioning to its full capacity, relationships can be
significantlyimpacted.Inthispresentation,Dr.DanielAmendiscussesthedynamicsofthebrain
asitpertainstorelationships.Structurally,menandwomen’sbrainshavemanydifferencesthat
impact howwomen andmen interact. Dr. Amen also lists ways that people can use foods,
scents,andsupplementstoincreasesexualdesire.
LearningObjectives
1. Participantswillevaluatehowoveractivityorunderactivityinpartsofthebraincanresultin
relationshipproblems
2. Participantswillexplorethedifferencesinmaleandfemalebrains
3. Participantswillevaluatedifferentnaturalmeansofincreasingsexualdesire
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I. TheBrainInRelationships
A. YourBrainisInvolvedinEverythingYouDoandAllYourRelationships
1. Howyou:
• Think
• Feel
• Act
• Getalongwithyourpartner
2. Yourbraindecides:
• Whoisattractivetoyou
• Howtogetadate
• Howwellyoudoonthedate
• Whattodowiththefeelingsthatdevelop
• Howlongthosefeelingslast
• Whentobemarried
• Howwellyoudobeingmarried
3. Whenyourbrainworksrightyoutendtobe:
• Thoughtful
• Playful
• Romantic
• Intimate
• Committed
• Loving
4. Whenyourbrainistroubledyoutendtobe:
• Impulsive
• Distracted
• Addicted
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• Unfaithful
• Angry
• Hateful
B. BrainImagingClues
1. Shouldwescanpartners?
2. BobandBetsy
C. ImportantPointstoRemember
1. Chronicconflictmaybeasignofunderlyingbraindysfunction.
2. Frequentfightingbetweenparentscanharmyourchildren’sbrains.
3. There is hope to change your brain and dramatically improve all of your
relationships.
II. CouplesinTrouble
A. BrainAreasInvolvedInRelationshipProblems
1. PFC
2. AC
3. Limbic
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4. Temporallobes
5. Basalganglia
B. ADHD
1. Impact
• Shortattentionspan
• Distractibility
• Impulsivity
• Disorganization
• Procrastination
2. Treatment
• Exercise
• Higherproteindiet
• EPAfishoil
• StimulantsorsupplementssuchasSAMeorL-tyrosine
C. Anxiety
1. Impact
• Tensionsymptoms
• Indecisive
• Ambivalent
• Predictstheworse
• Panic
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2. Treatment
• ANTtherapy
• Relaxation
• DHAfishoil
• CalmingmedsorsupplementssuchasGABA
D. Depression
1. Impact
• Sadmood
• Negative
• Pessimistic
• Lowenergy
• Lowlibido
• Sleepdisturbance
2. Treatment
• ANTtherapy
• Interpersonaltherapy
• EPA/DHAfishoil
• AntidepressantsorsupplementssuchasSAMeor5HTP
E. Bipolar
1. Impact
• Moodcycles
• Hypersexual
• Hyperreligious
• Impulsive
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• Unpredictable
• Irritable
2. Treatment
• EPA/DHAfishoil
• Stressreduction
• Moodstabilizers
F. OCD
1. Impact
• Obsessions
• Compulsions
• Rigid
• Grudges
• Worry
• Argumentative
2. Treatment
• Behaviortherapy
• ANTtherapy
• DHAfishoil
• SSRIsor5HTPorStJohn’swort
G. TreatingSSRISexualDysfunction
1. Lowerthedose
2. Scheduleyourdoserightaftersex
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3. Augmentwithbupropionorstimulants
4. Viagralikemedsmayhelpsomemen
5. Takeadrugholiday
6. Switchtoanotherantidepressant
III. Male-FemaleDifferences
A. CorpusCallosum(connectsrightandlefthemispheresofthebrain)
1. Largerinwomen,allowinggreateraccesstobothsidesofthebrain
2. Mentendtobemoreleftsided
3. Womentendtousebothsides
4. Lefthemisphere
• Logical
• Precise
• Details(seesthetrees)
• Communicates
• Concertedabouttime
• Happier,morepositive
5. Righthemisphere
• Bigpicture,seestheforest
• Creative,artistic
• Canputaroomtogether(decorates)
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• Anxious,fearful,negative
• Focusesonproblems
• Admitstoproblems
• Listenstomusic
• Hunches
B. Language
1. Men tend to be totally left sided,more detail oriented, andmore directly to the
point.
2. Women,moreoftenthannot,usebothsides,tendtobemorefluent,whichmaybe
whytheyhavemoretosay.
C. Multitasking
1. Womenarebetteratmultitasking,astheyhavemoreneuronalconnections.
2. Mentendtodoonethingatatime.
D. Limbic(Emotional)System
1. Largerinwomen
2. Bondingiseasier
3. Primarycaretakerforchildrenandelderly
4. Largernestinginstinct,primarycaretakerforthehome
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5. Womenhaveagreaterincidenceofsadnessanddepression.
6. Womenseemorerealandimaginedproblemsinrelationships.
E. InferiorParietalLobes
1. Largerinmen,especiallyontheleftside
• Estimatestime
• Judgesspeed
• Visualizesobjectsin3-D
2. Largerontherightsideinwomen
F. WhenAskedtoThinkofNothing
1. Men’sbrainsweremoreactiveinthemoreprimitivephysicalactivitycentersofthe
brain(cerebellum).
2. Women’sbrainsweremoreactiveintheemotionalandbondingcentersofthebrain
(limbicsystem).
G. PayAttentiontoherUnhappiness
1. Womennoticeproblemsbeforemen.
2. Ofthepeoplewhofilefordivorce,75%arewomen.
3. Guysareoftenblindsidedeventhoughtheyhavebeenrepeatedlywarned.
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IV. Addictions
A. Addictions,WeirdSex,Fiends,andFetishes
1. AstronautLisaNowak
• Perfectstorm?
• Achiever,singlefocused,usedtogettingdesires
• Hyperfrontal–persistent,canbegoodorbad
• Chemistry of loss – low serotonin state, in emotional pain, obsessed and
depressed
• Chronicstressdamagesbrain
• Highandlowofgoingtospace/cominghome
• Spacechangescerebellum
• Premenstrual?
2. All of us have sneaky thoughts about saying stupid things and doing unusual
behaviors,butourprefrontalcortexpreventsusfromsayingordoingthem.
B. BrainFunctioninAddictions/UnusualSex
1. ADHD–lowPFC
2. Headinjuries–lowPFCandTLs
3. OCD–hyperfrontal
4. Tourette’s–hyperfrontalandlowPFC
5. Childhoodabuse–diamondpattern
6. Frontaltemporallobedementia–lowPFCandtemporallobes
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C. SixQuestionstoSuspectSexAddiction
1. Doyoukeepdarksecrets?Leadadoublelife?
2. Doyoufrequentlyfeelremorse,shame,orguiltafterasexualencounter?
3. Takingmorevariety/frequencyofsexualactivitiesthanpreviouslytobringthesame
levelsofexcitementandrelief?
4. Have you ever been arrested or in danger of being arrested because of your
practicesofvoyeurism,exhibitionism,prostitution,sexwithminors,indecentphone
calls,etc.?
5. Do your sexual activities include risk, threat, or reality of disease, pregnancy,
coercionorviolence?
6. Does your sexual behavior leave you feeling hopeless, alienated from others or
suicidal?
D. ArousalTemplate
1. Brainworksthroughassociation.
2. Firstsexualexperiencesmaybeassociatedwithhighlycharged,unusualmemories.
3. Crawlingaroundmother’sfeetmayleadtoafootfetish.
4. Arousedwhenmilkingacow,youmaydevelopasexualdesireforheifers.
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5. CommonParaphilias
• Exhibitionism
• Fetishes(non-livingobjects)
• Masochism
• Sadism
• Pedophilia
• Asphyxiophilia
• Diaperism
• Narratophilia
• Necrophilia
• Voyeurism
• Crossdressing
• Zoophilia
V. SexandtheTemporalLobes
A. TemporalLobeEpilepsy
1. SpontaneousOrgasms(22cases)
2. Oftenassociatedwithreligiosity
3. Powerfulreligiousvisionsafteraheadinjury
4. Persinger’sworkfromCanada
B. YourBainistheSeatofOrgasms
1. Rightlateraltemporallobe
2. 41yearoldTaiwanesewomanwithtoothbrushing,orgasmicepilepsy
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VI. BrainSexTricks
A. Aphrodisiacs
1. Considercompoundstoboostbloodflow.
2. AsianGinseng–releaseofnitricoxide,helpstoboostbloodflow
3. Gingkobiloba–boostsbloodflow
4. Yohimbine–stimulatesnervoussystemandbloodflow
5. L-arginine–precursortonitricoxide
B. SexyScents
1. Formales
• Pumpkinpie
• Doughnut
• Blacklicorice
• Lavender
• Orange
• Cheesepizza
• Roastbeef
• Cinnamonbuns
2. Forfemales
• Babypowder
• Cucumber
• Licorice
• Lavender
• Pumpkinpie
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3. Forrelaxation
• Sandalwood
• Marjoram
• Lemon
• Chamomile
• Bergamot
• Babypower
4. Forstimulation
• Jasmine
• Ylangylang
• Rose
• Patchouli
• Peppermint
• Clove
C. SexyFoods
1. AlmondsenhancePEA
2. Applesforsweetbreath
3. Asparagus,richinvitaminEessentialforhormonebuilding
4. AvocadoesforPEA,bB6andpotassium
5. Bananascontainthebromelainenzyme,whichisbelievedtoimprovemalelibido.
6. Cabbageincreasescirculation.
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7. Celerycontainsandrosteronereleasedbymalesweatthatturnswomenon
8. Chilipeppershavecapsaicin,stimulatesnerveendingsandraisesheartrate
9. CheeseactuallycontainsmorePEAthanchocolate
10. ChocolateincreasePEAandtheobromine,asubstancesimilartocaffeine
11. EggsforBvitaminsthathelpbalancehormones
12. Figshighinaminoacidstoincreaselibido
13. Garliccontainsallicin,aningredientthatincreasesbloodflowtothesexualorgans
14. Nutmegsignificantlyincreasessexualactivityinrats
15. Oysters high in zinc which helps produce testosterone, also dopamine for
stimulation
16. Wildyamsincreasegenitalsensitivity
D. HandyToolstoGetMoreLove
1. Babysitter
2. Footmassage
3. Gowithhertobuyshoes
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4. Helpwiththedishessoshehasenergyforyou
5. Takeashower,womenmoresensitivetoodor
E. It’sAllAboutBloodFlow
1. Bloodflowdecreaseswithage
2. 40%of40yearoldshaveerectiledysfunction
3. 70%of70yearolds
4. Anythingthatdecreasesbloodflowagesanorgan.
5. Improvingbloodflowtoyourgenitalsandbrainisthefountainofyouth.
F. WhatDecreasesBloodFlow?
1. Stress
2. Caffeine
3. Nicotine
4. Arterydisease/heartdisease
5. Diabetes
6. Environmentaltoxins
7. Lackofsleep
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8. Drugoralcoholabuse
G. WhatIncreasesBloodFlow?
1. Exercise
2. Sleep
3. Gingko
4. Ginseng
5. L-arginine
6. Relaxation
H. WhattoDoNow?
1. WhatwasyourbiggesttakeawayfromLesson9?
2. Shareitwithsomeoneandwriteitdown.
3. Howhasyourbrainaffectedyourrelationships?
4. Whatareyoudoingtohurtandhelpthebloodflowinyourbody?
ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen’sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
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CYB110:
BrainHealthyNutritionand
theBrain-GutConnection
DanielAmen,M.D
ChangeYourBrain,ChangeYourLife
LightUniversity119
Summary
In order to eat right, it is necessary to understand the principles of good nutrition. In this
presentation,Dr.DanielAmendescribestheconnectionbetweenwhatapersoneatsandhow
thebodyreactsandresponds.Whatyouputintoyourbodyimpactstheenergyandmotivation
thatcomesoutofit.Byeatinghealthyfoods,monitoringforfoodallergiesandsensitivities,and
ensuring a balance of good bacteria in the gut, you can increase your energy, mood, and
lifespan.
LearningObjectives
1. Participantswilldiscovertenprinciplestopromotingbrainhealthynutrition
2. Participantswillidentifycommonfoodsensitivitiesandallergiesandalternatives
3. Participantswillexplorethebrain-gutconnectionandidentifywaystopromotehealthygut
bacteria
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I. TheWarAgainstYourBrain
A. WeaponsofMassDestruction:Food-likeSubstances
1. Highlyprocessed
2. Pesticidesprayed
3. Geneticallymodified
4. Lowfiber
5. Highglycemic
B. BrainHealthyNutrition
1. Thebrainisthemostexpensiverealestateinyourbody.
2. Uses20-30%ofthecaloriesyouconsume
C. TypicalWesternDiet
1. Badfat,saltandsugar
2. Associatedwith depression, dementia, ADHD, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and
obesity
3. Promotesinflammation
4. Wouldyoufeedjunkfoodtoa$1milliondollarracehorse?
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BrainHealthyNutritionPrinciples
I. Principle1:QualityInput=QualityOutput
A. CalorieRestrictionandLongevity
1. Moststudiedwaytoextendlifeininsectsandanimals
2. Worksbycontrollingtheseprocesses:
• Inflammation(majorcauseofaginganddisease)
• Glucosecontrol
• Glycation(bondingofsugartoprotein)
• Oxidativestress
3. Mimic by: Sugar control, anti-inflammatory diet, sleep, supplements, moderate
exerciseandsmartcalories.
B. GoforHighQualityCalories
1. Thinkofcalorieslikemoney.
2. Knowyourcalorierequirements.
3. Ifweightisanissue,knowthenumberofcaloriesyoueat.
II. Principle2:Water
A. DrinkWaterandNotTooManyCalories
1. Brainis80%water
2. Stayawayfromthingsthatdehydrateyou.
• Toomuchcaffeine
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• Toomuchalcohol(decreasesanti-diuretichormoneandincreasesurination).
• Diuretics
III. Principle3:FocusonProtein
A. HighQualityProtein
1. Makeitclean(hormonefree,antibioticfree,freerange,grassfed).
2. Fishandlambforomega3s
3. Turkeyandchicken
4. Beans
5. Rawnuts
6. Highproteinveggies
• Broccoliandspinach
IV. Principle4:SmartCarbohydrates
A. SmartCarbs
1. Lowglycemic,highfiber
2. Carbsthatdonotraiseyourbloodsugar
3. Highinfiber(vegetablesandfruits,suchasblueberriesandapples)
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B. Fiber
1. Fiberdecreasesghrelin
2. Feelfullfasterandlonger
3. Slowsabsorptionoffood
4. Reducescholesterol
5. Keepsyourdigestivetractmoving
6. Reduceshighbloodpressure
7. Reducestheriskofcancer
8. 25-35gramsaday
C. SugarisNotYourFriend
1. Americanseatanaverageof140poundsofsugarperyear
2. 14typesofsugarinone“healthbar”
• Sugar
• Molasses
• Carmelcolor
• Barleymalt
• Cornsyrup
• Cornsyrupsolids
• Highfructosecornsyrup
• Honey
• Sorbitol
• Fructose
• Canejuicecrystals
• Maltose
• Fruitjuiceconcentrate
• Maltodextrin
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3. Refinedsugaris99.4to99.7%purecalories–novitamins,minerals,orproteins,just
carbohydrates
4. Voidofmineralsneededforenzymes
5. Causeachromiumandcopperdeficiency
6. Interfereswithcalciumandmagnesium
7. Increasesinflammation
8. Increaseserraticbraincellfiring
9. Implicatedinaggression
10. AssociatedwithADHDandhyperactivity
11. Increasedtriglycerides,lowerHDL,raiseLDL
12. Feedcancercells
13. Increase“slowbrainwaves”
14. Depression
15. Makes you dumb – alters learning and memory, but adding omega-3s can help
minimizethedamage
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D. HiddenSugar
1. Alcoholicbeverages
2. Almosthalfofcaloriesinketchups
3. Inmostluncheonmeats
4. Breadingonmanyproducts
5. Moststoreboughtbreads
6. Saladdressingsfrequentlycontainsugar
7. Oftenaddedtohamburgerstopreventshrinkage
8. Infastfoodgrilledchicken
9. Top20CarbohydratesintheU.S.
AccordingtotheHarvardNurses’HealthStudy
• Potatoes
• Whitebread
• Breakfastcereal
• Darkbread
• Orangejuice
• Banana
• Whiterice
• Pizza
• Pasta
• Muffins
• Cookies,pastries
• Otherfruitjuices
• Coca-Cola
• Apple
• Skimmilk
• Pancake
• Tablesugar
• Jam
• Frenchfries
• Candy
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10. Symptomsofhypoglycemia
• Feelingsleepy/drugged
• Mentalconfusion
• Inabilitytoconcentrate
• Impairedmemory
• Dizzy,light-headed
• Nervousness
• Depression
• Irritability
• Blurredvision
• Anxiety/panicattacks
• Palpitations
• Shakyhands
• “Butterfliesinstomach”
• Flushing/sweating
• Faintness/fainting
• Frontalheadache
• Insomnia
• Abdominalpain/diarrhea
E. KillMostSugar
1. RobertLustig,MD,UCSFPediatricEndocrinology
2. Sugarisaddictive
3. It is PRIMARY cause of obesity, hypertension, heart disease, cholesterol problems
anddiabetes,allofwhichcausebraindamage
4. AverageAmericaneats141lbs.ofsugarayear
5. Fructoseprocessedinliverlikealcohol
6. 90minuteYouTubevideoworthwatching:Sugar,theBitterTruth
7. Sugarbyanyothername
• Sucrose:halffructose,halfglucose
• Brownricesyrup:0fructose!
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• Honey:40%fructose,antibacterial/anti-fungal
• Maplesyrup:40%fructose,manganeseandzinc
• Agave:Doesn’tspikebloodsugarasquickly
F. SugarSubstitutes
1. Aspartame
• Phenylalanine+asparticacid
• PKUcannotuse
• Destroyedbyheat
• 200xsweeterthansugar
• Associatedwithdizziness
• Disorientation
• Elevatedliverenzymes
• Arthritis/muscleaches
• Lossofbalance
• Numbness
• Highbloodpressure
• ADD/ADHD
• Hives
• Memoryloss
• Headaches
• Seizures
2. Sucralose
• Startedoutasapesticide
• ClosertoDDTthansugar
• Splendaisnotnatural
• 600xsweeterthansugar
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• Starts as a sugar molecule and has three of its components removed and
replacedwithchloride
• Providesnocaloriesbecausethebodydoesnotrecognizeitasfood
• Nobloodsugarincrease,increasesHgA1V
• Reducedgoodgutbacteriaby50%inoneanimalstudy
• Mayincreasecarbcravings
3. Honey
• Containssmallamountsofvitaminsandminerals
• Glycemicindexofabout73(slightlyhigherthansucrosebecausesucroseishalf
fructoseandhoneyisabout40%fructose).
• 20-60%sweeterthansugar
4. Saccharin
• Hasbeenusedforover100years
• Studiesaremixedonwhetheritisacarcinogen
• 200xsweeterthansugar
• In 2000, determined that the link between bladder cancer in rats was not
associatedtohumans
• Therearebetteroptions
5. Stevia
• DerivedfromtheStevialeaf
• Usedforcenturiesasmedicine
• Hasnegligibleeffectonbloodsugar
• MayenhancebloodsugarandhavebenefitsforHTN
• Chemicallyprocessedwithwaterandalcohol–Nanofiltrated
• Noknownsideeffects
• KillsLymeinpetridish
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6. Erythritol
• Naturallyoccurringinfruitandfermentedfoods
• Non-caloric
• Doesn’tincreasebloodsugar
• Absorbedinsmallintestine
• Maltitolandxylitolabsorbedinlargeintestine
• LesslikelytocauseGIdistressthanothersugaralcohol
• SaferforpeoplewithIBS
• Excessiveconsumptioncancausenausea
7. Xylitol
• Naturallyoccurringsweetcompound,fruits/veggies
• Maydecreasedentalcariesandbuildupofplaque
• Increasessatiety
• 40%lesscaloriesthansugar,2.4calories/gram
• 7glycemicindex,littleeffectonbloodsugar/insulin
• Bodyproducesupto15gramsofxylitolperday
• May have a laxative effect, not recommended for people with IBS, Crohn’s
Diseaseorulcerativecolitis
8. Maltitol
• Mostsimilarsugaralcoholtosucrose
• Halfcaloriesofsugar
• 75%ofthesweetnessofsucrose
• Raisesbloodsugarmoreslowlythansucrose
• Cancauselaxativeeffect
• NotrecommendedforpeoplewithIBS,Crohn’sDiseaseorulcerativecolitis
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V. Principle5:BeAFatHead
A. TheRightFats
1. Eliminatebadfats-trans-fats(readthefoodlabels),uncleananimalfat
2. Focusonhealthyfats,especiallyomega3s
3. Salmon,avocados,walnutsandgreenleafyvegetables
4. Highcholesterolnotgoodforyourbrain
5. Verylowfatdietsnotgoodforyourbraineither
6. Lowcholesterolassociatedwith:
• Antisocialpersonalitydisorder
• Violence
• Suicide
• Childhoodonsetconductdisorder
• 250Finnishoffenders–8xmorelikelytodieofunnaturalcauses
B. MacronutrientsandAlzheimer’s
1. Fat-baseddietlowersrisk42%
2. Protein-baseddietlowersriskby21%
3. Highcarbdietincreasesriskby4x!
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C. DoesFishMakeYouSmarter?
1. C.Raji,2011,n260
2. Peoplewhoatebakedfishatleastonceaweek
3. Greateramountsofgraymatterinthreekeyareas:
• Hippocampus
• Posteriorcingulate
• Orbitalfrontalcortex
4. ReducedriskofAlzheimer’s5x
5. Bestfishchoices:
• Abalone(USf=farmed)
• ArcticChar(f)
• Barramundi(USf)
• Catfish(USf)
• Clams,Mussels,Oysters(f)
• Cod:Pacific(USnon-trawled)
• Crab:Dungeness
• Halibut:Pacific(US)
• Lobster:CaliforniaSpiny(US)
• Rockfish:Black (CA,OR,WA,
hook&line)
• Sablefish/Black Cod (Alaska
&Canada)
• Salmon(Alaskawild)
• Sardines:Pacific(US)
• Scallops(f)
• Shrimp:Pink(OR)
• SpotPrawn(Canada)
• Stripedbass(f&wild*)
• Tilapia(USf)
• Trout:Rainbow(USf)
• Tuna:Albacore(Canada&USPacific,
troll/pole)
• Tuna: Skipjack, Yellowfin (US
troll/pole)
• WhiteSeabass(hook/line)
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6. Avoidfishchoices*Nottoomuchduetomercuryconcerns
• Caviar,Sturgeon*(imported)
• ChileanSeabass/Toothfish*
• Cod:Atlantic(Canada&US)
• Cod:Pacific(imported)
• Cobia(f)
• Crab:King(imported)
• Dogfish(US)*
• Grenadier
• Lobster:Spiny(Brazil)
• MahiMahi(imported)
• Marlin: Blue, Striped
(Pacific)*
• Monkfish
• OrangeRoughy*
• Rockfish/“PacificSnapper”(trawled)
• Salmon(f,includingAtlantic)*
• Sharks*
• Shrimp(imported)
• Swordfish(imported)*
• Tilapia(Asiafarmed)
• Tuna: Albacore*, Bigeye*, Skipjack,
Tongol,Yellowfin(excepttroll/pole)
• Tuna:Bluefin*
• Tuna: Canned (except troll/pole
caught)
VI. Principle6:EatFromtheRainbow
A. EatingFromtheRainbow
1. Foodsofmanydifferentcolors
2. Boostantioxidantlevels.
3. Helpkeepbrainyoungandhealthy.
4. Antioxidantstatusassociatedwithdepression
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B. AntioxidantsandMentalHealth
1. Oxidative stress plays a role in many major psychiatric disorders, including
depression.
2. Depressionassociatedwithlowerantioxidantsstatus
3. NAChelpsdepressioninstudies.
4. Curcuminantidepressantactivityinanimalmodels
5. Antioxidantrichfoods(ORAC:OxygenRadicalAbsorbanceCapacity)
• Cloves:290,000
• Oregano:175,000
• Rosemary:165,000
• Thyme:157,000
• Cinnamon:131,000
• Turmeric:125,000
• Sage:120,000
• Acaifruit:02,000
• Parsley:73,000
• Cocoapowder:55,000
• Raspberries:19,000
• Walnuts:13,000
• Blueberries:9,600
• Artichokes:9,400
• Cranberries:9,000
• Kidneybeans:8,600
• Blackberries:5,900
• Pomegranates:4,400
VII. Principle7:BrainyHerbsandSpices
A. BrainHealthyHerbsandSpices
1. Garlicandoreganoboostbrainbloodflow.
2. Saffronhasantidepressanteffects.
3. Curcumindecreasesbetaamyloidplaques.
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4. Rosemary,thyme,andsageenhancememory.
5. Cinnamonboostsattention,aphrodisiacformen
6. Ginger, cayenne, blackpepper – hot/spicy fromgingerols, capsaicin, andpiperine,
compoundsthatboostmetabolismandaphrodisiaceffect
VIII. Principle8:CleanFoods
A. EatingClean
1. Avoidtoxicfoodsasmuchaspossible.
2. Artificial colors and sodium benzoate increased ADHD symptoms (2007
SouthamptonUniversityStudy).
3. Meta-analysisof15double-blindclinicaltrialsthatevaluatedartificialfoodcoloring
inchildrenalreadyconsideredtobehyperactiveshowedanincreaseinhyperactive
behavior.
B. PesticideResidues
1. 14foodswiththehighestlevelsofpesticideresidues(buyorganic)
• Celery
• Peaches
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Nectarines
• Cucumbers
• SweetBellPeppers
• Cherries
• CollardGreens/Kale
• Potatoes
• Grapes
• GreenBeans
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2. 17foodswiththelowestlevelsofpesticideresidues(don’tnecessarilyneedorganic)
• Onions
• Avocado
• SweetCorn(Frozen)
• Pineapples
• Mango
• Asparagus
• SweetPeas(frozen)
• KiwiFruit
• Bananas
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Papaya
• Mushrooms
• Watermelon
• Grapefruit
• Eggplant
• Cantaloupe
IX. Principle9:CheckOutFoodAllergies
A. GrainsAreNotGoodforEveryone
1. Highglycemic
2. Increaseinflammation
3. Manycontaingluten
4. Autoimmuneissues
5. Insulinresistance
6. Increasesymptomsofsomepsychiatricdisorders
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B. Gluten
1. 40%moreinbreadtodaythan50yearsago
2. Hiddenin
• Saladdressings
• Sauces
• Processedfoods
• Cosmetics
C. GlutenSensitivity
1. Cancauselowerbrainperfusion
2. Schizophrenicsymptoms
3. Reduction,evenfullremission,ofsymptomsinsubsetofschizophrenicpatients
4. ImprovedADHDsymptomsinasubsetofpatients
5. Associatedwithcerebellarabnormalities
6. 40%ofidiopathicsporadicataxia
7. Intractableseizuresandhippocampalatrophy
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D. CaseofGlutenSensitivity
1. A33-year-old“schizophrenicpatient”
2. Diarrheaandweightloss
3. SPECTHypoperfusionleftfrontalarea
4. Glutensensitivitydiagnosed
5. Gluten-freedieteliminatedpsychiatricsymptoms1
E. BreadisMyCrack!GlutenandAddiction
1. Glutenandcaseinexposedtopepsin&HCLdegradetopolypeptides(exorphins)and
crossthebloodbrainbarrier
2. Bindtoendorphin(morphine)receptors,mildeuphoria
3. Effectblockedbynaltrexone
4. Withdrawalsymptoms
5. Bingeeaterseatless(especiallywheat)whengivennaloxone
F. Corn
1. Nearly2/3ofallpackagedfoodcontainscorn
2. 85%geneticallymodified
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3. MakesanimalsFAT–depositsfatinmuscles
4. Cornglutenmeal:“naturalherbicide”–killsotherplants!
5. Causesceliaclikelesionsinintestinesbydamagingvilli
6. Decreasedabsorptionofvitalmineralsandnutrients
7. Contains21mycotoxins:aflatoxinandphimosis
G. Dairy
1. Approximately65%populationlactoseintolerant
2. Pasteurizationkillsliveenzymes
3. HormonesrBSTandrBGHincreaseproduction
4. HormonescauselivertoreleaseIGF-1
5. Industrialanimalsuse70%ofantibioticsinUS
6. Undigested,lactose(asugar)fermentsingut
7. Undigestedsugarshighlyacidic,leachingcalcium
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H. Goat’sMilk
1. 98%lowerinAlphas1Casein
2. 93%ofinfantsw/milkallergycandrinkgoatmilk
3. Goatmilknaturallyhomogenized
4. Easiertodigest–MCT’s
5. Higherinpotassium
6. Nottypicallygivenhormonesandantibiotics
7. Stillcontainslactose
I. SoyControversy
1. 90-95%geneticallymodified
2. Inexpensive–overuseleadstoincreasedfoodallergies
3. Highlevelsofomega6fatty–50%insoybeanoil
4. Soymilkcontains9gsugar/cup
5. Phytoestrogensbindtoestrogenreceptorsites
6. Organicedamameorfermentedtofuistheexception
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J. Lectins
1. Sugarbindingproteinsthatdon’tdigest
2. In rice, oats, wheat, buckwheat, millet, rye, corn, dairy, legumes, soy, eggplant,
potatoesandtomatoes
3. Intestinalpermeabilityproblems
4. Implicatedinallergies,digestiveandautoimmuneissues
5. Canmimichormones–leadingtoobesity!
K. Obesogens
1. Productsinourenvironmentthatdisruptsystemsandinterferewithweightloss
2. BisphenolA
3. Thyroiddisruption(hormonedisrupters)
4. Processedfood
5. PBA(waterbottles)
6. Pesticides
7. Teflon
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X. Principle10:UsingFoodtoHealYourMind
A. FoodasMedicine
1. EliminationdietfoundhelpfulforADHD
2. 73%improvedvs.0%incontrolledgroup2
3. Ketogenicdietinepilepsy
4. Helpfulformanychildrenandadultswithmanydifferentseizuretypes,including:28
• Infantilespasms
• Myoclonicepilepsy
• Febrileinfectionsepilepsy
• 2/3withseizurereductionatsixmonths
• Alzheimer’s,ALS,autismbeingstudied
5. Mediterraneandiet<depressionanddementia
6. Healthydietassociatedwithlowerriskofdepression29
7. Dietandphysicalactivityassociatedwithlowerriskofdementia30
B. PowerfulAnti-InflammatoryPlantChemicals
1. SulforaphanesfromBroccoli
2. CurcuminfromCurry
3. Garlic
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4. GreenTea
5. Pomegranate
6. SuperFoods:Maca,Cacao,GojiBerries
C. Serotonin
1. Moodstability,sleepregulation,appetite,socialengagement
2. “Don’tworry;behappy.”
3. Carbohydraterichfoodsthatincreaseinsulin
4. Foodstoboostmood/serotonin=Carbs
• Troubled Carbs: Crackers, pancakes/waffles, sweet cereals, muffins, bagels,
pasta,whiterice,potatoes,fruitjuice/sodas,
• SmartCarbs:Sweetpotatoes,brownrice,steelcutoatmealwithberries/stevia,
apples,cherries,redbellpeppers,sweetcorn,cantaloupe
D. Dopamine
1. Motivation,emotionalsignificance,relevance,painandpleasure
2. “Let’sgetitdone.”
3. Foundinproteinrichfoodsthatdecreaseinsulin
4. Foodstoboostfocus/dopamine=Protein
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5. Goodsources:
• Beans–lima,lentils
• Meat–fish,lamb,chicken,turkey,beef
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Nuts
• Seeds(pumpkinandsesame)
• Highproteinveggies–broccoli,spinach
• Proteinpowders
E. Acetylcholine
1. Learning,memory
2. Foundinliver,eggs,salmon,shrimp
F. GABA
1. Inhibitory,calming
2. Foundinbananas,broccoli,nuts,lentils,greentea
G. Glutamate/Aspartate
1. Excitability,memory,painperception
2. Foundindietsoda,dairy(cheese),soy,wheat,barley,peanuts
3. Meat(lambandeggsarelowest)
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XI. Principle11:TypeSpecific
A. BrainTypes
1. Impulsive–higherprotein
2. Compulsive–highersmartcarbohydrate
3. Impulsivecompulsive–balanced
4. Sad–balanced
5. Anxious–balanced
6. Temporallobe–higherprotein,ketogenic
B. Tips
1. BrainHealthyFruits
• Apples
• Avocadoes
• Berries(acai,blue,black,goji,golden,strawberries)
• Cherries
• Grapefruit
• Kiwis
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Plums
• Pomegranates
• Tomatoes
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2. BrainHealthyVeggies
• Asparagus
• Beets
• Bokchoy
• Broccoli
• Brusselsprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Chlorella
• Garlic
• Horseradish
• Kale
• Leeks
• Onions
• Redbellpeppers
• Seaweed
• Spinach
• Spirulina
• Sweetpotatoes
3. BrainHealthyNuts/Seeds/Roots
• Nuts(raw):Cacao,Almonds,Brazil,Cashews
• Walnuts
• Seeds:Chia,flax,hemp,sesame
• Roots:Maca,shiratakinoodles(rootofwildyamplant)
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4. BrainHealthyOils
• Avocado
• Coconut
• Grapeseeds
• Macadamia
• Olive
5. BrainHealthyAnimalProducts
• Grassfed,hormonefree,antibioticfree,freerange(harvestedhumanely)
• Eggs
• Fish
• Lamb
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Beef
6. BrainHealthyBeverages
• Water
• Freshcoconutwater
• Waterwithlemonandstevia
• Sparklingwaterwithchocolatestevia
• Greentea
• Greenteaorchailatte
• Zeviainmoderation
7. BrainHealthySweeteners
• Use:Stevia,xylitol,erythritol,honey(smalldoses)
• Avoid:Aspartame,sucralose,saccharin
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8. TakeHomeTips
• Ifyouhavesymptoms,tryaneliminationdiet
• Eatbreakfastwithinanhourofwakingup
• Eliminatebread,pastaandsugar
• Goglutenfree
• Eatgrainslikeacondiment
• Alwayscarryhealthyfoodandsnacks
• Drink16oz.ofwaterbeforemeals
• Don’tallowthewaitertoleavebreadonthetable
• Useonedayeachweektoprepare
• Payattentiontoportions
• Veggiesare“free”
XII. Principle12:BrainGutConnection
A. GutisSecondBrain
1. Gutisloadedwithnervoustissue.
2. Indirectcommunicationwithourbigbrain
3. Whywegetbutterflieswhenexcitedorloosebowelswhenupset
4. Anxiety,depression,stress,andgriefallexpressthemselveswithemotionalpain(the
brain)andquiteoftengastrointestinal(GI)distress.
B. TheGut
1. Singleepitheliallayer(likethebrain,largestmucosalsurfaceinbody)
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2. Interfacebetweenexternalworldandhost
3. Initialmetabolism&transformationoffood
4. Structuraldefense(troublewhenthisbreaksdown)
C. MucosalLiningoftheGut
1. Provideslayerofprotectiontoendothelium
2. Madeofglycoproteins–mucin
3. Mucinproductionupregulatedbyprobiotics
4. Canbe compromised by stress, drug use, diet, environmental chemicals, gut flora
balance,geneticpredisposition
D. YourGutSupportsBrainHealth
1. 100trillionmicro-organisms(bacteria,yeast,andothers)
2. 10xtotalnumberofcellsinthehumanbody
3. Tobehealthy, relationshipof good/badbugsneeds tobe lopsided in thepositive
direction
4. Ahealthyguthas85%goodbugsand15%badbugs
5. Outofbalancebadformentalhealth
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E. GutHealth
1. Friendlybacteriadetertroublemakers,suchasE-coli,andhelpuswithstandstress.
2. If deficient, frompoor diet that feeds yeast overgrowth (think sugar) or excessive
useofantibiotics(eveninchildhood),morelikelytofeelstressed
3. ADD, autism, depression, mental fogginess connected to intestinal bacteria
imbalances.
F. GutFlora
1. Inhabitthesmallandlargeintestines
2. Anaerobicbacteriaarethemostabundant
3. Probiotic–beneficialbacteriathatservemanyfunctionsinthegut
4. Yeast – candida albicans are also part of normal flora, but should be kept under
controlbygoodbacteria
G. FunctionsofBeneficialFlora
1. MakesvitaminKandbiotin
2. Helpswithdigestion
3. Detoxification(probioticshavebeenfoundtodecreasecoloncancerrisk)
4. Carriersforestrogenoutofthebody
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5. Immunemodulation
6. Populationcontrolofpathogens
7. Nutrientabsorptionandmetabolism
H. BeneficialFloraProtection
1. Allergies/Intolerances
2. Hormonalregulation
3. ProtectsGIlining
4. Mayprotectagainstcoloncancer
I. WhatDecreasesHealthyGutBacteria?
1. Medications
• Antibiotics
• Oralcontraceptives
• Protonpumpinhibitors
• Steroids
• NSAIDS
2. Stress
• Physiological
• Emotional
• Environmental
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3. Sugarintake,artificialsweeteners
4. Allergies
5. Toxins–bactericidalchemicalsinH20,pesticides,heavymetals,alcohol
6. Infections–H.Pylori,parasites
7. Radiation/chemo
8. Highintensityexercise
J. FoodistheGreatestDangertoGutBacteria
1. Thegreatestdangerisnotfromtheantibioticsprescribedbyyourdoctor,butrather
fromthefoodsyoueat.
2. Prevalenceofantibioticsfoundinconventionallyraisedmeatsandvegetableshave
potentialtothrowoffthebalanceofgoodtobadbacteria.
3. 70%oftotalantibioticuseinU.S.forlivestock
4. Focusoneatingantibioticfree,hormonefree,grassfed,freerangemeats.
K. AFewGermsCanBeGoodforYou
1. Animals raised in a germ-free environment show exaggerated responses to
psychologicalstress.
2. NeedgoodGIbugstoboostimmunesystem.
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3. Don’tkeepkidsawayfromdirt.
4. Whenresearchersgaveanimalsprobiotics,stresslevelsnormalized.
5. Stress,allbyitself,decreaseshealthygutflora.
L. BoostGutFloraEarly?
1. Ifdeficientearlyinlife,causesdecreasedserotonin,maybefortherestofaperson’s
life
2. Atleastinanimalmodels
M. EarlyAbandonmentIssues
1. Earlyabandonment
• Increasedstress
• Decreasedhealthybacteria
• Increasedgutpermeability
2. Whenyoungratsseparatedfrommothers
• Gut cell lining more permeable, allowing intestinal bacteria to pass through
bowelwalls
• Stimulateimmunecellstoattackotherorgans.
3. Adaptiveresponseinrats…ifbornintostress,natureprogramsthemtobevigilant
andstressresponsiveinfuturelife.
4. Upto70%ofpatientstreatedforchronicgutdisordersexperiencedearlychildhood
traumas–suchasparents’divorces,chronicillnesses,orparents’deaths
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5. Whathappensinearlylife,alongwithanindividual’sgeneticbackground,programs
howapersonwillrespondtostressfortherestofhisorherlife.
N. Chronic,Fatigue,Gut,andMind
1. Rao(2009)39CFSpatients
2. 3probioticdoses/dayorplacebofor2months
3. 73%probioticgrouphadincreasedgoodgutbacteria
4. Correspondedwithsignificantdecreasedanxiety–nochangeinplacebogroup
5. Researchers–probiotics“crowdedout”moretoxicgutbacterialinkedtodepression
6. Subjectsfelt lessanxious,calmer,betterabletocope,sleepingbetter, fewerheart
palpitations.
O. GutBrainIllnesses:YeastOvergrowth
1. Symptoms
• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Drowsiness
• Brainfog
• Feelingill
• Carbcravings
• Musclepains
• Gasbloating
• Cramps
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2. Signs
• Vaginalinfections
• Whitecoatedtongue
• Itchyearsandeyes
3. Help
• Lowglycemic
• Yeastfreediet
4. Cat’sclaw1,000mgBID-TIDfor8weeksforimprovementupto6months
5. Nystatin1millionunitsBIDXs3months
P. FixtheGut
1. Improvediet,essentialfattyacids,fiber,phytonutrients
2. Eliminatemostsimplesugarsthatfeedbadbugs
3. Supportdigestiveenzymes
4. Supportnormalflora:preandprobiotics
5. Becarefulwithantibiotics
6. Removeinfectionsandtoxins
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Q. WhattoDoNow
1. WhatwasyourbiggesttakeawayfromLesson10?
2. Shareitwithsomeoneandwriteitdown
3. Rateyoureatinghabits–great,good,ok,poor?
4. Whatspecificthingscanyoudotodaytorampupyourbrainhealthynutrition?
5. Whatcanyoudotoimproveyourguthealth?
ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen’sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
Endnotes1DeSantis, A., Addolorato, G., Romito, A., Caputo, S., Giordano, A., Gambassi, G., Taranto, C., Manna, R., &
Gasbarrini, G. (1997). Schizophrenic symptoms and SPECT abnormalities in a celiac patient: Regression after a
gluten-freediet.JournalofInternationalMedicine,242(5),421-423.2Pelsser,L.M.,Frankena,K.,Toorman,J.,Savelkoul,H.F.,Pereira,R.R.Buitelaar,J.K.(2009).Arandomizedcontrol
trialintotheeffectsoffoodonADHD.EuropeanChild&AdolescentPsychiatry,18(1),12-19.doi:10.1007/s00787-
008-0695-7
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CYB111:
NaturalWaystoHealtheBrain
DanielAmen,M.D.
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Summary
BrainSPECT imaginghasprovided insightandguidance intotheunderlyingbiologicalbasisof
many psychiatric illnesses, and can also showwhatmedications are and are not helpful for
certain illnesses. While medications can be beneficial in some situations, there are many
naturalwaystohealthebrainfromtheinjuriesitsustains.Inthispresentation,Dr.DanielAmen
describeshownatural treatments and supplements can lead to life-savingbrain and lifestyle
changes.
LearningObjectives
1. Participants will discuss the rationale for using natural healing methods instead of
medications
2. Participantswillevaluatetheprosandconsofsupplements
3. Participantswillanalyzeandunderstandnaturalwaysofhealingthebrain
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I. History
A. BrainSPECTImagingin1991
1. Couldseeanunderlyingbiologicalbasisofmanypsychiatricillnesses,suchasDHD,
depressionandviolence
2. Initially thought itwould lead tousingmoremedications,butover time itactually
ledtousinglessmedicationsandlookingforalternatives
3. Becausesomemedicationsappearedclearlytoxictobrainfunction
B. MedicationsandtheBrain
1. Benzoslookedlikealcohol
2. Opiatesnotbetter
3. Evenstimulantscausedtroubleforsome
4. This led to looking for other evidence-basedways to optimize brain function and
treatpsychiatricillnesses
C. EvidenceBase
1. LevelA–Strongscientificevidence
2. LevelB-Goodscientificevidence
3. LevelC–unclearevidence,+/-
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4. LevelD–fairtostrongnegativeevidence
5. www.naturalstandard.com
D. ManyEvidence-BasedWaystoOptimizetheBrain
1. Acupuncture
2. HBOT
3. rTMS
4. Neurofeedback
5. CES,AlphaStim
6. Exercise
7. Lighttherapy
8. Psychotherapy
9. Meditation
10. Nutrition
11. Ketogenicdiet
12. Nutraceuticals
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II. AmenClinicsNFLStudy
A. TheNFLStudy
1. SPECTworktaughtearlythatbraininjuriesarealargerpartofpsychiatricproblems
thanmostpeopleknow.
2. Sawmanyhighschoolandcollegefootballplayerswithbraininjuriesonscanswho
hadtroubledbehavior
B. BrentBoyd
1. Headaches
2. Depression
3. Fatigue
4. Memoryproblems
5. Dizziness
6. Overweight
7. Clearevidenceofseriousbraintrauma
8. NFLhireddoctors
• Saidscansmeannothing
• Theysaythathisproblemswerenotwork-related
• Deniedhisclaim
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9. Brentgetstraumatizedtwice
• Oncebyhisbraininjury
• Againbybeingcalledaliarandafaker
C. AnthonyDavis
1. At54hisbrainlookedlike85
2. Brainimprovedaftertreatment
D. In1994,theNFLFormedaConcussionCommittee
1. Yetneversponsoredabrainimagingstudyonplayers.
2. Instead,theystudiedrats
3. In2009,Goodellsaidtocongress,“NFLdidn’tknow ifplaying footballcaused long
termbraindamage.Theywerestillstudyingtheissue.”
E. ProblemwithNFLPosition
1. Ifyoudon’tadmityouhaveaproblem,youcannotdoanythingtosolveit
2. Braindamagedplayersleftwithouthelporhope
3. 2009-2013 Amen Clinics with LA Chapter of NFLPA performed first large imaging
studyonplayers
4. Imagingchangedeverything
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F. StudyDesign
1. BrainSPECTimaging(bloodflow)
2. QEEG(QuantitativeElectroencephalography)
3. Conners'CPT(ContinuousPerformanceTest)
4. MCIS(MildCognitiveImpairmentScreen)
5. Microcog(Measures9differentcognitivescales)
6. Currentstatusofstudy
• 160activeandretiredplayers
• From27teams
• Allpositions
• Ages25-85
7. Importantnumbers
• Obese=48%
• Sleepapnea=30%
• Depression=28%
• Dementia19%
• CPT=81%abnormal
• Microcog = below average in all categories except spatial processing and
reactiontime
8. Outcomes
• >90%hadbraintraumapatternonbrainSPECTandQEEGs
• Severedecreasedactivity…acrosswholebrain
• Resultsarehighlystatisticallysignificant
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9. Damageseenespeciallyinprefrontal,temporalandcerebellarregions
• Judgment,focus,andimpulsecontrol
• Memory,learning,emotion,andmoods
• Physicalcoordinationandthoughtcoordination
G. BrainRehabProgram
1. Damagesohigh,a“pragmatic”rehabcomponent”wasadded
2. Brainhealthystrategies
• Weightlossforobeseplayers
• Coordinationexercises
• Healthydiet
• Recommendedsleepapneaevaluations
• Avoidtoxicsubstances(drugs,muchalcohol)
3. Highpotencymultiplevitamin
4. Omega3supplement,5.6gramsaday
5. Multiplemechanismbrain formula–vinpocetine,gingko,PS,huperzineA,acetyl-l-
carnitine,n-acetylcysteine,alphalipoicacid
6. Other recommendations for individual player needs, such as treating depression,
anxiety,alcoholism,ADD,dementia,orusingHBOT
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H. PreliminaryResults
1. 62playerswithfollowupscans/cognitivetests
2. 50showedimprovement
3. Especiallyinmemory,attention,mood,motivation,andsleep
I. Conclusions
1. ImplicationsgobeyondNFLtohighschoolandcollegeathletes
2. Military personal (15%of soldiers returning from Iraq andAfghanistan have brain
injuries)
3. 2millionpeopleeachyearwhoacquirebraininjuries
J. ImagingCanHelpMilitaryPersonnelandVeteransNow
1. SPECTdistinguishesTBIvs.PTSD>90%
2. MRI/CToftennormal,whichmakessoldiersfeelliketheyareimaginingpain
3. Seewhoisvulnerabletosuicide
4. Mostdon’tknowbrainrehabispossible
5. DemonstrationprojectsandFortCarsonandFortCampbell
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III. NaturalWaystoHealtheBrain
A. BrainHealthySupplements
1. Nutrientdepletions
2. ProsvsCons
3. Forall–multiplevitamin,fishoil,vitaminD
4. Braintype
5. Cravingcontrol
6. Memory
B. MedicationsCauseNutrientDepletions
1. Antacids:decreaseHCL,CA2+,phosphorus,folicacid,K+
2. Femalehormones:Folate,Mg,Bvitamins,C,Zn,Se,CoQ10
3. Anti-Diabetics:CoQ10,B12
4. Anti-hypertensives:B6,CoQ10,Mg,K,Zn
5. Anti-inflammatory:Ca,K,Zn,Fe,B6,C,D,FA,K
6. Cholesterol-lowering:CoQ10,Omega3fattyacids,carnitine
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7. Antibiotics:Bvitamins,vitaminK
8. Oral contraceptives: B vitamins, Mg, FA, Se, Zn, Tyrosine, Serotonin, elevated
homocysteine
C. SupplementBenefits
1. Neverhavetorevealtoinsurancecompany
2. Lessexpensive
3. Generallyfewersideeffects,butnotNOsideeffects
4. Effectivetomildtomoderateproblems
5. Generallyhaveincreasedcompliance
D. SupplementProblems
1. Maybemoreexpensivebecauseusuallynotcoveredbyinsurance
2. Manynotawareofpotentialsideeffects
3. Qualitycontrol/standardizationissues
4. Consultantmaybeclerkatthegrocerystore
5. Fewerstudiesasitishardtomaintainpatentsontheseproducts
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E. RecommendationsforAll
1. Multiplevitamin
2. Morefishoromega3fattyacidsupplement
3. TestandoptimizeVitaminDlevel
4. Then,issuespecificstrategies
F. MultipleVitamin
1. Mostpeopledonoteat5servingsoffruitsandvegetablesaday
2. 1998NEJM,“Eatrightandtakeamultiplevitamin”
3. 2002 JAMA, “It appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements for
preventionofchronicdiseases.”
4. MV – Placebo controlled trail of 215men – significant improvement in perceived
stress,generalhealth,rigorafter33days
G. NeuroVitePlus
1. CompleteMV/mineralcomplex
2. 50brainsupportingnutrients,includingALC,ALA,PS,CoQ10
3. HighBvitamins,B6,B12,5MTHF
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4. 2,000IUsVitaminD
5. Phytonutrients – blueberries, spinach, tomato, apple, broccoli, 2 glasses of wine
(withoutalcohol)
6. Digestiveenzymes
H. Omega3s
1. Lowlevels
• Heartdisease
• Strokes
• Depression
• Suicidalbehavior
• ADHD
• Dementia
• Obesity
2. Benefits
• Heart
• Skin
• Eyes
• Joints
• Brain
• Decreaseappetiteandcravings
• 2-3gramsaday
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3. Sample/omega3studies–higherEPAforADHD/Depression
• Stevens1995,Burgess2000,lowinADD
• Stoll1999,longerremissionsintreatedBPD
• Nemets2002,1-4gpositiveaddoneffect
• Peet2002,1gEPAhelpfulindepression
• Zanarini2003,helpinBorderlinePD
• Su2003,addonMDDimprovedresponse
• Frangou2006,1gEPAhelpfulinbipolar
• Su2008,helpfulindepression+pregnancy
4. Omega3power
• Highlypurified
• Independentlytested
• 2.8gfishoilin2capsules
• 60/40EPAtoDHAratio
• Nofishburps
• Only2plantsintheworldwiththispurity
I. VitaminD
1. LowLevels
• 2/3ofAmericans
• Depression–depletesserotonin
• Alzheimer’sdisease–increasedbetaamyloidplaques
• MS–replacementhelpspreventrelapse
• Heartdisease(35%)
• Diabetes
• Cancer(14%)
• Obesity
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• Interfereswithsenseoffullness
• 13%causeofalldeaths(Franco2014)
• Associatedwithlowerbrainvolume1
2. VitaminD
• 25hydroxy-vitaminD
• Normalbetween30-100ng/dl
• Optimalbetween50-90ng/dl
• GiveVitaminD3iflevelslowandretestlevelsoyouoptimizeitanddon’toverdo
it
• Universalriskfactorformultifactorialdiseases,suchasdiabetes,heartdisease,
strokes,canceranddementia
J. BrainTypeHelp
1. Impulsive
• Focusandenergy
• Boostdopamine
2. Compulsive
• Serotoninmoodsupport
• Boostserotonin
3. Impulsive-Compulsive
• Focusandenergy
• Serotoninmoodsupport
• 5-HTP
Ø Moodissues,cerebellarataxia,fibromyalgia,obesity,headaches
Ø BLevelscientificevidence
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Ø Dose50–150mgtwiceadaywithmeals
Ø Insomniadose100-300mgatbedtime
Ø 15 studies have evaluated the clinical effects of 5-HTP onmoodwith high
improvement
Ø Oraladmin–30%inserotoninmetabolitesinCSF
• Saffron(CrocusSativus)
Ø Spice,traditionalPersianremedyformoodissues
Ø Dose30mg/d
Ø Comparesfavorablytofluoxetine,imipramine
Ø PositivestudyforPMS(DBPC)andageassociatedmemoryproblem
Ø CounteractssexualsideeffectsofSSRIs(DBPC)
Ø Reducessnacking(DBPC)
Ø Helpsinsulinsensitivity
4. Sad–SAMe–S-adenosyl-methionine
• Moodissuesandpainsyndromes
• Highscientificevidence
• Dose400-800mgtwiceaday
• 26studiesformoodissues,11RDBC>1050patients
• Watchbipolarpatientscarefully
• SEmorestimulating(insomnia,anxiety)
• Equallyeffectivetotricyclics,fewersideeffects
• AJP2010treatmentresistantpatientsonSSRIandwelltolerated
5. Anxious
• EverydayStressRelief
• Neurolink–GABA,5HTP,L-Tyrosine
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K. OtherSupplements
1. Cravingcontrol–notjustforfoodcravings
2. Restfulsleep–thehammer
3. Brainandmemorypowerboost–mindthegapofyourmind
4. Brainpowerbasics
• NeuroVitePlus
• Omega3Power2.8g
• Brain&MemoryPowerBoost–4
• Significantimprovementinbloodflowtobrain
5. BrainPowerMax
• NeuroVitePlus
• Omega3Power5.6g
• Brain&MemoryPowerBoost–6
• NFLStudy
6. BrainHealthyChocolate
• Braininlove
• BrainonJoy
L. WhatToDoNow
1. Multiplevitamin
2. Fishoil
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3. CheckandoptimizevitaminD
4. Takesupplementstargetedtoyourtypeandneeds
5. Brainhealthydrinksandchocolate
ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen’sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
Endnotes1Anneweiler, C., Annweiler, T., Montero-Odasso, M., Bartha, R., & Beauchet, O. (2014). Vitamin D and brain
volumetricchanges:Systematicreviewandmeta-analysis.Maturitas,6.Pii:S0378-5122(14)00064-4.
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CYB112:
AmenClinicsAlzheimer’s
RiskReductionProgram
DanielAmen,M.D.
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Summary
50%of people over the age of 85 are affected byAlzheimer’s disease. Yet is Alzheimer’s an
inevitableconclusion,particularlyifitrunsinyourfamily?Notnecessarily.Inthispresentation,
Dr. Daniel Amen discusses the statistics and facts of Alzheimer’s disease, along with
preventative strategies that can significantly decrease the chance of getting Alzheimer’s
disease.ThroughtheAmenClinicsAlzheimer’sRiskReductionProgram,youcantakeproactive
stepstomaintainbrainfunctioningandpreventAlzheimer’sdisease.
LearningObjectives
1. Participants will discover relevant information and statistics related to the epidemic of
Alzheimer’sdisease
2. Participants will differentiate between Alzheimer’s disease and the multiple types of
dementia
3. Participants will explore and implement the Amen Clinics Alzheimer’s risk reduction
program
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I. Alzheimer’sDisease
A. DamagetoParietalandTemporalLobes
B. 14WarningSignsYourBrainisinTrouble
1. Memory<10yearsago
2. Lowenergy
3. Lowmood
4. Irritability
5. Anxiety,stress,worry
6. Shortattentionspan
7. Brainfog
8. Impulsive,baddecisions
9. Insomniaorsleepapnea
10. Highbloodpressure
11. Highbloodsugar
12. Weightissues
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13. Sexualdysfunction
14. Non-compliantforhealth
C. YouMayBeatRiskforAlzheimer’sDisease(AD)If:
1. Youhaveafamilymemberwithit
2. You have a personal history of head injury, alcohol abuse, heart disease, strokes,
diabetes,cancer,sleepapnea,insomnia,ADDordepression
3. Youexerciselessthantwiceaweek
4. Youdonotengageinlifelonglearning
D. Alzheimer’sDiseaseandCognitiveDecline
1. Majorconcernamongthebabyboomers
2. FivemillioninU.S.withAD,30millionglobally
3. Expectedtotripleby2050
4. Thirdleadingcauseofdeath
5. Women65%ADpatients,60%caregivers
6. ADtreatmentanunmitigatedfailure
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7. Despitebillionsofdollarsspentonresearch,thereisnocureonthehorizon
8. Affects50%ofpeople85andolder
9. Startsinbraindecadesbeforeanysymptoms
10. Ifyouknewatrainwasgoingtohityou,wouldyougetoutoftheway?
E. BrainActivityOverTime
1. Brainactivitydecreasesastimegoeson
2. Withtherightdecisions,brainagingisoptional
II. Dementia
A. DementiaDefined
Damagetonervecellsthatresultsinaprogressivedifficultywithremembering,thinking,
ordoingyourusualactivities.
B. TheManyRoadstoDementia
1. MCIandAlzheimer’sdisease
2. Frontaltemporaldementia
3. Vasculardementia
4. Leweybodydementia
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5. Alcohol-relateddementia
6. Chronicfatiguesyndromeandinfections
7. Braintrauma
8. Diabetes,HTN
9. Mostexcitinglessonfromimaging:Youarenotstuckwiththebrainyouhave
C. ReversingCognitiveDecline
1. SingleagentsnotlikelytoworkinADandMCI,needmultiplemechanismtreatments
2. CVD,cancerandHIVwithmultiplemechanismtreatments
D. BredesenStrategiestoAttackAD
1. Optimizeparameters(homocysteine,thyroid),notjustnormalizethem
2. Multiplemechanismapproach
3. Personalizedbasedonindividualizedparameters
4. Iterative,optimizedovertime
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III. AmenClinicsAlzheimer’sRiskReductionProgram
A. BaselineScreening–SPECT
1. Treatmentworksearly,notlate(95%notdiagnoseduntillate)
2. Decreasesinparietal,temporal,posteriorcingulate
3. Whereareyou?
4. BMI–Waisttoheightratio
• HigherBMI,lowparietalandtemporalfunction
5. Labs
• CBC
• GMP
• Fastingbloodglucose
• HgA1C
• Fastinginsulin
• Lipidpanelw/fract.
• Thyroidfunction
• CRP
• Homocysteine
• Vitaminb12level
• Folategenestatus
• VitaminDlevel
• Ferritin
• DHEA
• Testosterone
• Estrogeninwomen
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B. KnowAndReduceYourRisk
1. Geneticrisks–ApoE4(2.5/5)knowearly
2. Braininjury(2)
3. Alcoholordrugabuse(4.4)
4. Obesity,MetabolicSyndrome(3)
5. CVdisease,includinghighBP(2.5)
6. Cerebralvasculardisease(10)
7. Exerciselessthantwiceaweek(2)
8. StandardAmericanDiet(2)
9. Lessformaleducationorjobswithnolearning(2)
10. Diabetes(3)
11. Smoking(2.3)
12. Parkinson’sdisease(3)
13. Untreateddepression(2/4)
14. UntreatedADD(3)
15. Lowestrogen(2)
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16. Lowtestosterone(2)
17. Sleepapnea(2)
18. Cancertreatment(3)
19. HighhomocysteineorCRP(2)
20. Periodontaldisease(2)
21. Age65-85(2)
22. Overage85(38)
C. BrainFit4LifeWarriorDiet
1. Caloriesmart
2. Clean,wholefoodonly–eliminateglutenandprocessedfoods
3. Water
4. Cleanproteinateachmeal
5. Lowglycemic,highfibercarbs–nosimplecarbs
6. Highhealthyfats(fish)
7. Eatfromtherainbow
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D. MentalExercise
1. Leftfrontal–crosswordpuzzles,wordgames
2. Rightfrontal–comedy
3. Temporallobes–memory,newmusicalinstrument
4. Parietal lobes – math games (Sudoku), map reading, construction games, jigsaw
puzzles,juggling
5. Cerebellum–coordination,dance,tabletennis
6. AddmeditationforPFCandTLs
E. PhysicalExercise
1. Walking
2. Weighttraining
3. Bursting
4. Coordinationexercises
F. Sleep,Stress,andMood
1. 7-8hoursofsleep
2. Getsleepapneaassessedandtreated
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3. KilltheANTs
4. Meditation
5. Hypnosis
G. HormoneOptimization
1. Avoidanythingthathurtshormones(bellyfat,sugar,etc.)
2. Hormoneprecursors
3. Bio-identicalhormonereplacement
H. DecreaseInflammation
1. BF4LDiet
2. Omega3fattyacids
3. Sulforaphanes–broccoli
4. Curcumin–curry
5. Carnosol–rosemary
6. Garlic
7. Greentea
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8. Kahweolincoffee
9. Pomegranate
10. Superfoods:maca,cacao,gojiberries
11. NSAIDsbeforeacetaminophen
12. Optimizedoralhygiene,regulardentalcare,electricflosserandtoothbrush
I. BetaAmyloidReducingAgents
1. Sleep–brainwashing
2. VitaminD
3. Curcumin
J. KeepTauProteinsinBrainCells
1. Eliminateriskofbraintrauma
2. Protectyourbrainatallcost
K. BoostBloodFlow
1. Avoidthingsthathurtit
• Stress
• Caffeine
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• Nicotine
• Heart,arterydisease
• Diabetes
• Environmentaltoxins
• Lackofsleep
• Drugoralcoholabuse
2. Dothingsthathelpit
• Stressmanagement(hypnosisandmeditation)
• Water
• Sleep
• Gingko,vinpocetine
• Ginseng,greentea
• Rhodiola
• Arginine
• HBOT,rTMS
L. OptimizeNutrients
1. Anti-inflammatory–omega3s,curcumin
2. Vitamins–B6,B12,Folate(methyltetrahydrofolate),C,D
3. Probioticsforguthealth
4. Bloodflow–gingko,greenteaextract
5. Acetylcholine–huperzineA,bacopa
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6. Antioxidant–NAC,alphalipoicacid
7. Energy–acetyl-l-carnitine,CoQ10,Coconutoil
8. Cellmembranes–PS
9. Stress–ashwagandha,zinc,relora,theanine,magnesiumglycinate,rhodiola
M. WhattoDoNow
1. WhatwasyourbiggesttakeawayfromLesson12?
2. Shareitwithsomeoneandwriteitdown.
3. HowmanyriskfactorsdoyouhavefordevelopingAlzheimer’s?
4. Whatarespecificthingsyoucandotodaytostartdecreasingyourriskforit?
ThispresentationwasoriginallyrecordedasapartofDanielAmen’sonlineBrainFitForLifeCommunityProgram,
wheretherewasanopportunityaskquestionsandaddcomments.InthisDVD-basedcourse,thereisnooptionto
askthepresentersquestions.
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Copyright2017LightUniversity
AllRightsReserved.
Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproducedinanyformwithouttheexpressedwritten
permissionofLightUniversityortheAmericanAssociationofChristianCounselors.
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