Should You Ask Your Neurologist

  Yes, you should ask your neurologist! Ask yourself is sleep, melatonin, and neurologic disorders are linked?  

Yes, they are linked by having low melatonin, low sleep (poor sleep), and neurological symptoms that have to worsen over time, according to research. Did you know that melatonin is a hormone that our pineal gland produces in the brain? The dark promotes the bloodstream. On the other hand, light stops this process. You got it! Get more sleep! This is the way melatonin synchronizes the sleep and awake pattern (night, day).

Studies say that decrease melatonin levels may heighten the chances of seizures in patients who have epilepsy and affect cognition in people with Alzheimer’s. This doesn’t exclude symptoms related to migraine, stroke, autism, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and attention deficit- hyperactivity disorder.

In addition, there have been animal studies and a few human studies that suggest that melatonin may aid in the protection of cells and DNA from damage to free radicals-which is unstable molecules produced as a by-product of metabolism or by exposure to toxins such as tobacco smoke. Melatonin can help lower inflammation in the brain after damage from stroke or other traumatic brain injuries. Recent studies indicate that melatonin may reduce amyloid levels, which contribute to Alzheimer’s.

*More research is needed to clarify these findings. Also to find and determine if there is any therapeutic benefit to humans.

Recent studies suggest melatonin improves sleep in children and adults with epilepsy and autism. Ask your doctor if melatonin is right for you.

Tips to sleep better:

• Set  schedule- keep same time-avoid napping

• Create an environment for sleep- dark room, cozy etc

• Limit caffeine and alcohol

• Use light wisely

• Be physical active

• Rule out other health issues

• Review your mediations-some antidepressants interfere

• Consider cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Join support group

Learn How To Sharpen The Memory With These Powerful Methods

 Learn How To Sharpen The Memory With These Powerful Methods

What is memory?

Memory applies to the process that is used to store, return, and then later retrieve information. There are 3 processes that are majorly involved in the memory process: encoding, storage, and retrieval.

Human Memory

Human Memory is able to preserve and recover information we have learned or experienced.

Memory Problems

Memory obstacles can span from minor irritation like forgetting car keys to having the major disease. Alzheimer's other dementia that will affect memory long term and affect the ability to function.

How are memories formed?

Memories are formed by encoding. Encoding is receiving or registering stimuli through one or more of the senses and then must be modified. Then information must be stored for later use. The retrieval process ables us to transport memories into our conscious awareness.

Factors to Powerful Sharpened Memory 

• 1. Have someone read out a list of words and you must repeat them (most of the time no one can remember or recall all of the words or list them in order). When someone recalls some words in the beginning, some in the middle and a couple at the end this process is called primacy (words in the beginning, (recency) words at the end. To remember words in order the person must use mnemonic techniques. 

Examples of mnemonic techniques

• Blue

• Orange

• Yellow

• Now

• Oval

• Mom

• Rages

• Ears 

• Apricot

• Pencil

• Paper

• Elephant

• Snail 

• 2. Reciting words is very effective to recall words

• 3. You need a healthy lifestyle, diet and attitude to help sharpen your memory. 

• Don't skip meals

• Eat healthy (veggies and protein filled foods full of antioxidants, vitamin C and E)

• Cut out caffeine and alcohol 

• Have lots of omega 3’s (fish oils; helps to gain new communication barriers in the brain neurons)

This helps the brain to function at its most powerful point!

• 4. Stress reduction - people who are stressed produce lots of hormones called cortisol. This damages the brain cells. 

• Try relaxing like yoga, reading, swimming, or something relaxing 

• Get sleep

• Poor memory can be a sign of low self-image, boost your self-esteem

• Cardio is important (you need a healthy heart to pump the blood to your brain)

• Doing exercises that will get the heart pumping, oxygenated blood to the brain is key. Basketball, running, walking or any sport that can make your heartbeat a little faster. This also lowers blood pressure decreasing the chance for stroke etc

Post memory activity links see happyneuron.com