Amen Clinics' Change Your Brain,

Change Your Life

P.O. Box 739 • Forest, VA 24551 • 1-800-526-8673 • www.AACC.net Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

Welcome to Light University and the “Amen Clinics' Change Your Brain, Change Your Life” program of study.

Our prayer is that you will be blessed by your studies and increase your effectiveness in reaching out to others. We believe you will find this program to be academically sound, clinically excellent and biblically-based.

Our faculty represents some of the best in their field – including professors, counselors and ministers who provide students with current, practical instruction relevant to the needs of today’s generations.

We have also worked hard to provide you with a program that is convenient and flexible – giving you the advantage of “classroom instruction” on DVD and allowing you to complete your training on your own time and schedule in the comfort of your home or office.

The test material can be found at www.lightuniversity.com and may be taken open book. Once you have successfully completed the test, which covers the units within this course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion signifying you have completed this program of study.

Thank you for your interest in this program of study. Our prayer is that you will grow in knowledge, discernment, and people-skills throughout this course of study.

Sincerely,

Ron Hawkins Dean, Light University

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The American Association of Christian Counselors

• Represents the largest organized membership of Christian counselors and caregivers in the world, having just celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016.

• Known for its top-tier publications (Christian Counseling Today, the Christian Counseling Connection and Christian Coaching Today), professional credentialing opportunities offered through the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC), excellence in Christian counseling education, an array of broad-based conferences and live training events, radio programs, regulatory and advocacy efforts on behalf of Christian professionals, a peer-reviewed Ethics Code, and collaborative partnerships such as Compassion International, Timberline Knolls, and Road to Freedom (to name a few), the AACC has become the face of Christian counseling today.

• With the needed vision and practical support necessary, the AACC helped launch the International Christian Coaching Association (ICCA) in 2011, which now represents the largest Christian life coaching organization in the world with over 2,000 members and growing.

Our Mission

The AACC is committed to assisting all Christian counselors, the entire “community of care,” from licensed professionals, to pastors, to lay church members with little or no formal training. It is our intention to equip clinical, pastoral, and lay caregivers with biblical truth and psychosocial insights that minister to hurting persons and helps them move to personal wholeness, interpersonal competence, mental stability, and spiritual maturity.

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Our Vision

The AACC’s vision has two critical dimensions: First, we desire to serve the worldwide Christian Church by helping foster maturity in Christ. Secondly, we aim to serve, educate, and equip 1,000,000 professional clinicians, pastoral counselors, and lay helpers throughout the next decade.

We are committed to helping the Church equip God’s people to love and care for one another. We recognize Christian counseling as a unique form of Christian discipleship, assisting the church in its call to bring believers to maturity in the lifelong process of sanctification—of growing to maturity in Christ and experiencing abundant life.

We recognize some are gifted to do so in the context of a clinical, professional and/or pastoral manner. We also believe selected lay people are called to care for others and that they need the appropriate training and mentoring to do so. We believe the role of the helping ministry in the Church must be supported by three strong cords: the pastor, the lay helper, and the clinical professional. It is to these three roles that the AACC is dedicated to serve (Ephesians 4: 11-13).

Our Core Values

In the name of Christ, the American Association of Christian Counselors abides by the following values:

VALUE 1: OUR SOURCE We are committed to honor Jesus Christ and glorify God, remaining flexible and responsive to the Holy Spirit in all that He has called us to be and do.

VALUE 2: OUR STRENGTH We are committed to biblical truths, and to clinical excellence and unity in the delivery of all our resources, services, training and benefits.

VALUE 3: OUR SERVICE We are committed to effectively and competently serve the community of care worldwide— both our membership and the church at large—with excellence and timeliness, and by over- delivery on our promises.

VALUE 4: OUR STAFF We are committed to value and invest in our people as partners in our mission to help others effectively provide Christ-centered counseling and soul care for hurting people.

VALUE 5: OUR STEWARDSHIP We are committed to profitably steward the resources God gives to us in order to continue serving the needs of hurting people.

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Light University

I. Established in 1999 under the leadership of Dr. Tim Clinton—has now seen nearly 200,000 students from around the world (including lay caregivers, pastors and chaplains, crisis responders, life coaches, and licensed mental health practitioners) enroll in courses that are delivered via multiple formats (live conference and webinar presentations, video-based certification training, and a state-of-the art online distance teaching platform).

II. These presentations, courses, and certificate and diploma programs, offer one of the most comprehensive orientations to Christian counseling anywhere. The strength of Light University is partially determined by its world-class faculty—over 150 of the leading Christian educators, authors, mental health clinicians and life coaching experts in the United States. This core group of faculty members represents a literal “Who’s Who” in Christian counseling. No other university in the world has pulled together such a diverse and comprehensive group of professionals.

III. Educational and training materials cover over 40 relevant core areas in Christian— counseling, life coaching, mediation, and crisis response—equipping competent caregivers and ministry leaders who are making a difference in their churches, communities, and organizations.

Our Mission Statement

To train one million Biblical Counselors, Christian Life Coaches, and Christian Crisis Responders by educating, equipping, and serving today’s Christian leaders.

Academically Sound • Clinically Excellent • Distinctively Christian

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Video-based Curriculum

• Utilizes DVD presentations that incorporate over 150 of the leading Christian educators, authors, mental health clinicians, and life coaching experts in the United States.

• Each presentation is approximately 50-60 minutes in length and most are accompanied by a corresponding text (in outline format) and a 10-question examination to measure learning outcomes. There are nearly 1,000 unique presentations that are available and organized in various course offerings.

• Learning is self-directed and pacing is determined according to the individual time parameters/schedule of each participant.

• With the successful completion of each program course, participants receive an official Certificate of Completion. In addition to the normal Certificate of Completion that each participant receives, Regular and Advanced Diplomas in Biblical Counseling are also available.

Ø The Regular Diploma is awarded by taking Caring For People God’s Way, Breaking Free and one additional Elective among the available Core Courses.

Ø The Advanced Diploma is awarded by taking Caring For People God’s Way, Breaking Free, and any three Electives among the available Core Courses.

Credentialing

• Light University courses, programs, certificates and diplomas are recognized and endorsed by the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC) and its three affiliate Boards: the Board of Christian Professional & Pastoral Counselors (BCPPC); the Board of Christian Life Coaching (BCLC); and the Board of Christian Crisis & Trauma Response (BCCTR).

• Credentialing is a separate process from certificate or diploma completion. However, the IBCC accepts Light University and Light University Online programs as meeting the academic requirements for credentialing purposes. Graduates are eligible to apply for credentialing in most cases.

Ø Credentialing involves an application, attestation, and personal references.

Ø Credential renewals include Continuing Education requirements, re-attestation, and occur either annually or biennially depending on the specific Board.

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Online Testing

The URL for taking all quizzes for this course is: http://www.lightuniversity.com/my-account/.

• TO LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT

Ø You should have received an email upon checkout that included your username, password, and a link to login to your account online.

• MY DASHBOARD PAGE

Ø Once registered, you will see the My DVD Course Dashboard link by placing your mouse pointer over the My Account menu in the top bar of the website. This page will include student PROFILE information and the REGISTERED COURSES for which you are registered. The LOG-OUT and MY DASHBOARD tabs will be in the top right of each screen. Clicking on the > next to the course will take you to the course page containing the quizzes.

• QUIZZES

Ø Simply click on the first quiz to begin.

• PRINT CERTIFICATE

After all quizzes are successfully completed, a “Print Your Certificate” button will appear near the top of the course page. You will now be able to print out a Certificate of Completion. Your name and the course information are pre-populated.

Continuing Education

The AACC is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to offer continuing education for psychologists. The AACC is a co-sponsor of this training curriculum and a National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM). The AACC may award NBCC approved clock hours for events or programs that meet NBCC requirements. The AACC maintains responsibility for the content of this training curriculum. The AACC also offers continuing education credit for play therapists through the Association for Play Therapy (APT Approved Provider #14-373), so long as the training element is specifically applicable to the practice of play therapy.

It remains the responsibility of each individual to be aware of his/her state licensure and Continuing Education requirements. A letter certifying participation will be mailed to those individuals who submit a Continuing Education request and have successfully completed all course requirements.

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Presenter for Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

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Presenter Biography

Daniel Amen, M.D., is a physician; double board certified psychiatrist, teacher and five-time New York Times bestselling author. He is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on applying brain imaging science to everyday clinical practice. Dr. Amen is the Founder of 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 of functional brain scans relating to behavior, totaling 73,000 scans on patients from 90 countries. Dr. Amen is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and he is the lead researcher on the world’s largest brain imaging and rehabilitation study on professional football players. Along with Pastor Rick Warren and Drs. Mark Hyman and Mehmet Oz, Dr. Amen is one of the chief architects on Saddleback Church’s “Daniel Plan,” a 52-week program to foster health through religious organizations. The Daniel Plan is now being exported around the world to help churches, synagogues and all religious people become healthy.

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PRODUCTION NOTE

The videotaped segments for this course are drawn from another course taught by Dr. Daniel Amen for his online Brain Fit For Life Community. As such, you may hear certain phrases or words from time-to-time (e.g., post, community, “leave comments and questions below”, etc.) that specifically pertain to the online formatted courses and not this DVD-based course. The views and opinions in this course are solely that of the presenter and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by the AACC.

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Amen Clinics' Change Your Brain, Change Your Life Table of Contents:

CYB 101: 12 Principles to Change Your Brain and Everything in Your Life ...... 12

CYB 102: The Amen Clinics Method ...... 28

CYB 103: Limbic System: Looking Into Love and Depression ...... 44

CYB 104: Basal Ganglia: Looking Into Anxiety and Fear ...... 57

CYB 105: Prefrontal Cortex and Cerebellum: Looking Into Attention and Impulsivity ...... 67

CYB 106: Anterior Cingulate Gyrus: Looking Into Worry and Obsessiveness ...... 76

CYB 107: Temporal Lobes: Looking Into Memory, Temper, and Mysticism ...... 83

CYB 108: Subtyping ADD, Anxiety, Depression, Addictions, and Obesity ...... 92

CYB 109: The Brain in Relationships ...... 100

CYB 110: Brain Healthy Nutrition and the Brain Gut Connection ...... 118

CYB 111: Natural Ways to Heal the Brain ...... 156

CYB 112: Amen Clinics Alzheimer’s Risk Reduction Program ...... 174

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CYB 101:

12 Principles to Change Your Brain and Everything in Your Life

Daniel Amen, M.D.

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Summary Having a healthy brain is critical to having a healthy life, yet so often people do not take care of 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 idea of brain SPECT imaging. He also shares his personal journey and how that has impacted his current passion for brain health. He also discusses 12 principles to change your life by changing your brain. You are not stuck with the brain you have – you can change your brain and change your life!

Learning Objectives 1. Participants will discover how brain scans can be used in psychiatry 2. Participants will ascertain how Daniel Amen’s past led him to where he is today 3. Participants will evaluate 12 important principles to change the brain

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I. Course Introduction A. Course Outline 1. My journey and 12 principles to change your brain and everything in your life

2. The Amen clinics method

3. Limbic system: Looking into love and depression – feeling better fast

4. Basal ganglia: Looking into anxiety and fear – stop feeling nervous now

5. Prefrontal cortex and cerebellum: Looking into attention and impulsivity – achieving total focus

6. Anterior cingulate gyrus: Looking into worry and obsessiveness – getting unstuck

7. Temporal lobes: looking into memory, temper and mysticism – boosting memory, learning and temper control

8. Subtyping ADD, anxiety, depression, addictions and obesity

9. The brain in relationships

10. Brain healthy nutrition, brain gut connection

11. Natural ways to heal the brain

12. The Amen clinics Alzheimer’s risk reduction program

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B. World’s Largest Database of Brain Scans 1. Six Clinics

2. More than 100,000 SPECT studies on patients from 111 countries

3. Collaborations with Columbia, NYU, UCLA, Thomas Jefferson, Duke, Johns Hopkins, U/British Columbia and UC Irvine

C. Scientific Publishing 1. 70 peer reviewed SPECT articles • How SPECT changes clinical practice • Amen clinics method improves outcomes • Predicting ADHD treatment response • Suicide, murder • Effects of brain directed nutrients • Brain effects of football concussions • Rehabilitating brain trauma • Brain effects of obesity • Brain effects of meditation and EMDR

2. Over three million books sold, nine New York Times bestsellers

D. Promoting Brain Health 1. National Public Television • Nine PBS specials on the brain/health • Shows aired > 80,000 times • Raised >$55 million dollars for PBS

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2. Education • 12-week high school course on brain health, 42 states, seven countries • College course

3. Transforming Health Through Churches • Co-Creator of Saddleback Church’s “Daniel Plan,” with Pastor Rick Warren, Mehmet Oz and Mark Hyman • The Daniel Plan is being done by thousands of churches around the world

4. Brain Health in Addiction Treatment • Planted brain health and/or brain imaging into drug treatment centers, including Salvation Army ARC Anaheim, Beacon House, Sierra Tucson in AZ, and Hanley Center in FL

5. Brian Health in Business • Part of Franklin Covey’s Productivity Solution Bringing Health to Businesses

6. Brain Health Community • Brain Fit for Life

7. Brain Health Nutraceuticals • Products to support overall brain health, memory, mood, sleep, relaxation, focus, craving control

8. Change Your Brain, Change your Life 501(C)(3) Foundation • Educate • Research • Service

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E. Amen Clinics: A Trusted Resource 1. Clinics have treated • Hundreds of physicians • Nobel laureates • Political figures • Over 150 NFL players, “Hall of Fame” athletes • Pulitzer Prize writers • Oscar winning actors • Legendary musicians • Religious leaders

2. Over 5,000 medical and mental health professionals have referred patients

3. Many of their own family members

4. 38% of our patients are referred by our patients or their family or friends

II. Daniel Amen’s Journey A. Early Life 1. Middle of seven children

2. Called “Maverick”

B. 1972 1. Drafted as an infantry medic

2. Retrained as an x-ray technician

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C. 1979 1. Wife attempted suicide

2. Fell in love with psychiatry because it has the potential to change generations of people

D. 1991 1. Brain SPECT imaging

2. Psychiatry

3. Revolution

E. 1992 1. All day conference on SPECT in psychiatry

2. Researchers complain that scans are only for research

F. The Importance of Imaging 1. Psychiatrists are the only medical specialists who rarely look at the organ they treat • Cardiologists look • Neurologists look • Orthopedists look • All other specialties look • Psychiatrists guess

2. There is a reason why most psychiatric medications have “black box” warnings

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3. Throwing darts in the dark

4. The current model does not work very well! Outcomes in psychiatry have not improved in decades • Insel, NIMH, “The unfortunate reality is that current medications help too few people to get better and very few people to get well.” • Antidepressants effect similar to placebo • Antipsychotics and stimulants have the same effectiveness as those used in 1954

5. Symptom clusters will never be able to tell if the brain is toxic!

G. Early Lessons from Imaging 1. ADHD

2. Anxiety

3. Depression

4. Addictions

5. Autism

6. NOT single or simple disorders

7. All have multiple types

8. Mild traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of psychiatric illnesses

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9. Undiagnosed brain injuries are a major cause of: • Homelessness • Drug and alcohol abuse • Depression • Panic attacks • ADHD • Suicide

10. SPECT is one of the best studies for Traumatic Brain Injury

11. Judges and defense attorneys sought help to understand criminal behavior

12. Over 500 convicted felons, including 90 murderers

13. People who do bad things often have troubled brains

14. Many of these brains could be rehabilitated

Radical Idea: What if we evaluated and treated troubled brains rather than simply warehousing them in toxic, stressful environments?

“A society should be judged not by how it treats its outstanding citizens, but by how it treats its criminals.” – Fyodor Dostoevsky

15. Imaging decreases stigma • See problems as medical, not moral • Decreases shame and guilt • Increases forgiveness and compassion from families • We have nothing else in psychiatry that is this powerful and immediate

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H. Imaging Completely Changes the Discussion Around Mental Health 1. No one wants to see a psychiatrist

2. No one wants to be labeled as abnormal

3. But all of us want a better brain

4. What if mental health was really brain health?

5. You are not stuck with the brain you have

III. 12 Principles to Change Your Brain and Life A. Your Brain is Involved in Everything You DO 1. How you • Think • Feel • Act • Interact

2. It is an organ of • Judgment • Personality • Intelligence • Decisions

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B. When Your brain Works Right – You Work Right 1. When your brain has trouble, you have trouble in your life

2. Healthy brain • Happier • Healthier • Wealthier • More successful

3. Unhealthy • Sadder • Sicker • Poorer • Less successful

C. The Brain is the Most Amazing, Energy Hungry Organ in the Universe 1. 100 billion neurons, trillion supporting cells

2. More connections than stars in universe

3. 2% of body’s weight, uses 20-30% of kcals

4. 20% of oxygen and blood flow

5. A piece of brain tissue the size of a grain of sand has 100,000 neurons and a billion connections talking to one another

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D. Brain is Very Soft, Housed in a Hard Skull 1. Brain is very soft • Consistency of soft butter, tofu, custard or between an egg white and gelatin

2. Skull is really hard • Many sharp ridges

3. Brain injuries matter

4. Hidden trauma linked to • Alcoholism and drug abuse • Homelessness • Dementia • Depression, anxiety attacks and suicide • Learning problems • How would you ever know unless you looked?

5. The case of Phineas Gage

6. Unrecognized and forgotten brain injuries

E. Many Things Hurt the Brain 1. Poor decisions

2. Brain injuries

3. Drugs and alcohol

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4. Obesity

5. Inactivity

6. Poor diet

7. Insomnia/apnea

8. Nicotine/high caffeine

9. Diabetes

10. Hypertension

11. Abnormal labs

12. Chronic stress

13. Environmental toxins or infections

14. Depression, ADD

15. Unhealthy peer group

16. Not knowing your own brain’s vulnerability

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F. Many Things Help the Brain 1. Appropriate anxiety

2. Sustained self-control

3. New learning daily

4. Exercise – weights, walking, waltzes

5. Great nutrition – low glycemic, high fiber and healthy fat

6. Healthy weight – not too high or low

7. Healthy friends

8. Sleep – 7-8 hours

9. ANT-free thinking

10. Meditation

11. Supplements – Multivitamins, Omega 3s, vitamin D, brain nutrients

12. Knowing your own brain health

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G. Certain Brain Systems are Involved with Certain Behaviors 1. Prefrontal cortex

2. Temporal lobes

3. Parietal lobes

4. Occipital lobes

5. Cerebellum

6. Problems in brain systems tend to cause specific problems

H. Brain Imaging Gives Many Powerful Insights Not Available through Symptoms 1. How do you know unless you look?

2. Never look in isolation

I. One Size Does Not Fit Everyone 1. Most problems, such as obesity, ADD, or depression, are not single or simple disorders

J. Brain Aging is Optional: Boost Your Brain’s Reserve 1. Your behavior accelerates or decelerates brain aging

2. Brain activity decreases over time

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K. You Are Not Stuck with the Brain You Have 1. You can make it better, even if you’ve been bad to it

2. From failure to success

3. Change your brain, literally change your life

L. Get It, Give It Away, Keep It Forever, Change the World

M. What To Do Now 1. What was your biggest take-away from lesson 1?

2. Share it with someone and write it down

3. Give the program away to another person to create your own support group

This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen’s online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

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CYB 102:

The Amen Clinics Method

Daniel Amen, M.D.

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Summary There are not “one-size-fits-all” treatments for brain injuries. To really understand what needs to be done to help the brain, it is important to look at scans that will pinpoint exactly where the 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 consideration when evaluating brain issues. There are ways to increase brain health within each of these four circles. Yet some things can only be seen on brain scans, so this presentation also goes over several common patterns that can be seen in the brain with SPECT scans.

Learning Objectives 1. Participants will assess the four circles of brain health 2. Participants will recognize and understand common brain patterns 3. Participants will explore treatment recommendations for specific types of brain issues

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I. The Amen Clinics Method A. Purpose 1. To alleviate suffering and optimize brain function

2. Whether struggles are symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood cycles, autism, TBI, addictions, weight or memory problems

3. Developed > 24 years on 100,000 patients from 111 countries

4. Used currently in six clinics, which see over 4,000 patients per month

5. It is critical to know why this method is so important at this point in time.

B. Not Looking at the Brain Hurts Psychiatry, Patients, and Families 1. Symptom based diagnoses are misleading – there are many roads to depression, symptoms tell nothing of underlying physiology, physicians often make mistakes by calming underactive brains or stimulating overactive ones

2. Lead to one-size-fits-all treatments – which often fail

3. No understanding of illness subtypes – all with multiple subtypes

4. Often completely miss TBI, toxicity or infections – often the primary cause of psychiatric symptoms

5. Misses that some psychiatric medications are toxic

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6. Marital problems mislabeled as psychological – when they may be brain related – marital therapists have no training in neuroscience

7. Miss a huge opportunity to decrease stigma and increase compliance – and create brain envy for patients, families and health care professionals

C. Not Looking at the Brain Hurts Society 1. Organizations like NFL/NHL remained in denial for decades about long-term effects of TBI – functional brain imaging tools changed everything

2. Military personnel with TBI are often left without appropriate help and hope – how do you know if a TBI was a significant unless you actually look at brain function?

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 can occur

4. Violent behavior never truly rehabilitated as people are only judged morally, and not treated medically – like doing software programming on people who have hardware problems

D. Ineffective Treatment is Very Expensive! 1. Underachievement, demoralization – Not living up to your potential is costly and decreases tax revenue!

2. School failure – multiple failed college attempts is costly!

3. Job failure – multiple job changes, absenteeism, being fired is expensive!

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4. Relationship problems – divorce is very expensive!

5. Legal problems – lawyers are expensive!

6. Failed therapy attempts

7. Multiple failed medication trails with side effects

8. Residential treatment can cost ~$100,000 a year for troubled teens

9. 28 day drug treatment is ~$20-80,000 per month

10. Psychiatric hospital stays are often over $2,000 a day

II. There Is a Better Way A. Amen Clinic Method Helps to: 1. See the underlying physiology in individual patients

2. See all psychiatric illnesses have multiple types

3. See traumatic brain injuries, toxins, infections

4. See many current meds can be toxic to the brain

5. Prevent mistakes, such as stimulating an overactive brain or calming one that is underactive, or missing toxicity or space occupying lesion.

6. Decrease stigma

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7. Patients and families see problem as medical, not moral

8. Dramatically decreases shame, guilt, self-loathing and anger

9. Increase forgiveness and compassion

10. Increase brain envy and compliance

11. We have nothing else in psychiatry that is this powerful or immediate

B. Assess the Four Circles of Brain Health 1. Biological • Brain health • Physical health • Nutrition • Exercise • Sleep • Hydration • Hormones • Blood sugar level • Supplements • Medication • Genetics (Family history) • Trauma/injuries • Allergies • Toxins (Environment: mold, drugs, excessive caffeine, alcohol, smoking) • Infections • Physical illness

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2. Psychological • Self-talk • Self-concept • Body image • Upbringing • Development • Past emotional trauma • Past successes • Past failures • Sense of worth • Sense of power or control • Generational histories and issues (i.e., immigrants, survivors of trauma, children, or grandchildren of alcoholics) • Grief/loss • Hope

3. Social • Quality of Current Environment • Sense of connection to family, friends, and community • Work, school • Relationships • Stresses • Health • Finances • Current successes or failures • Information • Health habits of friends and family

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4. Spiritual • Sense of meaning and purpose • Why does my life matter? • Values • Morality • Who am I accountable to? • Connection to past generations • Connection to future generations • Connection to planet • Connection to higher power

C. Brain SPECT Imaging 1. SPECT measures cerebral blood flow –healthy, low, or high in activity

2. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

3. Measures brain blood flow – see areas that work well, low, and high

4. Evaluates living brain tissue

5. 3D SPECT is younger than MRI, PET, and QEEG

6. Cost effective – SPECT cameras in all major hospitals around the globe

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D. 10 Ways SPECT Imaging Will Change Everything You Do 1. You will develop brain envy.

2. You will be more careful with psychotropic medications.

3. You won’t let your kids play tackle football.

4. If they do play, you will work hard to rehabilitate their brains.

5. You will take sleep apnea seriously.

6. You will take your weight more seriously. Don’t be a dinosaur!

7. Stop thinking in DSM terms only and more in brain system pathology.

8. Think about the early detection and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

9. You will be more cautious in handing our personality disorder diagnoses.

10. You’ll start thinking outside the box! • HBOT • Supplements • Weight Control • Transcranial magnetic stimulation • Etc.

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III. Comment SPECT Patterns That Inform Decision Making in Psychiatry A. Scalloping/Overall Decreased Perfusion 1. Symptoms • Toxicity (drugs or alcohol) • Chemotherapy • Environmental toxins • CO poisoning • Anoxia • Infection • Hypothyroidism • Severe anemia

2. Interventions • Stop the toxin, treat the infection! • Brain rehab program

B. Overall Increased Perfusion 1. Symptoms • Bipolar disorder/mania • Inflammatory process, i.e., SLE • ADHD that is typically made worse by stimulants

2. Interventions • Work up potential inflammation, such as SLE or food allergies • Calming interventions, such as anticonvulsants

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C. Traumatic Brain Injury 1. Symptoms • Focal deficits • Prefrontal cortex flattening • Decrease temporal pores • Contra-coup sites • Crossed cerebellar diaschisis

2. Interventions • Brain rehab program • Do the right things!

D. Hyperfrontality 1. Symptoms • OCD spectrum • Autistic spectrum • Gets stuck, worried, rigid, inflexible • Over-focused anxiety or depression

2. Interventions • Calming interventions • Increase serotonin • SSRIs

E. Hypofrontality 1. Symptoms • ADHD

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• Schizophrenia • TBI • Predicts relapse in alcoholics • Some forms of depression

2. Interventions • Stimulants if ADHD • Stimulating antipsychotics if psychotic • Stimulating antidepressants if depressed • Brain rehab if needed

F. Temporal Lobe Hypoperfusion 1. Symptoms • TLE • Dyslexia • Mood instability • Intermittent Explosive Disorder • Memory Problems

2. Interventions • Anticonvulsants if irritable, mood instability or anxious • Memory enhancing medications or supplements if memory problems present

G. SPECT Aids in Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Abusers1 1. Break denial

2. Increase compliance – “brain envy”

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3. Help understand co-morbidity (44% TBI at ST)

4. Follow treatment

5. Education and prevention

IV. Does SPECT Change Clinical Practice? A. Amen Clinics Research 1. Amen, D.G., et al. J of Psychoactive Drugs 2012

2. SPECT changed diagnosis and/or treatment 79%

3. 22% unexpected brain injury

4. 22% unexpected toxicity

5. 10% need for structural imaging

6. 60% new targets for medication/supplements

B. Consistent with University of Washington Research in Dementia 1. Borhesani et al., Journal of American Geriatric Society 2010

2. Helpful > 80%

3. “Useful even if it only confirmed the diagnosis.”

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4. Seeing disease process increased diagnostic confidence

5. “Images have a special resonance for patients/families, grounding symptoms in observable brain changes.”

C. Targeted Lab Studies and Genetics 1. CBC

2. General Metabolic Panel

3. Thyroid Function

4. CRP, Homocysteine

5. Lipid panel with fractionation

6. Vitamin D level

7. Fasting blood glucose, HgA1c

8. Ferritin

9. DHEA, Testosterone

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D. Treatment Targeted to Your Brain 1. All lead to better outcomes

2. Brain healthy habits to boost reserve and resilience

3. Always protect your brain’s reserve

E. Amen Clinics Method Improves Outcomes 1. Amen Clinics (2013)

2. 500 consecutive patients

3. Our patients have 4.2 diagnoses

4. Failed 3.3 prior providers and 5 medications

5. 75% significantly improved, 84% if we treat them

6. Quality of Life Inventory significantly increased in 85%

7. Cleveland Clinic QOLI in <50%

F. Consistent with Creighton University Study Presented at APA 1993 1. 100 hospitalized bipolar teens

2. 50 scanned day of admission

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3. 50 never scanned

4. Average length of stay in “never scanned” group was 44 days

5. Average length of stay in “SPECT” group was 17 days

6. Average cost savings of ~$15,000 per patient

G. What to Do Now 1. What was your biggest take away from Lesson 2?

2. Share it with someone and write it down

3. What are you doing to hurt your brain reserve?

4. What are you doing to help your brain reserve?

5. Get your important numbers checked

1Amen, D.G. (2010). High resolution brain SPECT imaging in a clinical substance abuse practice, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 24(2).

This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen’s online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

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CYB 103:

Limbic System: Looking into Love and Depression

Daniel Amen, M.D.

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Summary Thoughts and feelings can control us if we are not careful. Or, with intentionality and care, we can control our thoughts and feelings. In this presentation, Dr. Daniel Amen describes the role of the limbic system and discusses the various categories of automatic negative thoughts that can steal our joy. There are a number of ways to “kill the ANTs” and enhance your life. Dr. Amen describes techniques and research-based strategies to overcome negative thinking and combat the lies that prevent you from starting your journey to a healthy brain and a healthy life.

Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will analyze the role of the deep limbic system in thoughts and feelings 2. Participants will discover the different species of ANTs and ways to fight them 3. Participants will explore research pertaining to the power of gratitude and appreciation

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I. Deep Limbic System A. Emotional Centers 1. Medial thalamus

2. Amygdala

3. Hippocampus

4. Hypothalamus

5. Inferior orbital PFC

6. Anterior cingulate

B. Thalamus 1. Integrates/gates sensory information

2. Sets emotional tone

3. Bonding

4. Charged memories

5. Sense of smell

6. Libido

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C. Problems 1. Sad, moody

2. Negative thoughts

3. Low motivation

4. Social isolation

5. Loss of libido

6. Pain

D. Some Conditions Affecting the Thalamus/Deep Limbic Area 1. Too low • Decreased reactiveness

2. Too high • Depression • Cyclic mood changes • Pain • Sensory Overload

3. Bonding

4. Depression

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E. Deep Limbic Help 1. Exercise

2. Feeding the ANT-eater

3. Healing scents (lavender)

4. Getting along better with others

5. Fish oil

6. Antidepressants meds or stimulants

F. Apostle Paul as First Cognitive Therapist, Mind Coach 1. Focus on the good in your life

2. Think on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good, excellent, worthy of praise – let your mind dwell on these things (Philippians 4:8)

II. Kill the ANTs that Steal Your Happiness and Make You Fat, Depressed, and Feeble Minded A. ANT = Automatic Negative Thoughts 1. Every time you have a thought your brain releases chemicals

2. Every bad thought releases chemicals that make you feel bad

3. Every good thought releases chemicals that make you feel good

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4. Thoughts are automatic

5. Thoughts are based on complex chemical reactions and memories

6. They are often erroneous

7. You do not have to believe every thought you have – often they lie to you

8. You have to take control

B. Nine ANT Species 1. Always thinking

2. Mind reading

3. Blame

4. Focus on negative

5. Fortune telling

6. Thinking with feelings

7. Guilt beating

8. Labeling

9. All or none

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C. ANT Killing Exercise 1. Whenever you feel sad, mad, nervous, or out of control

2. Write down your ANTs

3. Label them

4. Talk back to them

5. Don’t believe every stupid thought you have

6. ANT killing is a big part of getting well

7. Best brain foods • Avocados • Apples • Berries • Beans • Broccoli • Cauliflower • Cherries • Coconuts • Oranges • Olives/Olive oil • Red peppers • Salmon • Spinach • Green Tea • Tomatoes • Walnuts

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8. Triple Column: Write down the thought, identify the type of ant, and then talk back to it

9. The Four Questions • Is it true? • Can I absolutely know that it is true? • How do I feel when I have this thought? • Who would I be without the thought? • Turn the thought around. Is the turnaround true or even truer than the original thought?

10. Examples • I can never lose the weight. • Doctor killed grandpa. • I don’t want to fire the employee. • I am not a good mother. • I’m evil. • I’m fractured. • My partner will leave me. • I should have saved him.

D. The Little Lies that Drive Aging and Illness 1. My memory is not good; that is normal.

2. My family gets Alzheimer’s; it is in my genes.

3. Everything in moderation

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4. “I don’t want to deprive myself.” • Doesn’t eating bad food deprive you of your health, your most precious resource? • What is worth more? Energy, a trim waistline, health; or, the mountain of fries, sodas, cakes, cookies, and the like you have consumed over the last decade?

5. “I can’t eat healthy because I travel.” • It just takes a little forethought and planning.

6. “My whole family is overweight, it is in my genes.” • One of the biggest lies. Genes account for only about 20-30% of your health. • The vast majority of health problems are driven by bad decisions people make. • Genes may say you are likely to be fat, but you don’t have to make the decisions that make it likely to happen.

7. “I can’t afford to get healthy.” • Being sick is always more expensive than getting healthy.

8. “I can’t find the time to work out.” • With a sharper mind, you will actually save time if you work out.

9. “It’s Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.” • There is always an excuse to hurt yourself. • When you stop believing every thought you have, the quality of your decisions and your health will go way up.

10. I’ll start tomorrow.

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11. They only serve bad food at work.

12. Good food is expensive.

13. Rather get Alzheimer’s disease, cancer or diabetes than get rid of sugar.

III. Research Findings A. Cognitive Therapy (ANT Therapy) 1. Furmark, Sweden • 18 patients in Celexa vs. “group” CBT vs. wait group for social phobia • After 9 weeks, equal effectiveness for CBT and Celexa, not in wait group • Decreased R>L, in amygdala and hippocampus in responders in both groups

2. Paquette, Canada • 12 patients with “spider phobias” • fMRI • Fear activated right lateral PFC • After CBT, no activation of right lateral PFC

B. Happiness New Research 1. Genetic predisposition

2. Engagement in life

3. Meaningful life

4. The quality of your thoughts

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C. Gratitude Therapy 1. Study of gratitude and fear

2. Fear caused marked deactivation of cerebellum.

3. Fear increases confusion

4. Athletic sump or emotional slump

5. Write down three things you are grateful for.

D. Appreciation 1. Make someone’s day. Change a life. All that is required is to put it into words.

2. More powerful than gratitude

3. External

4. Connects you to others

5. Expands gratitude’s reach.

E. Soul-to-Soul Healing 1. We are relational species.

2. Interpersonal psychotherapy enhances brain function.

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3. Longevity is enhanced with positive relationships

4. Brain problems often interfere with love

F. Scents and Bonding 1. Limbic love

2. Lavender

3. Cinnamon

4. Baby Power

G. Limbic Meds Supplements 1. Mood 1. Mood • Wellbutrin = Low PFC • SAMe • Effexor = Low PFC + AC • 5HTP + SAMe • Cymbalta = Low PFC + AC • 5HTP + SAMe • SSRI = AC • 5HTP

2. Pain 2. Pain • Cymbalta • SAMe • Lyrica • Fish oil • Neurontin

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H. What to Do Now? 1. What was your biggest takeaway from Lesson 3?

2. Share it with someone and write it down.

3. What are you doing to protect your limbic system?

4. Start killing the ANTs and questioning your thoughts.

This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen’s online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

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CYB 104:

Basal Ganglia: Looking Into Anxiety and Fear

Daniel Amen, M.D.

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Summary The Basal Ganglia is significantly involved in anxiety. Many people deal with crippling anxiety and panic, and while a certain amount of anxiety is healthy, when the anxiety becomes overwhelming it can have negative effects on a person’s emotional health. In this presentation, Dr. Amen describes the functions of the Basal Ganglia, some of the problems that can occur, and different treatment strategies. There are natural ways to de-stress your brain without relying on medications to calm you down. This presentation will cover a number of ways to use relaxation techniques to remove stress and anxiety.

Learning Objectives 1. Participants will explore the purpose and function of the Basal Ganglia 2. Participants will identify different treatment strategies for basal ganglia problems 3. Participants will discover relaxation techniques and natural ways to de-stress the brain

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I. Basal Ganglia/Insula A. Movement, Anxiety, Motivation 1. Insula

2. Anterior • Emotional processing

3. Posterior – Auditory and visual processing

4. Nucleus accumbens • Pleasure

5. Putamen • Motor

6. Caudate • Thoughts

B. Basal Ganglia Anxiety Centers 1. Blends feelings and movement

2. Control body’s idle

3. Involved with motivation

4. Helps control smooth movement (like handwriting)

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C. Basal Ganglia Problems 1. Increased • Anxiety, panic • Conflict avoidant • Predicts the worst • Excess motivation

2. Decreased • ADD like symptoms • Decreased motivation • Movement disorders

D. You Need Some Anxiety 1. When anxiety is too low: • Get into trouble • Make bad decisions • More likely to be arrested • Risky behavior

2. Panic

3. PTSD

E. Conditions Affecting the Basal Ganglia 1. Too low • Motor disorders (Personality disorders, Huntington’s, extrapyramidal) • Low motivation • Apathy

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2. Too high • Panic • Generalized anxiety • Somatoform disorders • Tourette’s • Boo syndrome

II. High Basal Ganglia Treatment A. Treatment Overview 1. Relaxation

2. Hypnosis

3. Meditation

4. ANT therapy

5. Balanced diet/fish oil

6. Calming meds or supplements

B. Calming Meds 1. Buspar

2. Benzos

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3. Anti-epileptic meds • Neurontin • Lyrica • Lamictal • Depakote • Dilantin

4. Propranolol

C. Supplements 1. Magnesium

2. Relora

3. Holy Basil

4. B6

5. Theanine

6. GABA

7. Valerian

8. Kava kava

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III. De-Stress Your Brain A. Fight or Flight 1. Sympathetic • Breathing rate increases • Hands get colder (blood flow decreases) • Heart rate increases (becomes less variable) • Blood pressure increases • Blood sugar increases • Muscles become tense

2. Parasympathetic • Breathing slows • Hands become warmer (blood flow increases) • Heart rate slows, more variable • Lower blood pressure • Lower blood sugar • Muscles more relaxed

B. Skills, Not Just Pills 1. Skills Overview • Biofeedback • Diaphragmatic breathing • Hand warming imaging • Heart rate variability • Prayer or meditation • Hypnosis, guided meditation

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2. Discipline Your Breath • Breath with your stomach, not your chest

3. Hand Warming • Puppy • Holding hands • Warm water • Hot tub • Sauna • Beach • Holding partner’s skin • Holding a cup of tea • Warming hands in front of fire • Warm gloves

4. Prayer and Meditation • Andrew Newberg 2001 & 2003 study • Tibetan Buddhists and Franciscan Nuns prayer and meditation • Increased PFC and decreased left parietal lobe • Why Won’t God Go Away

5. SPECT and meditation • Amen Clinics 2009 Study • 11 subjects, 10 experienced meditators • Baseline versus meditation (12 minutes) • Kirtan Kriya … Saa Taa Naa Maa • Results: down – left parietal lobe; up – left and right PFC and right temporal lobe

6. Meditation calms limbic brain

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7. Psychotherapy hypnosis • Maquet, Belgium, PET, increased left hemisphere • Rainville, Canada, PET, increased brain’s attentional system • Faymonville, Belgium, PET, decreased pain and area of brain that feels pain

8. Components of Hypnosis • Natural, all in hypnotic states • Focused relaxation • Focus eyes • Deep breathing • Progressive relaxation • Deepening • Imagery • Individual techniques

C. What to Do Now 1. What was your biggest take away from Lesson 4?

2. Share it with someone and write it down.

3. What are you doing to help your basal ganglia?

4. Start killing the fortune telling ANTs.

5. Do a simple meditation daily.

6. Listen to a hypnosis audio.

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This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen’s online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

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CYB 105:

Prefrontal Cortex and Cerebellum: Looking into Attention and Impulsivity

Daniel Amen, M.D.

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Summary The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the brain’s supervisor, and as such, it plays an important role in everything people do. When activity in the PFC is too low, there are a number of problems that 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 discusses the function of the cerebellum and suggests ways to keep the cerebellum healthy.

Learning Objectives 1. Participants will explore the role of the PFC 2. Participants will identify common problems and discover treatment options 3. Participants will discuss the function of the cerebellum in brain health

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I. Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) A. The Supervisor 1. Dorsal Lateral PFC • Short term memory

2. Inferior Orbital PFC • Impulse and mood control

B. Prefrontal Cortex Functions “The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it.” – Dudley Moore

1. Focus

2. Forethought

3. Impulse control

4. Organization

5. Planning

6. Judgment

7. Empathy

8. Insight and learning from our mistakes

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C. Prefrontal Cortex Problems 1. Short attention span

2. Impulsivity

3. Procrastination

4. Disorganization

5. Poor judgment

6. Lack of empathy and insight

7. Brutal honesty

D. The Prefrontal Cortex Like is Your Boss 1. Good boss (Good PFC) • Supervises • Encourages • Learns from mistakes • Empathy • Moral

2. Bad Boss (low PFC) • Late • Only sees bad • Ignores • Lies and cheats • Impulsive

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E. Conditions Affecting the PFC – Too Low 1. Bad habits – smoking and obesity

2. ADHD

3. Schizophrenia

4. Antisocial PD

5. Brain trauma

6. Frontal temporal dementia

7. Depression

F. PFC Help 1. Goal setting

2. Exercise

3. Diet (more protein)

4. EPA fish oil

5. Brain rehab strategies

6. Stimulating supplements

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7. Stimulating meds

8. Neurofeedback

9. Transcranial magnetic stimulation

10. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment

G. Stimulating Meds 1. Ritalin-Type drugs

2. Adderall

3. Vyvanse

4. Dexedrine

5. Provigil/Nuvigil

6. Strattera

7. Wellbutrin

8. Abilify

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H. Supplements 1. Green tea

2. Rhodiola

3. Ginseng

4. Ashwagandha

5. L-tyrosine

6. Phenylalanine

7. Iron

8. Zinc

I. PFC Exercise – FOCUS 1. Focus is a prefrontal cortex function

2. One Page Miracle • Relationships • School/work • Money • Body • Mind, spirit

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II. Cerebellum: Processing/Integration A. Cerebellum 1. Physical coordination – regulates motor force, rate, rhythm, and modulation

2. Thought coordination – regulates speed, capacity, consistency, appropriateness of cognitive and emotional processes

3. Right – attention and empathy

4. Left – visuospatial and organization

5. Vermis – limbic cerebellum

6. Left hemisphere connected to right frontal lobe and vice versa

B. Cerebellar Problems 1. Coordination problems

2. Slowed walking, thinking, speech

3. Disorganization

4. Left hemisphere – visuospatial issues

5. Right hemisphere – language/memory

6. Anterior – sensory and motor issues

7. Medial (vermis) – emotional ability, irritability, impulsivity, disinhibition

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C. Cerebellar Help 1. Coordination exercises

2. Juggling

3. Dancing

4. Table tennis

5. Gratitude

6. Stimulants

D. What to Do Now 1. What was your biggest takeaway from Lesson 5?

2. Share it with someone and write it down.

3. What are you doing to protect your PFC?

4. What are you doing to help your cerebellum?

5. Write out your one page miracle.

6. Learn a new coordination exercise.

This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen’s online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

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CYB 106:

Anterior Cingulate Gyrus: Looking into Worry and Obsessiveness

Daniel Amen, M.D.

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Summary When people are constantly worried and obsessive, it is often a result of high activity in the cingulate gyrus. In this presentation, Dr. Amen discusses the function of the cingulate gyrus, along with some of the common problems that can occur when activity is too high or too low. Even though people can get stuck, it is definitely possible to get unstuck and help your brain return to healthy functioning.

Learning Objectives 1. Participants will explore the role of the anterior cingulate in brain health 2. Participants will identify common problems that occur when activity in the anterior cingulate is too high or too low 3. Participants will analyze treatment strategies and natural remedies for anterior cingulate problems

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I. Cingulate Gyrus A. Gear Shifter/Integration 1. Posterior part: Memory integration

2. Anterior dorsal part: Thought shifting

3. Anterior ventral part: Emotional shifting

B. Anterior Cingulate Functions: Gear Shifter 1. Cognitive flexibility

2. Shift attention

3. Go from idea to idea

4. See options

5. Go with the flow

6. Cooperation

7. Error detection

C. Anterior Cingulate Problems 1. Gets stuck

2. Worries

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3. Holds grudges

4. Obsesses

5. Compulsions

6. Addictions

7. Oppositional/argues

8. Sees too many errors

9. The automatic no

10. Road rage

11. OCD/Alcohol

12. Depression

D. Some Conditions Affecting the Anterior Cingulate System 1. Too low • Low motivation • Mutism • Low movement

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2. Too high – gets stuck • Anxiety disorders • PTSD • OCD spectrum

II. Anterior Cingulate Help A. Overview 1. Distraction

2. Options/sovereignty

3. Paradox

4. Exercise

5. Diet (more carbohydrates)

6. DHA fish oil

7. Boost serotonin with meds or supplements.

8. Risperdal and Zyprexa to calm AC and PFC

B. Distraction 1. Don’t argue with someone who’s stuck.

2. Bathroom technique

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C. Options 1. Write out options/solutions when stuck.

2. Serenity Prayer • God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

D. Paradox 1. Avoid the automatic no.

2. Reverse psychology

E. Exercise/Diet 1. High CHOs

2. Exercise to boost dopamine.

F. Serotonin Meds and Supplements 1. Medications • Prozac • Zoloft • Lexapro • Celexa • Paxil • Luvox • Anafranil

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2. Supplements • 5HTP • Inositol • Saffron • B6 • L-tryptophan • St. John’s Wort

G. What to Do Now 1. What was your biggest takeaway from Lesson 6?

2. Share it with someone below and write it below.

3. What are you doing to help your ACG?

4. Whenever you are stuck, write it out, and write out the things you can and cannot do to solve the problem.

This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen's online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

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CYB 107:

Temporal Lobes: Looking into Memory, Temper, and Mysticism

Daniel Amen, M.D.

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Summary Keeping your temper is an important part of maintaining healthy relationships with others, yet this social requirement is exceedingly difficult for those with temporal lobe problems. In this presentation, Dr. Amen describes the functions of the temporal lobe and the common problems that can occur when the temporal lobe is damaged. Yet even after the temporal lobe has been damaged through brain trauma or other means, there are treatment strategies that can help restore functioning. This presentation will discuss those treatment strategies and provide hope for those with temporal lobe damage.

Learning Objectives 1. Participants will discover the location and function of the temporal lobe 2. Participants will evaluate problems and conditions that can occur when the temporal lobe is damaged 3. Participants will discuss the Irlen syndrome and discover how it impacts the brain

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I. Temporal Lobes A. Memory, Mood, Music, and Learning 1. Lateral aspect – auditory

2. Medial aspect – hippocampus/memory, amygdala/emotional reactions

3. Underside – visual processing and facial recognition

B. Temporal Lobe Functions 1. Language usage

2. Memory

3. Mood stability

4. Listening/reading

5. Social cues

6. Rhythm, music

7. Spiritual experience

8. What pathway

C. Temporal Lobe Problems 1. Emotional instability

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2. Memory problems

3. Feelings of panic

4. Aggression

5. Headaches

6. Learning problems

7. Unusual religious/sexual experiences

D. Some Conditions Affecting the Temporal Lobes 1. Too Low • Learning problems • Memory problems • Dementias • Temporal lobe epilepsy • Aggression/Suicidal • Brain trauma

2. Too High • Seizures • Irritability • Panic • Mysticism • Spiritual or religious experiences

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E. Brain Scans 1. Temporal lobe trauma

2. Temporal lobe epilepsy

3. Anger, marital problems

4. Alzheimer’s disease

5. Violence – Kip Kinkel

F. Temporal Lobe Treatment 1. Neurofeedback

2. Balanced diet/fish oil

3. Ketogenic diet for some

4. Meds/supplements for mood stability or memory

5. Anger management

6. Libraries of experience

7. EMDR

8. Music

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G. Temporal Lobe Medications 1. Mood stability: Anti-epileptic meds • Neurontin • Lyrica • Lamictal • Depakote • Dilantin

2. Memory • ACEI – Aricept, Exelon • Namenda

H. Supplements 1. Mood stability • GABA • Magnesium • B6 • Fish oil

2. Memory • Blood flow – gingko, vinpocetine • Acetylcholine – acetyl-l-carnitine, huperzine A • Membrane – PS

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II. Treatment Strategies To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it. – Confucius

A. Make a Healing Memory Library 1. Memory manipulations

2. Choosing between healing memories and memories that make you sick

3. Focus on times you felt the most confident, connected, and competent.

4. Remember wonderful experiences.

B. EMDR 1. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy

2. Developed by Francine Shapiro

3. Systematic therapeutic system

4. Positive before and after SPECT studies

5. PTSD, anxiety, performance anxiety • Diamond pattern • Increased anterior cingulate • Increased basal ganglia • Increased thalamus (limbic) • Increased right lateral temporal lobe

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C. Develop a “Concert State” for Your Brain 1. Relaxed body with a clear mind

2. Belly breathing

3. Exercise/music together enhances learning

4. Mozart, Sonata for 2 Pianos, k448

5. Learn a musical instrument

III. The Irlen Syndrome A. Irlen Syndrome: Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome 1. Light sensitive, bothered by glare, sunlight, headlights or streetlights

2. With bright or fluorescent lights become tired, headaches, mood changes, restless, unfocused

3. Trouble reading words that are on white glossy paper

4. Words/letters shift, shake, blur, move, run together, disappear or become difficult to perceive when reading

5. Feel tense, tired, sleep, or even get headaches with reading

6. Problems judging distance and have difficulty with such things as escalators, stairs, ball sports, or driving

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B. Irlen Syndrome Brain Scans

C. What to Do Now 1. What was your biggest take away from Lesson 7?

2. Share it with someone and write it down.

3. What are you doing to protect your temporal lobes?

This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen’s online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

Light University 91 Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

CYB 108:

Subtyping ADD, Anxiety, Depression, and Obesity

Daniel Amen, M.D.

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Summary People tend to think of ADD, anxiety, depression, or obesity in specific ways. Yet within each of these diagnoses there are a number of subtypes. In this presentation, Dr. Amen describes the numerous subtypes that exist within ADD, anxiety, depression, and obesity, along with different ways that people can help treat the specific types. These are problems that do not have a one- size-fits-all solution. Based on the type of brain associated with each problem there are different treatment methods that will be effective.

Learning Objectives 1. Participants will identify the brain types that exist within ADD 2. Participants will identify the brain types that exist within anxiety and depression 3. Participants will identify the brain types that exist within obesity

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I. Know the Brain Type A. 7 Brain Types Associated with ADHD 1. Classic – PFC/CB – DA

2. Inattentive – PFC/CB – DA

3. Overfocused – AC/PFC – DA/S

4. Limbic – Limbic/PFC – NE/DA

5. Temporal Lobe – TLs/PFC – DA/GABA

6. Ring of Fire – Hyper – GABA, S and DA

7. Anxious – PFC/BG – DA/GABA

B. Seven Brain Types Associated with Anxiety and Depression 1. Pure anxiety – BG – GABA

2. Pure depression – limbic – DA/NE

3. Mixed – DA/NE and GABA

4. Overfocused – S

5. Cyclic – GABA

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6. Temporal Lobe – GABA

7. Unfocused – stop toxin, boost DA

C. 6 Brain Types Associated with Substance Abuse 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. Temporal Lobe – TLs – GABA

D. 5 Brain Types Associated with Obesity 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. Helping The Types A. Brain Type 1: The Impulsive Overeater 1. Symptoms • Poor impulse control • Get easily distracted • Low prefrontal activity (PFC) • PFC is the brain’s brake • Common in ADD • Associated with low dopamine levels • Short attention span • Distractibility • Disorganization • Impulsivity • ADD nearly doubles the risk for obesity • The harder they try, the worse it gets

2. Impulsive Type Help • Low PFC – low dopamine – Boost DA, Strengthen PFC • Structured goal setting • Intense exercise • A higher high-quality protein diet • EPA fish oil • Boost dopamine: Phentermine or stimulants, green tea, l-tyrosine, rhodiola, ginseng, zinc, iron

B. Brain Type 2: The Compulsive Overeater 1. Symptoms • Stuck on thought of food

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• Compulsively driven • Feel no control • Night time eaters • Worry • Trouble sleeping • Low serotonin level

2. Compulsive Type Help • Raise serotonin • Learn how to distract yourself when you get a thought in your head more than three times • Intense exercise • A higher “smart” carbohydrate diet • DHA fish oil • Boost serotonin: SSRIs, 5HTP, inositol, saffron, l-tryptophan, Saint John’s Wort

C. Brain Type 3: The Impulsive-Compulsive Overeater 1. Combination of Type 1 and 2

2. Too much activity in the attention region • Over-think and get stuck • Low serotonin

3. Too little prefrontal cortex activity • Trouble supervising behavior • Low dopamine

4. Impulsive-Compulsive Type Help • Raise dopamine, raise serotonin

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• Learn how to distract yourself when you get a thought in your heard more than three times • Structured goal setting • Intense exercise • A balanced diet

D. Brain Type 4: The Sad Overeater 1. Symptoms • Medicate feelings of sadness with food • Calm emotional storms • Depression • Low energy • Low self-esteem • Pain symptoms • Tend to gain weight in winter

2. Sad Type Help • Raise dopamine and norepinephrine • Learn to kill the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) • Intense exercise • Balanced diet • Balanced fish oil • Boost DA/NE (Wellbutrin, SAMe)

E. Brain Type 5: The Anxious Overeater 1. Symptoms • Eat to soothe anxiety

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• Nervous • Predicts the worse • Physical tension • High basal ganglia activity

2. Help • Raise GABA • Learn to kill the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) • Deep breathing, HRV training • Intense exercise • Balanced diet • DHA fish oil • Boost GABA • Magnesium, relora, holy basil, B6, theanine, GABA, valerian, kava kava

F. What to Do Now 1. What was your biggest takeaway form Lesson 8?

2. Share it with someone and write it down

3. Do you identify with a subtype?

4. What can you do with it?

This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen’s online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

Light University 99 Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

CYB 109:

The Brain in Relationships

Daniel Amen, M.D.

Light University 100 Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

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 significantly impacted. In this presentation, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses the dynamics of the brain as it pertains to relationships. Structurally, men and women’s brains have many differences that impact how women and men interact. Dr. Amen also lists ways that people can use foods, scents, and supplements to increase sexual desire.

Learning Objectives 1. Participants will evaluate how overactivity or underactivity in parts of the brain can result in relationship problems 2. Participants will explore the differences in male and female brains 3. Participants will evaluate different natural means of increasing sexual desire

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I. The Brain In Relationships A. Your Brain is Involved in Everything You Do and All Your Relationships 1. How you: • Think • Feel • Act • Get along with your partner

2. Your brain decides: • Who is attractive to you • How to get a date • How well you do on the date • What to do with the feelings that develop • How long those feelings last • When to be married • How well you do being married

3. When your brain works right you tend to be: • Thoughtful • Playful • Romantic • Intimate • Committed • Loving

4. When your brain is troubled you tend to be: • Impulsive • Distracted • Addicted

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• Unfaithful • Angry • Hateful

B. Brain Imaging Clues 1. Should we scan partners?

2. Bob and Betsy

C. Important Points to Remember 1. Chronic conflict may be a sign of underlying brain dysfunction.

2. Frequent fighting between parents can harm your children’s brains.

3. There is hope to change your brain and dramatically improve all of your relationships.

II. Couples in Trouble A. Brain Areas Involved In Relationship Problems 1. PFC

2. AC

3. Limbic

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4. Temporal lobes

5. Basal ganglia

B. ADHD 1. Impact • Short attention span • Distractibility • Impulsivity • Disorganization • Procrastination

2. Treatment • Exercise • Higher protein diet • EPA fish oil • Stimulants or supplements such as SAMe or L-tyrosine

C. Anxiety 1. Impact • Tension symptoms • Indecisive • Ambivalent • Predicts the worse • Panic

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2. Treatment • ANT therapy • Relaxation • DHA fish oil • Calming meds or supplements such as GABA

D. Depression 1. Impact • Sad mood • Negative • Pessimistic • Low energy • Low libido • Sleep disturbance

2. Treatment • ANT therapy • Interpersonal therapy • EPA/DHA fish oil • Antidepressants or supplements such as SAMe or 5HTP

E. Bipolar 1. Impact • Mood cycles • Hypersexual • Hyperreligious • Impulsive

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• Unpredictable • Irritable

2. Treatment • EPA/DHA fish oil • Stress reduction • Mood stabilizers

F. OCD 1. Impact • Obsessions • Compulsions • Rigid • Grudges • Worry • Argumentative

2. Treatment • Behavior therapy • ANT therapy • DHA fish oil • SSRIs or 5HTP or St John’s wort

G. Treating SSRI Sexual Dysfunction 1. Lower the dose

2. Schedule your dose right after sex

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3. Augment with bupropion or stimulants

4. Viagra like meds may help some men

5. Take a drug holiday

6. Switch to another antidepressant

III. Male-Female Differences A. Corpus Callosum (connects right and left hemispheres of the brain) 1. Larger in women, allowing greater access to both sides of the brain

2. Men tend to be more left sided

3. Women tend to use both sides

4. Left hemisphere • Logical • Precise • Details (sees the trees) • Communicates • Concerted about time • Happier, more positive

5. Right hemisphere • Big picture, sees the forest • Creative, artistic • Can put a room together (decorates)

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• Anxious, fearful, negative • Focuses on problems • Admits to problems • Listens to music • Hunches

B. Language 1. Men tend to be totally left sided, more detail oriented, and more directly to the point.

2. Women, more often than not, use both sides, tend to be more fluent, which may be why they have more to say.

C. Multitasking 1. Women are better at multitasking, as they have more neuronal connections.

2. Men tend to do one thing at a time.

D. Limbic (Emotional) System 1. Larger in women

2. Bonding is easier

3. Primary caretaker for children and elderly

4. Larger nesting instinct, primary caretaker for the home

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5. Women have a greater incidence of sadness and depression.

6. Women see more real and imagined problems in relationships.

E. Inferior Parietal Lobes 1. Larger in men, especially on the left side • Estimates time • Judges speed • Visualizes objects in 3-D

2. Larger on the right side in women

F. When Asked to Think of Nothing 1. Men’s brains were more active in the more primitive physical activity centers of the brain(cerebellum).

2. Women’s brains were more active in the emotional and bonding centers of the brain (limbic system).

G. Pay Attention to her Unhappiness 1. Women notice problems before men.

2. Of the people who file for divorce, 75% are women.

3. Guys are often blindsided even though they have been repeatedly warned.

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IV. Addictions A. Addictions, Weird Sex, Fiends, and Fetishes 1. Astronaut Lisa Nowak • Perfect storm? • Achiever, single focused, used to getting desires • Hyperfrontal – persistent, can be good or bad • Chemistry of loss – low serotonin state, in emotional pain, obsessed and depressed • Chronic stress damages brain • High and low of going to space/coming home • Space changes cerebellum • Premenstrual?

2. All of us have sneaky thoughts about saying stupid things and doing unusual behaviors, but our prefrontal cortex prevents us from saying or doing them.

B. Brain Function in Addictions/Unusual Sex 1. ADHD – low PFC

2. Head injuries – low PFC and TLs

3. OCD – hyperfrontal

4. Tourette’s – hyperfrontal and low PFC

5. Childhood abuse – diamond pattern

6. Frontal temporal lobe dementia – low PFC and temporal lobes

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C. Six Questions to Suspect Sex Addiction 1. Do you keep dark secrets? Lead a double life?

2. Do you frequently feel remorse, shame, or guilt after a sexual encounter?

3. Taking more variety/frequency of sexual activities than previously to bring the same levels of excitement and relief?

4. Have you ever been arrested or in danger of being arrested because of your practices of voyeurism, exhibitionism, prostitution, sex with minors, indecent phone calls, etc.?

5. Do your sexual activities include risk, threat, or reality of disease, pregnancy, coercion or violence?

6. Does your sexual behavior leave you feeling hopeless, alienated from others or suicidal?

D. Arousal Template 1. Brain works through association.

2. First sexual experiences may be associated with highly charged, unusual memories.

3. Crawling around mother’s feet may lead to a foot fetish.

4. Aroused when milking a cow, you may develop a sexual desire for heifers.

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5. Common Paraphilias • Exhibitionism • Fetishes (non-living objects) • Masochism • Sadism • Pedophilia • Asphyxiophilia • Diaperism • Narratophilia • Necrophilia • Voyeurism • Cross dressing • Zoophilia

V. Sex and the Temporal Lobes A. Temporal Lobe Epilepsy 1. Spontaneous Orgasms (22 cases)

2. Often associated with religiosity

3. Powerful religious visions after a head injury

4. Persinger’s work from Canada

B. Your Bain is the Seat of Orgasms 1. Right lateral temporal lobe

2. 41 year old Taiwanese woman with tooth brushing, orgasmic epilepsy

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VI. Brain Sex Tricks A. Aphrodisiacs 1. Consider compounds to boost blood flow.

2. Asian Ginseng – release of nitric oxide, helps to boost blood flow

3. Gingko biloba – boosts blood flow

4. Yohimbine – stimulates nervous system and blood flow

5. L-arginine – precursor to nitric oxide

B. Sexy Scents 1. For males • Pumpkin pie • Doughnut • Black licorice • Lavender • Orange • Cheese pizza • Roast beef • Cinnamon buns

2. For females • Baby powder • Cucumber • Licorice • Lavender • Pumpkin pie

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3. For relaxation • Sandalwood • Marjoram • Lemon • Chamomile • Bergamot • Baby power

4. For stimulation • Jasmine • Ylang ylang • Rose • Patchouli • Peppermint • Clove

C. Sexy Foods 1. Almonds enhance PEA

2. Apples for sweet breath

3. Asparagus, rich in vitamin E essential for hormone building

4. Avocadoes for PEA, bB6 and potassium

5. Bananas contain the bromelain enzyme, which is believed to improve male libido.

6. Cabbage increases circulation.

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7. Celery contains androsterone released by male sweat that turns women on

8. Chili peppers have capsaicin, stimulates nerve endings and raises heart rate

9. Cheese actually contains more PEA than chocolate

10. Chocolate increase PEA and theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine

11. Eggs for B vitamins that help balance hormones

12. Figs high in amino acids to increase libido

13. Garlic contains allicin, an ingredient that increases blood flow to the sexual organs

14. Nutmeg significantly increases sexual activity in rats

15. Oysters high in zinc which helps produce testosterone, also dopamine for stimulation

16. Wild yams increase genital sensitivity

D. Handy Tools to Get More Love 1. Baby sitter

2. Foot massage

3. Go with her to buy shoes

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4. Help with the dishes so she has energy for you

5. Take a shower, women more sensitive to odor

E. It’s All About Blood Flow 1. Blood flow decreases with age

2. 40% of 40 year olds have erectile dysfunction

3. 70% of 70 year olds

4. Anything that decreases blood flow ages an organ.

5. Improving blood flow to your genitals and brain is the fountain of youth.

F. What Decreases Blood Flow? 1. Stress

2. Caffeine

3. Nicotine

4. Artery disease/heart disease

5. Diabetes

6. Environmental toxins

7. Lack of sleep

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8. Drug or alcohol abuse

G. What Increases Blood Flow? 1. Exercise

2. Sleep

3. Gingko

4. Ginseng

5. L-arginine

6. Relaxation

H. What to Do Now? 1. What was your biggest takeaway from Lesson 9?

2. Share it with someone and write it down.

3. How has your brain affected your relationships?

4. What are you doing to hurt and help the blood flow in your body?

This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen’s online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

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CYB 110:

Brain Healthy Nutrition and the Brain-Gut Connection

Daniel Amen, M.D

Light University 118 Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

Summary In order to eat right, it is necessary to understand the principles of good nutrition. In this presentation, Dr. Daniel Amen describes the connection between what a person eats and how the body reacts and responds. What you put into your body impacts the energy and motivation that comes out of it. By eating healthy foods, monitoring for food allergies and sensitivities, and ensuring a balance of good bacteria in the gut, you can increase your energy, mood, and lifespan.

Learning Objectives 1. Participants will discover ten principles to promoting brain healthy nutrition 2. Participants will identify common food sensitivities and allergies and alternatives 3. Participants will explore the brain-gut connection and identify ways to promote healthy gut bacteria

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I. The War Against Your Brain A. Weapons of Mass Destruction: Food-like Substances 1. Highly processed

2. Pesticide sprayed

3. Genetically modified

4. Low fiber

5. High glycemic

B. Brain Healthy Nutrition 1. The brain is the most expensive real estate in your body.

2. Uses 20-30% of the calories you consume

C. Typical Western Diet 1. Bad fat, salt and sugar

2. Associated with depression, dementia, ADHD, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity

3. Promotes inflammation

4. Would you feed junk food to a $1 million dollar racehorse?

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Brain Healthy Nutrition Principles I. Principle 1: Quality Input = Quality Output A. Calorie Restriction and Longevity 1. Most studied way to extend life in insects and animals

2. Works by controlling these processes: • Inflammation ( major cause of aging and disease) • Glucose control • Glycation (bonding of sugar to protein) • Oxidative stress

3. Mimic by: Sugar control, anti-inflammatory diet, sleep, supplements, moderate exercise and smart calories.

B. Go for High Quality Calories 1. Think of calories like money.

2. Know your calorie requirements.

3. If weight is an issue, know the number of calories you eat.

II. Principle 2: Water A. Drink Water and Not Too Many Calories 1. Brain is 80% water

2. Stay away from things that dehydrate you. • Too much caffeine

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• Too much alcohol (decreases anti-diuretic hormone and increases urination). • Diuretics

III. Principle 3: Focus on Protein A. High Quality Protein 1. Make it clean (hormone free, antibiotic free, free range, grass fed).

2. Fish and lamb for omega 3s

3. Turkey and chicken

4. Beans

5. Raw nuts

6. High protein veggies • Broccoli and spinach

IV. Principle 4: Smart Carbohydrates A. Smart Carbs 1. Low glycemic, high fiber

2. Carbs that do not raise your blood sugar

3. High in fiber (vegetables and fruits, such as blueberries and apples)

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B. Fiber 1. Fiber decreases ghrelin

2. Feel full faster and longer

3. Slows absorption of food

4. Reduces cholesterol

5. Keeps your digestive tract moving

6. Reduces high blood pressure

7. Reduces the risk of cancer

8. 25-35 grams a day

C. Sugar is Not Your Friend 1. Americans eat an average of 140 pounds of sugar per year

2. 14 types of sugar in one “health bar” • Sugar • Honey • Molasses • Sorbitol • Carmel color • Fructose • Barley malt • Cane juice crystals • Corn syrup • Maltose • Corn syrup solids • Fruit juice concentrate • High fructose corn syrup • Maltodextrin

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3. Refined sugar is 99.4 to 99.7% pure calories – no vitamins, minerals, or proteins, just carbohydrates

4. Void of minerals needed for enzymes

5. Cause a chromium and copper deficiency

6. Interferes with calcium and magnesium

7. Increases inflammation

8. Increases erratic brain cell firing

9. Implicated in aggression

10. Associated with ADHD and hyperactivity

11. Increased triglycerides, lower HDL, raise LDL

12. Feed cancer cells

13. Increase “slow brain waves”

14. Depression

15. Makes you dumb – alters learning and memory, but adding omega-3s can help minimize the damage

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D. Hidden Sugar 1. Alcoholic beverages

2. Almost half of calories in ketchups

3. In most luncheon meats

4. Breading on many products

5. Most store bought breads

6. Salad dressings frequently contain sugar

7. Often added to hamburgers to prevent shrinkage

8. In fast food grilled chicken

9. Top 20 Carbohydrates in the U.S. According to the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study • Potatoes • Cookies, pastries • White bread • Other fruit juices • Breakfast cereal • Coca-Cola • Dark bread • Apple • Orange juice • Skim milk • Banana • Pancake • White rice • Table sugar • Pizza • Jam • Pasta • French fries • Muffins • Candy

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10. Symptoms of hypoglycemia • Feeling sleepy/drugged • Anxiety/panic attacks • Mental confusion • Palpitations • Inability to concentrate • Shaky hands • Impaired memory • “Butterflies in stomach” • Dizzy, light-headed • Flushing/sweating • Nervousness • Faintness/fainting • Depression • Frontal headache • Irritability • Insomnia • Blurred vision • Abdominal pain/diarrhea

E. Kill Most Sugar 1. Robert Lustig, MD, UCSF Pediatric Endocrinology

2. Sugar is addictive

3. It is PRIMARY cause of obesity, hypertension, heart disease, cholesterol problems and diabetes, all of which cause brain damage

4. Average American eats 141 lbs. of sugar a year

5. Fructose processed in liver like alcohol

6. 90 minute YouTube video worth watching: Sugar, the Bitter Truth

7. Sugar by any other name • Sucrose: half fructose, half glucose • Brown rice syrup: 0 fructose!

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• Honey: 40% fructose, antibacterial/anti-fungal • Maple syrup: 40% fructose, manganese and zinc • Agave: Doesn’t spike blood sugar as quickly

F. Sugar Substitutes 1. Aspartame • Phenylalanine + aspartic acid • PKU cannot use • Destroyed by heat • 200x sweeter than sugar • Associated with dizziness • Disorientation • Elevated liver enzymes • Arthritis/muscle aches • Loss of balance • Numbness • High blood pressure • ADD/ADHD • Hives • Memory loss • Headaches • Seizures

2. Sucralose • Started out as a pesticide • Closer to DDT than sugar • Splenda is not natural • 600x sweeter than sugar

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• Starts as a sugar molecule and has three of its components removed and replaced with chloride • Provides no calories because the body does not recognize it as food • No blood sugar increase, increases HgA1V • Reduced good gut bacteria by 50% in one animal study • May increase carb cravings

3. Honey • Contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals • Glycemic index of about 73 (slightly higher than sucrose because sucrose is half fructose and honey is about 40% fructose). • 20-60% sweeter than sugar

4. Saccharin • Has been used for over 100 years • Studies are mixed on whether it is a carcinogen • 200x sweeter than sugar • In 2000, determined that the link between bladder cancer in rats was not associated to humans • There are better options

5. Stevia • Derived from the Stevia leaf • Used for centuries as medicine • Has negligible effect on blood sugar • May enhance blood sugar and have benefits for HTN • Chemically processed with water and alcohol – Nanofiltrated • No known side effects • Kills Lyme in petri dish

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6. Erythritol • Naturally occurring in fruit and fermented foods • Non-caloric • Doesn’t increase blood sugar • Absorbed in small intestine • Maltitol and xylitol absorbed in large intestine • Less likely to cause GI distress than other sugar alcohol • Safer for people with IBS • Excessive consumption can cause nausea

7. Xylitol • Naturally occurring sweet compound, fruits/veggies • May decrease dental caries and buildup of plaque • Increases satiety • 40% less calories than sugar, 2.4 calories/gram • 7 glycemic index, little effect on blood sugar/insulin • Body produces up to 15 grams of xylitol per day • May have a laxative effect, not recommended for people with IBS, Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis

8. Maltitol • Most similar sugar alcohol to sucrose • Half calories of sugar • 75% of the sweetness of sucrose • Raises blood sugar more slowly than sucrose • Can cause laxative effect • Not recommended for people with IBS, Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis

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V. Principle 5: Be A Fat Head A. The Right Fats 1. Eliminate bad fats - trans-fats (read the food labels), unclean animal fat

2. Focus on healthy fats, especially omega 3s

3. Salmon, avocados, walnuts and green leafy vegetables

4. High cholesterol not good for your brain

5. Very low fat diets not good for your brain either

6. Low cholesterol associated with: • Antisocial personality disorder • Violence • Suicide • Childhood onset conduct disorder • 250 Finnish offenders – 8x more likely to die of unnatural causes

B. Macronutrients and Alzheimer’s 1. Fat-based diet lowers risk 42%

2. Protein-based diet lowers risk by 21%

3. High carb diet increases risk by 4x!

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C. Does Fish Make You Smarter? 1. C. Raji, 2011, n260

2. People who ate baked fish at least once a week

3. Greater amounts of gray matter in three key areas: • Hippocampus • Posterior cingulate • Orbital frontal cortex

4. Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s 5x

5. Best fish choices: • Abalone (US f=farmed) • Salmon (Alaska wild) • Arctic Char (f) • Sardines: Pacific (US) • Barramundi (US f) • Scallops (f) • Catfish (US f) • Shrimp: Pink (OR) • Clams, Mussels, Oysters (f) • Spot Prawn (Canada) • Cod: Pacific (US non-trawled) • Striped bass (f & wild*) • Crab: Dungeness • Tilapia (US f) • Halibut: Pacific (US) • Trout: Rainbow (US f) • Lobster: California Spiny (US) • Tuna: Albacore (Canada & US Pacific, • Rockfish: Black (CA, OR, WA, troll/pole) hook & line) • Tuna: Skipjack, Yellowfin (US • Sablefish/Black Cod (Alaska troll/pole) & Canada) • White Seabass (hook/line)

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6. Avoid fish choices *Not too much due to mercury concerns • Caviar, Sturgeon* (imported) • Orange Roughy* • Chilean Seabass/Toothfish* • Rockfish/“Pacific Snapper” (trawled) • Cod: Atlantic (Canada & US) • Salmon (f, including Atlantic)* • Cod: Pacific (imported) • Sharks* • Cobia (f) • Shrimp (imported) • Crab: King (imported) • Swordfish (imported)* • Dogfish (US)* • Tilapia (Asia farmed) • Grenadier • Tuna: Albacore*, Bigeye*, Skipjack, • Lobster: Spiny (Brazil) Tongol, Yellowfin (except troll/pole) • Mahi Mahi (imported) • Tuna: Bluefin* • Marlin: Blue, Striped • Tuna: Canned (except troll/pole (Pacific)* caught) • Monkfish

VI. Principle 6: Eat From the Rainbow A. Eating From the Rainbow 1. Foods of many different colors

2. Boost antioxidant levels.

3. Help keep brain young and healthy.

4. Antioxidant status associated with depression

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B. Antioxidants and Mental Health 1. Oxidative stress plays a role in many major psychiatric disorders, including depression.

2. Depression associated with lower antioxidants status

3. NAC helps depression in studies.

4. Curcumin antidepressant activity in animal models

5. Antioxidant rich foods (ORAC: Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) • Cloves: 290,000 • Cocoa powder: 55,000 • Oregano: 175,000 • Raspberries: 19,000 • Rosemary: 165,000 • Walnuts: 13,000 • Thyme: 157,000 • Blueberries: 9,600 • Cinnamon: 131,000 • Artichokes: 9,400 • Turmeric: 125,000 • Cranberries: 9,000 • Sage: 120,000 • Kidney beans: 8,600 • Acai fruit: 02,000 • Blackberries: 5,900 • Parsley: 73,000 • Pomegranates: 4,400

VII. Principle 7: Brainy Herbs and Spices A. Brain Healthy Herbs and Spices 1. Garlic and oregano boost brain blood flow.

2. Saffron has antidepressant effects.

3. Curcumin decreases beta amyloid plaques.

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4. Rosemary, thyme, and sage enhance memory.

5. Cinnamon boosts attention, aphrodisiac for men

6. Ginger, cayenne, black pepper – hot/spicy from gingerols, capsaicin, and piperine, compounds that boost metabolism and aphrodisiac effect

VIII. Principle 8: Clean Foods A. Eating Clean 1. Avoid toxic foods as much as possible.

2. Artificial colors and sodium benzoate increased ADHD symptoms (2007 Southampton University Study).

3. Meta-analysis of 15 double-blind clinical trials that evaluated artificial food coloring in children already considered to be hyperactive showed an increase in hyperactive behavior.

B. Pesticide Residues 1. 14 foods with the highest levels of pesticide residues (buy organic) • Celery • Sweet Bell Peppers • Peaches • Cherries • Strawberries • Collard Greens/Kale • Apples • Potatoes • Blueberries • Grapes • Nectarines • Green Beans • Cucumbers

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2. 17 foods with the lowest levels of pesticide residues (don’t necessarily need organic) • Onions • Cabbage • Avocado • Broccoli • Sweet Corn (Frozen) • Papaya • Pineapples • Mushrooms • Mango • Watermelon • Asparagus • Grapefruit • Sweet Peas (frozen) • Eggplant • Kiwi Fruit • Cantaloupe • Bananas

IX. Principle 9: Check Out Food Allergies A. Grains Are Not Good for Everyone 1. High glycemic

2. Increase inflammation

3. Many contain gluten

4. Autoimmune issues

5. Insulin resistance

6. Increase symptoms of some psychiatric disorders

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B. Gluten 1. 40% more in bread today than 50 years ago

2. Hidden in • Salad dressings • Sauces • Processed foods • Cosmetics

C. Gluten Sensitivity 1. Can cause lower brain perfusion

2. Schizophrenic symptoms

3. Reduction, even full remission, of symptoms in subset of schizophrenic patients

4. Improved ADHD symptoms in a subset of patients

5. Associated with cerebellar abnormalities

6. 40% of idiopathic sporadic ataxia

7. Intractable seizures and hippocampal atrophy

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D. Case of Gluten Sensitivity 1. A 33-year-old “schizophrenic patient”

2. Diarrhea and weight loss

3. SPECT Hypoperfusion left frontal area

4. Gluten sensitivity diagnosed

5. Gluten-free diet eliminated psychiatric symptoms1

E. Bread is My Crack! Gluten and Addiction 1. Gluten and casein exposed to pepsin & HCL degrade to polypeptides (exorphins) and cross the blood brain barrier

2. Bind to endorphin (morphine) receptors, mild euphoria

3. Effect blocked by naltrexone

4. Withdrawal symptoms

5. Binge eaters eat less (especially wheat) when given naloxone

F. Corn 1. Nearly 2/3 of all packaged food contains corn

2. 85% genetically modified

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3. Makes animals FAT – deposits fat in muscles

4. Corn gluten meal: “natural herbicide” – kills other plants!

5. Causes celiac like lesions in intestines by damaging villi

6. Decreased absorption of vital minerals and nutrients

7. Contains 21 mycotoxins: aflatoxin and phimosis

G. Dairy 1. Approximately 65% population lactose intolerant

2. Pasteurization kills live enzymes

3. Hormones rBST and rBGH increase production

4. Hormones cause liver to release IGF-1

5. Industrial animals use 70% of antibiotics in US

6. Undigested, lactose (a sugar) ferments in gut

7. Undigested sugars highly acidic, leaching calcium

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H. Goat’s Milk 1. 98% lower in Alpha s1 Casein

2. 93% of infants w/milk allergy can drink goat milk

3. Goat milk naturally homogenized

4. Easier to digest – MCT’s

5. Higher in potassium

6. Not typically given hormones and antibiotics

7. Still contains lactose

I. Soy Controversy 1. 90-95% genetically modified

2. Inexpensive – overuse leads to increased food allergies

3. High levels of omega 6 fatty – 50% in soybean oil

4. Soy milk contains 9g sugar/cup

5. Phytoestrogens bind to estrogen receptor sites

6. Organic edamame or fermented tofu is the exception

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J. Lectins 1. Sugar binding proteins that don’t digest

2. In rice, oats, wheat, buckwheat, millet, rye, corn, dairy, legumes, soy, eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes

3. Intestinal permeability problems

4. Implicated in allergies, digestive and autoimmune issues

5. Can mimic hormones – leading to obesity!

K. Obesogens 1. Products in our environment that disrupt systems and interfere with weight loss

2. Bisphenol A

3. Thyroid disruption ( hormone disrupters)

4. Processed food

5. PBA (water bottles)

6. Pesticides

7. Teflon

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X. Principle 10: Using Food to Heal Your Mind A. Food as Medicine 1. Elimination diet found helpful for ADHD

2. 73% improved vs. 0% in controlled group2

3. Ketogenic diet in epilepsy

4. Helpful for many children and adults with many different seizure types, including:28 • Infantile spasms • Myoclonic epilepsy • Febrile infections epilepsy • 2/3 with seizure reduction at six months • Alzheimer’s, ALS, autism being studied

5. Mediterranean diet < depression and dementia

6. Healthy diet associated with lower risk of depression29

7. Diet and physical activity associated with lower risk of dementia30

B. Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Plant Chemicals 1. Sulforaphanes from Broccoli

2. Curcumin from Curry

3. Garlic

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4. Green Tea

5. Pomegranate

6. Super Foods: Maca, Cacao, Goji Berries

C. Serotonin 1. Mood stability, sleep regulation, appetite, social engagement

2. “Don’t worry; be happy.”

3. Carbohydrate rich foods that increase insulin

4. Foods to boost mood/serotonin = Carbs • Troubled Carbs: Crackers, pancakes/waffles, sweet cereals, muffins, bagels, pasta, white rice, potatoes, fruit juice/sodas, • Smart Carbs: Sweet potatoes , brown rice, steel cut oatmeal with berries/stevia, apples, cherries, red bell peppers, sweet corn, cantaloupe

D. Dopamine 1. Motivation, emotional significance, relevance, pain and pleasure

2. “Let’s get it done.”

3. Found in protein rich foods that decrease insulin

4. Foods to boost focus/dopamine = Protein

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5. Good sources: • Beans – lima, lentils • Meat – fish, lamb, chicken, turkey, beef • Eggs • Cheese • Nuts • Seeds (pumpkin and sesame) • High protein veggies – broccoli, spinach • Protein powders

E. Acetylcholine 1. Learning, memory

2. Found in liver, eggs, salmon, shrimp

F. GABA 1. Inhibitory, calming

2. Found in bananas, broccoli, nuts, lentils, green tea

G. Glutamate/Aspartate 1. Excitability, memory, pain perception

2. Found in diet soda, dairy (cheese), soy, wheat, barley, peanuts

3. Meat (lamb and eggs are lowest)

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XI. Principle 11: Type Specific A. Brain Types 1. Impulsive – higher protein

2. Compulsive – higher smart carbohydrate

3. Impulsive compulsive – balanced

4. Sad – balanced

5. Anxious – balanced

6. Temporal lobe – higher protein, ketogenic

B. Tips 1. Brain Healthy Fruits • Apples • Avocadoes • Berries (acai, blue, black, goji, golden, strawberries) • Cherries • Grapefruit • Kiwis • Oranges • Peaches • Plums • Pomegranates • Tomatoes

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2. Brain Healthy Veggies • Asparagus • Beets • Bok choy • Broccoli • Brussel sprouts • Cabbage • Cauliflower • Chlorella • Garlic • Horseradish • Kale • Leeks • Onions • Red bell peppers • Seaweed • Spinach • Spirulina • Sweet potatoes

3. Brain Healthy Nuts/Seeds/Roots • Nuts (raw): Cacao, Almonds, Brazil, Cashews • Walnuts • Seeds: Chia, flax, hemp, sesame • Roots: Maca, shirataki noodles (root of wild yam plant)

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4. Brain Healthy Oils • Avocado • Coconut • Grape seeds • Macadamia • Olive

5. Brain Healthy Animal Products • Grass fed, hormone free, antibiotic free, free range (harvested humanely) • Eggs • Fish • Lamb • Chicken • Turkey • Beef

6. Brain Healthy Beverages • Water • Fresh coconut water • Water with lemon and stevia • Sparkling water with chocolate stevia • Green tea • Green tea or chai latte • Zevia in moderation

7. Brain Healthy Sweeteners • Use: Stevia, xylitol, erythritol, honey (small doses) • Avoid: Aspartame, sucralose, saccharin

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8. Take Home Tips • If you have symptoms, try an elimination diet • Eat breakfast within an hour of waking up • Eliminate bread, pasta and sugar • Go gluten free • Eat grains like a condiment • Always carry healthy food and snacks • Drink 16 oz. of water before meals • Don’t allow the waiter to leave bread on the table • Use one day each week to prepare • Pay attention to portions • Veggies are “free”

XII. Principle 12: Brain Gut Connection A. Gut is Second Brain 1. Gut is loaded with nervous tissue.

2. In direct communication with our big brain

3. Why we get butterflies when excited or loose bowels when upset

4. Anxiety, depression, stress, and grief all express themselves with emotional pain (the brain) and quite often gastrointestinal (GI) distress.

B. The Gut 1. Single epithelial layer (like the brain, largest mucosal surface in body)

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2. Interface between external world and host

3. Initial metabolism & transformation of food

4. Structural defense (trouble when this breaks down)

C. Mucosal Lining of the Gut 1. Provides layer of protection to endothelium

2. Made of glycoproteins – mucin

3. Mucin production upregulated by probiotics

4. Can be compromised by stress, drug use, diet, environmental chemicals, gut flora balance, genetic predisposition

D. Your Gut Supports Brain Health 1. 100 trillion micro-organisms (bacteria, yeast, and others)

2. 10x total number of cells in the human body

3. To be healthy, relationship of good/bad bugs needs to be lopsided in the positive direction

4. A healthy gut has 85% good bugs and 15% bad bugs

5. Out of balance bad for mental health

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E. Gut Health 1. Friendly bacteria deter trouble makers, such as E-coli, and help us withstand stress.

2. If deficient, from poor diet that feeds yeast overgrowth (think sugar) or excessive use of antibiotics (even in childhood), more likely to feel stressed

3. ADD, autism, depression, mental fogginess connected to intestinal bacteria imbalances.

F. Gut Flora 1. Inhabit the small and large intestines

2. Anaerobic bacteria are the most abundant

3. Probiotic – beneficial bacteria that serve many functions in the gut

4. Yeast – candida albicans are also part of normal flora, but should be kept under control by good bacteria

G. Functions of Beneficial Flora 1. Makes vitamin K and biotin

2. Helps with digestion

3. Detoxification (probiotics have been found to decrease colon cancer risk)

4. Carriers for estrogen out of the body

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5. Immune modulation

6. Population control of pathogens

7. Nutrient absorption and metabolism

H. Beneficial Flora Protection 1. Allergies/Intolerances

2. Hormonal regulation

3. Protects GI lining

4. May protect against colon cancer

I. What Decreases Healthy Gut Bacteria? 1. Medications • Antibiotics • Oral contraceptives • Proton pump inhibitors • Steroids • NSAIDS

2. Stress • Physiological • Emotional • Environmental

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3. Sugar intake, artificial sweeteners

4. Allergies

5. Toxins – bactericidal chemicals in H20, pesticides, heavy metals, alcohol

6. Infections – H. Pylori, parasites

7. Radiation/chemo

8. High intensity exercise

J. Food is the Greatest Danger to Gut Bacteria 1. The greatest danger is not from the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, but rather from the foods you eat.

2. Prevalence of antibiotics found in conventionally raised meats and vegetables have potential to throw off the balance of good to bad bacteria.

3. 70% of total antibiotic use in U.S. for livestock

4. Focus on eating antibiotic free, hormone free, grass fed, free range meats.

K. A Few Germs Can Be Good for You 1. Animals raised in a germ-free environment show exaggerated responses to psychological stress.

2. Need good GI bugs to boost immune system.

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3. Don’t keep kids away from dirt.

4. When researchers gave animals probiotics, stress levels normalized.

5. Stress, all by itself, decreases healthy gut flora.

L. Boost Gut Flora Early? 1. If deficient early in life, causes decreased serotonin, maybe for the rest of a person’s life

2. At least in animal models

M. Early Abandonment Issues 1. Early abandonment • Increased stress • Decreased healthy bacteria • Increased gut permeability

2. When young rats separated from mothers • Gut cell lining more permeable, allowing intestinal bacteria to pass through bowel walls • Stimulate immune cells to attack other organs.

3. Adaptive response in rats… if born into stress, nature programs them to be vigilant and stress responsive in future life.

4. Up to 70% of patients treated for chronic gut disorders experienced early childhood traumas – such as parents’ divorces, chronic illnesses, or parents’ deaths

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5. What happens in early life, along with an individual’s genetic background, programs how a person will respond to stress for the rest of his or her life.

N. Chronic, Fatigue, Gut, and Mind 1. Rao (2009) 39 CFS patients

2. 3 probiotic doses/day or placebo for 2 months

3. 73% probiotic group had increased good gut bacteria

4. Corresponded with significant decreased anxiety – no change in placebo group

5. Researchers – probiotics “crowded out” more toxic gut bacteria linked to depression

6. Subjects felt less anxious, calmer, better able to cope, sleeping better, fewer heart palpitations.

O. Gut Brain Illnesses: Yeast Overgrowth 1. Symptoms • Irritability • Lethargy • Drowsiness • Brain fog • Feeling ill • Carb cravings • Muscle pains • Gas bloating • Cramps

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2. Signs • Vaginal infections • White coated tongue • Itchy ears and eyes

3. Help • Low glycemic • Yeast free diet

4. Cat’s claw 1,000 mg BID-TID for 8 weeks for improvement up to 6 months

5. Nystatin 1 million units BID Xs 3 months

P. Fix the Gut 1. Improve diet, essential fatty acids, fiber, phytonutrients

2. Eliminate most simple sugars that feed bad bugs

3. Support digestive enzymes

4. Support normal flora: pre and probiotics

5. Be careful with antibiotics

6. Remove infections and toxins

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Q. What to Do Now 1. What was your biggest takeaway from Lesson 10?

2. Share it with someone and write it down

3. Rate your eating habits – great, good, ok, poor?

4. What specific things can you do today to ramp up your brain healthy nutrition?

5. What can you do to improve your gut health?

This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen’s online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

Endnotes 1DeSantis, 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-free diet. Journal of International Medicine, 242(5), 421-423. 2Pelsser, L.M., Frankena, K., Toorman, J., Savelkoul, H.F., Pereira, R.R. Buitelaar, J.K. (2009). A randomized control trial into the effects of food on ADHD. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 18(1), 12-19. doi: 10.1007/s00787- 008-0695-7

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CYB 111:

Natural Ways to Heal the Brain

Daniel Amen, M.D.

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Summary Brain SPECT imaging has provided insight and guidance into the underlying biological basis of many psychiatric illnesses, and can also show what medications are and are not helpful for certain illnesses. While medications can be beneficial in some situations, there are many natural ways to heal the brain from the injuries it sustains. In this presentation, Dr. Daniel Amen describes how natural treatments and supplements can lead to life-saving brain and lifestyle changes.

Learning Objectives 1. Participants will discuss the rationale for using natural healing methods instead of medications 2. Participants will evaluate the pros and cons of supplements 3. Participants will analyze and understand natural ways of healing the brain

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I. History A. Brain SPECT Imaging in 1991 1. Could see an underlying biological basis of many psychiatric illnesses, such as DHD, depression and violence

2. Initially thought it would lead to using more medications, but over time it actually led to using less medications and looking for alternatives

3. Because some medications appeared clearly toxic to brain function

B. Medications and the Brain 1. Benzos looked like alcohol

2. Opiates not better

3. Even stimulants caused trouble for some

4. This led to looking for other evidence-based ways to optimize brain function and treat psychiatric illnesses

C. Evidence Base 1. Level A – Strong scientific evidence

2. Level B - Good scientific evidence

3. Level C – unclear evidence, +/-

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4. Level D – fair to strong negative evidence

5. www.naturalstandard.com

D. Many Evidence-Based Ways to Optimize the Brain 1. Acupuncture

2. HBOT

3. rTMS

4. Neurofeedback

5. CES, Alpha Stim

6. Exercise

7. Light therapy

8. Psychotherapy

9. Meditation

10. Nutrition

11. Ketogenic diet

12. Nutraceuticals

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II. Amen Clinics NFL Study A. The NFL Study 1. SPECT work taught early that brain injuries are a larger part of psychiatric problems than most people know.

2. Saw many high school and college football players with brain injuries on scans who had troubled behavior

B. Brent Boyd 1. Headaches

2. Depression

3. Fatigue

4. Memory problems

5. Dizziness

6. Overweight

7. Clear evidence of serious brain trauma

8. NFL hired doctors • Said scans mean nothing • They say that his problems were not work-related • Denied his claim

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9. Brent gets traumatized twice • Once by his brain injury • Again by being called a liar and a faker

C. Anthony Davis 1. At 54 his brain looked like 85

2. Brain improved after treatment

D. In 1994, the NFL Formed a Concussion Committee 1. Yet never sponsored a brain imaging study on players.

2. Instead, they studied rats

3. In 2009, Goodell said to congress, “NFL didn’t know if playing football caused long term brain damage. They were still studying the issue.”

E. Problem with NFL Position 1. If you don’t admit you have a problem, you cannot do anything to solve it

2. Brain damaged players left without help or hope

3. 2009-2013 Amen Clinics with LA Chapter of NFLPA performed first large imaging study on players

4. Imaging changed everything

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F. Study Design 1. Brain SPECT imaging (blood flow)

2. QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography)

3. Conners' CPT (Continuous Performance Test)

4. MCIS (Mild Cognitive Impairment Screen)

5. Microcog (Measures 9 different cognitive scales)

6. Current status of study • 160 active and retired players • From 27 teams • All positions • Ages 25-85

7. Important numbers • Obese = 48% • Sleep apnea = 30% • Depression = 28% • Dementia 19% • CPT = 81% abnormal • Microcog = below average in all categories except spatial processing and reaction time

8. Outcomes • >90% had brain trauma pattern on brain SPECT and QEEGs • Severe decreased activity … across whole brain • Results are highly statistically significant

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9. Damage seen especially in prefrontal, temporal and cerebellar regions • Judgment, focus, and impulse control • Memory, learning, emotion, and moods • Physical coordination and thought coordination

G. Brain Rehab Program 1. Damage so high, a “pragmatic” rehab component” was added

2. Brain healthy strategies • Weight loss for obese players • Coordination exercises • Healthy diet • Recommended sleep apnea evaluations • Avoid toxic substances (drugs, much alcohol)

3. High potency multiple vitamin

4. Omega 3 supplement, 5.6 grams a day

5. Multiple mechanism brain formula – vinpocetine, gingko, PS, huperzine A, acetyl-l- carnitine, n-acetylcysteine, alpha lipoic acid

6. Other recommendations for individual player needs, such as treating depression, anxiety, alcoholism, ADD, dementia, or using HBOT

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H. Preliminary Results 1. 62 players with follow up scans/cognitive tests

2. 50 showed improvement

3. Especially in memory, attention, mood, motivation, and sleep

I. Conclusions 1. Implications go beyond NFL to high school and college athletes

2. Military personal (15% of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have brain injuries)

3. 2 million people each year who acquire brain injuries

J. Imaging Can Help Military Personnel and Veterans Now 1. SPECT distinguishes TBI vs. PTSD > 90%

2. MRI/CT often normal, which makes soldiers feel like they are imagining pain

3. See who is vulnerable to suicide

4. Most don’t know brain rehab is possible

5. Demonstration projects and Fort Carson and Fort Campbell

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III. Natural Ways to Heal the Brain A. Brain Healthy Supplements 1. Nutrient depletions

2. Pros vs Cons

3. For all – multiple vitamin, fish oil, vitamin D

4. Brain type

5. Craving control

6. Memory

B. Medications Cause Nutrient Depletions 1. Antacids: decrease HCL, CA2+, phosphorus, folic acid, K+

2. Female hormones: Folate, Mg, B vitamins, 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, Omega 3 fatty acids, carnitine

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7. Antibiotics: B vitamins, vitamin K

8. Oral contraceptives: B vitamins, Mg, FA, Se, Zn, Tyrosine, Serotonin, elevated homocysteine

C. Supplement Benefits 1. Never have to reveal to insurance company

2. Less expensive

3. Generally fewer side effects, but not NO side effects

4. Effective to mild to moderate problems

5. Generally have increased compliance

D. Supplement Problems 1. May be more expensive because usually not covered by insurance

2. Many not aware of potential side effects

3. Quality control/standardization issues

4. Consultant may be clerk at the grocery store

5. Fewer studies as it is hard to maintain patents on these products

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E. Recommendations for All 1. Multiple vitamin

2. More fish or omega 3 fatty acid supplement

3. Test and optimize Vitamin D level

4. Then, issue specific strategies

F. Multiple Vitamin 1. Most people do not eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day

2. 1998 NEJM, “Eat right and take a multiple vitamin”

3. 2002 JAMA, “It appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements for prevention of chronic diseases.”

4. MV – Placebo controlled trail of 215 men – significant improvement in perceived stress, general health, rigor after 33 days

G. NeuroVite Plus 1. Complete MV/mineral complex

2. 50 brain supporting nutrients, including ALC, ALA, PS, CoQ10

3. High B vitamins, B6, B12, 5MTHF

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4. 2,000 IUs Vitamin D

5. Phytonutrients – blueberries, spinach, tomato, apple, broccoli, 2 glasses of wine (without alcohol)

6. Digestive enzymes

H. Omega 3s 1. Low levels • Heart disease • Strokes • Depression • Suicidal behavior • ADHD • Dementia • Obesity

2. Benefits • Heart • Skin • Eyes • Joints • Brain • Decrease appetite and cravings • 2-3 grams a day

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3. Sample/omega 3 studies – higher EPA for ADHD/Depression • Stevens 1995, Burgess 2000, low in ADD • Stoll 1999, longer remissions in treated BPD • Nemets 2002, 1-4g positive add on effect • Peet 2002, 1g EPA helpful in depression • Zanarini 2003, help in Borderline PD • Su 2003, add on MDD improved response • Frangou 2006, 1g EPA helpful in bipolar • Su 2008, helpful in depression + pregnancy

4. Omega 3 power • Highly purified • Independently tested • 2.8g fish oil in 2 capsules • 60/40 EPA to DHA ratio • No fish burps • Only 2 plants in the world with this purity

I. Vitamin D 1. Low Levels • 2/3 of Americans • Depression – depletes serotonin • Alzheimer’s disease – increased beta amyloid plaques • MS – replacement helps prevent relapse • Heart disease (35%) • Diabetes • Cancer (14%) • Obesity

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• Interferes with sense of fullness • 13% cause of all deaths (Franco 2014) • Associated with lower brain volume1

2. Vitamin D • 25 hydroxy-vitamin D • Normal between 30-100 ng/dl • Optimal between 50-90 ng/dl • Give Vitamin D3 if levels low and retest level so you optimize it and don’t overdo it • Universal risk factor for multifactorial diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes, cancer and dementia

J. Brain Type Help 1. Impulsive • Focus and energy • Boost dopamine

2. Compulsive • Serotonin mood support • Boost serotonin

3. Impulsive-Compulsive • Focus and energy • Serotonin mood support • 5-HTP Ø Mood issues, cerebellar ataxia, fibromyalgia, obesity, headaches Ø B Level scientific evidence

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Ø Dose 50 – 150 mg twice a day with meals Ø Insomnia dose 100-300 mg at bedtime Ø 15 studies have evaluated the clinical effects of 5-HTP on mood with high improvement Ø Oral admin – 30% in serotonin metabolites in CSF

• Saffron (Crocus Sativus) Ø Spice, traditional Persian remedy for mood issues Ø Dose 30 mg/d Ø Compares favorably to fluoxetine, imipramine Ø Positive study for PMS (DBPC) and age associated memory problem Ø Counteracts sexual side effects of SSRIs (DBPC) Ø Reduces snacking (DBPC) Ø Helps insulin sensitivity

4. Sad– SAMe – S-adenosyl-methionine • Mood issues and pain syndromes • High scientific evidence • Dose 400-800mg twice a day • 26 studies for mood issues, 11 RDBC > 1050 patients • Watch bipolar patients carefully • SE more stimulating (insomnia, anxiety) • Equally effective to tricyclics, fewer side effects • AJP 2010 treatment resistant patients on SSRI and well tolerated

5. Anxious • Everyday Stress Relief • Neurolink – GABA, 5HTP, L-Tyrosine

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K. Other Supplements 1. Craving control – not just for food cravings

2. Restful sleep – the hammer

3. Brain and memory power boost – mind the gap of your mind

4. Brain power basics • NeuroVite Plus • Omega 3 Power 2.8g • Brain & Memory Power Boost – 4 • Significant improvement in blood flow to brain

5. Brain Power Max • NeuroVite Plus • Omega 3 Power 5.6g • Brain & Memory Power Boost – 6 • NFL Study

6. Brain Healthy Chocolate • Brain in love • Brain on Joy

L. What To Do Now 1. Multiple vitamin

2. Fish oil

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3. Check and optimize vitamin D

4. Take supplements targeted to your type and needs

5. Brain healthy drinks and chocolate

This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen’s online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

Endnotes

1Anneweiler, C., Annweiler, T., Montero-Odasso, M., Bartha, R., & Beauchet, O. (2014). Vitamin D and brain volumetric changes: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas, 6. Pii: S0378-5122(14)00064-4.

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CYB 112:

Amen Clinics Alzheimer’s Risk Reduction Program

Daniel Amen, M.D.

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Summary 50% of people over the age of 85 are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Yet is Alzheimer’s an inevitable conclusion, particularly if it runs in your family? Not necessarily. In this presentation, 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. Through the Amen Clinics Alzheimer’s Risk Reduction Program, you can take proactive steps to maintain brain functioning and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Learning Objectives 1. Participants will discover relevant information and statistics related to the epidemic of Alzheimer’s disease 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’s Disease A. Damage to Parietal and Temporal Lobes

B. 14 Warning Signs Your Brain is in Trouble 1. Memory < 10 years ago

2. Low energy

3. Low mood

4. Irritability

5. Anxiety, stress, worry

6. Short attention span

7. Brain fog

8. Impulsive, bad decisions

9. Insomnia or sleep apnea

10. High blood pressure

11. High blood sugar

12. Weight issues

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13. Sexual dysfunction

14. Non-compliant for health

C. You May Be at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) If: 1. You have a family member with it

2. You have a personal history of head injury, alcohol abuse, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer, sleep apnea, insomnia, ADD or depression

3. You exercise less than twice a week

4. You do not engage in lifelong learning

D. Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline 1. Major concern among the baby boomers

2. Five million in U.S. with AD, 30 million globally

3. Expected to triple by 2050

4. Third leading cause of death

5. Women 65% AD patients, 60% caregivers

6. AD treatment an unmitigated failure

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7. Despite billions of dollars spent on research, there is no cure on the horizon

8. Affects 50% of people 85 and older

9. Starts in brain decades before any symptoms

10. If you knew a train was going to hit you, would you get out of the way?

E. Brain Activity Over Time 1. Brain activity decreases as time goes on

2. With the right decisions, brain aging is optional

II. Dementia A. Dementia Defined Damage to nerve cells that results in a progressive difficulty with remembering, thinking, or doing your usual activities.

B. The Many Roads to Dementia 1. MCI and Alzheimer’s disease

2. Frontal temporal dementia

3. Vascular dementia

4. Lewey body dementia

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5. Alcohol-related dementia

6. Chronic fatigue syndrome and infections

7. Brain trauma

8. Diabetes, HTN

9. Most exciting lesson from imaging: You are not stuck with the brain you have

C. Reversing Cognitive Decline 1. Single agents not likely to work in AD and MCI, need multiple mechanism treatments

2. CVD, cancer and HIV with multiple mechanism treatments

D. Bredesen Strategies to Attack AD 1. Optimize parameters (homocysteine, thyroid), not just normalize them

2. Multiple mechanism approach

3. Personalized based on individualized parameters

4. Iterative, optimized over time

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III. Amen Clinics Alzheimer’s Risk Reduction Program A. Baseline Screening – SPECT 1. Treatment works early, not late (95% not diagnosed until late)

2. Decreases in parietal, temporal, posterior cingulate

3. Where are you?

4. BMI – Waist to height ratio • Higher BMI, low parietal and temporal function

5. Labs • CBC • GMP • Fasting blood glucose • HgA1C • Fasting insulin • Lipid panel w/fract. • Thyroid function • CRP • Homocysteine • Vitamin b12 level • Folate gene status • Vitamin D level • Ferritin • DHEA • Testosterone • Estrogen in women

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B. Know And Reduce Your Risk 1. Genetic risks – Apo E4 (2.5/5) know early

2. Brain injury (2)

3. Alcohol or drug abuse (4.4)

4. Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome (3)

5. CV disease, including high BP (2.5)

6. Cerebral vascular disease (10)

7. Exercise less than twice a week (2)

8. Standard American Diet (2)

9. Less formal education or jobs with no learning (2)

10. Diabetes (3)

11. Smoking (2.3)

12. Parkinson’s disease (3)

13. Untreated depression (2/4)

14. Untreated ADD (3)

15. Low estrogen (2)

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16. Low testosterone (2)

17. Sleep apnea (2)

18. Cancer treatment (3)

19. High homocysteine or CRP (2)

20. Periodontal disease (2)

21. Age 65-85 (2)

22. Over age 85 (38)

C. Brain Fit 4 Life Warrior Diet 1. Calorie smart

2. Clean, whole food only – eliminate gluten and processed foods

3. Water

4. Clean protein at each meal

5. Low glycemic, high fiber carbs – no simple carbs

6. High healthy fats (fish)

7. Eat from the rainbow

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D. Mental Exercise 1. Left frontal – crossword puzzles, word games

2. Right frontal – comedy

3. Temporal lobes – memory, new musical instrument

4. Parietal lobes – math games (Sudoku), map reading, construction games, jigsaw puzzles, juggling

5. Cerebellum – coordination, dance, table tennis

6. Add meditation for PFC and TLs

E. Physical Exercise 1. Walking

2. Weight training

3. Bursting

4. Coordination exercises

F. Sleep, Stress, and Mood 1. 7-8 hours of sleep

2. Get sleep apnea assessed and treated

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3. Kill the ANTs

4. Meditation

5. Hypnosis

G. Hormone Optimization 1. Avoid anything that hurts hormones (belly fat, sugar, etc.)

2. Hormone precursors

3. Bio-identical hormone replacement

H. Decrease Inflammation 1. BF4L Diet

2. Omega 3 fatty acids

3. Sulforaphanes – broccoli

4. Curcumin – curry

5. Carnosol – rosemary

6. Garlic

7. Green tea

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8. Kahweol in coffee

9. Pomegranate

10. Super foods: maca, cacao, goji berries

11. NSAIDs before acetaminophen

12. Optimized oral hygiene, regular dental care, electric flosser and toothbrush

I. Beta Amyloid Reducing Agents 1. Sleep – brain washing

2. Vitamin D

3. Curcumin

J. Keep Tau Proteins in Brain Cells 1. Eliminate risk of brain trauma

2. Protect your brain at all cost

K. Boost Blood Flow 1. Avoid things that hurt it • Stress • Caffeine

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• Nicotine • Heart, artery disease • Diabetes • Environmental toxins • Lack of sleep • Drug or alcohol abuse

2. Do things that help it • Stress management (hypnosis and meditation) • Water • Sleep • Gingko, vinpocetine • Ginseng, green tea • Rhodiola • Arginine • HBOT, rTMS

L. Optimize Nutrients 1. Anti-inflammatory – omega 3s, curcumin

2. Vitamins – B6, B12, Folate (methyltetrahydrofolate), C, D

3. Probiotics for gut health

4. Blood flow – gingko, green tea extract

5. Acetylcholine – huperzine A, bacopa

Light University 186 Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

6. Antioxidant – NAC, alpha lipoic acid

7. Energy – acetyl-l-carnitine, CoQ10, Coconut oil

8. Cell membranes – PS

9. Stress – ashwagandha, zinc, relora, theanine, magnesium glycinate, rhodiola

M. What to Do Now 1. What was your biggest takeaway from Lesson 12?

2. Share it with someone and write it down.

3. How many risk factors do you have for developing Alzheimer’s?

4. What are specific things you can do today to start decreasing your risk for it?

This presentation was originally recorded as a part of Daniel Amen’s online Brain Fit For Life Community Program, where there was an opportunity ask questions and add comments. In this DVD-based course, there is no option to ask the presenters questions.

Light University 187 Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

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