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Excitotoxicity is a pathological mechanism seen in a variety of health issues where an excessive synaptic excitation causes neuronal death and is also believed to be caused by the extracellular accumulation of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, which triggers and connects ionotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamatergic receptors (NMDARs) in the brain. Generally, NMDARs regulate and maintain calcium in cells to help manage physiological mechanisms like synaptic plasticity and memory, however, excessive stimulation can ultimately increase intracellular calcium which triggers cell death signaling to activate apoptosis. This pathological mechanism has been suggested in a variety of health issues, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where it is extensively examined to understand health issues and treatment approaches. In a stroke, excitotoxicity has been shown to be the main pathological mechanism where neuronal damage happens and it is considered to be a well-known goal for many recent attempts at developing stroke therapeutics. Stroke is an acute brain health issue which causes neuronal damage which has currently no safe and effective neuroprotective treatment approaches. Immediately following a stroke, the brain tissue loses blood perfusion and the center of the infarct deteriorates quickly. This then causes milder ischemia and many brain cells or neurons will result in delayed death which can take up to several hours or even days. Research studies show that the mechanism of cell death is mainly NMDA receptor-dependent excitotoxicity. In ischemic areas, extracellular glutamate levels increase while preventing glutamate release, synaptic activity, or NMDAR activation which was capable of limiting cell death in a variety of stroke models. Thus, preventing excitotoxicity is an important treatment approach for reducing brain damage and improving patient outcome measures following a stroke, and this has definitely encouraged extensive efforts towards developing NMDA receptor-based stroke treatment approaches over the last two decades. Unfortunately, these have largely met with rather disappointing results. Several research studies have failed to find the expected efficiency of NMDAR for decreasing brain injuries. The reasons behind the basic research study results and clinical trials are still unknown, however, several reasons have been suggested. These include, but are not limited to, the inability to utilize the correct doses necessary for neuroprotection due to their side-effects, the inability to use the drugs within their neuroprotective windows, poor experimental designs, and heterogeneity in the patient population. However, as we will briefly summarize in the following article, improvement in our understanding of the physiological and pathological mechanisms of NMDAR activation as well as the different pathways connected to different NMDAR subtypes, has allowed researchers to develop new treatment approaches which improve therapeutic windows and increase specificity for death signaling pathways, achieving neuroprotection without interrupting other essential signaling pathways downstream of the NMDAR receptor.
An extreme case of picky eating caused a 17-year-old’s blindness, according to a case study from the University of Bristol. The patient, who had first visited his general practitioner complaining of tiredness, had a normal BMI and height and no visible signs of malnutrition.
Many healthcare professionals believe that peripheral neuropathy, which affects the peripheral nerves or the nerves which connect from the brain and spinal cord to the upper and lower extremities, can be permanent or irreversible. However, healthcare professionals like Dr. John Coppola and Dr. Valerie Monteiro have demonstrated that peripheral neuropathy can be treated through the utilization of a variety of treatment methods and techniques. Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro describe that because peripheral neuropathy can manifest due to a variety of health issues, such as diabetes, treating the underlying cause of a patient's peripheral neuropathy can help treat their symptoms. The 5 critical keys for defeating peripheral neuropathy are ultimately described to help promote overall health and wellness. Dr. Alex Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, Tx, can help ease symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy. Dr. Alex Jimenez is the non-surgical choice for peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy is a medical term used to describe a collection of general diseases or malfunctions which affect the nerves. The causes of neuropathy, or nerve damage, can vary greatly among each individual and these may be caused by a number of different diseases, injuries, infections, and even vitamin deficiency states. However, neuropathy can most commonly affect the nerves that control the motor and sensory nerves. Because the human body is composed of many different kinds of nerves which perform different functions, nerve damage is classified into several types. Neuropathy can also be classified according to the location of the nerves being affected and according to the disease-causing it. For instance, neuropathy caused by diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy. Furthermore, depending on which nerves are affected will depend on the symptoms that will manifest as a result. Below we will discuss several specific types of neuropathies clinically treated by chiropractors, physical therapists and physical medicine doctors alike, as well as briefly describing their causes and their symptoms. Peripheral neuropathy, which is often simply referred to as “neuropathy,” is a state that happens when your nerves become damaged or injured, oftentimes simply disrupted. It’s estimated that neuropathy affects roughly 2.4 percent of the general populace and approximately 8 percent of people older than age 55. However, this quote doesn’t include people affected by neuropathy caused by physical trauma to the nerves. Types Neuropathy can affect any of the three types of peripheral nerves: - Sensory nerves, which transmit messages from the sensory organs, eyes, nose to the brain
- Motor nerves, which track the conscious movement of the muscles
- Autonomic nerves, which regulate the involuntary functions of the body
Sometimes, neuropathy will only impact one nerve. This is medically referred to as mononeuropathy and instances of it include: - Ulnar neuropathy, which affects the elbow
- Radial neuropathy, which affects the arms
- Peroneal neuropathy, which affects the knees
- Femoral neuropathy, which affects the thighs
- Cervical neuropathy, which affects the neck
Sometimes, two or more isolated nerves in separate regions of the body can become damaged, injured or disrupted, resulting in mono neuritis multiplex neuropathy. Most often, however, multiple peripheral nerves malfunction at the same time, a condition called polyneuropathy. According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or the NINDS, there are over 100 kinds of peripheral neuropathies. Causes Neuropathies are often inherited from birth or they develop later in life. The most frequent inherited neuropathy is the neurological disease Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which affects 1 in 2,500 people in the USA. Although healthcare professionals are sometimes not able to pinpoint the exact reason for an acquired neuropathy, medically referred to as idiopathic neuropathy, there are many known causes for them, including systemic diseases, physical trauma, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. A systemic disease is one which affects the whole body. The most frequent systemic cause behind peripheral neuropathy is diabetes, which can lead to chronically high blood glucose levels that harm nerves. Other systemic issues can cause neuropathy, including: - Kidney disorders, which permit high levels of nerve-damaging toxic chemicals to flow in the blood
- Toxins from exposure to heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, mercury, and thallium
- Certain drugs and/or medications, including anti-cancer medications, anticonvulsants, antivirals, and antibiotics
- Chemical imbalances because of liver ailments
- Hormonal diseases, including hyperthyroidism, which disturbs metabolic processes, potentially inducing cells and body parts to exert pressure on the nerves
- Deficiencies in vitamins, such as E, B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), B12, and niacin, that can be vital for healthy nerves
- Alcohol abuse, which induces vitamin deficiencies and might also directly harm nerves
- Cancers and tumors that exert damaging pressure on nerve fibers and pathways
- Chronic inflammation, which can damage protective tissues around nerves, which makes them more vulnerable to compression or vulnerable to getting inflamed and swollen
- Blood diseases and blood vessel damage, which may damage or injure nerve tissue by decreasing the available oxygen supply
Signs and Symptoms Depending on the reason and unique to each patient, signs, and symptoms of neuropathy can include: - Pain
- Tingling
- Burning/prickling sensations
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness
- Temporary or permanent numbness;
- Paralysis
- Dysfunction in glands or organs
- Impairment in urination and
- Sexual function
Such signs and symptoms are dependent on whether autonomic, sensory, or motor nerves, as well as a combination of them, are ultimately affected. Autonomic nerve damage can influence physiological functions like blood pressure or create gastrointestinal problems and issues. Damage or dysfunction in the sensory nerves may impact sensations and sense of equilibrium or balance, while harm to motor nerves may affect movement and reflexes. When both sensory and motor nerves are involved, the condition is known as sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Complications Peripheral neuropathy may result in several complications, as a result of disease or its symptoms. Numbness from the ailment can allow you to be less vulnerable to temperatures and pain, making you more likely to suffer from burns and serious wounds. The lack of sensations in the feet, for instance, can make you more prone to developing infections from minor traumatic accidents, particularly for diabetics, who heal more slowly than other people, including foot ulcers and gangrene. Furthermore, muscle atrophy may cause you to develop particular physical disfigurements, such as pes cavus, a condition marked by an abnormally high foot arch, and claw-like deformities in the feet and palms. Neuropathy Treatment The first step in neuropathy treatment should be finding the root cause that's causing the neuropathy. Treatment of diseases such as: - Diabetes
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sarcoidosis
- Other underlying diseases
Prevents continued nerve damage and in some cases heals the damaged nerves. If you are unaware of any underlying disease that is causing the peripheral neuropathy, make sure to let your doctor know of abnormal symptoms you may be experiencing. Medication Peripheral neuropathy can be treated with various medications. The first type used to treat mild symptoms are: - Over-the-counter pain medications
In more severe cases: - Opiates
- Narcotic medications
- Anti-seizure medications
A doctor may prescribe a lidocaine patch or anti-depressants, as well to relieve symptoms. Patients should thoroughly discuss medication for neuropathy treatment with a doctor before proceeding. Physical Therapy Physical therapy can benefit symptoms in neuropathy treatment. A therapist will teach the patient exercises and stretches to help improve symptoms and increase muscle strength/control. A therapist may also recommend braces or splints to improve mobility. Patient's should attend all physical therapy sessions to gain the maximum benefits. Acids Supplements like: - Essential acids called ALA (alpha-Lipoic acid)
- GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and omega-3 fatty acids
These can have a beneficial effect on diabetic peripheral neuropathy. L-Carnitine L-carnitine is a substance that the body makes and stores in the: There have been reports that certain diabetics with neuropathy symptoms could regain regular sensation in the limbs when they increased their consumption of carnitine called acetyl-L-carnitine. - Red meat
- Peanut butter
- Dairy products
Are good dietary sources of this nutrient. Supplements are also available at health food stores and pharmacies and health/wellness clinics. Vitamins/Minerals Vitamin deficiencies can result in peripheral neuropathy in some people. Therefore there needs to be a replenishing of vitamins: Can help to decrease symptoms. Recommended dosages are 300mg daily of vitamin E. Doses of the different B vitamins differ, but one option for patients is to take a daily B-complex supplement. Herbal Supplements Herbal remedies are an alternative to explore. St. John's Wort, is a herbal supplement that can be taken orally and can reduce the pain. Topical creams that have capsaicin, which is an anti-inflammatory found in chili peppers, can reduce the burning sensation. Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM Acupuncture can be an effective way to manage peripheral neuropathy. Acupuncture uses pressure points throughout the body to realign the body's energy, called the qi or chi. Also, movement therapy is a way to manage the condition. Tai chi and yoga can also help: - Align the body
- Mind
- Encourage relaxation
- Distract from the pain
Even if the neuropathy treatment is only temporary, it can still help. We are blessed to present to you El Paso’s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic. Our services are specialized and focused on injuries and the complete recovery process. Our areas of practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Treatment, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Stress Management, and Complex Injuries. As El Paso’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities. We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life. Let Us Help You Get Back To Your Normal Life! Health Grades: http://www.healthgrades.com/review/3SDJ4 Facebook Clinical Page: https://www.facebook.com/dralexjimene... Facebook Sports Page: https://www.facebook.com/pushasrx/ Facebook Injuries Page: https://www.facebook.com/elpasochirop... Facebook Neuropathy Page: https://www.facebook.com/ElPasoNeurop... Yelp: El Paso Rehabilitation Center: http://goo.gl/pwY2n2 Yelp: El Paso Clinical Center: Treatment: https://goo.gl/r2QPuZ Clinical Testimonies: https://www.dralexjimenez.com/categor...
Information: Dr. Alex Jimenez – Chiropractor
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of disability and death among the general population, especially in young adults. Additionally, TBI is associated with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is essential for patients and healthcare professionals to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases to diagnose factors which may ultimately cause neurodegeneration associated with TBI as well as determine possible treatment approaches. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic excitotoxicity have previously been associated with TBI and neurodegenerative diseases. As a matter of fact, oxidative stress is believed to be an essential pathological mechanism which connects TBI to neurodegenerative diseases. Research studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species and their subsequent byproducts may play a role as novel fluid markers for the identification and monitoring of cellular damage. These reactive oxygen species can also serve as a suitable treatment approach to ultimately help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and promote quality of life for people suffering from TBI and other health issues.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of disability and death in people. About 1.6 million individuals suffer traumatic brain injuries in the United States every year. TBI can cause a process of injury which may ultimately cause a variety of neurodegenerative diseases and other health issues. Many of the neurodegenerative diseases following TBI include health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis which result in these type of neurodegenerative diseases, however, are still completely misunderstood. Where many of the health issues following TBI have a high incidence, there are currently only several treatment approaches which can help prevent the pathological development of chronic neurological diseases. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying TBI and neurodegenerative diseases is ultimately fundamental to determine the possible connection between these health issues to allow safe and effective diagnosis and treatment. In part 1 of the following article, we will discuss the pathological mechanisms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how it’s associated with the development of a variety of neurological diseases and other health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Microglial cells make up about 10 to 15 percent of all the glial cells in the human body, which can be found in the central nervous system (CNS) and play a fundamental role in the human brain. Microglial cells are responsible for maintaining and regulating changes in the physiological and pathological condition of the CNS by changing their morphology, phenotype and function. In an average physiological state, the microglial cells are continuously in charge of controlling their environment. However, when the homeostasis of the brain is interrupted, the microglia change into an amoeba-like shape and become a phagocyte where they can actively reveal a variety of antigens. If the homeostasis interruption in the CNS continues, the microglial cells will then trigger at a much stronger state, which is known as microglial priming. Microglia are the “Bruce Banner” of the CNS. However, once they go into protective “Hulk” mode, primed microglia become much more sensitive to stimulation and they have a much stronger possibility of reacting to stimulation, even reacting towards normal cells. Microglial priming can become a double-edged sword. As a matter of fact, primed microglia are created from different phenotypes of microglia and the phenotypes are context-dependent, which means they are associated to the sequence and duration of their exposure to different varieties of stimulation in a variety of pathologies. In the article below, we will demonstrate the effect of microglial priming on the central nervous system (CNS), especially in neurological diseases.
About 6 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and about 50 million people worldwide have dementia. There aren’t many treatments to treat these neurological diseases. Scientists in a 2018 research study on red light therapy and mice described that “treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia has not been effective for more than 100 years.” Another research study described that there is currently “no treatment to prevent brain health issues. However, research studies on red light therapy as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have been positive over the last few years in laboratory settings with rodent models. Based on this lab data, researchers recommend red light therapy and near-infrared light therapy in human patients with AD and dementia. In this article, we will look at what the initial human research studies on red light therapy and Alzheimer’s disease/dementia have shown over the last few years.
According to research studies, transcranial infrared laser stimulation, as well as other types of transcranial lasers, utilized on frontal cortex functions can improve sustained attention and working memory, among other brain functions. Transcranial laser stimulation with low-power density (mW/cm2) and high-energy density (J/cm2) monochromatic light in the near-infrared wavelengths regulates and maintains brain functions and may promote neurotherapeutic effects in a non-destructive and non-thermal manner. Researchers determined through the first controlled research study that transcranial laser stimulation improves human cognitive and emotional brain functions. In the field of low-level light/laser therapy or LLLT, developing a model to demonstrate how luminous energy from red-to-near-infrared wavelengths improves bioenergetics has been in development for the last 40 years. Previous LLLT research studies have demonstrated historical a variety of developments, principles and applications on the subject matter. The purpose of the following article is to demonstrate an update on LLLT’s neurochemical mechanisms supporting transcranial laser stimulation for cognitive-enhancing functions. We will describe the effect of LLLT on brain bioenergetics, briefly discussing its bioavailability and dose-response, and its effects on cognitive brain function. Although our focus is on prefrontal-related cognitive functions, LLLT should be able to improve other brain functions. By way of instance, stimulating different brain regions affect different functions associated with sensory and motor systems.
The central nervous system plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of infection. The CNS is regulated by the blood-brain barrier or BBB, however, it can be exposed to a microbial invasion from a contiguous focus, hematogenous dissemination, or intraneural passage of organisms. Various environmental or commensal bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, or parasites can enter the CNS and cause infections and health issues. Central nervous system infections can cause headache, stiff neck, vomiting, fever, photophobia, and focal neurological symptoms.
Mitochondria are the “energy factory” of the human body. Several thousand mitochondria can be found in nearly every cell. Mitochondria also play several fundamental roles in the body, such as converting chemicals from the foods we eat into energy as well as to process oxygen. Mitochondria produce 90 percent of the energy the human body requires to function accordingly. The purpose of the following article is to describe an overview of mitochondrial disease and well-being. What are Mitochondrial Diseases? Mitochondrial diseases are characterized as chronic, genetic, and often inherited health issues which ultimately occur when mitochondria fail to produce enough energy for the human body to function properly. Mitochondrial diseases may develop from birth however they can frequently develop at any age. Mitochondrial disease can affect any region of the human body, including the cells of the brain, muscles, heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, eyes, ears, and nerves, among other structures. When the mitochondria don’t function as well as they should because of another health issue, mitochondrial dysfunction occurs. Furthermore, many health issues can cause secondary dysfunction and result in other neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and muscular dystrophy. People with secondary dysfunction don’t have genetic mitochondrial disease and do not need to be concerned about the ongoing development or worsening of symptoms.
Cerebral perfusion pressure, or CPP, is the net pressure gradient which carries oxygen to brain tissue. It is measured by the difference between the mean arterial pressure, or MAP, and the Intracranial Pressure, or ICP, which is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Regulating CPP is fundamental in the treatment of patients with intracranial pathology, including shock, hemodynamic distress, and traumatic brain injury. Although the average CPP is generally between 60 and 80 mm Hg, these values may change to the left or to the right depending on individual physiology. MAP and ICP has to be measured together because CPP is a calculated measure. Regulating CPP at hemodynamically unstable conditions with abnormal ICP or in cases of intracranial pathology will reduce the chance of ischemic brain injury.
You have probably heard about the “gray matter” of the brain which is made up of cells known as neurons, however, a lesser-known type of brain cell is ultimately what makes up the “white matter” of the brain. These are well-known as glial cells as well as glia. Glial cells, also known as glia or neuroglia, were only considered to simply offer structural support. The term “glia” literally translates to “neural adhesive.” However, relatively recent research studies have demonstrated that they play a variety of roles in the brain and the nerves which run throughout the entire human body. However, there is more information still left to determine and find out.
The human brain is the human body’s control center. It is a fundamental structure in the nervous system, which also includes the spinal cord and a system of nerves and neurons. The nervous system controls every structure and function in the human body. When the brain is damaged, it can ultimately affect the function of the nervous system, including memory, sensation, and even personality. Brain disorders include any health issues which affect the brain. This includes health issues due to: - genetics
- illness
- trauma or injury
What are the Different Types of Brain Disorders? There is a wide array of different brain disorders which can vary tremendously in symptoms and grade of severity. In the following article, we will demonstrate the different types of brain disorders and discuss several of the most common types of brain disorders.
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Medicine loves to simplify topics into a good-or-bad dichotomy, and there is no better example than LDL and HDL cholesterol. However, this simplistic way of thinking disregards the beneficial role LDL plays in human physiology, and the complicated variations we see in both LDL and HDL.
Medical marijuana may bring relief to older people who have symptoms like pain, sleep disorders, or anxiety due to chronic conditions such as amyotrophic...
The most common causes of TBI which result in ER visits include slip-and-fall accidents, blows to the head, and automobile accidents. Abrupt forces which jolt the brain violently within the skull, such as shock waves from explosions, which can also cause TBI. Traumatic brain injury can also result from bullet wounds or other injuries which penetrate the skull and brain. Doctors characterize traumatic brain injury as mild, moderate, or severe depending on whether the injury causes unconsciousness, how long it lasts, and other symptoms. Although most traumatic brain injuries are characterized as mild because they’re not considered life-threatening, even a mild TBI can have serious and long-lasting effects if left untreated. Resulting from an impact to the head which interrupts brain function, TBI is a threat to cognitive health in two ways: - The effects of traumatic brain injury, which may be long-lasting or even permanent, can include unconsciousness, inability to recall the event, confusion, difficulty learning new information, trouble speaking, unsteadiness, lack of coordination, and health issues associated with vision or hearing, among other common symptoms.
- TBI may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, years after the injury takes place.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2.8 million TBI-associated ER visits, hospitalizations, and deaths occurred in 2013, the latest year for which information is available. The purpose of the following article is to discuss traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its connection with Alzheimer’s disease and other health issues.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of disability and death in people. About 1.6 million individuals suffer traumatic brain injuries in the United States every year. TBI can cause a process of injury which may ultimately cause a variety of neurodegenerative diseases and other health issues. Many of the neurodegenerative diseases following TBI include health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis which result in these type of neurodegenerative diseases, however, are still completely misunderstood. Where many of the health issues following TBI have a high incidence, there are currently only several treatment approaches which can help prevent the pathological development of chronic neurological diseases. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying TBI and neurodegenerative diseases is fundamental to determine the possible connection between these health issues, to allow the safe and effective diagnosis and treatment. In the following article, we discuss the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and how they’re associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common types of dementia among older adults. Research studies have demonstrated that pathological changes in the human brain, whether directly or indirectly, can ultimately cause loss of synaptic function, mitochondrial damage, microglial cell activation, and neuronal cell death. However, the pathogenesis of AD is not yet fully understood and there is currently no definitive treatment for the neurological disease. Research studies have demonstrated that the activation and priming of microglial cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. A proinflammatory status of the central nervous system (CNS) can also cause changes in the function of the microglial cells or microglia. Neuroinflammation is closely associated with the activation of microglia and astrocytes which are connected to a variety of neurological diseases by the synthesis and secretion of inflammatory mediators such as iNOS, ROS, and proinflammatory cytokines. According to research studies, microglial priming is also caused by the inflammation of the CNS. Therefore, whether microglial priming is the result or the cause of neuroinflammation is still controversial. Microglial cell activation commonly causes an increase of Aβ and tau proteins as well as a decrease of neurotrophic factors, ultimately leading to the loss of healthy brain cells or neurons and the development of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles which are closely associated with AD. With the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, changes from neuronal dysfunctions which may have no obvious symptoms to memory loss and cognitive impairment may become more noticeable.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation, is the use of low-power lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for treatment purposes. When LLLT is used on the brain, it is known as transcranial LLLT or transcranial photobiomodulation. Many research studies have shown that LLLT can help treat a variety of brain health issues. Different from high-intensity surgical lasers, low-powered lasers do not cut or burn tissue. Instead, these lasers stimulate a biological reaction and promote cells to function properly. Moreover, it’s also easy to use LLLT utilizing red and near-infrared light on your own home. In the article below, we will discuss the brain health benefits of low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
The human brain is made up of approximately billions of small cells which utilize electrical impulses and chemical signals to communicate with one another and other parts of the human body. These are known as neurons. When neurons stop functioning properly, it can cause a variety of brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and even depression. Researchers developed several treatment methods and techniques of brain stimulation which allow them to control neural activity to better understand and regulate these type of health issues. In conventional treatment methods and techniques of deep brain stimulation, electrical neurostimulators, also known as “brain pacemakers,” are surgically implanted in the brain. Researchers also developed non-invasive treatment approaches to stimulate cells found deep within the brain. While several researchers utilize magnetic pulses or sound waves to stimulate neurons, researchers in the optogenetics utilize light therapy. Shuo Chen, Ph.D., winner of Science and PINS Prize for Neuromodulation, was recognized for his work in this area. “Dr. Chen demonstrated that near-infrared light, when utilized with certain nanoparticles, allowed the stimulation of neurons deep within the brain,” stated Dr. Karl Deisseroth, professor of bioengineering, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. “More research studies are needed to make this a useful process,” he said, “but Dr. Chen took a key step.”
Central nervous system, or CNS, infections can be life-threatening if they are not diagnosed and treated early. Because CNS infections are non-specific, determining an accurate diagnosis can be challenging. The nucleic acid in vitro amplification-based molecular methods are starting to be utilized for routine microbial diagnosis. These molecular methods have improved beyond conventional diagnostic techniques with increased sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, molecular methods utilized on cerebrospinal fluid samples are considered the new standard for diagnosis of CNS infections caused by pathogens. Molecular methods for the diagnosis of CNS infections offers a variety of monoplex and multiplex PCR assays to diagnose several types of health issues. Pan-omic molecular platforms can also help diagnose CNS infections. Although molecular methods are utilized for the diagnosis of CNS infections, the outcome measures for these diagnostic techniques must be carefully identified by healthcare professionals. The following article discusses conventional diagnostic techniques and molecular methods utilized for the diagnosis of central nervous system infections, their application, and future approaches.
We often think of proteins are nutrients found in the food we eat and the main component of muscles, however, proteins are microscopic molecules located inside of cells which actually perform a variety of fundamental roles. The function of a protein depends on its shape, and when protein formation goes awry, the resulting misshapen proteins can cause numerous health issues, such as when proteins neglect their essential roles or when they form a sticky, clumpy clutter inside of cells. Protein formation is an error-prone procedure and mistakes along the way have been associated with neurological diseases. There are approximately 20,000 to over 100,000 unique types of proteins found inside a common human cell. Why so many? Proteins are the workhorses of the human cell. By way of instance, several of these proteins are structural, lending stiffness and rigidity to thin neurons or muscle tissues. Other proteins shuttle them to new places and bind to specific molecules and others catalyze responses. A property of proteins is possible through diversity and specificity in their role when they fold.
Cerebrovascular disease is characterized as a group of diseases, conditions, and disorders which ultimately affects the blood vessels and the blood supply to the human brain. Brain damage can occur when a blockage, malformation, or hemorrhage prevents the brain cells from receiving enough oxygen. Cerebrovascular disorders can include stroke, transient ischemic attack or TIA, aneurysm, and vascular malformation. Cerebrovascular disease can develop due to a variety of health issues, such as atherosclerosis, where the arteries become narrow; thrombosis or embolic arterial blood clot, which is a blood clot in an artery of the brain; or cerebral venous thrombosis, which is a blood clot in a vein of the brain. In the United States, cerebrovascular disease is one of the most common causes of death. In 2017, it caused about 44.9 deaths per 100,000 individuals or 146,383 deaths in total. Fortunately, people can decrease their risk of developing cerebrovascular disease. In the following article, we will describe the types, the symptoms, the diagnosis, and the treatment for cerebrovascular disease and how to prevent them.
You Are What You Eat The phrase, “You are what you eat” implies that the way we are defines us as the food we all consumed. However, our gut tells us otherwise as the food we eat, may, in fact, be leading us to obesity. Our gut plays a role in our overall health, when we eat good food our gut is happy and when we eat bad food our gut will tell us by fighting off the bad food. A recent study showed us that the bacteria in our gut produce amyloid and lipopolysaccharides. These two microbiomes seem to show us that together, with proper dieting that these microbiomes can prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. As the microbiomes and the bacteria that co-exist in our gut, there are the two most predominant groups that have also played a key role in our lifestyle: gram-positive Firmicutes and gram-negative Bacteroidetes- both play a huge role in obesity. Firmicutes are bad bacteria that lead us to obesity. When we eat processed food and sugars, our body starts to crave it more, thus leading us to be overweight. Junk Food When we eat junk food, all that sugar and fat are feeding the Firmicutes. Firmicutes thrive on sugar since our bodies need it and it can be both good or bad While Bacteroidetes are the good bacteria that leads us to a healthy gut. Bacteroidetes are in the stomach regions as well as the Firmicutes. These two predominant bacteria groups tell us that the food we eat can actually affect our bodies when we eat bad foods or good foods. However, Dr. Kristen Senella mentioned that we all have a different balance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes since we are all different shapes and sizes. Depending on our health and food lifestyle, we can have either a low Firmicutes and a high Bacteroidetes or a high Firmicutes and a low Bacteroidetes. Plus, having either a high or low count of Firmicutes can lead to weight gain or weight loss; depending on which healthy lifestyle and exercise regime you are following. Gram-Positive Gram-positive bacteria will appear blue or violet, while gram-negative bacteria will appear red or pink under the microscope. When studying the gut and the bacteria groups that it is hosting, scientist use mice to study how their guts react to different diets they are put through so that way we, as humans, can take either pills to help our bodies maintain a healthy lifestyle or to read and do our own research. One group is fed in a healthy lifestyle and doesn’t experience diseases or ailments that we face. And the other group is fed with a bad lifestyle where they are prone to many of the diseases and fatigue as their life span is shortened very quickly. In order for us to actually maintain a healthy lifestyle and importantly feel good is to make sure our Firmicutes are not too dangerously low, but we can control it with probiotics. Probiotics Probiotics can vary from yogurt, fermented vegetables, kombucha, and miso. But there are certain companies that also reign supreme in the probiotic market. Activia yogurt and Yakult are two of the most well-known companies that use the live microorganisms to help us maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as keeping our gut’s microbiome in check. When we have some sort of probiotic foods in our system, we are preventing certain ailments and diseases going out of control. Like our cholesterol, blood pressure, being lactose intolerant, or recurring abdominal pains. When we mix probiotics into our food when we are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, we can see a vast improvement in how we have more energy, we feel full that we don’t have to overeat or mindless snacking, and overall we feel good in our gut as we go through our daily routine. From 2007 to now, roughly 3.9 million Americans use probiotics to maintain a healthy gut, however, those probiotics are just a fraction of what the six types of foods that can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome to help support a healthy lifestyle. Healthy Lifestyle For instance, a good healthy lifestyle is eating your basic food groups; whether it be plant-based or omnivorous, as well as, exercising a couple of times out of the year. A bad healthy lifestyle is eating processed food and not exercising, which leads to obesity and cardiac arrest. Depending on the person and the efforts that they are willing to maintain a healthy lifestyle, they can achieve longevity by taking care of their gut first and foremost. Protein Let’s start with protein. Protein can vary with lean meats like chicken and beef or plant-based like beans, legumes or tofu. Any of these types of protein can help our bodies by making us make our muscles grow, but also control the bacteria in our guts. Next up is fats. Fats can vary like good and bad bacteria. There are good fats like fish, nuts, olive oil, and avocado; as well as, bad fats like butter, lard, and fatty foods. Granted that we can overindulge on the trans fats as there are many fast-food chains, but we can moderate ourselves to not eat out at fast food joints all the time. Yes, they are cheap and easy to access, however now and days, we as humans are now cooking more in our homes and meal prepping our meals to be healthier. Digestible and Non-Digestible Carbohydrates are mostly starch, sugars, and fibers. These two food groups can make our gut feel happy or upset depending on the food we consume. Sugars, starches, and fibers help our bodies by feeling full with the starches, the fibers help our bowel movements in case our gut feels bloated, and the sugars gives us microburst of energy for our fast-paced lives. Fermented & Polyphenols The last two food groups are fermented food and Polyphenols. Both of these food groups have amazing properties since we see them everywhere in the food market, hiding in plain sight. Fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi are a few examples of ways of keeping our guts happy and stopping many diseases. Polyphenols are antioxidant foods like dark chocolate, berries, dark greens, and certain fruits. These help our gut curb that sugar hunger and all in all taste really good. All in all, our gut microbiomes are important to us and our overall health as we all try to maintain and achieve a healthy lifestyle. The phrase “we are what we eat” still implies to all of us, however, it is up to us to actually put in the work and constantly try out different foods to make sure that our gut is still functioning properly. No matter which diet you choose, pick one that will work with your body and your gut since we all are made differently. But our gut should be the first thing that we should listen to. Cites: Role of gut microbiota and nutrients in amyloid formation and pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. - PubMed – NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27634977 Bacteroidetes Glossary Biome360: https://www.biome360.com/glossary/bacteroidetes/ What are Firmicutes? : https://www.biome360.com/blog/firmicutes/ Bacteria and the body – Wikiversity: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Bacteria_and_the_body#Gram-positive_bacteria Nanoparticle relieved symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in mice: https://phys.org/news/2019-08-nanoparticle-relieved-symptoms-inflammatory-bowel.html Probiotic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probiotic Polyphenols: What They Are, and Why You Need Them: https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/12/14/polyphenols-benefits.aspx
Neural cell death can occur both during the development and throughout the pathophysiology of the nervous system. Two different types of cell death, known as necrosis and apoptosis, are involved in pathological neuronal loss, however, apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death during development. All types of cells will go through apoptosis. This mechanism controls neuronal growth where an excess of neurons is produced and only those which form connections with the target structures will receive enough survival factors. The remaining neurons will then ultimately go through death and removal. Apoptosis continues throughout life and it is the main process involved in the elimination of surplus, unwanted, damaged or aged cells. Dysregulation of apoptosis is demonstrated after damage or injury as well as in neurodegeneration and in tumorigenesis. Treatment approaches which influence the apoptotic pathway offer valuable therapeutic options in a wide variety of pathological states. The purpose of the article is to describe the significance of apoptosis in neurological diseases.
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Excitotoxicity is the pathological mechanism by which brain cells or neurons are ultimately damaged or eliminated by excessive stimulation from neurotransmitters, including glutamate and other similar substances. This ultimately occurs when the NMDA receptor and the AMPA receptor are overactivated by excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate receptors. This can cause a variety of processes which can damage cell structures, including components of the cytoskeleton, membrane, and DNA. Regulating and managing excitotoxicity can help maintain overall well-being. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.