Brain nutrition-orthomolecular aspects

Abstract

the "plastic" human and primate brain continue to make neurons in the cerebral cortex during lifespan [3,4]. The established "neurogenic" (originated active proliferative neural cells and growth factors) regions are the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, the subventricular zone (the source of neocortical neurons in development), and the olfactory lobe [5,6]. In summary, the number of new neurons produced, matches the number of neurons lost in each area, but as soon as the dying cells are being faster removing from the brain´s regions, the physiologic balance will be lost and the cognitive and neurologic function will decline. As a relative new concept in neurosciences, the neuronal plasticity refers to changes at the neuronal level, known to be stimulated by experience, e.g., neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, dendritic arborization, and network re-organization [5]. Cognitive plasticity refers to changed patterns of cognitive behavior, e.g., greater susceptibility to distractors, and dependence on executive control, both increased in aging. Manifestations of cognitive plasticity depend upon neural plasticity mechanisms and in the absence of disease; factors that enhance this interactive process can promote both cognitive integrity (preserved cognitive ability) and brain integrity (preserved brain structure) in healthy old age [5]. During lifespan, the brain may adapt to stress by triggering several regenerative mechanisms, such as DNA repair, neurotrophic releasing, enzymatic antioxidant defense and synaptic reconnections [7][8][9]. Since the discovery of the adult neurogenesis, much research effort has been devoted to study its mechanisms and implications in healthy and pathological conditions. Some elucidated neurogenic mechanisms involve neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, AbstractThe contemporary advances in neuroscience and anti-aging medicine show that the brain and nervous system can adapt to chronic stress, inflammation and damage mechanisms by increasing its neurogenic and neuroplasticity potential. Neuroplasticity is the key point response of adaptation and repairing of functional neurons throughout life, giving the opportunity, either by DNA restoration, releasing of neurotrophins, antioxidant defences, mitochondrial, inflammatory and apoptotic regulation to fight against the neurological aging typical decline. The perfect neuroplastic development will depend on a multi imperative factors and concepts, such as epigenetics, dietary anti-inflammatory/antioxidant nutrition, caloric restriction, mindfulness meditation ability, novelties experiences, sleep cycle quality, exercise, physiological and psychological stress coping, hormonal balance and cellular or tissues regenerative molecules. The orthomolecular medicine establishes the use of the correct molecules to keep the perfect physiological and biochemical function of the body and by using this wide-range Linus Pauling definition this mini-review aims to address the main issues related to the mechanisms of cognitive and neuroplasticity development and off...