Module XV - A, B, C & D: Brain Fitness and Memory Maintenance

Module XV (A) - The Basics of Brain Fitness and Memory Maintenance

Upon completion of this module, the participants will:

• Evaluate genetic markers for memory loss
• Understand the role that toxins have in memory loss
• Appreciate how exercise helps maintain cognition
• Learn commonly used medications that may cause memory loss
• Identify nutrients that help maintain memory and focus
• Comprehend exercises that help maintain memory
• Learn cognitive testing
• Understand the affect that psychotropic and pain medications have on memory
• Understand the role recreational drugs have on memory loss
• Value the role sex hormones have in maintaining memory and focus including pregnenolone, estrogens, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA
• Learn how optimal thyroid function helps maintain memory and focus
• Understand how stress affects memory
• Comprehend the role that insulin dysfunction plays in memory loss
• Learn the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease
• Recognize the effects of fluoride on the brain
• Know elevated plasma homocysteine levels are a risk factor for dementia
• Understand the value of sleep hygiene and its affect on memory
• Realize the key role stress has on cognition
• Understand the relationship between health status and cognitive functioning
• Identify the fatty acids that aid in memory maintenance
• Understand the role that inflammation plays in memory loss
• Learn that level of education affects memory
• Understand that intake of foods that the patient is allergic to can affect cognition
• Learn that dysbiosis can affect memory
• Identify toxic metals that can affect cognition
• Understand the role neurotransmitters have on memory
• Learn the parts of the brain that affect memory

Module XV (B) - How the Brain Learns and Metabolism of the Brain

Upon completion of this module, the participants will:

• Learn the biology of the brain
• Understand the anatomy of the brain
• Know the physiology of the brain
• Know how the brain processes information
• Recognize the stages and types of memory
• Recognize factors that affect retention and learning
• Understand transfer of learning
• Understand the cause of gender differences in learning
• Understand the brain and the arts
• Know Bloom's Taxonomy
• Know the molecular origins of human attention-the dopamine folate connection
• Recognize healthy brain aging

Module XV (C) - Memory Loss: A Practical Guide for Clinicians

Upon completion of this module, the participants will:

• Know how to evaluate the patient with memory loss
• Recognize the differential diagnosis of memory loss including Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, dementia with Lewy Bodies (including Parkinson's Disease dementia), vascular dementia and vascular cognitive impairment, frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, normal pressure hydrocephalus, Cretzfeldt,-Jakob Disease and other disorders
• Know the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
• Learn medications that are disease-modifying treatments for memory loss

Module XV (D) - Brain Fitness Therapies

Upon completion of this module, the participants will:

• Review clinical trials on nutrients that help preserve cognitive function
• Learn how good sleep hygiene helps maintain memory
• Understand the role that exercise and physical activity have in preserving memory
• Learn which nutritional deficiencies can lead to memory loss
• Recognize potential future neuroprotective therapies for neurodegenerative disorders and stroke
• Study creative engagement and how it helps support resilience and neuroprotection
• Learn a road map for healthy brain aging
• Review how cardiovascular risk factors and cerebrovascular disease burden is associated with memory loss including hypertension, obesity, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, depression, and hyperhomocysteinemia
• Learn new treatment modalities to prevent and treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in relationship to memory maintenance
• Acquire knowledge on the effect that head injury, alcohol, and environmental toxins have on memory
• Discover preventative measures and treatments for patients with head injuries, excessive alcohol intake, and exposure to environmental toxins
• Study optimal foods for patients to eat that help with brain fitness
• Review the role that excitotoxins play in memory loss and how to prevent exposure
• Learn brain exercises to maintain and improve memory
• Review the role that excessive sugar intake has on the genesis of cognitive decline
• Discover the part that allergies may play in memory loss and how to treat them effectively
• Recognize medications that can cause cognitive decline and how to decrease their side effects
• Learn the role that stress plays in memory loss and new therapies to help the patient manage stress