Brain Atrophy

Dear Dr. Meletis,

I have heard back from the neuropsychologist about my mother. He indicated that she is having a lot of trouble with the part of your brain that deals with visual information. He also said that the MRI showed the small blood vessels in the right side of her brain have become clogged or blocked somehow. As a result, that part of her brain is shrinking beyond what is normally associated with aging. He didn’t say what was causing the blocking: for example cholesterol or something like that. I asked him what could be done about it and he said nothing that I know of. I have a hard time believing that. Thank You.

Ms. E.

Dear Ms. E.,

The case you have described is complex. Assuming that your mother is not on blood thinners and does not have a history of brain hemorrhage, reading about the following supplements is important: Ginkgo, Huperzine, NGF™ (Neuron Growth Factors) and Vinpocetine. I will assume that the carotid arteries have been imaged and they are allowing free flow of blood; if not that will be an important step.

Also looking at testosterone levels will be critical, as it is a natural vasodilator. It will be important also to measure the levels of fibrinogen, C-Reactive protein and homocysteine as they can all contribute to vascular damage beyond mere cholesterol levels. If she has not had a full sleep study at night to monitor O2 saturation levels throughout the night, this will be important as low oxygen levels will accelerate atrophy of the brain.

Sincerely,

Chris D. Meletis, ND