The AlzFighter Process: Category 1: Brain Injury Prevention

Category 1: Brain Injury Prevention

Let's begin with the most basic element, the physical protection of your brain. This is the first step in maintaining cognitive function. When we say brain protection, helmets probably come to mind. However, we must think broader and consider ALL potential sources and methods of physical damage to our brains and how these can be avoided.

So, what types of Brain injury are there, and what are the potential causes for Brain Damage? There are two general types of brain injury –

1. Traumatic brain injury, such as the damage that can occur from a car crash or fall; and

2. Acquired brain injuries such as those that occur due to exposure to toxins or lack of oxygen, or even strokes.

Traumatic Brain Injuries or TBIs:

Focusing on the first category, we must consider all the ways we can be injured and the prevention methods:

· Falls/ accidents:

-whenever possible, use appropriate safety measures such as fall harnesses and safety gear.

-Regularly practice balance/ strength maintaining exercises and

-regularly scan your work and home areas for trip hazards such as rugs, uneven walking surfaces, and slippery or wet floors.

-Wear appropriate shoes that will provide slip resistance.

-Train pets to NOT jump or walk in front of family

· Car Accidents:

-utilize safe and defensive driving tactics,

-follow safe driving habits and traffic laws.

-avoid the use of illicit substances or anything that might impair judgment

-utilize safety belts and don’t disarm safety features.

· Other Head traumas:

-Minimize exposures to sports or other activities that could cause direct brain impacts or indirect impacts i.e., sport that involves rapid course and speed changes.

-Utilize safety harnesses and protective gear

The second general type of brain injury is acquired brain injury:

Causes and methods to avoid these:

· Poisoning or exposure to toxic substances: Be aware that these substances can enter the body through multiple routes, including inhalation, ingestion, absorption through the skin, and even direct intravenous injection. Control over what is allowed to enter the body is the only way to stop exposure. This includes recognizing that some commonly used substances have neurotoxic effects. For example, alcohol does cause damage to the brain. Over time, this damage can have cumulative effects.

· Infection: Make every effort to support your immune system through overall health and preventative vaccinations.

· Hypoxic injury – The brain must have a constant blood flow/ oxygenation supply to maintain optimal health. Anything that restricts this flow can cause hypoxic injury – examples include strangulation, strokes, and heart attack. Products that contain nicotine act to restrict blood flow to capillaries throughout the body, which can have a chronic negative impact on the brain / central nervous system.

Putting it into action: Examples of tasks and action items for this category in the AlzFighter process:

· I will cut my smoking down by ½ a pack per day over the next 60 days. I currently smoke one pack per day, and when I return for my follow-up appointment, I will be down to ½ a pack per day. I will make this change slowly and consistently and listen to the recommended relaxation/smoking cessation hypnosis playlist recommended during my initial assessment.

· I work as a mechanic, so I can’t avoid working in situations where I might fall. So, I will use the safety harness each time I go to the high rise. I know this may slow me down, but my safety is more important than saving the company the 2 minutes extra it takes me to properly apply the gear.

· I will do a house safety check as recommended and remove any identified potential trip hazards. I will have a dog door installed so my dog will be able to go use the restroom on her own and have less need to come running up / potentially tripping me.

· I will use gloves and open the windows when cleaning with the house cleaning chemicals. If possible, I will switch to buying all-natural materials.

Cognitive Decline Prevention; Alzheimer's Disease Prevention; Total Health and Wellness approach