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Diet and exercise are important for healthy living. Yea, yea yea, we have all heard that a thousand times, beginning with our parents telling us this. But what does that really mean? For people with chromosome 18 conditions, it is particularly critical because optimizing their skills and ability to be as independent as possible is a top priority. There are a lot of ways to optimize this that come under the heading of lifestyle. Here is what that means as far as what is really going on in the brain and how lifestyle choices can impact it. The brain is actually a very dynamic organ. Even after someone reaches adulthood, the brain continues to have the ability to adapt, react, and change in positive ways. This is called neural plasticity.
The signals within your brain and body are transmitted by interconnected cells called neurons. The connections between neurons can be strengthened to work more efficiently through working together. Neuroscientists say that neurons that fire together wire together. Activities like reading, playing an instrument, physical activity to include aerobic and strength activity, and social interactions all keep neuronal connections strong. When these activities are supported by good sleep, and a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, the effect of these activities is maximized. Conversely, inactivity, social isolation, and chronic sleep deprivation allow the connections to weaken over time.
A step beyond merely maintaining strong connections is the brain’s ability to actually change the connections and networks. This can happen through learning, be it a new language, a new musical instrument, or new physical skill. Additionally, computer-based programs like Fast Forword can change brain networks and improve auditory processing speed, thereby helping to improve reading deficits. There is a briming industry of brain game companies such as BrainHQ, and Lumosity, to randomly select a few. Most of the programs are designed for cognitive rehabilitation in people with Alzheimer’s, stroke or Parkinson’s Disease. One company, NeuronUp did test their product in people with neurodevelopmental disabilities. But this program requires a professional to administer it. There are no data as to whether these are helpful for people with chromosome 18 conditions. If any of you have tried any of these types of programs, please send us your feedback.
Neurons are not the only type of cells in the brain. There are a multitude of other cells whose functions are critical to brain health and plasticity. Cells called microglia and astrocytes are a part of the brain’s health, immunity, and repair systems. They get activated when there is an infection or trauma such as a stroke or concussion. Then they help the brain recover and if necessary, reorganize to regain skills after a stroke for example. However, if these cells become chronically overactivated, they can end up doing irreparable damage to neurons. One cause of chronic overactivation is overweight or obesity, which thereby increases the rate of age-related cognitive decline. This means that as difficult as it is, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, getting enough exercise and social interaction are even more important to those with a developmental disability.
None of these cells are static in that only their activity changes. New cells are also born in some parts of the brain throughout life. Cells that are in an immature state differentiate and take the place of aging cells. The brain is continuously being reconfigured through life in a process that is modifiable. We need to be optimizing it.
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