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BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD

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Page 1: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

BRAIN HEALTH

Alicia Brown, RD, LD

Page 2: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Overview

The Brain Functions of the Brain General Nutrition for the Brain Brain Issues:

Stroke Brain Cancer or Tumor Seizures

Review

Page 3: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

The Brain

The center of the nervous system Extremely complex

Cerebral cortex contains 15-35 billion neurons

Controls the other organ systems of the body Activating muscles Secretion of hormones

Despite scientific progress, much about how the brain works remains a mystery.

Page 4: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

The Brain (cont.)

Regions of the Brain: Cerebrum Frontal lobe Parietal lobe Occipital lobe Cerebellum Temporal lobe Brain Stem Spinal Cord

Page 5: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Functions of the Brain

Neurotransmitter Sending signals to other parts of the body

Sensory systems Sight, sound, taste, touch, smell

Motor systems Body movement, reflexes, involuntary

movements Arousal system

Cycle of sleeping and waking

Page 6: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Nutrition for the Brain

Protein Provides the building blocks to make tissues

and are used to make neurotransmitters Carbohydrate

Provides the main source of energy for the brain Glucose or sugar

Fat The brain is more than 60% fat

Plays a key role in transmission of information Omega 3 fatty acids are essential

Page 7: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Nutrition for the Brain (cont.) Vitamins

B complex vitamins play a role in producing energy

A, C and E are antioxidants Minerals

Magnesium and manganese are needed for brain energy

Sodium, potassium and calcium facilitate the transmission of messages

Page 8: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Nutrition for the Brain (cont.) Improper diet or lack of nutrients can

effect: Mood Thinking capacity Energy level Motivation Developmental status

Page 9: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues - Stroke

Many individuals are malnourished upon admission to hospital after stroke Elderly at highest risk

Malnutrition can increase due to: Low-conscious level Unsafe swallowing Arm or facial weakness Poor mobility Ill fitting dentures

Page 10: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues – Stroke (cont.)

Nutrition after a stroke Taste of foods may change Motor skills needed to eat may be impaired Keeping a desirable body weight may be a

problem No cure-all to improve status Overall healthy diet is recommended

Page 11: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues - Stroke

Eating after a stroke Each person’s diet must be individualized

after a stroke May use special utensils to ease eating Proper dental health and proper fitting

dentures Eating softer foods

Reduces risk of choking if individual is at risk Especially until motor skills are relearned or

individual is comfortable feeding themselves

Page 12: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues - Stroke

Preparing foods after a stroke If meat has off-flavor use:

Marinades Sauces Cook with fruit/juices

Seasonings such as oregano, rosemary, basil, and pepper have strong flavors

Tart foods may be desirable Oranges, lemons, lemonade

Flavor vegetables with garlic or onion

Page 13: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues - Stroke

Preparing foods after a stroke Eating foods at room temperature can

enhance taste Liquids may need to be thickened

Maintaining a desirable weight Eat a variety of foods Balance the amount eaten and exercise Choose whole grains, vegetables, and fruits Avoid high fat foods Drink alcohol in moderation

Page 14: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues - Stroke

Prevention Control high blood pressure Manage diabetes No tobacco Lower cholesterol levels Maintain healthy weight Regular physical activity General healthy diet

Page 15: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues – Cancer or Tumor Cancer, Tumors and treatments may

create nutrition related side-effects Diet is an important part of cancer

treatment Eating healthy foods before and after

treatment can help an individual feel better and stay stronger

Treatment can often cause side effect which make it difficult to eat well Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, trouble swallowing, depression, pain

Page 16: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues – Cancer and Tumors Anorexia and cachexia are common

factors for malnutrition in cancer patients Anorexia – the loss of appetite or desire to

eat Very common side-effect of cancer or tumor

Cachexia – a wasting syndrome Less common in brain tumors or cancer

Page 17: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues – Cancer and Tumors Anorexia suggestions:

Eat small high protein and high calorie meals every 1-2 hours

Have help preparing meals Add extra calories (butter, skim milk powder) Store small portions of favorite foods so they

are ready to eat when hungry Eat larger portions in the morning Avoid foods with strong odors Try new foods

Page 18: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues – Cancer and Tumors Good eating habits during cancer care

can help individuals cope with the effects of the cancer or tumor and treatment Proper nutrition before and during

treatment may mean patients can handle high doses of treatment

Some treatments more effective when patient consumes adequate protein and overall calores

Page 19: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues – Cancer and Tumors Nutrition and Prevention

Choose foods low in fat Choose foods low in salt Maintain a healthy weight Regular physical activity Drink alcohol in moderation No tobacco

Page 20: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues - Seizures

Seizure happen because of sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain Not all seizures cause convulsions Most last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes Most do not cause lasting harm Is an emergency if seizure lasts longer than

5 minutes or if a person has many seizures and does not wake up between them

Recurring seizures due to a brain disorder is called epilepsy

Page 21: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues – Seizures (cont.) Seizures can be treated with a ketogenic

diet High in fats Low in carbohydrates Mostly success in children Developed over 80 years ago Very strict Helps 2 out of 3 children with epilepsy Should only be tried if 2 or 3 medications

have failed Takes the commitment of a whole family to

succeed

Page 22: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues – Seizures (cont.) What the ketogenic diet does

Normally the brain runs on glucose After 24 hours of starvation, the body uses

all of its stored glucose, and the body begins to burn fat

It forces the body to burn fat constantly by keeping calories low and providing the patient with high fat foods

It is the mimicking of starvation that reduces the seizures

Page 23: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues - Seizures

Side Effects This treatment should not be tried without

the assistance of a doctor and a dietitian Most common side effects:

Dehydration Constipation Kidney or gall stones Pancreatitis Decreased bone density Eye problems Vitamin depletion – can be added through

supplements

Page 24: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Brain Issues - Seizures

Ketogenic Diet Example Menu 1 Day, 1500 kcal Breakfast: egg with bacon, made with heavy whipping

cream and butter, plus an apple Snack: peanut butter mixed with butter Lunch: tuna salad

made with celery, mayonnaise, and heavy whipping cream, served with lettuce

Snack: “keto” yogurt (made with heavy whipping cream, sour cream, strawberries, and artificial sweetener)

Dinner: cheeseburger with lettuce and green beans Snack: “keto” custard (heavy whipping cream, egg, and

pure unsweetened vanilla flavoring)

Page 25: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Review

There is no cure-all for stroke, cancer, tumors, or seizures

Often, general good nutrition and diet is the best method for recovery

Ketogenic diets for seizures is a serious commitment and but does have good chance for success

Discuss all nutrition issues with a Registered Dietitian

Page 26: BRAIN HEALTH Alicia Brown, RD, LD. Overview  The Brain  Functions of the Brain  General Nutrition for the Brain  Brain Issues:  Stroke  Brain Cancer

Resources

“Stroke and Nutrition”. http://www.bethabe.org/ Stroke_and_Nutrition172.html. Beth Abraham Family of Health Services.

M Dennis. “Nutrition after stroke.” British Medical Bulletin. http://bmb.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/ reprint/56/2/466. 2000:56; 466-475.

“Stroke – Prevention”. Feb 12, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov /stroke/prevention.htm. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Nutrition in Cancer Care”. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/.

“Seizures”. MedlinePlus Trust Health information for You. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seizures.html#cat10.