Ideas for Feeding the Healing Brain?

I've been reading peer-reviewed journal articles showing that OSA is associated with a decrease in grey matter concentration (but not necessarily total grey matter volume), and that CPAP compliance is associated with an increase in grey matter concentration (and possibly volume) from 3 months and for up to a year after initiating CPAP treatment. The decrease and increase appear to be in the brain areas responsible for emotions, emotional self-regulation and inhibition, and executive function (e.g. good judgment). As at least one group of researchers observed, this gives hope that CPAP treatment may provide not only clinical (i.e. observed, behavioral) improvement in these areas and functions, but also physical, structural healing of the brain in areas and functions damaged by OSA.

This is exciting research. It suggests that CPAP is associated with some sort of brain growth or healing during the critical first three months and for up to a year after starting CPAP, assuming compliance. An interesting hypothesis is that if a CPAP user were to engage in certain acts and practices intended to exercise the brain and key functions, this MAY help to build new neural pathways in the new grey matter or whatever is involved in the increased concentration of grey matter. Things like listening to classical music and working IQ-type puzzles (and <barf> watching "chick flicks" for the emotional parts of the brain) come to mind. Has anyone seen any published research on such issues? Any suggestions other than listening to classical music, working IQ-type puzzles, and <barf> watching chick flicks?

No need to say I am jumping to conclusions, the research doesn't go nearly as far as what I am suggesting, etc. I understand all that. The approach I am suggesting is very unlikely to do any damage (except, maybe, watching too many chick flicks), but it may very well help brains that are "getting better" in some ways through compliant CPAP treatment.

Conversely to guys watching chick flicks, maybe the womenfolk should study formal logic? <GDR>

Relevant research?

Interesting ideas?

Well I have taken up teaching my self computer programing, but still am afraid to takle a Soduko puzzle.

Hmmm. Doing things to tackle our fears MAY be especially beneficial during the first year of CPAP treatment.

Sudoku ROCKS! <giggle>

Conversely to guys watching chick flicks, maybe the womenfolk should study formal logic? <GDR>

I watch chick flicks AND write code and create art work.

Anything that makes you work at thinking is good for the aging brain. Music is supposed to be excellent - unless like me you are practically tone deaf.

Learn to write HTML and make pretty websites.

Do volunteer work to up your emotional quotient. Much more satisfying then chickflicks.

Supplements: omega 3s esp a high DHA (every brain cell is surrounded with this type of fat), anti-inflammatories like ginger tumeric garlic onions shallots, & magnesium. Good amt of protein each day. Lots of vitamin D3 to keep levels 50-60, best 70-80 if you have any ongoing medical conditions. Reduce anything that your body reacts badly to.

Enough restful sleep so you wake alert & ready to go. Moderate exercise, interval training if you have the stamina, agility, and energy levels for it.

Challenging reading. Practice 'newness' by doing thing differently like switching hands for usual tasks: try brushing your teeth with the other hand, switch your fork to the other hand, take a different route to work, etc. Learning something new. Re-new hobbies. Find new friends.

Reduce stress & laugh more. Practice being nice to yourself & expect yourself to do the right things for you. Smile more & practice optimism regardless of how bleak things appear, someone's bound to be worse off than you. Be grateful for all the good things in your life, like being in recovery from the horrible damages that apnea inflicts on us. practice kindness in whatever way you can.

IHOP is featuring pumpkin pancakes...take a kid & treat 'em to a plateful!

I would eat more meat and fish. The brain is made of protein and meat provies plenty of that. Fish, in addition to protein contains fats that the brain seems to use a lot of. (Fat is an essential nutrient, whereas carbohydrates are not.)

I play a lot of Sudoku. I read. I write, both text and occasionally code. I am learning a new language. I enjoy recreational mathematics. I listen to a wide variety of music and am learning how to play an ethnic flute. I work on broadcasting equipment both as a job and as a hobby. I follow technology, visit museums, do astronomy, and spend LOTS of quality time with animals.

Any opinions about Brainetics, for adults?

Muse-Inc wrote:Supplements: omega 3s esp a high DHA (every brain cell is surrounded with this type of fat), anti-inflammatories like ginger tumeric garlic onions shallots, & magnesium. Good amt of protein each day. Lots of vitamin D3 to keep levels 50-60, best 70-80 if you have any ongoing medical conditions. Reduce anything that your body reacts badly to.

Enough restful sleep so you wake alert & ready to go. Moderate exercise, interval training if you have the stamina, agility, and energy levels for it.

Challenging reading. Practice 'newness' by doing thing differently like switching hands for usual tasks: try brushing your teeth with the other hand, switch your fork to the other hand, take a different route to work, etc. Learning something new. Re-new hobbies. Find new friends.

Reduce stress & laugh more. Practice being nice to yourself & expect yourself to do the right things for you. Smile more & practice optimism regardless of how bleak things appear, someone's bound to be worse off than you. Be grateful for all the good things in your life, like being in recovery from the horrible damages that apnea inflicts on us. practice kindness in whatever way you can.

IHOP is featuring pumpkin pancakes...take a kid & treat 'em to a plateful!

I'm with her! Excellent ideas here...

I just bought a Brain Games book. Can't say if it worked yet.