Blog
Nutrients common in the Mediterranean diet may promote healthy brain aging; novel study of nutrients in blood plasma, cognitive tests, and brain imaging
Researchers identified 13 key nutrients that were found in higher concentrations for those in the delayed brain aging group than those in the accelerated brain aging group. The 13 nutrients, including fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, and vitamins, are commonly found in the Mediterranean diet in foods such as fish, nuts, oils, and leafy greens.
Physical activity is as good or slightly better than medication and psychotherapy for managing mental health issues; high-intensity exercise is even better
An article highlighted the effectiveness and significant benefits of physical activity when utilized as an intervention for a range of mental health issues, specifically in managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adults.
Techniques to improve fatigue following a brain injury
Did you know that “87% of brain injury survivors feel that fatigue has a negative impact on their life”? This high percentage was a finding from a study about fatigue after TBI by the UK charity Headway. A web page from Headway’s informational website shares important recommendations regarding coping with fatigue following a brain injury. These helpful instructions come from Headway’s Managing fatigue after brain injury booklet.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: Highly Effective and Easily Accessible
In this New York Times article, Christina Caron discusses one of the most effective therapy treatments: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, it’s not only used in clinical psychology––but also to treat a common experience: insomnia. Most people have experienced insomnia at one point in their life or another. However, for some, insomnia is a constant in their lives; one in 10 adults has chronic insomnia, and it is a common symptom after a concussion.
Lower resilience scores associated with higher symptom burden at initial clinic visit and at 3 months out in adolescent and young adult athletes
A study conducted by Stephen C. Bunt et al. found that low resilience was associated with a greater number and increased severity of symptoms three months following a sports-related concussion (SRC).
Rebecca Denniss: research on nutrition and concussions
Doctoral researcher Rebecca Denniss tells Concussion Alliance about her research investigating the potential for micronutrients to improve cognition following traumatic brain injury.
Where to find online support
Healing from a concussion or post-concussion syndrome can be an isolating experience, both for the person with the injury and the people supporting them. There is a surprisingly robust source of support and information to be found on online support groups. This article covers our recommended Reddit forums and Facebook groups.
Community Acupuncture as an affordable option for concussion symptom management
Acupuncture has recently gained legitimacy in the eyes of western medical providers, and in our experience acupuncture has helped with concussion symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, related neck and jaw pain, and mood. Individual acupuncture treatments can cost $75-100 per session, while treatment at a Community Acupuncture clinic typically is a sliding scale price of $20-50 per session.