We’ve talked about nutrition and how researchers are finding correlations between ingesting optimal amounts of vitamins and minerals and decreased brain damage after an injury. For this post we are going to explore one of the oft times touted supplements, fish oil.

According to a handful of studies, to be listed in the end, fish oil’s mega-3s (DHA) from sources such as tuna or salmon have the ability to reduce the risk of stroke, dementia and cognitive as well as brain abnormalities. In addition to this, it may also help with brain recovery after a traumatic injury.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that are obtained from food. There are three omega-3s, ALA, DHA and EPA. Of those, DHA is the form most usable by the body. Fatty acids are needed for normal growth and they benefit kidney function and support skin integrity as well as regulate inflammation and control hormones and cell growth.

The recommended dose varies depending on age and whether or not you are taking other supplements or medications. If you are in good health, taking 1,000 mg once a day should provide an adequate amount.

There have been some concerns regarding mercury in fish, as an increase in mercury levels can lead to brain damage, the very thing we are trying to counteract. To avoid this you can either stick to the fish oil capsules which have had the impurities taken out, or eat fish with lower amounts such as Alaskan cod or sockeye salmon (tuna contains the highest level of mercury).

Of course, as in all studies, there are possible variables such as the age of those who tend to use fish oil, so keep in mind that while it may have been shown to improve cognitive functioning, it may not work for you. Research into supplements such as omega-3s are still in the early stages, but the potential benefits make them worth watching.

Studies: One, two, three, and some good information on Wikipedia. For more on the dangers of mercury, click here.

Q: Since my brain injury, I have memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Is there anything I can do to improve this?

A: There was a time when doctors assumed that the brain, once damaged, couldn’t regain any of it’s previous functions, but thankfully we have progressed beyond that limited evaluation.

We now know that there are things we can do to improve brain functioning after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition to the rehabilitation that the doctor will recommend after an injury, there are a variety of exercises that you can do on your own that will help to boost brain power.

Some researchers claim that music incites increased brain function by creating connections between the right and left brain hemisphere. The interplay that allows you to learn music utilizes both your creativity and your reasoning, strengthening cognitive capacities and developing better organization skills. By learning a new musical skill, you potentially improve your mind’s flexibility.

Others stress the importance of physical exercise, especially aerobic activities. While this area still needs more study in order to clarify what specific processes are happening to cause improved memory and general mental function, there have been a handful of seemingly conclusive tests creating a definite link between the two. Some speculate that it’s the increased blood flow bringing oxygen to the brain that promotes these beneficial effects. This doesn’t mean that you need to run for hours a day. Find an activity that you enjoy, be it running or biking, hiking or swimming, and try to increase the time spent doing it.

Besides learning a new musical skill or upping your aerobic activity, you can also practice brain exercises that will help you to increase your capacity to process information with speed and efficiency. There are a wide assortment of books and Websites that not only detail different activities, but walk you through them. Here are a few to get you started:

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Workbook for Cognitive Skills

The Brain Injury Workbook

Whichever steps you decide to take to improve and even regain your cognitive capabilities, keep in mind that scientists are just starting to discover the brain’s recuperative abilities. Don’t give up hope!