This concept, known as neuroplasticity, means that our nervous system can be rewired and reshaped through experiences such as sensory stimulation, motor activities, cognitive tasks, and emotional events. In our practice, we strive to harness this potential to promote optimal brain and body health and enhance cognitive functions.

In doing so, we strive to address the root cause of their neurological issues while fostering a connection between functional neurology and overall wellness.

In the world of functional neurology, we focus on addressing the root causes of neurological disorders by evaluating the function of the nervous system as a whole, rather than just focusing on specific symptoms. This holistic approach allows us to explore the intricate connections within the brain and optimize its performance, leading to improved cognitive and physical function and mental health.

One key principle of functional neurology is the concept of neuroplasticity, which refers to the ability of the nervous system to adapt, learn, and rewire itself based on experiences and stimuli. By harnessing the power of neuroplasticity, we can develop personalized treatment plans that target specific areas of the brain to create lasting, positive changes.

Functional neurology plays a significant role in modern medicine, as it addresses some of the most common yet under-recognized neurological conditions, such as functional neurological disorder FND or functional movement disorders.

It complements traditional neurology by offering a more patient-centered, collaborative approach to care. By exploring the underlying causes of neurological disorders, we can offer more targeted and effective treatments to help patients achieve optimal brain health.

This multidisciplinary approach combines various therapies and lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, nutrition, and cognitive training, to improve the overall well-being of the nervous system, including mental health and cognitive function.

By incorporating these individualized treatment plans, functional neurology helps patients achieve a better quality of life and reduced symptoms, leading to a profound impact on their brain health and overall wellness.

In the field of functional neurology, our primary focus is on improving brain health and optimizing cognitive function. Cognitive functions, like memory , executive function, attention, and impulse control are crucial for our everyday lives.

We achieve cognitive enhancement by identifying and addressing imbalances in the central nervous system, such as irregularities in neurotransmitters or irregular brain function patterns.

Understanding the complexities of the central nervous system is essential for developing personalized treatment approaches. Through our work, we aim to empower our clients and help them overcome symptoms related to cognitive decline, improve their memory, and boost overall brain health.

Our holistic approach to brain health also incorporates strategies to support mental health management. Much of mental health relies on proper neurotransmitter levels and the smooth functioning of the central nervous system.

By addressing these components, we can help alleviate common mental health symptoms and support emotional well-being for more effective outcomes between patients and their mental health specialists. We recognize that every individual has unique needs, and our goal is to develop customized programs to address the specific symptoms and imbalances encountered.

A healthy brain environment is crucial for maintaining emotional equilibrium and improving general mental health. Through functional neurology, we strive to support enhanced cognitive function and improved mental health, aiming to make a positive impact on the quality of life for our clients.

Functional neurology focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of various neurological conditions, enhancing nerve connections and brain networking, and promoting overall brain health.

In this section, we will discuss several treatments and approaches in functional neurology, including chiropractic neurology, vestibular rehabilitation, and sensory stimulation. Chiropractic neurology is one of the first forms of functional neurology created that deals with the assessment and treatment of neurological disorders through non-pharmacologic methods.

As experts in this field, we use specialized techniques to stimulate neuronal migration development , synaptogenesis, and neuroplasticity, thus promoting better connections between nerve cells and the networks they comprise. By fostering these neural adjustments, we can enhance nerve connections and promote overall brain health.

Vestibular rehabilitation is another crucial aspect of functional neurology. This therapeutic approach specifically targets balance disorders resulting from issues within the vestibular system and its related systems.

Through rehabilitation, we focus on optimizing neural plasticity, facilitating neuronal migration, and encouraging new synapse formation. This process allows the brain to adapt and reorganize itself, ultimately promoting optimal brain function and recovery from vestibular disorders.

Corrections in these systems and functions allow for improvements in cognitive and mental health for many. Sensory stimulation plays a vital role in functional neurology as it targets and stimulates specific sensory pathways to enhance brain function.

These approaches help create ideal environments for neuroplasticity and overall brain health. Given the individualized nature of sensory stimulation, we carefully assess our patients to determine the most beneficial techniques for their specific needs.

In doing so, we can effectively optimize the connectivity between nerve cells and thus promote enhanced physical and cognitive function and overall mental well-being.

By utilizing chiropractic neurology, vestibular rehabilitation, and sensory stimulation, we at APEX Brain Centers provide comprehensive and effective functional neurology treatments to our patients. Our goal is to help individuals achieve optimal brain health and unlock their full potential through these personalized and holistic approaches.

Functional neurology is a comprehensive approach to understanding and treating various neurological conditions. Here, we discuss how functional neurology can help manage chronic pain and migraines, address neurodegenerative diseases, and treat neuropsychiatric disorders.

Our holistic approach to functional neurology focuses on identifying the root causes of these symptoms and implementing tailored treatments. This may involve techniques such as stimulating neurons with non-invasive methods, brainstem neuromodulation, vestibular rehabilitation for vertigo and dizziness, and addressing neck pain through targeted exercises.

Our goal is to not only manage pain but also reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. We believe in taking a proactive approach to addressing these conditions by focusing on the human nervous system and identifying the best methods for promoting optimal brain health. The belief is that by adopting a healthy approach to living, the symptoms of the mental health condition will decrease naturally over time, therefore almost eliminating the need for pharmaceuticals.

Holistic mental health therapy encourages mindfulness and meditation. Studies have shown that meditation has the ability to change certain regions of the brain associated with memory, awareness, and compassion. It can help in encouraging emotional health by reducing feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.

One commonly recommended activity to improve mental health involves journaling. The use of journaling can help to release suppressed emotions and promote mental balance. This may involve the use of drugs, alcohol, or engagement with repeated negative thoughts.

Holistic mental health approaches involve finding healthy and positive ways of coping in order to move forward. Engaging in regular physical activity releases endorphins and reduces stress. Under a holistic approach, a patient should strive to meet the minimum guidelines for recommended activity levels.

The CDC recommends that adults obtain at least one hundred and fifty minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity. Choosing an activity that you enjoy can be an outlet for negative emotions and encourage all-over physical health. Spirituality is another important facet of the holistic approach to mental health.

A patient can pursue their faith through various activities, such as reading the Bible or attending church, synagogue, or mosque. Finally, under a holistic approach, regular social activities with supportive and positive people are encouraged.

Thus, encouraging the patient to socialize more, join a club, engage in group interactions, and volunteer can be especially helpful for reducing mental health symptoms.

Taking a holistic approach can be highly beneficial to those who suffer from mental health conditions. Adopting healthier ways of living can lead to significant lifestyle improvements. If you or a loved one are able to develop better ways of coping with adversity, you can improve physical health and have a better outlook on life as well.

The use of drugs can serve as an unhealthy method of coping with stressors, but a focus on making healthy changes can have a positive effect and over time, lifestyle improvements can make it easier to handle stressors and respond in healthy ways.

Eating nutritious food and participating in regular physical activity both help maintain a healthy lifestyle and promote overall well-being. Staying physically healthy through regular activity can build confidence and lower the risk of illnesses as well.

Engaging in activities like meditation and journaling can reduce overall stress and anxiety. Since the holistic approach puts much more emphasis on healthy living and emotional balance, patients are able to reduce their levels of worry through natural means. When a person is working to overcome mental health symptoms, allowing their body to access its natural healing abilities can be very helpful.

It can also improve long-term outcomes for mental health conditions, as a greater emphasis is placed on the individual to rely on their personal strengths and choices.

This eventually results in increased confidence and adaptability. The reduction of depressive symptoms is another key benefit of using the holistic technique.

Treating the entire body as a whole, as opposed to just treating the mental health condition, often gives rise to reduced feelings of depression and a higher quality of life.

Increased socialization and greater emotional stability can positively impact existing depressive feelings. Finally, adopting holistic care in mental health results in overall better health. While pharmaceuticals and therapy have a place in treating mental health conditions, the holistic approach also offers powerful results.

It touches on all areas of the body and mind, allowing the person to access inner strength and use other tools to promote healthier and happier living. The holistic approach touches on four separate cornerstones.

By using this method, patients often have a better outcome to their mental health condition. A holistic model is much less drastic than engaging in traditional treatment for mental health conditions. Rather than undergoing a continuous cycle of medication and therapy, the patient is encouraged to adjust their lifestyle, eating habits, and the activities that they engage in.

Medications are generally not part of a holistic mental health program, especially for conditions such as depression and anxiety. This remains true unless the patient is not responsive at all to the holistic program, in which case, small amounts of pharmaceuticals may be used to improve patient health.

Some types of mental illness, such as schizophrenia, may require the use of pharmaceutical treatment regardless of what mental health approach is used. Part of a holistic mental health treatment plan involves dietary changes.

Ensuring that your body has all of the nutrients it needs to function optimally can result in healthier hormonal functioning and an improved sense of well-being. However, an imbalance can lead to various brain diseases.

The emphasis on nutrition in the NEURO plan ensures that lipids are balanced, promoting brain health. The human brain, with its billion neurons, is a marvel of connectivity.

The more these connections are strengthened and utilized, the more resilient the brain becomes. Activities that promote mental and social engagement, as emphasized in the NEURO Plan, ensure that these neuronal connections are continually forged and strengthened.

This enhances cognitive abilities and ensures that the brain has a buffer — a reserve — to draw upon in times of stress or damage. A diet abundant in unprocessed plant-based foods and rich in phytonutrients, fiber, and beneficial fats , particularly omega-3 fatty acids , has been shown to provide the brain with the essential nutrients it requires to function optimally.

One of the primary culprits contributing to cognitive decline is the consumption of processed carbohydrates, particularly sugars. Moreover, high salt intake has been associated with hypertension, a known risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.

Saturated fats, commonly found in animal products, have also come under scrutiny. Studies have shown that individuals consuming higher amounts of saturated fats have an increased risk of dementia. On the flip-side, the benefits of a plant-rich diet are manifold.

Beans, greens, legumes, and fruits are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and provide the brain with the energy it needs. The Mediterranean MD and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension DASH diets, both rich in these plant-based foods, have been associated with reduced risks of cognitive decline.

The MIND diet, a beautiful amalgamation of MD and DASH , zeroes in on foods with neuroprotective properties. One of its standout recommendations is the consumption of green leafy vegetables. A study from the Rush Memory and Aging Project found that individuals who consumed 1—2 servings of green leafy vegetables daily had cognitive abilities equivalent to a person 11 years younger than those who rarely or never consumed them.

She grew up in a household where meals were predominantly meat-based, with vegetables often taking a backseat. Over the years, Clara noticed her energy levels waning, her memory not as sharp as it once was, and a general feeling of mental fog.

Concerned, she underwent a series of cognitive tests, and the results indicated the onset of mild cognitive impairment. Determined to take control of her health, Clara began researching brain-healthy diets and stumbled upon the MIND diet.

She decided to overhaul her nutrition. Out went the processed foods, sugars, and excessive meat. In came a rainbow of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits. Clara made a ritual of starting her day with a green smoothie, packed with spinach, kale, and berries.

Lunches were hearty salads with beans, nuts, and seeds, and dinners were vegetable stir-fries or legume-based stews. Her transformation was a testament to the power of nutrition in reversing cognitive decline and enhancing overall well-being.

By making informed dietary choices, we hold the power to influence our cognitive future, ensuring a life of clarity, memory, and mental agility. The myriad benefits of exercise encompass enhanced metabolic rates, improved vascular health, positive psychological outcomes, and the acceleration of neuronal connections.

While aerobic exercises often garner much attention, the significance of strength training, especially for the legs, cannot be understated. They boost blood circulation, ensuring that the brain receives a rich supply of oxygen and nutrients.

BDNF acts as a catalyst for neuron survival, growth, and connectivity, making it an essential component in the fight against cognitive decline.

Upon retirement, Maria, a year-old teacher, embraced a new chapter of her life, integrating brisk walking and light aerobics into her daily routine. This decision proved transformative.