Within the gray matter that makes up the outer layer of the brain are the billions of brain cells that allow you to think, speak, move, anticipate the future, and manage your day-to-day life. They link with each other via billions upon billions of synaptic connections and send even more links to other parts of the brain, to the muscles, and to your sense organs.
If you have memory problems, it is a sign that these connections are not working properly. Perhaps the brain cells are not getting the nutrients they need. Maybe they are momentarily misfiring, due to a side effect of some medication. Some connections may be broken, or perhaps the brain cells themselves are no longer there at all.
Researchers have worked long and hard to track down the causes of memory problems so we can take steps to prevent them. As we have seen, there are three key steps for protecting your memory.
We’ll begin by zeroing in on what you’re eating. First, certain metals can be toxic to the brain and have turned up in examinations of brain tissue from people with Alzheimer’s. In the following chapter, we will see where they are coming from and how you can protect yourself. You may be shocked to learn where they are hiding. Then, in the next two chapters, we will look at the role of fats—some are distinctly harmful to the brain, surprisingly enough, while others are actually helpful—and at common vitamins that are essential for protecting the brain. It is important to know where to find them and how to put them to work.