What are Neurotransmitters

Looking at what are neurotransmitters and how essential they are to the brain is important when discussing how aging effects their function. Many of us take for granted these critical brain chemicals without really understanding their role.

What are neurotransmitters exactly? Simply put they are the chemicals that allow your brain to function and to send messages to the rest of your body. In reality, it is a bit more complex than that. Neurotransmitters come in a variety of compounds each performing special functions. For example, the chemical Acetylcholine helps nerves communicate with muscles to perform voluntary movement among other things. Serotonin which effects memory, emotions, sleep/wake patterns, etc. is another example.

When trying to understand the disruption of neurotransmitters in age related brain decline we need to talk about how the chemicals perform their function. Many of us are familiar with the terms neurons and synapse in regard to brain biology. This is the primary area where these substances work.

The neuron is basically a nerve cell and the synapse is the small gap between nerves. Neurotransmitters are released from one neuron across the synaptic space to receptors on another neuron. Depending on the neurotransmitter released and the type of nerve cell different functions or information are transmitted.

Understanding what are neurotransmitters role in various brain issues has been a more recent discovery. For example, it has been discovered that Alzheimer's is due in part to a decrease in Acetylcholine in the brain which results in impairment of various neurons.

It appears that research has indicated that one reason for the disruption of neurotransmitters like Acetylcholine is a rise in enzymes that reduce the chemical to its component parts as we age. The reduction of Acetylcholine is a normal bodily function necessary to keep too much of the neurotransmitter from being released in the body, but the process seems to go too far as we age leaving people with too little which inhibits function.

Other causes of the disruption of neurotransmitters is poor diet, lack of exercise, stress and excessive drinking and smoking. All these can effect the body's ability to produce and maintain various brain chemicals.

So what are neurotransmitters needing to be protected against the age related decline we've discussed. First, eating foods high in vitamins and minerals...particularly those with antioxidant properties like C, E and certain B complex vitamins helps the body to continue production and protect against free radical damage that can harm cells producing the chemicals. Exercise also is important to the body's production of certain chemicals as is sleep.

For those suffering from neurotransmitter imbalances there are also prescription medicines that can help restore levels. However, they come with risks of side effects so be careful to get all the facts from your doctor if considering them.

Another possible route of protection is through natural supplements. There are supplements out there that can provide necessary substances for the production and protection of neurotransmitters. Supplements using huperzine A, which protects Acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzymes that break it down can be helpful particularly with aging. Also supplements that provide L-Tyrosine and other amino acids that the body needs to build neurotransmitters may give your brain a boost.

Understanding what are neurotransmitters and what can effect them is an important step in dealing with the issues that age brings to the mind. While the function of these chemical can be complex, protecting your brain doesn't have to be. Using the common sense approach of good diet, exercise and exploring natural supplements designed to assist the brain are easy steps you can take to combat aging in your brain.

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