synaptic dysfunction is an early marker of Alzheimer’s
disease, and the typical decline of certain aspects of
cognitive performance with age may also be a result of
synaptic dysfunction.^39 Protect your synapses from
oxidative stress by doing the following:
Consume DHA fat from fatty fish, or consider
supplementing with high-quality fish oil.
Avoid the consumption of polyunsaturated oils
(revisit chapter 2) and increase consumption of extra-
virgin olive oil.
Consume ample fat-soluble antioxidants like vitamin
E (found in avocados, almonds, and grass-fed beef),
carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin (found in kale,
avocados, and pistachio nuts), and astaxanthin (found
in krill oil).Express Your Inner “Wonder Junkie”
I love the term “wonder junkie,” which I discovered
upon reading Carl Sagan’s novel Contact. It’s a term he uses
to describe the central character, Ellie Arroway, who
dedicates her life to exploring the unknown. New
experiences stimulate synaptogenesis, or the creation of new
synapses, while the loss of synaptic connections coincides
with memory loss.^40 Get out of your comfort zone and
explore new and unfamiliar territories. Stagnation is death—
particularly where your brain cells are concerned.