The Poorly Developing ADHD Brain

A study done at the National Institute of Mental Health has used neuroanatomical magnetic resonance image technology to document developmental changes in brain structure in normal children and those with ADHD. It is already known that asymmetrical development is associated with healthy motor and cognitive function. The study images show that children with ADHD lack normal asymmetric development between the right and left brain – with the prefrontal regions losing any asymmetrical development.

These findings are consistent with other brain imaging studies on ADHD children that show an inability to utilize prefrontal regulation of the brain, which is known to be associated with focus. This new study shows that the problem is occurring during development. This means changing the problem is best addressed while the brain is developing.

A major new aspect in the paradigm of mental health is emerging. Problems with cognitive function and multiple mental health issues involve one or more key areas of the brain simply not able to make functional connections in the proper way.

It is likely that brain inflammation is at the source of the problem which could be coming from multiple sources including chemicals in food, poor quality food, GMO-alteration of food, pollution, stress, environmental instability, immunizations, epigenetic factors, and anything else capable of inducing an inflammatory state of affairs capable of disturbing brain function and inducing wear and tear to brain structure.

On the positive side, aerobic exercise is a major rejuvenator of brain structure. Anyone with a child who is at all questionable should keep their child active and spend considerable time on physical activity, hobbies, crafts, and learning any new physical skill. These forms of exercise stimulate new nerve connections to form. Nutrients that help build healthy brain cells, help build BDNF, and help promote synaptic plasticity are of paramount importance to helping resolve this problem. These nutrients include DHA, pantethine, phosphatidylserine, magnesium, and blueberries.

If the ADHD issue, no matter how small or large, can be effectively improved during the developmental years of the brain then the person will have a more stable brain as an adult. Even so, adults with issues can still make improvement – it will just take longer. This is a far different approach to using speed-like meds to force the brain to focus. These drugs are actually pro-inflammatory to the brain and will have the long-term effect of burning out brain structure, not making connections with structural integrity.