ABSTRACT
The brain has a remarkable capacity for plasticity, an aptitude that ironically contrasts with the limited ef cacy of current therapeutic approaches to reduce the consequences of brain injury. Despite the large number of clinical trials to test the action of many pharmacologic compounds in minimizing the burden of neurologic disorders, the results of many of these trials have been unsuccessful. Another concern frequently encountered in neurosurgery is that the patient outcome after brain surgery does not match the prognosis. These facts create many questions about what unaccounted variables as part of the history of the patient can be determinant for the nal expression of brain plasticity and repair. An increasing number of studies indicate that environmental conditions and experiences encountered in the daily routine of individuals can dramatically affect the capacity of the brain to react to challenges. In particular, certain types of dietary factors (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids) can increase production of molecular systems that serve synaptic function, whereas diets rich in saturated fats do the opposite. In turn, exercise similarly displays
CONTENTS
15.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................485 15.2 BDNF Supports Cognitive Function .............................................................................486 15.3 Role of Nutritional Factors in Normal Brain Health and after Brain Trauma ........486
