Prozac

[Guest guest]

Carol wrote:

Ya i hear you about the prozac, but if it truly does grow new nerve

cells, it might well only do good things for their brains. I have taken

the tact of growing connections by exposing her to many new things and

be in circumstances a bit out of her level of comfort. There is so much

talk about neuroplasiticy out there now, it seems like the prudent

thing to do and no side effects, except for a tired mother

That is the idea of an enriched environment and absolutely it helps but

if you look at Dr. Gould's work there is probably a limit to how much

it will help.

Dr. Gould notes that the animals she tests lose neurons and replace

them on an ongoing basis. However, if the number of neurons drops below

a certain level the brain appears to go into a defensive mode and

directs all its energy into maintenance of the existing supply, and

stops the generation of the new replacements. This leads to further

neurodegeneration. In effect this would describe the situation with the

Down syndrome brain which has only ½ the normal neuron supply from

birth. If so, building to the full neuron level with Prozac could

overcome this source of neurodegeneration.

www.changingmindsfoundation.com