The Science of Cognition: Assessing Brain Health Through Organic Acid Metabolomics

In this advanced presentation, we will explore the intersection of metabolomics, hormone dynamics, and genetics in understanding cognitive health. Our focus will be on critical organic acids such as Homovanillic Acid (HVA), Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA), kynurenate, and quinolate, which are key indicators of neurotransmitter activity and brain function.
We will discuss how these metabolites interact with crucial hormones like estrogen and cortisol, and how their modulation can influence cognitive functions and susceptibility to mental health conditions. This talk will also extend into the genetic predispositions that affect these metabolic pathways, providing a holistic view of individual biochemical variations and their impact on brain health.
Further, we'll examine additional metabolites including xanthurenate, pyroglutamate, indican, and 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG). These compounds provide insights into nutrient balances, gut health, and oxidative stress levels, factors essential for maintaining optimal cognitive performance.
As we delve into how the DUTCH Test can be used to integrate metabolite and hormonal analysis with genetic data, attendees will gain cutting-edge knowledge on assessing and managing cognitive health through a comprehensive biochemical and genetic approach. This session is designed to empower clinicians with the latest tools and research to better understand and treat cognitive disorders in their practices.
Key Moments:
1:45 Introduction to Dr. O’Brien
2:45 Outline and objectives of webinar
4:15 Exploring Organic Acid Metabolomics
5:38 The Science of Metabolomics
6:30 Organic Acids in Metabolomics and Urine Testing
7:36 Impact of Organic Acids on the Brain and Explaining HVA, VMA, Kynurenate, and Quinolate
10:15 Practical Applications of Organic Acid Testing
12:28 Key Organic Acids in Neurochemistry
13:40 OATs on the DUTCH Report
15:56 Hormone Metabolites on the DUTCH Report
16:57 Cortisol Awakening Response
18:23 Low CAR on the DUTCH Report
19:16 High CAR on the DUTCH Report
20:25 Homovanillic Acid (HVA)
23:26 Dysregulation of Dopamine Production
24:40 Impact of Genetics on Cognitive and Psychological Health
26:56 Things that Elevate and Reduce HVA
27:52 Biological Markers for Stress Impact (HVA)
34:06 Dopamine Boosting Foods
35:09 Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)
36:43 Norepi/Epigenetics
37:06 Effects of Noradrenaline and Adrenaline on Stress
42:00 Foods that Increase Norepinephrine/Epinephrine
43:04 The Relationship Between HVA and VMA
48:43 Kynurenate and Quinolate
50:33 The Neuroprotective Effects of Kynurenate
52:05 Food Sources of Kynurenic Acid
53:22 Biological Markers for Stress Impact (Kynurenate)
56:20 Quinolinate
58:04 Biological Markers for Stress Impact (Quinolinate)
1:00:16 Foods to Reduce the Negative Effects of Quinolinic Acid
1:01:20 Methylmalonate (MMA)
1:02:45 Biological Markers for Stress Impact (Methylmalonate)
1:03:49 Xanthurenate
1:03:59 Biological Markers for Stress Impact (Xanthurenate)
1:06:44 Pyroglutamate
1:07:33 Biological Markers for Stress Impact (Pyroglutamate)
1:08:32 Indican
1:09:50 8-OH-dG
1:10:00 Biological Markers for Stress Impact (8-OH-dG)
1:13:36 Making the Connection Between OATs, Hormones, and Brain Health
1:17:45 Estrogen, Cortisol, and Neurotransmitter Metabolism
1:18:44 Hormone Metabolites on the DUTCH Report
1:19:56 Personalized Medicine in Cognitive Health
1:20:54 Key Takeaways from the webinar
1:21:56 Closing and Thank You