This assessment is the result of years of practice experience and clinical research. The results, by necessity, are of a general nature and should not be viewed as a substitute for an evaluation or treatment by a competent medical specialist. Self-report assessments have advantages and limitations. This assessment is intended as an information and education tool for you and your loved ones, and is not designed to replace your health care provider’s professional judgment regarding your health. Always discuss any recommendations with your personal physician. The assessment is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Please work with your health care provider for advice about your specific medical condition(s) and treatment(s) for such condition(s).
Thank you for taking the time to complete the Brain Health Assessment! You’ve just taken a BIG step toward optimal wellness and brain health. One of the unique aspects of our work at Amen Clinics is the use of brain SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) imaging. SPECT measures blood flow and activity in the brain and allows us to provide patients with targeted treatment plans. Sadly, due to time or resources, many people are unable to get a brain scan at one of our clinics.
If that describes you, don’t worry. The test you just completed is the next best thing to getting a scan. My colleagues and I developed the Brain Health Assessment to help predict what your brain might look like if you got a scan.
Based on the world’s largest database of brain scans related to behavior (160,000 and growing), this quiz helps to determine your Brain Type – we’ve identified 16 unique Brain Types. Knowing your Brain Type can help you understand more about how you think, act, and interact with others.
Please carefully read through this report, which contains a wealth of information related to your specific Brain Type. In the following pages, you’ll find recommendations for the best diet and supplements for your Brain Type, as well as many practical tips for improving your brain health.
Over 2 million people have already taken the Brain Health Assessment, and versions of the test are used by thousands of medical and mental health professionals around the world. We’re excited to partner with you on your journey toward better brain health!
In your service,
BY DANIEL G . AMEN, MD P.
P.S. Since this is based on self-report, if your results seem a bit “off,” I often suggest that you have someone who knows you well, and whom you trust, answer the questions for you to see if he or she concurs with your results. Sometimes even the healthiest brains have areas that need improvement! Also, it’s a good idea to retake the Brain Health Assessment in 6 months to track your progress!
The SPECT scans of individuals with Brain Type 12 typically show lower activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), or, the front area of the brain. Think of the PFC as the brain’s brake. It stops us from saying or doing things that aren’t in our best interest, but it can also stop creative, out-of-the-box thinking if it works too hard.
Studies show that Brain Type 12 may also be associated with lower dopamine levels (a neurotransmitter involved with focus and motivation). People with this Brain Type are likely to need excitement or stimulation in order to stay focused.
Individuals with Brain Type 12 are often take-charge people who won’t take no for an answer. They tend to be strong-willed, tenacious, persistent, and sometimes stubborn. (Sound like you?) They also tend to struggle with worry, have trouble sleeping, and like things to be done a certain way.
In addition, people with Brain Type 12 often have increased activity in an area called the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG), also located in the front part of the brain. We think of the ACG as the brain’s gear shifter. It helps people go from thought to thought or move from action to action. The ACG is involved with being mentally flexible and influences your ability to “go with the flow.” When the ACG is overactive, usually due to low levels of serotonin, people can have problems shifting attention, which can make them persist, even when it may not be a good idea for them to do so.
The SPECT scans of individuals with Brain Type 12 often show heightened activity in the anxiety centers of the brain, such as the basal ganglia, insular cortex, and/or amygdala. This is often due to lower levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps calm the brain. People with this brain type tend to be motivated toward a goal. They can feel intense pleasure, but also struggle with feeling anxious or nervous, which causes them to be more cautious and reserved, but also more prepared. The best strategy to balance Brain Type 12 is to find natural ways to boost dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. Magnesium and theanine can also help, as can optimizing levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.
It’s time to get serious about your brain health! Your score indicates that your brain may be struggling and a brain makeover may change your life.
EXCELLENT OR HIGH
LOW OR POOR
According to your answers, your brain health habits could be improved. In addition to developing effective stress-reducing strategies, maintain consistent exercise, get quality sleep, and eat a healthy diet. Also, spend time at BrainFitLife where you can work to sharpen your mind.
One of the best brain healthy habits is to take high quality nutritional supplements. It’s recommended that you take a premium multivitamin, ultra-concentrated EPA and DHA fish oil and a high-purity vitamin D3 supplement. Check out your Personalized Action Plan below for a full list of recommended supplements.
According to your answers, sleep can be a challenge for you. To get your sleep under control, make sure you’re getting between 7-9 hours of sleep each night and avoid anything that interferes with sleep such as latenight eating or exercising, or a bright, noisy bedroom.
Also, listen to hypnosis audios to help you sleep. If you’re looking for powerful, natural sleep aid, BrainMD’s Restful Sleep produces a soothing effect that can help you get to sleep and stay asleep, so you can wake up feeling refreshed in the morning. Check out your Personalized Action Plan below for a full list of recommended supplements.
According to your answers, your memory needs some attention. But don’t worry, there are many things that can help boost your recall.
Work to enhance your memory with exercise, a healthy diet, and quality sleep. Also, spend time at BrainFitLife where you can do specific exercises to sharpen your memory.
One of the best ways to keep your mind sharp and efficient is with proper nutrition. It’s recommended that you take high-quality supplements with memory boosting ingredients, like phosphatidylserine, resveratrol, Acetyl-LCarnitine, and Ginkgo Biloba Extract. Check out your Personalized Action Plan below for a full list of recommended supplements.
According to your answers, your executive control (focus, organization and self-discipline) could use some support. Good sleep, a healthy diet, and exercise can help your executive function. Also, spend time at BrainFitLife where you can work to sharpen your mind.
If you struggle with maintaining focus, are impatient or impulsive, or have organization problems, we recommend BrainMD’s Attention Support. Potent ingredients (like vitamin B6, magnesium, zinc, and choline) can increase your attention span while helping you stay relaxed and calm. Check out your Personalized Action Plan below for a full list of recommended supplements.
Congratulations! You scored high in the Inner Peace category. Now let’s work on keeping your Brain Fit Score on the high side. Here’s your Personalized Action Plan...
Looks like you scored a little low in the Mood category. So, let’s work on improving that score!
We recommend dialing down your day to day stressors, getting outside for at least 10 minutes per day (a brisk walk during your lunch break is a great way to do this), connecting with people you love on a regular basis, reminding yourself of everything you’re grateful for, and supporting yourself with high-quality ingredients like vitamin B6 and B12, folate, and 5-HTP. Check out your Personalized Action Plan below for a full list of recommended supplements.
You scored a little low in the area of Flexible Thinking. The good news is that regardless of your age, your brain has the ability to form new connections and neurons. Your brain is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets!
In addition to playing brain games, like those at BrainFitLife, supportive supplements like GABA can help you keep calm and collected. Check out your Personalized Action Plan below for a full list of recommended supplements.
Improving your brain health is the most important thing you can do for overall health and happiness.
Remember, small changes yield big results (especially when it comes to your brain health!), so start right where you’re at. You can dive in headfirst or start a little slower with one change per week.
REDUCE STRESSChronic stress releases hormones that can kill brain cells. Incorporate hypnosis, meditation, and other stressreducing activities. |
PHYSICAL WORKOUTSStrengthen your body to boost your thinking, memory and focus, and reduce the risk for age-related cognitive decline. Walking, lifting weights, coordination/balance exercises are good options. |
SET GOALS & TRACK PROGRESSDefine what motivates you to want to change and refer to it everyday. One of the best ways to do this is to journal your progress. It will keep you on track and headed in the right direction. |
MENTAL WORKOUTSYour brain is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets! New learning and brain games can help. START TRAINING >>> |
STRENGTHEN
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BUILD A COMMUNITYSpend time with people who inspire, encourage and challenge you. Doing so will create a stronger social support network that will elevate your own personal success! |
Your brain is the most energy-hungry organ in your body, using 25% of the calories you consume. One of the quickest ways to achieve better brain function is learning the right foods to choose and which foods to lose. Eat right so you can think right!
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Dietary Recommendations:
Your Type 12 brain needs a diet that is balanced in high-quality proteins and complex carbohydrates. This type of diet will help increase serotonin and dopamine naturally.
The addition of brain-directed supplements will support your physical and mental energy levels, making it easier for you to follow a brain-healthy program every day.
Dr. Amen recommends the following supplements for Brain Type 12:
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Neurolink (capsules or powder): Promotes mood stability, cognitive function, and stress resilience in both adults and children.* |
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NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin: Advanced daily multivitamin with added brain-boosters that fills nutrients gaps in your diet. |
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Omega-3 Power: Ultra-concentrated omega-3 EPA + DHA without the fishy aftertaste. Supports mood, memory, heart health, cognitive function & more.* |
To see these and additional supplements Dr. Amen recommends, click below to visit your brain type page on BrainMD.
Thanks again for completing your Brain Health Assessment and for caring about your brain health. Please remember that we at BrainMD, Amen Clinics, and BrainFitLife are always here to support you.