For dyslexia, focus on nutrients like Omega-3s (DHA/EPA) for brain structure, B vitamins (B6, B12, folate) for nerve function, and minerals like Zinc, Magnesium, and Iron for cognition, alongside Vitamin D, as deficiencies in these areas are linked to worsened learning difficulties, with supplementation potentially supporting brain health and focus, though a balanced diet is key. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements, especially with blood-thinning medications.
The DRT has financed many studies that have shown that children with dyslexia, developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or combinations of these can often benefit from taking fish oil supplements.
3) Magnesium
The importance of magnesium cannot be stated enough. It is responsible for over 300 biochemical functions in the body and brain. Magnesium deficiency affects nerve transmission and results in decreased neuromuscular control and focus all of which can be a factor in dyslexia and reading disorders.
Currently, no medications treat dyslexia. Instead, educational interventions can teach effective new ways to learn and read. Children with dyslexia may work with a trained specialist to learn new reading skills. Sometimes, slowing down a lesson gives a child with dyslexia more time to cover topics.
In a case study of a grade 6 boy with dyslexia, fatty acid supplementation with omega-3 (α-linolenic acid) and a reduction of saturated fat from the diet improved his reading skills and reduced physical findings of fatty acid deficiency.
Increasing dietary intake of oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, trout or sardines. An omega-3 supplement may help to increase omega-3 levels in the blood as well as increasing overall omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. For vegan and vegetarians, there are many plant based omega 3 supplements available derived from algae.
Researchers studying nutrient deficiencies and their impact on ADHD symptoms found that iron, zinc and magnesium have the strongest association. All three minerals are involved in regulating or making the neurotransmitters that affect attention and concentration.
Both mothers and fathers can pass dyslexia on to their children if either parent has it. There is roughly a 50% – 60% chance of a child developing dyslexia if one of their parents has it.
Dyslexia is a brain trait, a cognitive style associated with challenges and strengths, and as such, is not something to be cured.
The 20-minute rule for ADHD is a productivity strategy to overcome task paralysis by committing to work on a task for just 20 minutes, leveraging the brain's need for dopamine and short bursts of focus, making it easier to start and build momentum, with the option to stop or continue after the timer goes off, and it's a variation of the Pomodoro Technique, adapted for ADHD's unique challenges like time blindness. It helps by reducing overwhelm, providing a clear starting point, and creating a dopamine-boosting win, even if you only work for that short period.
The combined supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 resulted in statistically significant improvements in cognitive scores, as reported by Ma F et al. [77]. In a study [76], folic acid + DHA supplementation significantly increased measured cognitive scores in comparison to the placebo group.
The big news from a recent Hollywood Reporter article on actress Jennifer Aniston is her revelation that she struggled with dyslexia as a young person. She didn't receive a diagnosis, and the comfort and understanding that it can bring, until her early 20s.
Here are 10 unexpected signs of a vitamin D deficiency that may surprise you.
Dysolve, the first artificial intelligence-powered platform for dissolving dyslexia and associated learning disabilities, is paving the way for a new treatment approach. Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental learning disorder that makes it challenging for children and adults to read, write, and spell.
These creative processing skills allow dyslexics to see the bigger picture, and visualise new solutions. This skill is really valuable to employees, in fact, 50% of NASA employees are dyslexic. They are deliberately hired because of their excellent critical thinking skills and spatial awareness.
There are four types of dyslexia in common those are; Phonological dyslexia, surface dyslexia, rapid naming deficit, and double deficit dyslexia.
Babies and preschool
Even though most people do not read in preschool, children can demonstrate symptoms of dyslexia by the age of 3 years, or even earlier. All children learn how to talk in their own way and at their own pace. However, a delay in starting to speak can be an early sign of dyslexia.
Apps to Help Your Child Develop a Love of Reading and Writing
A: While both autism and dyslexia are neurodevelopmental disorders, they are distinct conditions with different core symptoms. There is no direct causal connection between autism and dyslexia, but they may co-occur in some individuals.
Research by the University of Strathclyde has found that people with dyslexia are much better at being curious and exploring new ideas and more likely to be found in careers where this is an advantage, such as art, media, architecture, creativity, engineering and inventing things!
Dyslexia results from individual differences in the parts of the brain that enable reading. It tends to run in families. Dyslexia appears to be linked to certain genes that affect how the brain processes reading and language.
The 24-hour rule for ADHD is a self-regulation strategy to combat impulsivity by creating a mandatory waiting period (often a full day) before reacting to emotionally charged situations or making significant decisions, allowing time for reflection and reducing regretful snap judgments, especially for things like impulse purchases or arguments. It's a pause button that gives the brain space to process, move from impulse to intention, and evaluate choices more logically, helping manage ADHD's impact on emotional regulation and decision-making.
Read on for a list of foods that may be linked with ADHD symptoms.
Magnesium. I find magnesium helpful for children who have a “rebound effect” after their stimulant medication wears off. Research has shown that adding magnesium supplements may decrease some symptoms of ADHD and aid in relaxation.