Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph. D.
Alzheimer's is a progressive and unfortunately, yet irreversible degenerative disease which symptoms tend to grow worse over time. It is named on the name of the German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. It is also known under the term Senile Dementia and it is the most common degenerative disease of the advanced age. Of course its symptoms progress at different time and rates and in different patterns as the disease is a variable one (its appearance and progression of symptoms vary from one person to the other). With its progression physical problems may include loss of strength and balance, problems with the speech, breathing and swallowing, diminishing bladder and bowel control resulting eventually in terminal death.
Alzheimer's is a progressive and unfortunately, yet irreversible degenerative disease which symptoms tend to grow worse over time. It is named on the name of the German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. It is also known under the term Senile Dementia and it is the most common degenerative disease of the advanced age. Of course its symptoms progress at different time and rates and in different patterns as the disease is a variable one (its appearance and progression of symptoms vary from one person to the other). With its progression physical problems may include loss of strength and balance, problems with the speech, breathing and swallowing, diminishing bladder and bowel control resulting eventually in terminal death.
One of the leading risk factors for Alzheimer is the advanced age. As usual people above 65 may suffer progressively of this disease. Generally both sexes are equally vulnerable to the disease with light prevalence of women. SAD may develop as a result of a variety of other factors, as for example the amount of stress during once life, serious head injury, level of elevated aluminum toxicity (one of the most controversial and still under research hypotheses) and many others.
According to my more than 25 years of experience, Alzheimer disease is the other figure in the puzzle of the insulin resistance, unbalanced blood sugar as it is frequently if not always following diseases as obesity, metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes 2, etc. Alzheimer is also named -Type 3 Diabetes.
We all know that insulin resistance appears or increases with advanced age. That can be explained easily:
1) Muscle mass declines with aging. Since muscles are the major site of insulin action- thus less muscle- less total metabolism of glucose.
2) Fat as a percent also increases with advanced age and the adipose tissue is the main producer of hormones (including cytokines- the inflammatory ones). If we measure older people body fat we will see that they all have increased percent body fat independently if they are obese, overweight or not .
As a conclusion aging leads to loss of efficiency of the insulin pathways and its recognition from the reduced number of mitochondria in the human body.
There are two major types of Alzheimer disease: Familial (FAD) and Sporadic Alzheimer (SAD). FAD is an early-onset form of the disease which is inherited, while in the case of SAD, there is no any inheritance at all. While only 5% of Alzheimer's disease is FAD - approximately 95% is SAD. Scientists have so far identified one gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s but does not guarantee an individual will develop the disorder. Due to natural aging and improper diet and lifestyle, the pancreatic function is unable to cope with the chronic problems and its function slowly but gradually diminishes. Men who develop diabetes in mid-life appear to significantly increase their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a long-term study done in Sweden (Rönnemaa et al., 2008). The study involves 2,269 men (50y old) diagnosed with abnormal insulin levels. During 32 years of average, 102 of them developed Alzheimer’s disease, 57-vascular dementia, and 235 other type of cognitive impairment. The results in this study are showing an increased number of people developing diabetes show tendency to develop Alzheimer’s disease later on in life (one and a half times more likely) than people with normal blood insulin values. The authors show an obvious parallel link between insulin resistance and obesity, diabetes, hypertonia, and Alzheimer disease can be the new chapter of metabolic syndrome cluster of abnormalities, what may soon name the syndrome- “The Deadly Quintet” (Sawyer, 2009).
There are two major types of Alzheimer disease: Familial (FAD) and Sporadic Alzheimer (SAD). FAD is an early-onset form of the disease which is inherited, while in the case of SAD, there is no any inheritance at all. While only 5% of Alzheimer's disease is FAD - approximately 95% is SAD. Scientists have so far identified one gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s but does not guarantee an individual will develop the disorder. Due to natural aging and improper diet and lifestyle, the pancreatic function is unable to cope with the chronic problems and its function slowly but gradually diminishes. Men who develop diabetes in mid-life appear to significantly increase their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a long-term study done in Sweden (Rönnemaa et al., 2008). The study involves 2,269 men (50y old) diagnosed with abnormal insulin levels. During 32 years of average, 102 of them developed Alzheimer’s disease, 57-vascular dementia, and 235 other type of cognitive impairment. The results in this study are showing an increased number of people developing diabetes show tendency to develop Alzheimer’s disease later on in life (one and a half times more likely) than people with normal blood insulin values. The authors show an obvious parallel link between insulin resistance and obesity, diabetes, hypertonia, and Alzheimer disease can be the new chapter of metabolic syndrome cluster of abnormalities, what may soon name the syndrome- “The Deadly Quintet” (Sawyer, 2009).
Recent mega-study published in Neurology, conducted by (Whitmeret al., 2008) suggests that dementia may also be more common among patients with central obesity, comparatively with non obese individuals. More than 6,500 patients took part in this study for a period between 1964–1973y. They all had their abdominal diameters measured, and were then followed, for another 36 years. In addition to the incidence of dementia, there were considered other factors as: gender, age, ethnic background, level of education, marital status, and the presence of absence of diabetes, hypertension, dylipidemia, stroke, and heart disease. Out of all 6,600 evaluated patients, 1,049 (16 %) were ultimately diagnosed with dementia. When these patients were further analyzed, it was determined that they all had greatest abdominal diameter (nearly three times the risk of developing dementia) when compared to patients with the smallest abdominal diameter. The researchers concluded that despite both diabetes and hypertension increase the risk of dementia, abdominal obesity by itself is the main significant risk factor for dementia. Hence, metabolic syndrome is a significant predictor for dementia appearance in advanced age (Whitmer et al., 2008).
The exact Alzheimer’s etiopathogenesis is still under research as most of the available studies have failed to provide conclusive evidence of the exact cause and mechanism of appearance of the disease of the advanced generation. The main pathogenetic mechanism behind Alzheimer is the general failure of brain cells- neurons. Two abnormal formations (structures) - plaques and tangles are blamed as prime suspects in damaging the human brain neurons. While plaques build between neurons and contain deposits of a protein called beta-amyloid- tangles are twisted fibers inside the dying neurons. Above all their formation is mainly localized in the hippocampus- the zone of the human brain correlated with learning and memory. Mainly the main damage is due to the interruption among neurons leading to miss-communication and progressive loss of that main human privilege. Those pathologic formations are engaging the outer layer of the human brain and involve abstract thinking, short term memory loss, rapid changes in mood, behavior and correct judgment, fundamental changes in personality, loss of initiative, memory and finely speech and breathing.
Another pathogenetic explanation behind the Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by a major loss of the brain synapses (connections between neurones) needed to process information and to retain memory. While there are drug therapies used to help delay progression of AD, those medications are loaded with side effects and, if they work at all, the effects only last for a short term. When the disease progresses it robs people with Alzheimer's of their short and then long term memory, logistic ability of thinking and as a final step- the quality of life.
Classic symptoms and signs of an typical Alzheimer's are:
· Confusion and daily difficulties with activities of daily living.
· Gradual loss of short-term and then a long-term memory;
· Need daily reminders to do things like small chores, grocery shop, eat, take nutritional supplements;
· Forget appointments, family occasions, or holidays
· Feel “blue,” or cry more often than in the past
· Have trouble doing calculations, managing finances, or balancing the checkbook
· Need help preparing a meal, dressing, bathing, or using the bathroom?
· Get lost while driving or drive unsafely
· Have trouble finding the right words, finishing sentences, or naming people or things
· Anxiety, suspiciousness, and agitation;
· Difficulty recognizing family and friends;
· Loss of appetite; weight loss;
· Loss of bladder and bowel control;
· Problems finding the right word with consequent loss of speech;
· Seem to repeat things or ask the same questions over and over
· Repetitive speaking and repetitive actions;
· Seem more forgetful, or have trouble with short term memory
· Serious sleep disturbances;
· General and finally total dependence on caregiver;
· Constantly irritable, agitated, suspicious, or hear or believe things that are not real?
· Wandering and/or pacing.
Unfortunately, in modern medicine there is no single clinical test that can be used to identify Alzheimer's disease early or later on in life. A comprehensive patient evaluation includes a complete health history, physical examination, neurological and mental status assessments, and other tests, including blood and urine analysis, EKG or an imaging exam, such as CT or MRI. Despite no successful conventional treatment is yet available to fully cope with the Alzheimer's disease, there are several pharmaceutical drugs that may help delay the progression of symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. There also drugs that may help control behavioral symptoms, such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Treating these behavioral symptoms often makes people with Alzheimer's more comfortable and makes their care easier.
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently discovered that a combination of naturally occurring nutrients could do what Big Pharma drugs can't. Their research was published in the journal Alheimer's disease and Dementia (2010), the nutrient mix stimulated the growth of new brain connections, technically known as “synapses”--and the supplements were shown to have potential to improve memory in Alzheimer's patients. The researches included 225 Alzheimer’s patients, and found as matter of this study, that a cocktail of three naturally occurring nutrients believed to promote growth of those synapses, plus few other ingredients (B vitamins, phosopholipids & antioxidants), improve verbal memory in patients with mild Alzheimer's. The main researcher, Richard Wurtman, believes loss of synapses is the root cause of Alzheimer's disease. In his proper words, “If you can increase the number of synapses by enhancing their production, you might to some extent avoid that loss of cognitive ability,” as he stated. The supplements used in the study are” Uridine (a nutrient in beets and molasses), Choline (found in egg yolks and wheat germ) and the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA (one of the two long-chain omega-3s in fish such as salmon) (all 3 normally present in breast milk) and known to be precursors to the fatty molecules that make up brain cell membranes which help form synapses. The Alzheimer's patients drank the cocktail known as "Souvenaid", as a control beverage daily for about three months and showed a statistically significant level of improvement compared to those who received a placebo drink. At the end 40 percent of the patients receiving the nutrient mix showed improved performance in a test of verbal memory (memory for words, as opposed to memory of locations & experiences) known as the Wechsler Memory Scale. Fortunately, at the moment, three additional clinical studies are underway, one in USA and 2 in EU. Results will be available in the period between 2011-2013. As Wurtman stated, his approach may prove beneficial in treating Parkinson disease also.
Diet and Lifestyle in Alzheimer disease:
Evaluating and correcting the diet and to balance the nutrition has a primary role in prevention or healing Alzheimer disease. Nutritional imbalances are the precursors to the signs and symptoms by which we detect and label (diagnose) organ system disease. Improving our eating habits towards a balanced organic nutrition and preserve to the best of our possibility the environmental exterior inputs is fundamental in restoring health. It makes sense to restore the way how we eat, exercise, live, sleep and deal with the extreme stress of our century.
1. Following "anti-hypoglycemic diet would consist of lean meat and lots of fresh vegetables. Another key is just limiting sugars and starches
2. Eating well balanced organic diet including: white meat, vegetables, fruits, and whole organic foods.
3. Your food should be homemade, well cooked, nicely served, in order to provoke your appetite.
4. Find enough time to eat slowly a well balanced diet- always protein (mainly lean meat), carbs (veggies and fruits, vegetable pasta or basmati rice) and fats (good fats), beans, lentils, peas (naturally balanced food).
5. Cooking with Coconut oil, Olive oil, or Flaxseed ( on salads)
6. Using fresh organic spices-Turmeric, Basil, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram, Parsley, and Dill Weed. Spicing your foods will increase your appetite, but be careful in case of acid reflux or ulcer (in case if you use peppermint). Rosemary is one of the top ten herbs in your spice rack that does a lot more than flavor your chicken and roasted potatoes. It may actually help protect you from getting Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and heart disease. Aside from cooking, rosemary has a long folk use as a brain stimulant, a remedy for heart trouble, and as an antiseptic, or an insect repellent.
7. Aspartame, NutraSweet, Splenda and MSG are called excitotoxins- and they are all in the diet soda beverages.
8. You can juice your proper juices or food. In fact you can start your breakfast with Wheat Protein, strawberry (or other fruits). You can juice carrots, celery and apple also.
9. Limit to its maximum the white sugar (including sugary foods or beverages, bars or torts). You can use Xylitol (or Stevia) instead.
10. Read labels- Food additives in your diet must be carefully approached and avoided.
11. Dark chocolate- with 75%-80% Cocoa- in moderation.
12. Do not consume ice creams, donuts, and bread but only limited amounts of "whole wheat" - 1-2 pieces per day. (Request a check up on the gluten allergy while visiting your MD).
13. Do not fry your food, only bake, steam or broil.
14. Select organic lean meat, fish (wild Alaskan salmon, halibut), turkey (without the skin) and chicken (without the skin). Do not consume shark, sword fish or tuna as it has too much mercury. Sardines in a can are a perfect choice.
15. Steam your veggies before consuming them. Eating them row can infect you with Salmonella, E. coli, or you might not digest them well.
16. Always consume proteins (meat, eggs, milk or yogurt) well balanced with vegetables, a good salad, and soups in order to help the right and daily elimination.
17. Make your breakfast a protein breakfast- for example a cup of organic raw milk or Whey protein shake with strawberry (1/2 of banana) and 1 egg inside. Do not eat more than 1 whole egg + 1-2 whites.
18. Sleep 7-8 h per night. 1 cup of raw milk with ¼ of tea spoon of honey in it can help allot before sleeping. You can also use "Secretagogue Gold" formula (perfect sleepy powder + all the trace minerals in it for the day).
19. Watch funny movies, and animations. Avoid depressive people or movies. Avoid socializing with depressed people. Try to laugh as frequently as you can.
20. Walk daily ½ h in the morning and ½ in the afternoon. Always use hat and glasses while walking.
21. Drink enough water in order to protect from dehydration, especially during the summer months.
22. You can drink relaxing or calming teas that are good for their antioxidant properties also (as green, white, black or fruit teas). They could help and calm down your GI, while preparing to sleep. Look for caffeine content on the label and purchase Decaf Teas only.
23. Do not take more than 1.5 mg Melatonin (before sleeping) as it can make you depressed, especially in case of depression already being diagnosed.
List of hazardous food additives that must be avoided are:
· Sodium nitrate
· Sodium Benzoate
· BHA and BHT
· Propylgallate
· Trans fats
· Acesulfame-K
· Food dyes
· Olestra
· Potassium Bromate
Sources:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: http://www.ahrq.gov/CLINIC/cpgsix.htm
Alzheimer's Association: http://www.alz.org/index.asp
Mayo Clinic: http://mayoresearch.mayo.edu/alzheimers_center/
National Institute on Aging/National Library of Medicine: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/
http://web.mit.edu/press/2010/fighting-alzheimers.html
The exact Alzheimer’s etiopathogenesis is still under research as most of the available studies have failed to provide conclusive evidence of the exact cause and mechanism of appearance of the disease of the advanced generation. The main pathogenetic mechanism behind Alzheimer is the general failure of brain cells- neurons. Two abnormal formations (structures) - plaques and tangles are blamed as prime suspects in damaging the human brain neurons. While plaques build between neurons and contain deposits of a protein called beta-amyloid- tangles are twisted fibers inside the dying neurons. Above all their formation is mainly localized in the hippocampus- the zone of the human brain correlated with learning and memory. Mainly the main damage is due to the interruption among neurons leading to miss-communication and progressive loss of that main human privilege. Those pathologic formations are engaging the outer layer of the human brain and involve abstract thinking, short term memory loss, rapid changes in mood, behavior and correct judgment, fundamental changes in personality, loss of initiative, memory and finely speech and breathing.
Another pathogenetic explanation behind the Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by a major loss of the brain synapses (connections between neurones) needed to process information and to retain memory. While there are drug therapies used to help delay progression of AD, those medications are loaded with side effects and, if they work at all, the effects only last for a short term. When the disease progresses it robs people with Alzheimer's of their short and then long term memory, logistic ability of thinking and as a final step- the quality of life.
Classic symptoms and signs of an typical Alzheimer's are:
· Confusion and daily difficulties with activities of daily living.
· Gradual loss of short-term and then a long-term memory;
· Need daily reminders to do things like small chores, grocery shop, eat, take nutritional supplements;
· Forget appointments, family occasions, or holidays
· Feel “blue,” or cry more often than in the past
· Have trouble doing calculations, managing finances, or balancing the checkbook
· Need help preparing a meal, dressing, bathing, or using the bathroom?
· Get lost while driving or drive unsafely
· Have trouble finding the right words, finishing sentences, or naming people or things
· Anxiety, suspiciousness, and agitation;
· Difficulty recognizing family and friends;
· Loss of appetite; weight loss;
· Loss of bladder and bowel control;
· Problems finding the right word with consequent loss of speech;
· Seem to repeat things or ask the same questions over and over
· Repetitive speaking and repetitive actions;
· Seem more forgetful, or have trouble with short term memory
· Serious sleep disturbances;
· General and finally total dependence on caregiver;
· Constantly irritable, agitated, suspicious, or hear or believe things that are not real?
· Wandering and/or pacing.
Unfortunately, in modern medicine there is no single clinical test that can be used to identify Alzheimer's disease early or later on in life. A comprehensive patient evaluation includes a complete health history, physical examination, neurological and mental status assessments, and other tests, including blood and urine analysis, EKG or an imaging exam, such as CT or MRI. Despite no successful conventional treatment is yet available to fully cope with the Alzheimer's disease, there are several pharmaceutical drugs that may help delay the progression of symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. There also drugs that may help control behavioral symptoms, such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Treating these behavioral symptoms often makes people with Alzheimer's more comfortable and makes their care easier.
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently discovered that a combination of naturally occurring nutrients could do what Big Pharma drugs can't. Their research was published in the journal Alheimer's disease and Dementia (2010), the nutrient mix stimulated the growth of new brain connections, technically known as “synapses”--and the supplements were shown to have potential to improve memory in Alzheimer's patients. The researches included 225 Alzheimer’s patients, and found as matter of this study, that a cocktail of three naturally occurring nutrients believed to promote growth of those synapses, plus few other ingredients (B vitamins, phosopholipids & antioxidants), improve verbal memory in patients with mild Alzheimer's. The main researcher, Richard Wurtman, believes loss of synapses is the root cause of Alzheimer's disease. In his proper words, “If you can increase the number of synapses by enhancing their production, you might to some extent avoid that loss of cognitive ability,” as he stated. The supplements used in the study are” Uridine (a nutrient in beets and molasses), Choline (found in egg yolks and wheat germ) and the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA (one of the two long-chain omega-3s in fish such as salmon) (all 3 normally present in breast milk) and known to be precursors to the fatty molecules that make up brain cell membranes which help form synapses. The Alzheimer's patients drank the cocktail known as "Souvenaid", as a control beverage daily for about three months and showed a statistically significant level of improvement compared to those who received a placebo drink. At the end 40 percent of the patients receiving the nutrient mix showed improved performance in a test of verbal memory (memory for words, as opposed to memory of locations & experiences) known as the Wechsler Memory Scale. Fortunately, at the moment, three additional clinical studies are underway, one in USA and 2 in EU. Results will be available in the period between 2011-2013. As Wurtman stated, his approach may prove beneficial in treating Parkinson disease also.
Diet and Lifestyle in Alzheimer disease:
Evaluating and correcting the diet and to balance the nutrition has a primary role in prevention or healing Alzheimer disease. Nutritional imbalances are the precursors to the signs and symptoms by which we detect and label (diagnose) organ system disease. Improving our eating habits towards a balanced organic nutrition and preserve to the best of our possibility the environmental exterior inputs is fundamental in restoring health. It makes sense to restore the way how we eat, exercise, live, sleep and deal with the extreme stress of our century.
1. Following "anti-hypoglycemic diet would consist of lean meat and lots of fresh vegetables. Another key is just limiting sugars and starches
2. Eating well balanced organic diet including: white meat, vegetables, fruits, and whole organic foods.
3. Your food should be homemade, well cooked, nicely served, in order to provoke your appetite.
4. Find enough time to eat slowly a well balanced diet- always protein (mainly lean meat), carbs (veggies and fruits, vegetable pasta or basmati rice) and fats (good fats), beans, lentils, peas (naturally balanced food).
5. Cooking with Coconut oil, Olive oil, or Flaxseed ( on salads)
6. Using fresh organic spices-Turmeric, Basil, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram, Parsley, and Dill Weed. Spicing your foods will increase your appetite, but be careful in case of acid reflux or ulcer (in case if you use peppermint). Rosemary is one of the top ten herbs in your spice rack that does a lot more than flavor your chicken and roasted potatoes. It may actually help protect you from getting Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and heart disease. Aside from cooking, rosemary has a long folk use as a brain stimulant, a remedy for heart trouble, and as an antiseptic, or an insect repellent.
7. Aspartame, NutraSweet, Splenda and MSG are called excitotoxins- and they are all in the diet soda beverages.
8. You can juice your proper juices or food. In fact you can start your breakfast with Wheat Protein, strawberry (or other fruits). You can juice carrots, celery and apple also.
9. Limit to its maximum the white sugar (including sugary foods or beverages, bars or torts). You can use Xylitol (or Stevia) instead.
10. Read labels- Food additives in your diet must be carefully approached and avoided.
11. Dark chocolate- with 75%-80% Cocoa- in moderation.
12. Do not consume ice creams, donuts, and bread but only limited amounts of "whole wheat" - 1-2 pieces per day. (Request a check up on the gluten allergy while visiting your MD).
13. Do not fry your food, only bake, steam or broil.
14. Select organic lean meat, fish (wild Alaskan salmon, halibut), turkey (without the skin) and chicken (without the skin). Do not consume shark, sword fish or tuna as it has too much mercury. Sardines in a can are a perfect choice.
15. Steam your veggies before consuming them. Eating them row can infect you with Salmonella, E. coli, or you might not digest them well.
16. Always consume proteins (meat, eggs, milk or yogurt) well balanced with vegetables, a good salad, and soups in order to help the right and daily elimination.
17. Make your breakfast a protein breakfast- for example a cup of organic raw milk or Whey protein shake with strawberry (1/2 of banana) and 1 egg inside. Do not eat more than 1 whole egg + 1-2 whites.
18. Sleep 7-8 h per night. 1 cup of raw milk with ¼ of tea spoon of honey in it can help allot before sleeping. You can also use "Secretagogue Gold" formula (perfect sleepy powder + all the trace minerals in it for the day).
19. Watch funny movies, and animations. Avoid depressive people or movies. Avoid socializing with depressed people. Try to laugh as frequently as you can.
20. Walk daily ½ h in the morning and ½ in the afternoon. Always use hat and glasses while walking.
21. Drink enough water in order to protect from dehydration, especially during the summer months.
22. You can drink relaxing or calming teas that are good for their antioxidant properties also (as green, white, black or fruit teas). They could help and calm down your GI, while preparing to sleep. Look for caffeine content on the label and purchase Decaf Teas only.
23. Do not take more than 1.5 mg Melatonin (before sleeping) as it can make you depressed, especially in case of depression already being diagnosed.
List of hazardous food additives that must be avoided are:
· Sodium nitrate
· Sodium Benzoate
· BHA and BHT
· Propylgallate
· Trans fats
· Acesulfame-K
· Food dyes
· Olestra
· Potassium Bromate
Sources:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: http://www.ahrq.gov/CLINIC/cpgsix.htm
Alzheimer's Association: http://www.alz.org/index.asp
Mayo Clinic: http://mayoresearch.mayo.edu/alzheimers_center/
National Institute on Aging/National Library of Medicine: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/
http://web.mit.edu/press/2010/fighting-alzheimers.html
No comments:
Post a Comment