Alzheimer's Disease

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Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative con­dition that involves the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, resulting in memory loss and disorientation. The disease is thought to be responsible for 75 percent of dementia in those 65 years and older. The disease pro­gresses over several years. Unfortunately, the intellectual and personal decline that typically results from Alzheimer’s cannot be curtailed as of yet. The disease affects over 4 mil­lion Americans and is responsible for 20 percent of patients in nursing homes or chronic care facilities. The disease rarely manifests itself before age 60. Up to 30 percent of people over 85 suffer from Alzheimer’s.

Symptoms
There are three general stages to the disease. Initial symptoms include increasing forgetfulness, which may be addressed by the almost obsessive writing of lists.
As the disease progresses, forgetfulness becomes severe memory loss, particularly when dealing with short term events although long-term memory may not be affected. Disorientation may also occur and it is not uncommon for a victim of the disease to lose his way home. Mathematical calculations may also become difficult, indicating a decrease in intellectual ability in addition to becoming unable to find the right words (dysphasia). Anxiety, mood swings and apprehension may become evident and personality changes can also become apparent.
During the final stage of Alzheimer’s, severe disorientation and confusion are the rule as are hallucinations and paranoid delusions.
Symptoms of this disease typically intensify at night. In addition, involuntary actions, incontinence of urine and feces, belligerence and violent behavior are not uncommon, although some victims become more docile and withdrawn. Tendency by Alzheimer’s victims to wander and neglect their appearance and hygiene often necessitates confinement to a bed. Once exiled, life expectancy dramatically decreases.
It has been found that many older individuals suffer from malnutrition, which can cause a number of psycholog­ical symptoms ranging from depression to a dementia that can be mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease. Consequently, it is vital that diet be assessed and that vitamin and mineral sup­plements be added to determine if nutritional depletion is the cause. The B vitamins are particularly important. In addition, certain drugs can cause memory deficits or altered psychological behavior.
Make sure the cause of what appear to be age-related symptoms are not drug-induced..

Causes
The causes of Alzheimer’s remain unknown although several theories exist which range from blaming exposureto aluminum to the existence of prolonged infection. Recently, speculation that Alzheimer’s disease may be caused by a specific virus have been proposed.
Other possible causes include reduced levels of acetyl­choline, a brain chemical have been found in people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, nerve fibers in the brain become tangled and certain areas of brain tissue can shrink during the course of the disease.
A genetic factor may also be a determining factor and is currently being investigated. A hereditary connection has been strengthened by the fact that the disease is more prevalent in Down’s syndrome cases. In addition, approximately 15 percent of victims of Alzheimer’s have a family incidence of the disease.
There has been significant speculation that an intake of aluminum from foods, antacids, cookware or antiperspi­rants may play a role in contracting Alzheimer’s disease. The same speculation exists concerning silicon and mer­cury. There is no scientific evidence accepted in the medical community which confirms this connection, although autopsies of Alzheimer’s victims have shown excessive amounts of aluminum and silicon in the brain. Mercury from dental amalgams may be a contributing factor.
In addition, a deficiency of vitamin B12, zinc, potassium, selenium and boron was also found to exist. Consequently, there is evidence to suggest that increased contact with alu­minum in combination with a lack of certain vitamins and minerals may predispose one to the disease. A hair analysis test can determine if aluminum or any other heavy metal toxicity is present. In addition lower levels of vitamin A and E have also been linked to the disease.
Regarding the possibility of a viral component, similari­ties between Alzheimer’s disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob dis­ease have been noted by some who see a growing viral con­nection with both disorders.
Another correlation that has been recently investigated regarding possible causes of Alzheimer’s disease is the find­ing that women with Alzheimer’s had lower estrogen levels than healthy women of the same age.
Immune system dysfunction and low zinc levels have also been linked to changes in aging brain tissue which may pre­dispose one to Alzheimer’s disease. Higher than normal levels of glutamine synthetase have been found in Alzheimer’s patients. Alcohol abuse has also been linked to the disease.

Conventional Therapies
The only way to absolutely diagnose Alzheimer’s disease is with a brain biopsy or post mortem examination of brain tissue. As a result, an EEC (which records brain wave pat­terns) will show slower waves. There are no lab tests that can prove the existence of the disease. Alzheimer’s disease is particularly difficult to diagnose. Consequently, some symp­toms of dementia can be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s.
Senile dementia, unlike Alzheimer’s disease, can be caused by treatable conditions such as hypothyroidism, vit­amin B 12 deficiency, alcoholism, pernicious anemia, a series of strokes or a brain tumor. In some cases, the elder­ly may experience severe depression, which can mimic Alzheimer’s disease in several of its symptoms. Over-medication of the elderly is another factor which should be addressed as a possible cause of Alzheimer’s-like symptoms.
No medical treatments, including attempts at restoring acetyicholine nerve cell function have proven successful. The provision of good nursing care is vital, which includes, a good diet, social interaction and using tranquilizers if behavior becomes difficult. Treatment with sandostatin and tetrahydroamninoacridin may prove helpful in treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and should be discussed with your physician. Continue Article

The information presented is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner for any health problem and before using any supplements.

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Dietary Guidelines  
Incorporate a good dietary regimen with an emphasis on a high-fiber diet that stresses fresh fruits and veg­etables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, pressed oils, millet, brown rice, oat bran, whole grains, fish and low-fat foods.
Do not stress the immune system by consuming alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, white sugar, processed foods and red meat.
Do not use aluminum pots, pans or other cooking utensils..

Recommended Nutritional Supplements

Primary Nutrients

Phosphatidyl Choline Increases acetylcholine levels in the brain which directly impact memory function. Clinical data suggests that elevating acetylcholine in the brain may improve memory in Alzheimer’s patients. Suggested Dosage:10 to 20 g daily. Use high quality preparations.

Phosphatidyl SerineThis compound is one of the prima­ry phospholipids found in brain tissue and plays an impor­tant role in brain function. Animal and human studies have found that supplementing this nutrient can improve mem­ory and age-related changes in brain chemistry. Suggested Dosage: 300 mg divided out in three doses with meals.

Lecithin Contains choline, which stimulates the production of acetylcholine and many help with memory function. Suggested Dosage: 100 mg three times daily with meals. Use granules or capsulized varieties.

Coenzyme Q10 Increases brain cell oxygenation and boost circulation. Suggested Dosage: 100 mg per day.

Alpha Lipoic Acid German animal studies have found that ALA supplementation caused an improvement in the long-term memory of aged mice while younger mice showed no difference. What this finding implies is that ALA must help to reverse age-related memory impairment. It is assumed that the mechanism behind this action involves protecting brain cells from the kind of deterioration brought on by oxidation over time. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.

Ginkgo Biloba Clinical studies are supportive of this herb’s ability to reverse the metal deterioration associated with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.’ It improves brain cell oxygenation and circulation and is highly recommend­ed. Ginkgo is good for treating the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Suggested Dosage: 60 mg of 24 percent extract taken two to three times a day.

Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid A distinct depletion of these vitamins have been found in Alzheimer’s patients suggest­ing that deficiencies that may not even show in blood serum tests may precipitate the progression of this disease.4 Suggested Dosage: 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily of vitamin B 12 which can also be administered in injections. Folic acid sup­plements should be taken as directed.

Vitamin B6 A lack of this vitamin has been closely linked with a number of neurological disorders including depres­sion and schizophrenia. Elderly people can easily become deficient in vitamin B6. Suggested Dosage: 50 mg per day. Sublingual forms or injections are available.

Vitamin E Helps transport oxygen to brain cells and scav­enges for free radicals which can cause brain tissue damage. Vitamin E has been shown to help stabilize the symptoms of this disease and retard its progression. Suggested Dosage: 800 IU to 1,200 IU per day.

Vitamin C, Calcium and Magnesium This trio may help reduce the presence of aluminum accumulations. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant; calcium/magnesium work to calm the central nervous system. Suggested Dosage: 6,000 mg of vitamin C per day divided in equal doses with meals. Buffered forms are best. Doses of 1,500 mg of calcium and 500 of magnesium are recommended daily.

Zinc Prevents zinc depletion which has been linked to a number of brain disorders. Suggested Dosage: No more than 100 mg per day. Take with meals.

Germanium Oxygenates brain cells and acts as an antioxidant agent. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.

Herbal Combination This combination should include peppermint leaves, Siberian ginseng, gotu kola, kelp, rosemary leaves, damiana leaves and butternut root bark. This herbal formula is designed to improve circulation, and oxy­gen uptake and transport, and reduce the effects of stress. This mix will improve the ability to concentrate and retain memory, and help arrest the progression of age-related memory dysfunctions. Suggested Dosage: Two to four cap­sules daily. In more severe cases a person may consume up to twelve capsules daily.

PEPPERMINT LEAVES: Peppermint relieves tension and stress which can contribute to more normal breathing. This means that more oxygen will be available for the red blood cells to carry throughout the body including to the brain. The anti-stress factor will assist with concentration as well.

SIBERIAN GINSENG: Siberian ginseng is considered to be anadaptogen agent or a substance with the ability to normal­ize systems of the body, irrespective of the direction, defi­ciency or excess of the pathologic state. Clinical studies have demonstrated ginseng’s ability to improve physical assertion, mental alertness and the body’s resistance to the effects of stress. Ginseng can protect the body against the effects of toxic chemicals and radiation, modulate immune system function in fighting disease and is considered an antiaging herb.

GOTU KOLA: Gotu kola is a popular herb used throughout the world and is particularly popular in India. Ayurvedic doctors use it as a central nervous system tonic and to improve mental stamina and enhance memory. 6 Clinical studies performed in Europe show gotu kola has the ability to increase circulation.

KELP: Kelp’s high con­centration and broad range of trace elements nourish the central nervous system and boost brain function. The algin in kelp soothes and improves gastrointestinal tract function. and it also binds with cholesterol and toxins to remove them from the body. Kelp improves nutrition and general health.

ROSEMARY LEAVES: Rosemary helps maintain a healthy nervous system. It assists in combating stress and improves circulation especially in the elderly who may be experiencing chronic poor circulation. Long-term use improves memory. In addition, this herb acts as a powerful antioxidant which can reduce brain tissue damage caused by free radicals.

DAMIANA LEAVES:Germany’s drug regulatory board suggests using damiana for the “fortification and stimulation in cases of overwork, mental stress, and nervous debility, and for enhancement and maintenance of mental and physical efficiency.” In Britain it is used as an anti­depressant. Damiana can interfere with iron absorption.

BUTTERNUT ROOT BARK: Butternut root bark has been included in this formula as a laxative to cleanse toxins from the body and to improve health.

Secondary Nutrients

NADH: May help to improve symptoms. Suggested Dosage: Take 5 to 15 mg per day.
SELENIUM: An excellent free radical scavenger which should be taken with vitamin E. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed. ALFALFA AND BURDOCK: Improve cerebral circulation which helps to oxygenate the cells and promote better brain function. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
CAPSICUM: Helps in supplying nutrients to the brain. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed. Capsicumn can cause a burning sensation in the stomach.
LADY'S SLIPPER: Supplies nutrients to the nervous system. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.

Doctor's Notes
The cause of this disease is still in question and has been associated with increased amount of aluminum deposits in the brain. However, many researchers have neglected to make the link. A recent study showed that taking products with Ibuprofen reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Vitamin E, NADH and ginkgo can be helpful, although as the disease progresses, ginkgo is not as effective. Doctors often hear complaints from patients who are experiencing memory loss, poor memory or an inability to concentrate. Some of these people may also experience other possibly related conditions like poor circulation or tinnitus (ringing in the ear). Memory loss can be caused by many different factors such as head trauma or injury, ischemia or stroke (a condition where blood flow to parts of the brain has been cut off), poor circulation and oxygen flow to the brain and organic brain disease. Alcoholism, smoking and even environmental pollutants may also lead to memory dysfunction. In such cases it is important that the person change environments or habits to stop the progression of the condition. Inability to concentrate may be caused by stress or nervous disorders. Formulas used most commonly for age-related memory problems include Ginkgo biloba, gotu kola and bilberry. These all help boost cerebral circulation, enhance memory and improve mental function.

Home Care Suggestions
Those that suffer from this disease are usually very limited in their ability to be self-sufficient. Consequently, home care falls to the caregiver. Because home care is so intensive, contact should be made with the Alzheimer's Disease Society for specific instructions and support (see address below).

Other Supportive Therapies
ACUPUNCTURE: Certain trigger points can help stimulate certain regions of the brain.

Scientific Facts-at-a-Glance
Recently a team at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, Conn., reported that high levels of aluminum exist in some canned soft drinks. Their studies reveal that the aluminum content of noncola drinks in cans was almost six times that found in bottles. For cola drinks, the amount was three times higher. Apparently, the acidity of soft drinks erodes the imperfections in the protective covering which lines the cans. As a result, aluminum dissolves into the beverage.

Spirit/Mind Considerations
In its initial stages, victims of Alzheimer's usually try to compensate for their forgetfulness and will sometimes try to solicit others to help them. Depression and anxiety brought on by memory loss are common and should be addressed. As mentioned earlier, personality changes are common. Those caring for someone suffering from Alzheimer's should definitely take advantage of support groups available. The disease can be devastating to families. Often the caregiver in this situation will need as much psychological support as the patient. Emotional, as well as financial, stress can result as the disease demands more care. Self-help groups should be used. Counseling is recommended to prevent the possibility of abuse due to the stressful nature of this disease. Because the victim of Alzheimer's cannot be reasoned with, the care giver needs external support and advice.

Prevention
• Avoid sources of aluminum which are commonly found in food additives (can be found in cake mixes, processed cheese, frozen dough etc.); baking powder, which can have from 5-50 mg of sodium aluminum phosphate per teaspoonful; pickling salts; some salad dressings; table salt; some white flours; some water sources; douches; some feminine hygiene products; some lipsticks; antacids (there are a number available that are aluminum free); some brands of buffered aspirin; antidiarrheal medications; aluminum coated cookware (cooking tomato based ingredients, which are acidic, can cause some leeching into the food from the pot or pan); some antidandruff shampoos; aluminum cans and other containers, especially soda pop cans.
• While the origins of the disease remain a mystery, keeping active and staying involved during post-retirement years has been known to prolong life and enhance its quality. Join senior citizen clubs, travel, exercise and keep yourself occupied.
• Eat a diet high in antioxidants, such as carotenes, flavonoids, zinc and selenium.
• Take a high-potency multiple vitamins daily to prevent nutrient depletions associated with this disease.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Only take drugs that are absolutely necessary.

REFERENCE: Doctor's Guide to Natural Medicine (pgs 110-114)

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Marty Sez...

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