Alzheimers: Information, Research, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
The below provides a general overview of this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner ... Please refer to Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
Alzheimers: The Facts
A study presented to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions showed that 1 out of 8 people, age 65 and older, has Alzheimer's and nearly half over 85 have this devastating disease. People in their 30s and 40s are coming down with this disease. (Data available via http://www.gpoaccess.gov/congress/senate)
The Power of Nutrition:
Scientific evidence shows that targeted nutritional therapy can be used to fight a variety of diseases affecting the brain, including Alzheimer's, arteriosclerosis, and chronic malnutrition.
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are specifically linked to an increased level of homocysteine, an amino acid metabolite associated with decreased levels of folate, B-12 and pyridoxine.
The book "Smart Nutrients" provides a detailed account of the most important breakthrough nutrients currently being studied. These nutrients include niacin and vitamin C, as well as minerals such as zinc, chromium and many others -- each of which plays a crucial role in the maintenance of mental health and the treatment of specific diseases.
The book "Smart Nutrients" written by medical researcher Dr. Abram Hoffer and holistic health writer Dr. Morton Walker presents a program of diet and supplementation specifically developed to prevent or reverse senility.
Also Refer to:
Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease:
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia; it accounts for 64 percent of all dementia occurrences.
Dementia is most frequently caused by atherosclerosis, while Alzheimer's disease, specifically, is caused by the deposition of an abnormal protein --- beta-amyloid --- in the brain.
Also refer to: http://www.alz.org/national/documents/report_alzfactsfigures2008.pdf
Alzheimer's Disease & Our Drinking Water:
One study (McLachlan, et al. 1996) found a 250% increase of Alzheimer's disease in people drinking municipal water with high aluminum levels for 10 years or more.
One drug used to treat Alzheimer's (desferrioxamine) shows a significant benefit in slowing progression of the disease. This drug chelates aluminum.
Important Testing Recommendation:
For anyone diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, a hair analysis is recommended to test for heavy and toxic metal toxicity. If your physician has not suggested this test, it is really important to request it. Alternatively, the relatively inexpensive test (about $65) can be ordered from various sources, one of which would be by calling this number: 1-800-376-9288 - order a hair mineral analysis kit.
The Cholesterol Link:
Too little of one type of cholesterol has been linked to memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. Scientists studied more than 3,500 civil servants to investigate how levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol were associated with memory. HDL cholesterol can influence the formation of the beta-amyloid "plaques" that are a distinctive feature in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. After the five-year study period, the researchers found that people with low levels of HDL were 53 percent more likely to suffer memory loss than people with the highest levels of HDL.
Alzheimers: What Is It?
By: David McFarlane
Someone in your family has Alzheimer's disease, and you have been gathering info on Alzheimer's disease to try to help you make decisions about what to do next, but everything you find is so scientific and complicated. What can you tell your kids to make them understand why their grandfather or uncle does not recognize them anymore? The info on Alzheimer's disease below is aimed at children and families, so read it together.
Alzheimer's disease is a form of mental disorder known as dementia. Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously hampers the brain's ability to process rational or normal thought and inhibits the daily activities of its sufferers because of this. Alzheimer's disease, therefore, affects the part of the brain that is responsible for thought, memory, and language.
Key Facts:
- Alzheimer's disease is one of the leading causes of death in America
- First identified by German physician Alois Alzheimer in 1907
- Affects memory, learning ability, decision-making, and daily functioning
Living With Alzheimer's
Living with Alzheimer's can be a crippling experience for both the disease sufferer and the family that is involved. There are many moments of misunderstanding or confusion for most and the symptoms can become frustrating and difficult.
The loss of memory and other associated factors can often cause immense separation in families and can create nervous tension in relationships that is not necessary if suitable information is available and utilized by all parties involved.
Support Resources:
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be a daunting task. You will need all of the support you can get, along with the latest and most significant Alzheimers info and research.
About The Author: David McFarlane is a proud contributing author and writes articles on Alzheimer's. You can visit his site at http://www.alzheimers-world.com.
Food items that may combat Alzheimer's disease:
Vitamin E
Alzheimer's patients who take 2,000 IU of vitamin E per day live longer. This well-known antioxidant significantly slows the progression of Alzheimer's and stroke-related dementia.
Note: New research shows that eating foods rich in Vitamin E (such as nuts, seeds and vegetable oils) is far safer than taking supplements. Also has application in Cancer Treatments.
Ginkgo Biloba
Learn more about Ginkgo Biloba benefitsAcetyl-L-carnitine (ALC)
Helps deliver fatty acids into nerve cells and acts as a potent antioxidant. (500 mg to 2 grams daily may be recommended)
N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)
Precursor of glutathione, a significant antioxidant. (250 mg to 750 mg daily may be recommended)
Turmeric (Curcumin)
The herb turmeric (curcumin), is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrin substance. Greg Cole, Ph.D., associate director of the UCLA Alzheimer Disease Center, states: "Because curcumin helps clear toxic proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease, we think that the spice may be very helpful in preventing it."
Fish & Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s are found in cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel. To achieve a healthier balance, get plenty of omega-3s by eating fish—especially cold-water fish—at least twice a week.
Coffee
A Finnish study found that those who drank coffee at midlife had a lower risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease in late life. Those who drank three to five cups of coffee a day lowered their risk by 65 percent.
Research Details:
Lead Researcher: associate professor Miia Kivipelto from the University of Kuopio, Finland, and Karloinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Coffee categories: Low (0-2 cups), Moderate (3-5 cups), High (5+ cups)
Results: All coffee drinkers had lower risk, but moderate drinkers showed 65% risk reduction
Note: Tea drinking had no impact on dementia risk
Nutritional Support Foods
Blueberries highlight: High oxygen radical absorption capacity (2,400 per 100g), rich in anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and phenolic acids. Help fight urinary tract infections and may combat pain.
Green Tea
Please refer to "Memory Loss" for detailed information