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Alzheimer’s Disease and Nutrition

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It was my turn to take my dad to his doctor’s visit. My father had fallen four days before injuring his back and ribs. My dad is 84 and my mom is 74. My mom had no recollection of my father falling, the paramedics being at their home, the five hours we spent in the emergency room or that less than an hour before this visit, I had told her why we were there. I had been battling with coming to grips with the probability of mom having the most publicized form of Senile Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease.

I asked their doctor if he had any suspicions that perhaps might indicate further testing to identify whether or not my mom had Alzheimer’s Disease. He was quick to respond on how “people,” (me, in this case) are so ready to categorize and label, and never answered my questions or validated my concerns.
But, he is the one who told my mother two years earlier after her heart surgery, a quadruple bypass, that he didn’t believe in any major medical intervention once a person has lived a full life. How I like to interpret this is, he was saying, once an individual becomes a senior citizen, and Medicare and Secure Horizons are paying or perhaps underpaying his time spent with his elderly patients, he no longer finds it necessary to do anything except the absolute minimal, otherwise it is a waste of his time and he isn’t making any money anyway so why do the work. But that is a completely different story; we’ll save that one for another article.

We know very little about Alzheimer’s Disease, named for Alois Alzheimer, the German Neurologist who first identified it. Not what causes it (although there are some suspicions). Not what might prevent it and certainly not what might cure it. But we are getting closer. In the last year, for instance, scientists have identified two enzymes they believe contribute to the formation of plaques, the dense clump of protein and dead or dying brain cells that are found in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers. Approximately four million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, of these, up to 40% are misdiagnosed and have other forms of Senile Dementia.

Many alternative homeopathic physicians have a greater degree of success with treatment of those with Alzheimer’s like dementia by addressing the various causes and symptoms underlying the condition.

Researchers have discovered a link between genetic predisposition and Alzheimer’s Disease. In many families, people in following generations develop Alzheimer’s. A specific connection has also been uncovered between Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome (a variety of mental retardation). Down Syndrome sufferers often exhibit Alzheimer like memory problems or dementia in their 30s and 40s.

Some studies have shown that a susceptibility to toxins such as aluminum and mercury are linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s and Senile Dementia. Research has indicated that because of the high levels of aluminum found in the brain cells of Alzheimer’s victims, it may be a casual factor in the development of the disease. While the source of aluminum toxicity in the body has not yet been proven, aluminum can enter the body through inhalation and by oral ingestion. It has been suggested that aluminum ions may leach into the body from aluminum cooking utensils, cans and foil, as well as underarm deodorant, antacid pills and other products, which may contain trace amounts of aluminum.

The presence of high levels of mercury was discovered through studies of post-mortem examination of Alzheimer’s victims. Another study makes a clear connection between the presence of mercury in the brain tissue and the presence of amalgam dental fillings, which contain approximately 50% mercury as well as silver, tin, copper and zinc.

According to Hal Huggins, D.D.S., of Colorado Springs, Colorado, metal fillings also create low levels of electrical activity that is conducted directly to the brain, creating aberrant behavior. While the electrical mechanism created by a combination of metals in the mouth does not itself directly suppress the immune system, Dr. Huggins cautions that it does enable metals to come out of the fillings faster, to be absorbed through the cheeks and tongue into the blood supply.

Nutritional supplementation is one effective approach in treating Alzheimer’s. Studies in Japan have shown that daily supplements of CoEnzymeQ10, vitamin B6 and iron returned some Alzheimer’s diagnosed patients to “normal” mental capacity. In another study, Alzheimer’s patients who took a daily regimen of evening primrose oil, zinc and selenium showed significant improvements in alertness, mood and mental ability.

Reduced levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids have been tentatively linked with Alzheimer’s disease. Folic Acid, niacin (vitamin B3), thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, zinc and tryptophan.

Alternative treatments focus on nutritional supplementation, herbal medications, detoxification (including mercury dental amalgams and aluminum), as well as treating food allergies and candida (yeast) overgrowth.

Gingko Biloba has shown to improve circulation and iacncreased mental capacity in several clinical studies. Particularly, Gingko Biloba has been effective for the treatment of problems associated with cerebral circulation, and other related degradation disease processes associated with blood supply and lack of oxygen at the cellular level.

Many prescribed medications, as well as over the counter (non-prescription drugs), can worsen dementia. Sleep aids, cold remedies, antianxiety drugs and some antidepressants are common offenders.

Even though dementia is chronic and intellectual function can’t be restored, supportive measured can be helpful. For example, large clocks and calendars can help orient people, and caregivers can make frequent comments to help in reminding them of where they are and what is going on. A cheerful bright environment, minimal new stimulation and regular low-stress activities can be beneficial. If daily routines are simplified and the caregiver’s expectations are reduced without the person sensing a total loss of dignity or self-esteem, some improvement may occur.

An active mind may ward off Alzheimer’s Disease. Studies suggest that your best protection against Alzheimer’s may be considerably less “cutting edge.” Keeping your body fit and your mind active as you age, appears to reduce the risk of developing the disease.