Do you know that we all die from the same disease?  Yes, we really do!  The root cause of all illness is inflammation.  Dementias are inflamed brains.  In this article, I will talk about some of the most common deficiencies contributing to dementia.

Dr. Dale Bredesen is a researcher on Alzheimer’s disease explains how each deficiency fits together in creating memory problems.  Below will be a link on Dr. Dale Bredesen if you want to do further reading on his research.

What are some of the deficiencies contributing to Alzheimer’s?

Research has shown that individuals who are experiencing memory problems should be tested by having blood drawn to determine such markers as Vitamin D level, Insulin level, hormone level, and the use of DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) to improve any faulty connections in the brain activity.

In Dr. Bredesen’s research it was noted that the individual subjects improved once they were on an individual combination therapy.  The study was a very small study of 10 subjects, so this study should be replicated for further validation.  Within a few months nine of the participants were showing improvement with their cognitive level.  Six of the subjects who were struggling to remain employed, had shown significant improvement in their ability to preform their job duties.  Some of the participants showed improvement and returned to a normal level. There was only one subject who did not show improvement.  This subject was in the final stages of Alzheimer’s.

What are some of the steps to eliminate Alzheimer’s?

1. Reduce Inflammation and stabilize glucose levels in the bloodstream. People with Type 2 Diabetes have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s since high levels of glucose in the blood are commonly known as one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s.  The treatment is diet.  A diet low in grains, simple carbohydrates, and sugars on the low glycemic index are recommended for this step.  Instead of processed foods, you should eat fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and lean meats.  I recommend that meat be on the occasional list.  Don’t eat within 3 hours of bed time.  Your body needs this fasting time to balance the hormones such as insulin production and to eliminate waste and toxins from the body.  Try to eat as much organic foods as you can. So, are there supplements that are recommended? DHA or omega – 3 fatty acid, EPA,(eicosapentaenoic acid) which is also an omega – 3 fatty acid, and curcumin. Curcumin is naturally found in turmeric.  This supplement helps to reduce amyloid plaques in the brain which enables better brain function.

   Other treatment is good oral care.  Poor dental care can lead to inflammation of the gums and teeth.  In turn this causes the inflammatory response through the body.

2. Optimize Hormone levels.  The aging process contributes to changes in the production of hormone levels. (I will not recommend hormone treatments. This is between you and your physician.  However, I encourage you to research the natural protocols on hormone replacement.)  The most common hormonal problems are related to the thyroid and decreasing estrogen production.  Research showed it’s not necessary to have hormone replacement therapy to restore cognitive function.  Treatment for hormone level starts with a simple blood test.  You have to know what your levels are before you can know how to treat them.  Reduce stress!  As you already know, stress can cause heart disease, anxiety, stroke… you get the picture.  Learn stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, exercise such as going for a walk in nature. Supplements recommended are vitamin D3, ashwagandha which helps to prevent beta-amyloid plaques from forming in the brain.
3. Antioxidants. Research has shown the importance of antioxidants when it comes to fats oxidizing in the brain and the strong correlation with Alzheimer’s.  Increase your vitamin C and beta-carotene in reducing fat oxidization in the brain.  As in step one, the same diet recommendations are made.  Also, spinach, kale, oranges and foods high in beta-carotene and vitamin C.  Organic blueberries are rich in these vitamins. Supplements recommended are tocotrienols and tocopherols which are forms of vitamin E, selenium, vitamin C, N-Acetyl cysteine and alpha-lipoic acid.
4. Optimize Gut health.  Researchers have discovered a link between the number of healthy flora in the gut and brain function.  Gut health is essential for overall health.  The diet recommended is the same as in step one.  Grains are hard to digest and are hard on gut flora.  Reduce the grains in your diet.  Supplements recommended are a good probiotic (make sure it has live flora).  Probiotics break down the glutamate which is known to produce gamma-amino butyric acid otherwise known as GABA.  GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain.  When there is a decline in GABA, there is a decline in brain function.  So, probiotics are essential in ensuring healthy levels of GABA.
5. Fats. I am talking about healthy fats to absorb fat soluble vitamins.  These healthy fats are needed to keep our brain in good working order. Healthy fats include olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and olives.  These fats help produce acetylcholine which is vital in learning and concentration and memory.  Once again, the diet remains the same as already suggested. Along with DHA and EPA one should add MCT oil which is derived from coconuts.  As far as fats go, if the table says partially hydrogenated, this means trans-fat.  Leave it on the shelf!

In the next article, I will address the next five steps in brain health.  Take this time to really look at your diet.  It’s up to you if you want to improve brain health or not.

Through the years, I have seen more patients than not just wanting the doctor to give them a pill to “fix” the problem.  Patients often would ask the physician to increase the dose of their medication to control glucose levels, instead of improving their diet.

I ask you… Are you going to continue being lazy? Or, are you going to take responsibility for your own health?

resource: https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/dale-bredesen