Most of us don’t mind the concept of aging if it is successful meaning that we have the energy, physical health and mental acuity to enjoy our lives to the fullest. Ongoing research indicates that that there are steps one can take to prevent this common disease of aging called Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of senile dementia in the elderly due to atrophy of the brain. The disease incidence increases with aging and there have been some genes associated with the increase risk of developing it. Upon autopsy nerve fibers are found to be tangled and formed into clusters of nerve plaques. This prevents information from being transferred as the brain circuits are disconnected but does not destroy information already stored in the brain.

Alzheimer’s or the symptoms of Alzheimer’s may result from hardening of the arteries as blood circulation to the brain is diminished; loss of brain tissue due to a series of minor strokes; toxic reactions to drugs of small clots to the brain; brain tumors and underactive thyroid disease.

Researchers are also finding a brain/gut connection where dysfunction of the brain is found in those with inflammatory processes in the gut. There are inflammatory mediators in the gut, which impacts the gut lining and sends messages to the brain. Another reason to do regular intestinal cleansing programs!

Another cause of dementia is the ever increasing exposure of humans to toxins as demonstrated by the recent research that showed that 100% of fat cells biopsied contained xylene (from gasoline, paints and glue), styrene residues (from Styrofoam cups) and 1,4-dichlorobenzene (a carcinogen). Excessive amounts of aluminum and silicon have also been found on brain autopsies of Alzheimer’s victims. Get the toxins out of your life as much as you can. You can start by avoiding aluminum which is found in cook ware, deodorants, buffered aspirin, baking powder and pickling salts, antacids, aluminum cans, antidiarrheal medication and shampoos. A hair analysis would be helpful to determine the risk of aluminum toxicity.

Common nutrients used to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s are as follows:

Vitamin E: a prime antioxidant which protects nerve cells from damage and can delay onset and slow the progress of the disease.

Ginkgo biloba: this herb is well know for its "smart drug" properties by increasing the blood flow in the tiny blood vessels in the brain and works against free radicals. Ginkgo improves the retention of learned behavior increasing learning recall and short-term memory.

Phosphatidylserine (PS): a phospholipid derived from lecithin improves attention, concentration, mood and short-term memory. One of the best documented found in over 3000 studies.

Coenzyme Q10: it protects the nerve cells from oxidative damage by free radicals; is found naturally in the mitochondria of every cell in the body which is essential for energy production and is commonly known for improving heart health.

DHA: This is an omega 3 essential fatty acid derived from fish and algae. Every cell membrane in the body is made up of these essential fatty acids and this form is more effective than flaxoil as it metabolizes quicker.

Folic Acid: In a recent study of 678 nuns, atrophy of the brain at autopsy showed those with Alzheimer’s had the lowest folic acid levels.

Phospholipids: important building blocks for the membranes of each cell. Improves memory and learning in all ages. Also known as lecithin, (cheaper than PS) which is a mixed phospholipid, this should be taken daily to protect not only the brain but also the liver.

Water: shrinkage of the brain can be a result of chronic life long dehydration.

Meditation: research is being conducted to see the effects of meditation on stress induced memory loss.

Exercise of the brain: the best exercise for the brain according to researchers is learning a new language or doing crossword puzzles regularly.

Attitude: a study was conducted with aging men who were able to live the life they had during the 1950’s, wearing the clothes, listening to the music etc. They found that the many parameters of aging began to reverse.

So while you wait for the genetic test to determine your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease start with the above antiaging nutrients. Try them for 6 months, at least, to see results and it won’t just be your brain you are saving!

Dr. Pincott has been practicing Naturopathic Medicine for fourteen years and is currently practicing in Campbell River. She welcomes your questions at 286-3655 or www.drpincott.com

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