Alzheimer’s Disease

Symptoms

Alzheimer’s is a debilitating disease which affects behavior, personality and memory. The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s often begin in the fifties, with mild memory problems that worsen slowly but progressively. Short-term memory is affected first, so that new tasks become more difficult to master. Simple jobs are more easily forgotten, like turning off the stove, or remembering what to buy at the grocery store.

With the progression of the disease, problems become more noticeable. The afflicted person becomes confused and disoriented, and develops speech and coordination difficulties. Walking becomes awkward. Personality changes become most troublesome to close family members because these changes can cause unjustified attacks of anger, childishness and extremely inappropriate behavior, often misconstrued by others. States of anxiety, paranoia and depression are also attributed to this illness.

These symptoms are also common to other forms of dementia, which are often completely reversible. Dementia can be caused by the side-effects of prescribed medications, or by toxic effects of substances like alcohol. Nutritional deficiencies, especially a lack of vitamin B12, are not uncommon in older people, and cause symptoms and signs similar to Alzheimer’s disease. The neurological symptoms are easily confused with those of strokes as well. Impaired memory is typically a sign of stress and overwork. It can also be the result of poor circulation due to arteriosclerosis. Depression and fatigue should not be overlooked if forgetfulness is combined with a lack of initiative. It is important to eliminate all other possibilities before arriving at the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Causes

Not everyone over fifty with memory problems has Alzheimer’s. Diagnosis is difficult because the evidence lies in the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, leading to the wasting of brain tissue. Research has shown that people with a certain version of a common gene are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. This gene is structurally weak and its neurons can die more easily than other neurons.

The cause of Alzheimer’s dementia is largely unknown. A connection exists to the toxic effects of substances in our environment, especially aluminum, mercury and silicon. As a preventive, it is best to avoid aluminum in all its various forms, including using aluminum cooking utensils and foil, ingesting antacids or applying deodorants containing aluminum as their active ingredients. The mercury found in silver-colored amalgam dental fillings also participates in this disease. Some people are more prone to Alzheimer’s because they are more sensitive to the toxic effects of these substances. High levels of ammonia are also found in most cases of Alzheimer’s. Malnutrition is a common problem in older persons and can cause symptoms of dementia. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are caused by an impoverished diet and poor absorption of nutrients through the digestive tract.

Nutrition

A diet that is diverse, rich in protein and essential fatty acids, and rich in raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds is probably the best nutritional defense against the development of this debilitating disease. Antioxidants help protect the brain from toxic substances which could contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Sprinkle raw wheat germ on your morning wholegrain cereal. Wheat germ is the best dietary source of vitamin E, a nutrient which is proven to slightly delay progression of the disease. Nuts, seeds and avocados are other good sources of vitamin E.

Aluminum is often added to commercially prepared pickles, relishes, processed cheese, baking powder, cake mixes, frozen dough and self-rising flour. Eliminate consumption of these products. Soft drinks and beer in uncoated aluminum cans are also a source of contamination. Drinking steam-distilled water has a chelating effect in the veins, helping to eliminate unwanted aluminum from the body, but minerals should be supplemented. The sulphur contained in garlic, horseradish, watercress and alfalfa sprouts also helps rid the body of heavy metals. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s and should be ruled out. Good sources of vitamin B12 are meat, eggs, dairy products, nutritional yeast and spirulina.

Detoxifying the body is always recommended. Fasting with vegetable juices for twenty-four to seventy-two hours is a good way to cleanse the body.

Nutritional Supplements

The B vitamins are essential for the nervous system, including brain function. Vitamins B12, B6 and folic acid are particularly vital nutrients, for the brain. Since many people lack the enzyme for absorbing B12 through the digestive tract, the tablet that dissolves under the tongue is recommended. If this method is ineffective, your doctor may recommend a vitamin B12 injection. Taken early enough, B12 supplementation has reversed memory loss in certain cases.

Supplementing with phosphatidylserine (PS) can be helpful in improving brain function in certain cases. Soy lecithin is PS-enriched.

Coenzyme Q10 is both an antioxidant and an energizer, and has a role in supporting brain metabolism, particularly as we age. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals should be added to the daily supplement regimen to help prevent further free-radical cell damage, which is common in aging. The vitamins C and E, and minerals zinc and selenium are often deficient in the elderly.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg up to three times daily

Vitamin B6 (P-5-P), 100 mg

Vitamin B12 sublingual tablet, 1,000 mcg under the tongue

Phosphatidylserine, 300 mg taken in smaller dosages with meals.

Lecithin, preferably from soy sources, 1-3 tbsp. three times daily

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU once or twice daily

Zinc, 25 mg, with 3 mg copper

Selenium, 200 mcg, boron 3 mg

Helpful

Fortified yeast supplements, 1-3 tbsp. daily

Coenzyme Q10, 60 mg

Folic acid, 400 mcg

Herbal Remedies

Improving circulation with medicinal herbs will fortify the brain with oxygen-rich blood cells which stimulate brain function.

Ginkgo biloba extract is useful in treating Alzheimer’s because it exerts a positive effect on the vascular system, increasing the blood flow to the brain and the central nervous system. This herb improves circulation by regulating the tone and elasticity of the blood vessels. Ginkgo biloba extract is a powerful antioxidant for the brain, which means that it slows the formation of free radicals, which some experts believe to be responsible for premature aging. It also improves mental functioning and the ability to concentrate. Take 2 capsules or tablets three times daily totalling a minimum of 240 mg. Ginkgo needs to be taken for several months before the effect is noticeable.

Gotu kola sharpens alertness and brain function, strengthens veins and capillaries, and improves the flow of blood throughout the body. Take 1-3 capsules daily or 5-10 drops of extract in liquid three times daily (do not use during pregnancy or if you have an overactive thyroid).

Ginseng increases physical and mental endurance and helps the body adjust to stressful situations. Take a 1,000 mg capsule daily, half before breakfast and half in the middle of the day. Ginseng is most effective when taken on an empty stomach and not with vitamin C, since ascorbic acid tends to neutralize the herb’s value.

Chaparral and yerba mate teas are also helpful in assisting the body’s circulation and rejuvenation. Drink two cups daily.

Homeopathy

An experienced homeopath can offer a more exhaustive treatment of a persistent condition to achieve lasting results.

Tissue Salts

To effectively alleviate symptoms of this condition, see the tissue salt remedies described under anxiety, circulatory problems, depression, fatigue, memory problems and stress.

External/Physical Therapies

Exercise regularly in fresh air and administer hot and cold hydrotherapy applications to the spine to increase circulation to the brain.

Deep breathing is excellent to oxygenate the blood and to improve circulation to the brain.

Reflexology

Work on the reflexes of the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus to help control emotional reactions, appetite and sleep. Stimulate the heart, lungs and lymphatic system reflexes to help oxygenate the blood flow to the brain.

Other Suggestions

Hair analysis testing, when properly interpreted by a health care practitioner, is helpful in determining extreme levels of toxic materials in the body. (For more information, see Appendix 1.)

Remove silver amalgam dental fillings; get X-rays to check for any possible amalgam splinters left in the gums or jaw bones.

Chelation therapy helps to remove metal from the brain. (For more information, see Appendix 1.)

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Bio-Berry OPC-85 Grape Seed Extract plus (Flora)

Co-Q-Max (Flora)

Multi Element Buffered C (Klaire Laboratories)

P-5-P w/Magnesium (Klaire Laboratories)

Seleno Met (Klaire Laboratories)

Zinc Plus (Klaire Laboratories)

Coenzyme Q10 (Natural Factors)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Grape Seed Extract (Natural Factors)

Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)

Phosphatidyl Serine (Natural Factors)

Pycnogenol (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Wild Salmon Oil (Natural Factors)

Zinc Chelate (Natural Factors)

Zinc Citrate (Natural Factors)

Super Once A Day (Quest Vitamins)

Herbal Remedies

Ginkgo Biloba (Albi)

Flora-Vision Bilberry Extract plus Blueberries (Flora)

Ginkgo Biloba (Flora)

Ginkgo Biloba (Naka)

Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Natural Factors)

Panax Ginseng Extract (Natural Factors)

Ginkgo-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginseng-Power, Korean (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginkoba (Pharmaton)

Garlic Plus Ginkgo (Quintessence)

Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Sisu)