Prevent Dementia Naturally

Dementia is not a normal part of the ageing process. In the developed world, dementia currently affects three in ten people over 70 years of age, with approximately 70% caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Vascular dementia is caused by chronic reduced blood flow to the brain, typically as a result of stroke. It is responsible for 20-30% of dementia cases and can often coexist with Alzheimer’s disease. At least 10% of people diagnosed with dementia have mixed type. There is currently no medical cure for dementia.

The overlap between risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease is important. Naturopathic preventative strategies look to uncover the “triggers” for disease, which may be related to diet, lifestyle, toxins in the home/work environment, constitutional susceptibility and/or other factors. Using natural strategies to reduce risk is vital for prolonged health and enjoyable older age.

The naturopathic view of health, which emphasises prevention, is that all disease starts with disruption to the body’s balance, and that the two pillars governing health are toxicity and deficiency.  It is for that reason naturopaths advocate the reduction of toxins in our everyday lives and eating a wide-ranging, healthy, balanced diet consisting of organic (ideally) whole foods.

High blood levels of homocysteine (an amino acid connected with unfavourable health conditions) increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease.  Homocysteine is reduced by B-vitamins, so increasing B vitamins, in particular B12, B9 (folate), and B6, is a good step for protecting long-term health. B vitamins are water soluble and readily excreted so it’s important to top up every day. This is one of the many reasons why you need a good diet.  A good quality food-state multi B-vitamin supplement can help boost levels. B12 is particularly important for vegetarians/vegans who may not get enough from plant foods. Keep an eye on homocysteine levels (tests are available).  An optimal homocysteine level is 7–9 umol/L; anything outside of that range should be addressed. Vitamins interact with one another; excess B9 can mask B12 deficiency (a further cause of dementia!). Seeing a naturopathic nutritional therapist to address your diet, and if supplementing, to get the levels and vitamin forms right for you, is best, as levels required for a therapeutic effect are often well above the recommended daily amount.

Boosting fish intake is also preventative. Studies have shown that fish eaters (as little as one serving per week) have lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease and better cardiovascular health. Choose oily fish like sardines, small mackerel, and salmon; they are rich in healthy fats and vitamin B12. Flaxseed (linseeds) and walnuts are good vegetarian sources of oils supportive of cardiovascular health. Eat them fresh and unheated.

Avoid farmed fish (less nutritious and often polluted), swordfish, shark, flake or rock salmon, and Big Eye tuna, as high levels of mercury in these larger fish, from pollution in our seas, are toxic to the brain and other organs. Some medication and vaccines contain mercury. Many medications interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 and other important nutrients. Pesticides, chemicals in products, processed foods, cookware, and smoking, can all contribute disease risk factors. Your naturopath can support you in reducing your toxic load.

Increase antioxidant intake, particularly vitamin E rich foods, as vitamin E is linked with reduced rates of inflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease. Try more sunflower seeds, almonds and spinach. Antioxidants reduce inflammatory processes linked to ageing and tissue deterioration, including delicate tissues of the brain. Natural antioxidants are believed to prevent amyloid-beta deposition (Alzheimer’s sufferers have deposits of this in the brain), so berries, brightly coloured fruit and vegetables, and raw nuts are all on the menu.

An estimated 50% of cases of vascular dementia result from high blood pressure (hypertension). Blood pressure can be reduced naturally by adopting a plant based diet. A higher ratio of potassium to sodium is effective in reducing hypertension. In practical terms, this means ditching processed, packaged ready-made foods and eating more vegetables and fruits. Ideally we would like a ratio of 5:1 in favour of potassium to sodium. Keep sodium intake low, check your packeted foods – stay under 1.5gm per day (this is the equivalent of about 4g of Himalayan salt which is our preferred salt). Avocado, spinach and tomato are all rich in potassium; bananas and potatoes are too, but are best taken in moderation due to their high sugar content. Steam or bake, do not boil your vegetables, as potassium and other nutrients will leach into the cooking water.

The DHA found in fish oil reduces blood pressure; a further reason why some people like to eat fish at least three times a week. Keep red meat consumption low; excessive iron in the blood is damaging to the body and linked to atherosclerosis/cardiovascular disease. Red meat, if taken, should be limited to once or twice per week and preferably are grass-fed, organic cuts.

Autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the arteries, such as lupus, can contribute to vascular dementia. Keep inflammation down to prevent additional problems. Turmeric taken either as a supplement or added to your meals can help reduce inflammation. Half a teaspoon of the dried herb taken with some cracked black pepper to enhance absorption, is a great start.  Put it in savoury dishes or in warm almond milk. Brightly coloured fruit and vegetables are rich in phytonutrients and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory compounds, so eat them daily. To avoid pesticide residues, opt for organic produce wherever possible.

Diabetics have two to four times the chance of developing cardiovascular disease and have increased risk of both high blood pressure and stroke. Keep your sugar and insulin down by investigating a low Glycemic Load (low GL) diet and maintaining a sensible weight. Being overweight in mid-life is a risk factor for developing dementia including Alzheimer’s disease (although being overweight in late-life appears to be protective of dementia development). Lowered weight equals lowered blood pressure, too. Brisk walking for 30 minutes, five days a week is ideal to reduce weight and reduce stress levels, both of which are big contributors to cardiovascular problems.

Herbal Gingko biloba extract has been proven to assist with cerebral vascular insufficiency (lack of blood flow to the brain) and improve thinking, memory, and social behaviour. White willow Salix alba is used similarly to aspirin for blood thinning and anti-inflammatory properties. Aortic GAGs (glycosaminoglycans) 50-100mg per day have been used successfully to rejuvenate blood flow to the brain (available online or in health food stores) and can be used alongside certain blood thinning medication in stroke rehabilitation. An herbal or naturopathic practitioner can advise you on appropriateness and dose of these therapeutics.

Naturopaths acknowledge that physical, mental, and emotional needs must be met for abundant health.  More than 20% of people with physical signs of dementia in brain tissue (post mortem) showed no outward signs of mental decline. Amazingly, keeping the mind active and engaged, through language, social interaction, and coordination tasks can help the brain to form new connections, compensating for the loss of function in other areas.

Dementia

Whilst it is preferable to attend to risk factors in regards to the prevention of disease, and given that there is no current cure, what can we do from a naturopathic perspective if our loved one currently suffers dementia? Here are some therapeutic options to target problems associated with dementia such as memory loss, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia and depression, aggression, and loss of appetite.

Use Essential Oils

Try a few drops of pure essential oil in an oil burner, on the pillow or in the bath depending on time of day. Do not leave an open flame unattended. Use lemon balm for cognition and to ease anxiety, lavender to combat aggression and insomnia, sweet orange to uplift the spirits and reduce aggression, and rosemary to enhance memory and stimulate appetite.

Keep the Diet Plant Based

Maintain a low glycemic load. Minimise processed packaged foods and stick as close to nature by purchasing organic, local, and seasonal wherever possible.

Increase Antioxidants

Taking vitamins C and E together reduces dementia risk and can protect from additional oxidative stress, thus slowing cognitive decline. Foods to include for vitamin C and E include red peppers, Kiwi fruit (with the skin on), broccoli, and other dark green leafy vegetables.

Take B-vitamins

Taking B-vitamins has been found to reduce brain atrophy and reduce homocysteine levels, which are linked to disease progression and cognitive decline. B12 and folate deficiency induce cognitive impairment, so be sure there are significant levels in the diet and include supplementation to boost levels. Thiamine (B1) at 3-8g per day has shown mild improvement of Alzheimer’s type dementia.

Include Fish Oils

Whilst evidence has not been established for fish oils to improve health once dementia has been diagnosed, there is evidence that omega 3 oils help the brain to utilise B-vitamins to reduce the rate of cognitive decline in pre-dementia.

Try Drinking a Litre of Mineral Water Daily

The risk of Alzheimer’s disease is higher in areas with higher aluminium (a neurotoxin) levels in the water (the main source of circulating aluminium in the body). The silica content in mineral water mops up aluminium, so look for high silica content brands, preferably in glass, as chemicals in plastic are deleterious to health. In one small study 35mg/L silicon in mineral water improved cognition in some participants and slowed deterioration in others.

Drink Cherry Juice

In a recent trial, 200ml daily of anthocyanin-rich (69mg per 100ml) cherry juice improved measures of memory and cognition compared to a placebo juice in mild-to-moderate dementia patients. Choose organic, unsweetened juice for maximum benefit from these phytonutrients.

Music Therapy

Listening to music, musical games, singing, and using musical instruments can all be beneficial to dementia sufferers in regards to behaviour and cognition. Background classical music or nature sounds can be very soothing.

Massage

Aggression, anxiety, and depression can all be reduced by touch-based therapies. Combining these therapies with aromatherapy may enhance their benefits.

Author

Gemma Hurditch is a Naturopath with a Bachelor of Health Science in Complementary Medicine.  She lectures at CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) in the UK.

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Crazy Pills: Over-the-Counter and Prescription Meds Linked To Dementia

A new study clearly shows common over-the-counter medications widely used for asthma, allergies, and insomnia increase the risk for dementia. The study also found that the risk may not be reversible, even after several years off of these medications.

The drugs studied are anticholinergic drugs, which block a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, in the central and the peripheral nervous system. These drugs are available over-the-counter and through prescriptions. Many are used on a regular, long-term basis to treat a variety of medical complaints including:

  • allergies and allergic reactions
  • motion sickness
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • insomnia
  • colds
  • ulcers
  • asthma
  • excessive sweating
  • COPD
  • urinary incontinence
  • depression
  • smoking cessation
  • cough suppressant
  • muscle relaxer
  • Parkinson’s disease

These drugs include:

  • Zyban
  • Wellbutrin
  • Dramamine
  • Cogentin
  • Chlor-Trimeton
  • Benadryl
  • Sominex
  • Advil PM
  • Unisom
  • Robinul
  • Atarax
  • Atrovent
  • Oxivent

The study showed the risk of dementia rises when these anticholinergic medications are used at higher doses or for longer periods. It is not unusual to find these drugs used in combination, especially with the elderly population. For instance, one individual may be using a sleep aid, an allergy medication, and a medication for depression. If all of these drugs are anticholinergic drugs, the accumulative effect increases exponentially, raising the risk of dementia.

Earlier studies had shown these medications increased the risk of dementia; however, these studies also concluded cognitive decline decreased when these drugs were discontinued. The new study, a more longitudinal study, suggests that years after continuation, the risk of dementia remains higher for people who have used more of these drugs or used them for a longer period of time, suggesting a cause and effect even when the drugs were discontinued years prior to the development of dementia.

The study showed that even low amounts over long periods of time increased the risk of dementia. While the study focused on older adults, what about children and young adults? How many children and younger adults are regularly taking anticholinergic over-the-counter or prescription medications for allergies or asthma? How many adults of all ages are taking anticholinergic over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids?

This should be a wake-up call for all of us to remember that medications treat symptoms, not the cause of disease. To get well, to be truly well, we must give the body the nutrients it needs to heal. We must detox. We must live lives that are as clean as possible: clean food, clean water, clean environment. It has been made clear over and over that we cannot trust pharmaceutical companies! If you have been taking any pharmaceuticals, it’s time to detox. Start with this Cheap and Easy Detox Plan and consider following the 80% Raw Food Diet.

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Beat Alzheimer’s Disease Naturally

Alzheimer’s disease  is one of the fastest growing diseases in the industrial world.  It is characterized by massive degeneration of the brain that causes disruptions in memory, cognition, and personality. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s results in death.  Approximately, 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to go up to 15 million by the year 2050.  Take action now to prevent and reverse Alzheimer’s disease with natural strategies.

Alzheimer’s disease cripples the brain to the point where new memories cannot be formed. In end stage Alzheimer’s, those afflicted cannot take care of their most basic needs.  Most individuals survive for 5-10 years.

Alzheimer’s Disease Creates a Massive Economic Burden

These individuals need constant caregiving which creates a massive economic burden on the family.   New reports show there are more than 15 million Americans providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s.  This is a tremendous financial, physical, and emotional burden. The average caregiver taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s encounters over $50,000 in out of pocket expenses each year.

Research has shown that Alzheimer’s disease development and progression is highly influenced by lifestyle factors.  A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease confirmed earlier reports that Alzheimer’s is characterized by chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in the brain.  Researchers have titled this pathophysiological pattern type-3 diabetes.

Poor Blood Sugar Signaling

These researchers found that as blood sugar signaling patterns are disrupted, it leads to elevated blood sugar and the formation of Advanced Glycolytic End Products (AGE’s).  AGEs are highly inflammatory and they cause massive destruction throughout the body and have an affinity for neurological tissue.  The AGEs destroy cell membrane function and damage insulin receptor activity creating a vicious cycle of elevated blood sugar and inflammatory stress.

The brain is primarily water, fat, and cholesterol.  These are all key building blocks for promoting healthy brain function and rebuilding a damaged brain.  The proper diet to beat Alzheimer’s is rich in phytonutrient dense vegetables, healthy fats, and clean protein sources.  Healthy fat sources such as coconut, avocados, olive oil, and sprouted nuts and seeds must take a central role in the diet to promote healthy brain function.

Clean Proteins and SuperFoods

Healthy proteins include wild-caught fish, grass-fed red meat and organic chicken, turkey, and eggs.  Grass-fed beef is loaded with long-chain omega 3 fatty acids, saturated fat, cholesterol, vitamin B12, and conjugated linoleic acid, which are all necessary for healthy neurological function. Additionally, grass-fed beef contains carnosine, wild salmon contains astaxanthin, and organic pasture-fed eggs have retinol, lutein, and zeaxanthin.  These fat-soluble anti-oxidants protect the brain and neurological tissue from AGEs and other damaging free radicals.

100% grass-fed raw, fermented dairy products such as amasai, kefir, cheese, and whey are packed full of brain building nutrients and they protect the gut and de-inflame the body.  Superfood herbs like turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ginger, basil, boswellia, etc. should be used as much as possible.

Regular Exercise & Vitamin D3

Regular exercise and sun exposure are extremely critical factors to boost oxygenation, anti-aging hormones, and vitamin D3 levels.  Vitamin D3 supplementation of 10,000 IU daily is often needed.  Whole food based multivitamins, extra B complex vitamins, zinc, and selenium as well as probiotics and purified omega 3 fatty acids should be used as well.

Individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s  have sleep challenges throughout their lives and have reduced melatonin signaling systems in their brain.  Establishing regular sleep cycles, going to bed early, and getting 8 full hours of sleep is essential.  Using certain teas with herbs like valerian root, chamomile, and passionflower can be especially useful.

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Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s. The word conjures up an image of a forgetful or confused elder. While this image is accurate for the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease, later stages are devastating. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, fatal brain disease that destroys every faculty, robbing its victims of dignity, personality, and cognitive abilities. In the late stages of the disease, victims lose control of bladder and bowel, the ability to feed themselves, and all ability to communicate.

There is no accepted singular cause of this disease and there is no known cure. There isn’t even a definitive diagnosis until post mortem dissection reveals an abundance of tell-tale plaques (deposits between nerve cells) and tangles (twisted fibers of proteins that develop within dying cells). Scientists have not determined whether these plaques and tangles cause Alzheimer’s or visa-versa. All they do know is that there is a definite correlation between Alzheimer’s and their occurrence as well as the amount of inflammation and brain shrinkage present. All of these changes occur as a part of normal aging, but in the case of Alzheimer’s, the changes are extreme.

More than 35 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease; 5.3 million are Americans.  The latest National Vital Statistics Report prepared by the CDC reports Alzheimer’s disease to be the 7th leading cause of death, while other reports place it as number 5.

Alzheimer’s is usually associated with advancing age, beginning at 65. By age 85, 45% of the population exhibits memory deficits indicative of the disease. Life expectancy post diagnosis averages 6-10 years, though some have lived for 20 years.

As the population ages and life expectancy increases, we face a daunting challenge: how to care for the 115.4 million people we expect to suffer from Alzheimer’s by 2050.1

The Alzheimer’s Association website lists “Alzheimer’s Myths,” among them the suggestion that aluminum, Aspartame, flu shots, or mercury fillings are causal factors.  However, ongoing research is still investigating some of these possible causes.

The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation reports that “aluminum does turn up in higher amounts than normal in some autopsy studies of Alzheimer’s patients, but not in all, and the aluminum found in some studies may have come from substances used in the laboratory to study brain tissue.” They conclude that scientists are still uncertain about the role aluminum plays in Alzheimer’s disease. 2

The Alzheimer’s Disease Research of the American Health Assistance Foundation is not ready to dismiss the metal connection, either. “Metals have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, although it is unlikely that any are the sole cause. For example, interest in a possible connection between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease arose over 40 years ago, and the toxicity of aluminum has been the subject of much controversy since that time. However, aluminum has never been proven to be a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, and increasingly, evidence shows that Alzheimer’s disease is likely caused not by one, but by a combination of factors.”

Some studies show zinc levels are too low—some show they are too high. Some show a correlation to electro-magnetic exposure. Infant monkeys exposed to low levels of lead had higher levels of Alzheimer’s disease-related genes, elevated amyloid-beta levels and greater Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology in their frontal cortex. There is a correlation between Alzheimer’s and traumatic head injuries, type 2 diabetes, diet, education levels, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, elevated homocysteine levels, inflammation,and oxidative damage (which is caused by free radicals).

Recent studies suggest a lifestyle that includes a low-fat, antioxidant-rich diet high in vitamins E and C (especially when the vitamin E comes from foods, not supplements) promotes a healthier brain. B vitamins are also essential to control homocysteine levels. Studies also show the importance of exercising the brain.

Genetics also play a role. Early onset Alzheimer’s, though rare, does run in families and up to 50% of the cases are linked to genetic defects (in 3 separate genes). The typical late onset Alzheimer’s also appears to have genetic links that affect the age of onset, though carrying the gene is not a sure indicator that the disease will develop.

Once again, do we need a study to tell us that toxic heavy metals known to cause brain damage and neurological damage are bad for the brain? No, we don’t.

If you haven’t as yet thrown out your aluminum cookware, boil water in an aluminum pan. Now pour the cooled water into a clear glass. Do you really want to drink that gray water? Cover a dish of spaghetti sauce with aluminum foil and make sure the foil touches the sauce. Leave it for a day and notice how the acidity of the tomatoes ate holes in the foil, dissolving aluminum into your food. Do you still want to eat it? Do you really want to cook with aluminum foil? Do you want to be injected with a vaccine containing mercury or aluminum? Do you want to eat fish contaminated with mercury?

Our brain is first and foremost an organ of the body. It requires good, healthy nutrition and as few toxins as possible in order to function well. Studies are showing definite correlation between diet and brain health as well as toxicity and brain health. So once again, don’t eat processed food.  You don’t need it. You body doesn’t want it. It isn’t good for you. Detox. Eat well. Exercise your body. And don’t forget to exercise your brain.

1 PR Newswire, More Than 35 Million People Have Alzheimer’s and Dementia Worldwide, According To New Report

2 Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation