Everyone who is getting older and can't remember
where they left their glasses knows that this question isn't really funny. I am
constantly having to remind myself that I have always been absent-minded,
otherwise I might also be tempted to worry that senility is setting in: nobody
wants to live a long life, if the price is loss of mental function.
I came across a reassuring assessment the other
day: an expert was saying that everybody sometimes forgets what
they did with the car keys. It's when you can't remember what car keys are
for that you have to begin worrying!
Fortunately, we can take steps to make it more
likely that we will have active and alert brains into our 9th and perhaps even
10th decades. I know that some people feel that they are sitting on a time bomb,
because a family member has suffered in this way: I like to quote Dr. Ronald
Hoffman, who says in one of his books "while newly discovered genetic
factors may cause a problem for some people, environmental factors clearly
influence the expression of heredity, and .... preventive measures can
slow, halt or even reverse the ravages of this condition."
Exercise lowers the risk of dementia by approximately 45%*
Controlling inflammation lowers ones risk of dementia*
Moderate drinking is beneficial*
Adding lecithin to your supplementation may help raise
levels of acetylcholine in the brain *- many medications for AD are designed
to inhibit the breakdown of ACh
Adding fish oil high in DHA can lower the risk of dementia
by 47%*
The most common cause of mental confusion is
poor blood flow to the brain: maintaining adequate cerebral and carotid
circulation is crucial to proper mental function, which means cholesterol
control - preferably not through medication, but through a preventative
diet - and exercise.
The second most common cause is an inadequate
supply of certain nutrients, due either to a faulty diet, or impaired
absorption. One of my very favorite nutritional physicians, Dr. Jonathan Wright,
cites the case of an older woman whose confusion, depression and forgetfulness
had caused her to be referred to a psychiatrist: but who responded 100% to
injections of B12. He tells of a study of 228 residents in a
nursing home, with an average age of 87. Despite good diets, and
supplementation, 39% were deficient in one or more vitamins: most commonly B6,
followed by Niacin and B12.
Some drugs affect memory, in particular
medication for high blood pressure.
C and E, important as
antioxidants, taken together, may prove to be extremely effective at protecting
the brain against Alzheimer's. Research to this effect was published in
the journal Archives of Neurology. The researchers found that taking a
combination of vitamin E and C seemed to have a protective effect, with people
taking both vitamins 78% less likely to show signs of Alzheimer's than those not
taking the combination. Recent studies also suggest that Vitamin E is more
absorbable if taken with food, and a chewable version may be the best way to
combine the two effects.
Surgery, particularly for weight loss, heart bypass or anything
brain related, can lead to short term memory loss. Sometimes
this can prove permanent. Some experts suggest that monitoring/ng
peripheral oxygen levels during surgery is an inadequate measure of
oxygenation, and that cerebral oxygenation should be monitored
instead. If I were to have surgery of ANY type, this is a
question I would definitely pose to my surgical team beforehand!
Interestingly, a new study (Am.J of Clin.
Nutr., Apr. 2000) shows a connection between low
folic acid levels in women & Alzheimer's disease. I say
interestingly, because women also apparently have a high need for folic
acid for reproductive health (consider the connection between Folate
& birth defects, and Folate & cervical dysplasia). I probably
should restate this for accuracy: what the study showed was that in a
group of nuns suffering from Alzheimer's, low blood levels of folic acid
were common. A factor here is
degeneration of the capacity to absorb nutrients as one ages, refer to my
article on Digestion for more information. There
is also an increased risk from a strict vegetarian diet, since the best
sources of B12 are animal - i.e. meat,
fish, eggs and milk.
Would the threat of Alzheimer's
become less frightening if a cause were found? And a treatable one at
that? I think so! This new and fascinating study finds a connection
between a bacterium called Chlamydia pneumoniae, consequent inflammation,
and the dreaded brain plaque.
Read
the report at http://www.economist.com/science/PrinterFriendly.cfm?Story_ID=2521224
Vitamin B-12 plays an important
role in maintaining nerve cells, and some research has linked low blood levels
of the vitamin to Alzheimer's and mental decline. Few studies have looked at
whether there is such a connection between Alzheimer's and folate, a B vitamin
key to the production and maintenance of body cells. However, in a study
of 370 men and women aged 75 and older, (Neurology,
May 8, 2001;56:1188-1194)
investigators found that those with low levels of either vitamin were twice as
likely as those with normal levels to develop Alzheimer's over a 3-year period.
Surprisingly, the link was even stronger among study participants who performed
well on mental tests at the start of the study. The reason for the link is
unclear, but low blood levels of B-12 and folate can lead to elevations in the
amino acid homocysteine, which may in turn damage nerve cells, the authors note.
Vegetarians are frequently deficient in vitamin B-12.
In view of the truly astonishing number of people who are taking
antacids, this research is of great importance: as we know, many
elderly people are being diagnosed with mental deterioration, when a
B12 deficiency should be suspected.
"Do Acid-lowering agents affect vitamin
B12 status in older adults?" Dharmarajan TS, Norkus EP,
et al, J Am Med Dir Assoc, 2008; 9(3): 162-7. (Address:
Department of Medicine, Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center,
Bronx, NY, USA. E-mail: dharmarajants@yahoo.com ).
Summary:
In a cross-sectional study involving 659
elderly subjects, aged 60-102 years, results indicate that
prolonged use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) may be
associated with a significant decline in serum vitamin B12
levels. Patient demographics, serum B12 levels, use and
duration of use of histamine(2) receptor antagonists (H2
blockers) and PPIs, and oral vitamin B12 supplementation were
assessed. Acid-lowering agents (H2 blockers and PPIs) were
used by 54% of the participants, where the average duration of
use was 18.2 months. No association was observed between the
use of H2 blockers and serum vitamin B12 levels. On the other
hand, PPI use was associated with diminished vitamin B12
levels. Additionally, oral vitamin B12 supplementation (RDA)
during PPI use was observed to slow the decline in B12 status,
but not prevent it. Thus, the authors of this study conclude,
"B12 status declines during prolonged PPI use in older
adults, b ut not with prolonged H2 blocker use;
supplementation with RDA amounts of B12 do not prevent this
decline. This report reinforces that B12 deficiency is common
in the elderly and suggests that it appears prudent to monitor
periodically B12 status while on prolonged PPI use, to enable
correction before complications ensue."
B12
Status Declines during Prolonged Use of Proton-Pump Inhibitors
(Acid-Lowering Agent) http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/37244
Folate occurs naturally in foods such as:
leafy green vegetables
dried beans and peas
citrus fruits
many cereals are fortified with folic acid, the synthetic form of folate.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, affecting an estimated 4
million Americans. The exact cause remains elusive, but scientists believe
genetics and environmental factors conspire to trigger the onset of the disease.
Third, there has been some interesting
research linking senility, and particularly Alzheimer's, to problems with toxic
metals such as aluminum, mercury and lead. Last October, a Report
by the National Institutes of Environmental Heath Sciences (NIEHS) acknowledged
that fluoride has been observed to have synergistic effects on the toxicity of
aluminum, complexing with the mineral in the water. They acknowledge that most
drinking water is high in fluoride/aluminum complexes, which enhance
neurotoxicity. Other studies have shown that cooking with fluoridated water
leaches the aluminum out of the aluminum cooking pots, with different
amounts being released depending on the foods being cooked, whereas cooking with
non-fluoridated water resulted in no release of aluminum from the pans.
Leaching of up to 600 ppm occurred with prolonged boiling! Some food
additives have also been mentioned as having a possible role , including
aspartame and glutamates, as well as alcohol, tobacco, and certain prescription
drugs. If I felt myself at risk, I would certainly avoid these things where
possible. Look into Silica
as a protective agent against aluminum. Certain sea vegetable and algae
substances have chelating properties: consider chlorella, kelp and
algae as supplements also.
Fourth, very new (2003) research is finding a
connection between inflammation and Alzheimer's. The abstract
of the study states " Over the past fifteen years, evidence has been
accumulatingthat there is a chronic inflammatory reaction in areas
of thebrain affected by Alzheimer's disease. Chronic inflammation,which arises in reaction to an underlying pathology, representsa
threat in its own right, wherever it may occur, and can infact
surpass primary affronts upon tissues. The brain, however,is
particularly vulnerable because neurons are generally irreplaceable.In
the case of Alzheimer's disease, inflammatory processes thushave the
potential for turning a relatively slowly progressingcondition into
one characterized by rapid neurodegeneration." For
the full text, see RESOURCES.
What this means nutritionally is that it would be extremely
wise to avoid that which causes inflammation of any kind, since inflammation in
one place usually means inflammation system wide: and where inflammation
exists, to use dietary means and supplementary means to fight it. Turmeric
is found in curry powder, and ginger is part of many Chinese dishes: an
excellent argument for extending your culinary reach!
There can be no argument that trace minerals, despite
a name which suggests they are of no importance, have effects far in
excess of their presence in the diet. The National Institute of
health has printed research suggesting a link between LITHIUM
and ALZHEIMER'S - of course, they suggest that it will form the
basis for future medicines, rather than suggesting use of the
natural mineral. http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/may2003/nimh-21.htm
According to a study published in the May 22 issue of the British
journal Nature, when given to mice with Alzheimer’s, lithium blocked
the buildup of abnormal proteins called amyloid plaque, as well as
clusters of malformed nerve cells called neurofibrillary tangles.
“The identification of a widely prescribed, relatively safe drug
with the potential to slow or prevent the onset of AD is significant,”
said lead study author Dr. Peter Klein. “Our current study, combined
with earlier work, shows that the two processes associated with the
progression of Alzheimer’s disease — the build-up of protein
deposits known as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles — can be
inhibited with lithium. Our findings have interesting implications for
the potential use of lithium in preventing or disrupting the growth of
these plaques and tangles in patients, since lithium is known to be
relatively safe in humans when administered properly.”
The
Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are
critical for proper brain function. Partly because of their role as precursors
for hormone-like substances that act as messenger molecules in the brain (and
elsewhere), namely prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, and
other eicosanoids but also because the Omega-3 fatty acids are essential
to the very structure of each cell. It is also conjectured that they
improve blood flow to the brain. Last but not least, by their influence on
leukotrienes and prostaglandins, they regulate inflammation.
A 2003 study in Archives of Neurology showing that people older than
age 65 who ate omega-3-rich fish at least once a week were 60% less likely to
develop Alzheimer's compared with those who rarely ate these fish. A 2004 study
showed that DHA protects against the development of the brain lesions of
Alzheimer's EVEN WHEN THEY WERE ALREADY PRESENT!
Consider also this study:
Essential
fatty acids and the brain: possible health implications.
Youdim KA, Martin A, Joseph JA. Laboratory of
Neuroscience, United States Department of Agriculture, Jean Mayer
Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University,
Boston, MA, USA. kyoudim@hnrc.tufts.edu
Int J Dev Neurosci 2000 Jul-Aug;18(4-5):383-99
Linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid are essential
for normal cellular function, and act as precursors for the
synthesis of longer chained polyunsaturated fatty acids (Peas) such
as arachidonic (AA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic
acids (DHA), which have been shown to partake in numerous cellular
functions affecting membrane fluidity, membrane enzyme activities
and eicosanoid synthesis. The brain is particularly rich in PUFAs
such as DHA, and changes in tissue membrane composition of these
PUFAs reflect that of the dietary source. The decline in structural
and functional integrity of this tissue appears to correlate with
loss in membrane DHA concentrations. Arachidonic acid, also
predominant in this tissue, is a major precursor for the synthesis
of eicosanoids, that serve as intracellular or extracellular
signals. With aging comes a likely increase in reactive oxygen
species and hence a concomitant decline in membrane PUFA
concentrations, and with it, cognitive impairment. Neurodegenerative
disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease also appear to
exhibit membrane loss of PUFAs. Thus it may be that an optimal diet
with a balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids may help to delay their
onset or reduce the insult to brain functions which these diseases
elicit.
The new interest in Vitamin D research has turned up a connection between
Vitamin D status, and Alzheimer's: higher levels of Vitamin D were associated
with better scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination. Oudshoorn
C, Mattace-Raso FU, et al, Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord, 2008; 25(6): 539-43.
Vitamin D deficiencies are very common in the elderly. .
A herbal extract called Ginkgo Biloba has
very positive effects on circulation to the brain, and is suggested by Dr.
Hoffman along with specific nutrients such as B12, Thiamine, Choline,
CoQ10. and N-Acetyl-Carnitine. A study in Italy evaluated the latter,
using 150mg of Carnitine daily on 481 subjects for 3 months. Significant
improvement was found, and no side effects. The form used was Acetyl-L-Carnitine,
which forms part of the system transporting energy to the mitochondria of the
cell. There are reports that it improves oxygen transport, enhances dopamine
activity, and increases production of nerve growth factor. This could, in
my opinion, make it a very valuable nutrient to both guard against and help
recovery from, stroke. . Perhaps the most interesting nutrient to have
been researched recently is Phosphatidyl
Serine : 25 human studies
have been done in the US and Europe, most of them involving patients with
existing measurable memory loss: the results of these studies were highly
positive. In an Italian study, 125 patients age 65 to 93 all improved scores on
memory and learning, but perhaps even more encouraging, they became less
withdrawn and apathetic.
Another nutritional hope for Alzheimer's comes from a
traditional Chinese source, a moss called Qian Ceng Ta. Its active ingredient is
an alkaloid compound called Huperzine A, which inhibits the
action of acetyl cholinesterase: this enzyme breaks down Acetylcholine, but
higher concentrations of it are helpful to Alzheimer patients - as mentioned
previously, it is actually supplemented by some in an effort to help! In the
studies, doses of 30 to 900 mcg per day were used, most commonly 30 to 200 mcg,
and memory enhancement was shown even at the lower doses. There are medications
( Cognex and Aricept are two examples) which work along the same lines as Hup A,
and they should not be taken with it. It should also be used with caution by
people with heart arrythmias or asthma, and perhaps by those taking
anticholinergic medications. Bagchi and Barilla's book, Boost Your Brain
Power cites research by Ashani ( Molecular Pharmacology) on the
importance of Acetylcholine synthesis and its importance in eye function. They
feel that Huperzine- A may be more effective against glaucoma than such drugs as
physostigmine, neostigmine or tacrine. ( ET Better
Nutrition, letter to Ed. April 99)
Two other herbs recently studied are Vinpocetine
and Cat's Claw: the latter has been found to
interfere in the formation of the amyloid plaque found in the brains of
Alzheimer's patients both in the test tube and using rats. The research, which
was presented early in 1999 at a meeting of the Federation of American Societies
for Experimental Biology in Washington D.C. used Cat's Claw blended with other
herbs, including Rosemary, Ginkgo Biloba and Gotu Kola. Human trials should
begin soon. Vinpocetine is an extract of the lesser periwinkle plant, and
appears to help energy production in the brain significantly through number of
actions - increased blood flow, glucose metabolisation, production of ATP
(Adenosine Tri-Phosphate, the energy molecule in the cell), and more efficient
burning of oxygen. It's effects seem to be similar to those of Ginkgo, but while
GBE is safe it does occasionally have side effects and its influence on the
blood is sometimes problematic: Vinpocetine, on the other hand, has no
recorded side effects and does not interact (as far as I know) with any other
medications.
Ayurvedic Medicine has used a herb called Bacopa
Monnieri for over a thousand years to combat problems with the central
nervous system, such as epilepsy, poor memory, faulty cognition and also
anxiety. A 1980 open study in India (Singh, J.
Res. Ayur Siddha 1:133-148) demonstrated improvement
in patients anxiety levels, concentration and memory spans, and as a side
benefit also improved instances of palpitations, insomnia, headaches and
irritability. I have personally seen it have a very beneficial effect on
some of the children whose parents come to me for help with ADD/ADHD.
However, if you are taking calcium channel blockers, it might be wise not to use
this herb.
Recent research suggests that Isoflavones in
dietary soy may help protect against Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal
women, according to the findings from an animal model of ovariectomized monkeys.
Dr. Helen Kim from the University of Alabama in Birmingham presented the results
of a 3-year study on Tuesday April 3rd 2001 at the 221st National Meeting
of the American Chemical Society. Dr. Kim was surprised that the same protective
effects were not seen in the monkeys that received Premarin. "The effects
that we saw may be due to the fact that isoflavones are strong
antioxidants," she said.
I want to emphasize that there are things we can do to stay
mentally young: not least among them, an active life-style and on-going mental
and physical challenges!
*
Lecithin
consumption affects acetylcholine levels in brain - http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/202/4364/223
Survival
signalling in Alzheimer's Disease - http://www.biochemsoctrans.org/bst/034/bst0341277.htm
Alcohol
consumption, cognitive impairment and progression to dementia - http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/68/21/1790
Exercise
is associated with reduced risk for dementia - http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/144/2/73
Just moderate exercise has been linked to fewer
memory problems, and protection against Alzheimer's disease.
Early
inflammation and dementia - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12210786
Multifunctional
Activities of Green Tea Catechins in Neuroprotection - http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=ShowFulltext&ArtikelNr=85385&Ausgabe=230907&ProduktNr=224154
Keywords: natural
help memory loss, natural support poor memory, herbs alzheimers,
nutrition brain, nutrition memory, nutrition alzheimer's, the vitamin
lad writes about natural help for memory
B12
deficiency in the elderly - a detailed report - http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/171/3/251
How
technology can help with severe memory problems - http://www.healthandage.com/Home/gid1=244
A
new study - Kirtan Kriya and Alzheimer's - http://www.alzheimersprevention.org/research.htm
An
invaluable e-book for dealing with being a successful care-giver. Alzheimer's Tips
by a Professional Memory Loss Educator.
http://hop.clickbank.net/?vtmnldy/34873
Research
Updates on Alzheimer's - http://www.alzheimers.org/nianews/nianews.html
Synthetic
Hormones DOUBLE
risk of Alzheimer's - http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/may2003/nia-27.htm
Inflammation
and Alzheimer's Disease -
http://molinterv.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/1/1/22
Fun
and Games to improve your Memory - http://www.queendom.com/mindgames/
GABA,
Monkey Business and Memory -
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99993686
The
Impact of Fatty Acids
on
the Brain -
http://www.drpressman.com/Library/ImpactOfEssentialFattyAcidsOnBrain.htm
Flu
shots and Alzheimer's - a disturbing report
- http://www.whale.to/vaccines/flu11.html
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