ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of loss of cognitive brain function in the elderly. The earliest sign is loss of memory of recent events. As the illness progresses, confusion, agitation, mood changes, disorientation and forgetfulness occur. In the late stages, loss of motor function, tremors, hallucinations and incontinence occur. Eventually, all ability to perform self-care activities is lost and most people require 24-hour care in a nursing home. A characteristic series of changes in the brain neurons occurs with this disease. A number of other dementia illnesses can be confused with Alzheimer’s so your physician should perform a thorough history, physical exam and series of tests to rule out other causes. A number of prescription drugs can cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s, especially tranquilizers, antidepressants, epilepsy drugs, antihypertensive drugs, interferon, cancer chemotherapy drugs, and muscle relaxers. A trial off the potentially offending drug is worth attempting if symptoms develop while on any of these kinds of medications. A common illness that can masquerade as Alzheimer’s is depression. Features of depression in the elderly may be atypical and the person may deny being depressed.
Alzheimer’s may be caused by genetics, improper nutrition, heavy metal toxicity, social isolation, inflammation, physical inactivity, and other unknown factors. Conventional treatments have little benefit and only improve symptoms mildly in the early to middle stages of the disease. Seligiline, tacrine and donepezil may be tried under the supervision of a physician.
Free radical markers are elevated in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients and this implies increased oxidative stress. A rational treatment approach is to prevent free radical damage to brain cells by being sure to take adequate anti-oxidants. Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, B-complex are all important. Remember that whole foods or whole food supplements are the best way to get these vitamins. Increased zinc intake is beneficial in some cases. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 fish oils, flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil are another rational approach to decrease inflammation. Supplements of NADH, phosphatidylserine, Coenzyme Q10, natural estrogen and melatonin may be helpful. Gingko biloba has a 60% chance of slowing the progression of symptoms according to one study. Vinpocetine is a plant extract that has been used widely in Europe for dementia-type problems with good clinical results. Other European drugs that may be helpful include centrophenoxine, picamilon, and pyrtinol. Hydergine is a medication that was once used in the USA but fell out of favor due apparent ineffectiveness. The two hormones DHEA and pregnenolone have evidence of improving memory and brain function. The hormone melatonin regulates sleep and helps cognitive function.
Daily physical and mental activity is important to retard both the generalized aging process and the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Challenging the brain to learn new skills or to practice old ones should be attempted.
The two main heavy metals that are probable contributors to the oxidative stress of this disease are aluminum and mercury. If you are serious about prevention of this irreversible and deadly disease, avoid aluminum antacids, antiperspirants, cans, foil on food, cookware, and foods containing aluminum (salt, baking powder, and pastry mixes). Mercury containing teeth fillings (“silver” amalgams) definitely release mercury into the body and can be replaced by plastic, gold or porcelain fillings. Be careful about eating fish that may have high levels of mercury. You can be treated with a chelating drug and then have your urine checked to see if you have high levels of these and other heavy metals present. If so, a series of intravenous chelations can be done to remove the heavy metals from your tissues.
Daniel Blodgett MD