Introduction

In February of 2023, the family of actor Bruce Willis revealed that he has a form of cognitive impairment called “frontotemporal dementia.” While not the same condition as Alzheimer’s Disease, proper, the sad announcement provoked a flurry of increased traffic to the Alzheimer’s Association’s website. In other words, the disclosures started a renewed conversation about aging – and its attendant illnesses.

For me, this is not simply an academic matter. My dad, Jim, died from Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016 after a decade-long struggle with that dreaded condition. 

Going through the experiences of trying to care for him and, later, getting him situated in – and visiting – a nursing home, I often felt that we were alone. Of course, and unfortunately, that is far from the case.

But, frequently, it’s not exactly public knowledge that a person has Alzheimer’s (or some other form of dementia).

One reason is the (pretty straightforward) consideration that families of all sorts usually wish to maintain their privacy in such matters.

Another is that Alzheimer’s is an insidious ailment whose presence may not be obvious until it is fairly advanced.

Finally, we don’t all have celebrity status! But, for those who – enviably or not – have achieved some measure of fame, it may be a different matter.

So, in this video, I will run through some of the “stars” of the stage or screen who are known to have had the misfortune of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis – and the ensuing cognitive decline and debilitation.

Caveats

I do not mean for this to be lurid or sensational. On the contrary, one chief purpose is to remind viewers that dementia is no respecter of persons, as it were. As far as we know, and notwithstanding various hypothesized predispositions and risk factors, Alzheimer’s Disease can strike almost anyone. So, for those who are dealing with this terrible affliction, let this serve as a tragic reminder that you’re not alone.

A further purpose is more practical. I’m trying to get back into the swing of making videos for this channel! And, yes, I have plenty more practical content planned. So…stay tuned!

The Top Ten

10. Joanne Woodward

At 93 as of this writing, Joanne Woodward is the only entrant on this list to be alive at time of recording. 

Getting her start in television in the early 1950s, she broke into a major movie rôle in the 1956 crime drama A Kiss Before Dying, with Robert Wagner.

Indisputably, her breakout performance came the following year in the psychological drama The Three Faces of Eve, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1958.

She would be nominated for further recognition for the 1968 drama Rachel Rachel, directed by her longtime collaborator and late husband, Paul Newman. 

Her critical acclaim extended into the 1970s, where she performed in Gilbert Cate’s 1973 Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams.

As the decade progressed, she transitioned back into t.v., where – among other accolades – she won an Emmy Award for the 1978 production See How She Runs.

Sadly, in an article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times in 2022, we read: “Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007, Woodward has retreated from public life.”

9. Robert Loggia

Born Salvatore Loggia on January 3, 1930, he studied journalism in college. But the man who would become known as Robert Loggia rose to fame primarily playing “tough-guy” rôles. For example, he played the lead in Walt Disney Presents 1958 television series “The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca.” 

Loggia’s face seemed ever-present especially during the 1980s, where he made notable appearances in several widely distributed films, including 1982’s An Officer and a Gentleman with Richard Gere.

The following year, he starred alongside Anthony Perkins in Universal Picture’s sequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s groundbreaking 1960 horror film, Psycho.

But frequently, Loggia was cast to play mobster-type characters. For example, he was a Miami-based cocaine smuggler and “drug lord” in Brian de Palma’s 1983 Scarface, which also featured Al Pacino. 

Or, again, he was cast as sleazebag smut producer “Mr. Eddy” (also called “Dick Laurent”) in David Lynch’s 1997 abstract, psychological thriller, Lost Highway.

Occasionally, these secondary parts garnered him critical acclaim. For instance, Loggia was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of private investigator Sam Ransom in the 1985 crime mystery, Jagged Edge.

And he won a Saturn Award in 1990 for his rôle as a toy-company owner in the 1988 “dramedy” Big, starring Tom Hanks.

Robert Loggia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2010. He passed away from its complications on December 4, 2015, at the age of 85, at his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. 

8. Burgess Meredith

Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1907 (November 16), Oliver Burgess Meredith began his acting career in the 1930s on Broadway.

His early cinematic work includes, with Lon Chaney Jr., a 1939 adaptation of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men and, …

…with Robert Mitchum, a starring rôle in 1945’s The Story of G. I. Joe.

Meredith was lauded for his acting in John Schlesinger’s 1975 historical satire, The Day of the Locust. 

He was also well known to popular audiences for his work on television. During the 1960s, Meredith made a handful of appearances on Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone, …

…and, as the villain the “Penguin,” on Batman, alongside Adam West and Burt Ward.

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Meredith was a fixture in Sylvester Stalone’s blockbuster Rocky franchise, where he portrayed the gravelly voiced trainer, Mickey Goldmill.

After over fifty years of memorably quirky performances, in 1997, Meredith passed away. CNN reported his death, noting that Meredith “had been suffering from melanoma and Alzheimer’s disease”. He was 89.

7. Eddie Albert

The man who would attain celebrity under the name “Eddie Albert” was born Edward Albert Heimberger in Illinois in 1906.

He was successful both on television and on the “big screen.” Though, for a while, it seemed that his career would end prematurely. At one time, and (incidentally) similarly to Burgess Meredith, Albert’s name was associated with Hollywood’s so-called “blacklist.” 

This was primarily because of his wife Margo’s suspected left-leaning political sympathies and her alleged acquaintance with members of the Communist Party. 

However, Albert’s stellar record during World War Two, helped salvage his career. He was regarded as a hero because, as a naval steersman, he rescued 47 marines that were pinned down with gunfire.

Albert subsequently appeared in William Wyler’s 1953 comedy, Roman Holiday, for which he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

For six seasons, between 1965 and 1971, he starred with Eva Gabor in the once-popular “sitcom” Green Acres. Albert played the character Oliver Wendell Douglas, a lawyer who gave up his practice to become a farmer. 

He was again nominated for Best Supporting Actor for the 1972 comedy The Heartbreak Kid, which is now ranked #91 in the American Film Institute’s list of 100 all-time funniest movies.

During the 1980s, he was also featured on the prime-time CBS series Falcon Crest, a soap opera revolving around a prestigious vintner played by Jane Wyman.

When he died at home near California’s Pacific Palisades, it came out that Eddie Albert had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease around 1995. 

Though, according to his son, he had continued to be active right up to his death. The official cause of death was said to be pneumonia. Albert was 99 years old.

6. Charles Bronson

Born Charles Dennis Buchinsky in Pennsylvania in 1921, he forged himself into “Charles Bronson,” a personality that – in many ways – exuded gritty toughness onscreen and off.

The name change, by the way, was suggested by his talent agent. The supplied reason will sound familiar by now. Specifically, “Buchinsky” was thought to be a little too Eastern-European-sounding for a nation currently conducting House Un-American Activities Committee proceedings trying to ferret out Communist infiltrators. Bronson appears to have come through the period unscathed. 

Among the most successful action movies to his credit are the titular rôle in so-called “B-Movie King” Roger Corman’s 1958 Machine Gun Kelly,

John Sturges’s 1960 production, The Magnificent Seven, …

…and the same director’s 1963 film, The Great Escape, …both of which starred Steve McQueen.

…Robert Aldrich’s 1967 war picture, The Dirty Dozen, … 

…and Sergio Leone’s 1968 “spaghetti western,” Once Upon a Time in the West, …

But, Bronson’s most recognizable character was as “Paul Kersey,” a once mild-mannered professional who turns to vigilantism when his wife is slain after a home burglary.

The original franchise – known as the Death Wish series – consisted of some five installments over twenty years.

It was remade in 2018 by Eli Roth, with Bronson’s rôle played by Bruce Willis, whom we mentioned in our introduction. This has added poignancy given that both actors have been associated with dementia.

In Bronson’s case, news outlets revealed in 2001 that he was “battling Alzheimer’s.”

Charles Bronson died August 30, 2003 at the age of 81.

Sidelight

Although I may devote a dedicated video to the topic, I’d like to acknowledge that numerous individuals have suffered from other forms of dementia besides Alzheimer’s Disease.

Of course, we have already registered this point in reference to Bruce Willis, who is said to suffer from Frontotemporal Dementia. But, there are a number of others who could be mentioned here as well. I’ll simply list three.

The first was actor George Sanders. A highlight of his career was winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1951 for his performance in Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1950 drama, All About Eve. 

Sanders’ apparent suicide in 1972 was – perhaps – at least partially attributable to his dementia (which was, as far as I can tell, of an unspecified sort).

Or, again, we have actress Estelle Gettleman. Born Estelle Scher, she is better known by her stage name Estelle Getty. She had sporadic, odd rôles early in her life. But her main claim to fame came as the character Sophia Petrillo on NBC’s hit comedy series The Golden Girls, which ran from 1985 to 1992.

Getty died in 2008 from complications arising from Lewy-Body Dementia.

Finally, I’ll quickly mention comedy icon Robin Williams. Known for his wacky and improvisational style, his film and television credits are too numerous to relate exhaustively. But standouts include Aladdin (1992), Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), and Mrs. Doubtfire (1993).

Williams also “starred” in many noteworthy dramas – albeit, frequently with a touch of Williams’ characteristic humor – including Dead Poets Society (1989), Fisher King (1991), Good Will Hunting (1997), and What Dreams May Come (1998).

But, a darker side emerged in such movies as The Secret Agent (1997), based on Joseph Conrad’s 1907 novel, and Christopher Nolan’s Insomnia (2002).

Like Estelle Getty, Robin Williams may have had Lewy-Body Dementia – although, this fact was not disclosed until autopsy results were made public after Williams’ death.

And, of course – tragically – like George Sanders, Robin Williams was said to have taken his own life.

5. Peter Falk

Peter Michael Falk was born September 16, 1927 in New York City. His identifying squint was caused by the artificial eye he was forced to use after his natural eye had to be removed because of cancer when he was three years old.

Falk got his start in theater, but transitioned into the world of motion pictures. Among his credits are a disturbingly gritty portrayal of a mob-connected killer in the 1960 gangster film Murder Inc., …

…and Frank Capra’s 1961 comedy, A Pocketful of Miracles.

Much later, Falk appeared as both “grandpa” and narrator in Rob Reiner’s lighthearted 1987 The Princess Bride.

Still, there is little question but that Falk was most famous for his television work as the perceptive but self-effacing detective Columbo – which rôle he reprised over several broadcast seasons.

Following two successful “pilots” in 1968, the show ran from 1971 to 1978 and then continued from 1989 to the early 2000s. Falk is still instantly visually recognizable as Lieutenant Columbo. And he played the part with a humorous edge, as illustrated by his trademark line – “Just one more thing, …” – always delivered before the final mystery “reveal.”

In December of 2008, news outlets reported that the actor had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

At a “conservatorship” hearing the following year, a physician testified that Falk had “slipped rapidly into dementia since a series of dental operations in late 2007” – at least, according to a summary from the Huffington Post. 

The article then went on to raise obliquely the possibility – underdetermined by the evidence at hand – that the Alzheimer’s had been brought on, or “worsened,” by the anesthesia.

In any event, he died at 83 on June 23, 2011. 

A gossip page asserted that Peter Falk’s “official cause of death was cardiorespiratory arrest, while pneumonia and Alzheimer’s Disease were both ‘underlying causes’ …”. 

4. Gene Wilder

Born Jerome Silberman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 11, 1933, the boy who would eventually be known as “Gene Wilder” had humble beginnings. His father and maternal grandparents were Russian-Jewish immigrants.

Beginning his movie career in 1967 with Bonnie and Clyde, which featured Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty in the titular roles, he moved onto a long-time and lucrative partnership with comedy director Mel Brooks.

Wilder performed in numerous films, including, in 1967, The Producers, as well as Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, both in 1974. 

He married Saturday Night Live actress Gilda Radna. When she died at 42 from ovarian cancer, Wilder promoted cancer awareness.

But his most memorable rôle – not least through its generation of at least once persistent “meme” [Note: This remark will be elucidated via an onscreen image. – M.B.] –…

… might be as a quirky chocolatier in the 1971 movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Gene Wilder died at the age of 83 in his home in Connecticut on August 29, 2016. 

The cause, not publicly disclosed until after his death, was Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Posthumous statements from relatives stated that he had been diagnosed in 2013, but that the star chose to keep the news from fans so as not to distress anyone.

Poignantly, in one press report, Wilder’s nephew was quoted as saying that his uncle “…simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.”

3. Charlton Heston

“Charlton Heston” was the well-known stage name of the man born John Charles Carter. 

As a movie star, he was especially recognizable for his portrayal of major religious figures in several prominent productions during the 1950s. For example, Heston was cast as the Biblical Moses in iconic director Cecil B. DeMille’s final – and most successful – films, The Ten Commandments, released in 1956. The part earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

Four years later, Heston won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in William Wyler’s 1959 Christian-themed epic, Ben-Hur.

He is also remembered for several striking works of dystopian fiction, including the influential 1968 sci-fi movie Planet of the Apes, …

…and the 1973 horror “cult classic” Soylent Green.

Perhaps his most controversial rôles, however, were in the political sphere. Initially, his activism was in the service of left-leaning causes advanced by the Democratic Party. For instance, Heston spoke in favor of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s.

During the 1980s, he changed his allegiances and became a Republican. In this capacity, Heston served as a spokesman for, and president of (1998–2003), the gun-rights-advocacy group known as the National Rifle Association, for whom he popularized the slogan “I’ll give you my gun – when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.”

On August 9, 2002, it was widely reported that Heston had been diagnosed with “a neurological disorder whose symptoms are consistent with Alzheimer’s disease.”

Heston vowed that he was “neither giving up nor giving in”.

Roughly a year later, in what would prove to be his final public appearance, he was given the “Medal of Freedom” in 2003 by then-U.S. President, George W. Bush.

Despite this, his decline was rapid.

By 2005, Heston was apparently bed-ridden much of the time.

Ultimately, he passed away April 5, 2008 at the age of 84. The immediate cause was subsequently given as complications due to pneumonia.

2. Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth was born Margarita Carmen Cansio on October 17, 1918 in Brooklyn, New York. 

In the 1940s, along with Betty Grable, Veronica Lake, Carole Landis, Marie McDonald, Jane Russell, and others, Hayworth became a popular “pin-up girl” for many U.S. soldiers. 

Given this, it’s not a surprise that she was cast alongside Gene Kelly in the popular wartime musical Cover Girl (1944).

Hayworth got her “start” on the silver screen appearing in B-movies, such as the 1937 mystery, The Shadow.

But her first major dramatic role – and possibly her most enduring – was as the lead femme-fatale character in the 1946 movie Gilda. 

Other of her numerous film credits include: Only Angels Have Wings (1939), The Lady from Shanghai (1947), and Pal Joey (1957).

The American Film Institute ranks her 19th in their list of the top fifty actresses of all time.

Among her many love interests and husbands were the famed director Orson Welles and the Ismaili Prince Aly Khan.

Tragically, Rita Hayworth was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 1980. In her case, this is now relayed as a case of so-called “Early-Onset” Alzheimer’s.

This comports with the comments of Hayworth’s daughter Yasmin Aga Khan, who once asserted that her mother had had dementia-like symptoms for “two decades” prior – which, doing the simple math, would have been around 1960, when the actress was in her 40s.

Some researchers now suspect that some forms of Alzheimer’s may be precipitated by various chronic nutritional and vitamin deficiencies. For Hayworth, these may have been bound up with – or at least exacerbated by – habitual alcohol abuse.

She lived with the illness for about seven years after diagnosis, succumbing May 14, 1987 at her home in New York. 

Reportedly, she had been in a semi-comatose state since February.  

Hayworth’s renown called wide attention to the disease that had been largely ignored or unknown before her diagnosis and death.

Runners Up

Other actors who suffered – or died – from Alzheimer’s Disease include: Raymond Bailey, remembered as Mr. Drysdale, from the popular Beverly Hillbillies t.v. series; 1930s actor Thomas Beck; David Birney, remembered for the 1970s sitcom “Bridget Loves Bernie,” and his relationship with actress Meredith Baxter-Birney; James Doohan, best-known as “Scotty” from the Star Trek franchise; English actress Jill Gascoine, known for the police-themed television show The Gentle Touch; British actor Tony Haygarth; actor Leonard Jackson; lesser-known actor John Kellogg; Jack Lord, best known for his part in the long-running television series Hawaii Five-O; William Marshall, star of the first horror movie (Blacula, 1972) to feature an African-American actor; Simon Scott, known for his rôle in the series Trapper John, M.D.; and film and television actress Stella Stevens.

1. Ronald Reagan

Ronald Wilson Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois on February 6, 1911. With fifty-three films to his credit, he had modest success on the silver screen.

He was featured in such movies as the 1940 western Santa Fe Trail, with Errol Flynn, …

…and Sam Woods’ 1942 King’s Row – both of which are acknowledged for his respectable acting.

“Ronnie’s” most memorable performance, which earned him the alternate nickname “the Gipper,” was portraying ill-fated college footballer George Gipp in the 1940 biographical film, Knute Rockne, All American.

For the most part, however, Reagan is remembered as a B-movie actor who occasionally veered over into goofball territory, such as with the 1951 comedy Bedtime for Bonzo, where he plays a psychology professor trying to raise and teach a chimpanzee.

Fairly obviously, he is now far more important for his political involvement, which culminated (in 1980) with his election as the 40th president of the United States, than for anything he did while in Hollywood.

That said, it is noteworthy that Reagan transitioned into this phase of his life via two main channels. One was his activity with the Screen Actors Guild, for which he twice served as president.

In fact, when he testified before Congress’s House Un-American Activities Committee, Reagan denounced certain members of the Guild as “Communists.” According to Time Magazine, reporting in 1985, Regean also functioned “…as a secret FBI informant…”.

As the Chicago Tribune stated: “…he and his first wife, actress Jane Wyman, gave the FBI the names of actors who they believed were members of a clique with a pro-Communist line.”

Of course, we previously encountered several actors – including Eddie Albert – who were on the receiving end of such accusations. Mention of Wyman is therefore especially interesting, since you’ll recall that Albert and Wyman worked together on Falcon Crest. 

Reagan’s political ambitions were also evident – and probably advanced – in his capacity as spokesman for the multinational behemoth General Electric.

Through his shrewd networking, he became the 33rd governor of California in 1966 (a position he occupied between the powerful family duo of Pat and Jerry Brown). Reagan moved into the White House a few years after his gubernatorial term ended.

During his presidency, Reagan – whether justifiably or not – was credited with reversing the inflation and unemployment (or “stagflation”) that took hold during the 1970s. His laissez faire policies, characterized by reduction of taxes, were collectively called “Reaganomics.”

His ideas – or, at least, those attributed to him – were also termed “trickle-down” theory. The idea was that stimulating large corporations would boost the economy for everyone.

Reagan also increased defense spending and signed an historic treaty with then-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The agreement provided that the two large “superpowers” – the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (or, U.S.S.R.) – would begin to scale back their collections of nuclear weapons.

Reagan’s tenure as president has been cited as priming the U.S.S.R.’s collapse, which unfolded roughly between 1989 and 1992.

In 1994, Ronald Reagan released a dramatic statement beginning with the words: “My Fellow Americans, I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Over the next decade, the former “Great Communicator’s” cognitive and physical abilities faded until, June 5, 2004, he succumbed to pneumonia – a common Alzheimer’s-related complication – in his Bel Air home in California. 

As a coda, we note that Ronald Reagan had done much during his time as U.S. president to raise public awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease. For example, in 1982, he issued Proclamation 4996, creating a “National Alzheimer’s Disease Week.”

Then, in 1985, Reagan expanded on this with Proclamation 5405, making November “National Alzheimer’s Disease Month” – a commemoration that has continued to the present day.

I have an old video on this topic. 

Looking Ahead

Statistical reports suggest that, at present, there are over six million Alzheimer’s sufferers in the United States alone.

According to Alzheimer’s Association projections, that figure is expected to double by the year 2050. Of course, if the number of Alzheimer’s patients increases in the general population, we would expect the same to occur in subgroups. In other words, the number of actors with Alzheimer’s will be going up as well. We’re already seeing indications of this.

Prominent, here, is the Australian-born actor Christopher “Chris” Hemsworth, best known for portraying the Norse demigod Thor in numerous Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero movies.

Recently the press reported that Hemsworth underwent genetic testing as part of a “docudrama” on various aspects of the aging process.

Ultimately, Hemsworth revealed that he possesses two copies of the so-called “Alzheimer’s gene” – one from each side of his family.

Known as the APOE4 gene, it is present in around “in four people. …[B]ut only 2 to 3% of the population have [two copies]…”.

For some context, see the presentation that I did concerning my own test results.

Once again, stay tuned for additional material – both practical and theoretical – that is more central to the channel’s overall theme, which is Alzheimer’s Proofing both your home and your lifestyle.

But if you found something of interest in this video, I ask that you like it. And, if you haven’t already, consider clicking “Subscribe.” Don’t forget to turn on your notifications to be alerted to new content as it becomes available.

Thank you for watching!

The post 10 Famous Actors With Alzheimer’s Disease appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

Various researchers, however, have suspected that at least some of the blame for Alzheimer’s can be placed on controllable things like diet/nutrition and exercise – both mental and physical. The general idea is that if you don’t “use it” (i.e., your brain), you might “lose it”![1] To that end, several sources have posited a slew of activities that are geared toward keeping you cerebrally fit. I’’ take a sort of “cocktail” or “grab-bag” approach.

Here is my list of the top twelve ways you might be able exercise your brain to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. (See “Caveats,” below.)

Board and Card Games

An article in the British newspaper Independent related that “playing board games …could help” with mental decline – perhaps to an even greater extent than working crossword puzzles (about which, more in a moment).[2]

According to the results of one study that looked at brain scans: “Middle-aged people who [are] avid game players …[tend] to have bigger brains than people who [do] not play games…”.[3]

These more massive brains can confer a big advantage. Some people refer to this as “cognitive reserve.”[4]

Brain Teasers

“Brain teasers” are a type of game, usually consisting of problems, riddles, and the like of that that are solved usually for amusement. But what if they could serve a more useful purpose?

Numerous news outlets have reported on the possibility that various brain teasers, mathematics puzzles, and mysteries might help to enhance your cognitive health.

In the article “How to Outsmart Alzheimer’s,” Wall Street Journal columnist Amy Marcus reported that “quizzes and other cognitive challenges” might push back the onset of Alzheimer’s – “perhaps indefinitely.”[5]

So, reach for those puzzles and put your mind to work!

Chess

Chess is a two-player strategy game that has been around for hundreds of years. It’s played on a board composed of 64 squares of alternating colors. In total, there are 16 pieces per side (32 in all): eight pawns, 2 knights, 2 bishops, 2 rooks, 1 queen, and 1 king. Each type of piece has different rules governing its legal moves. The overall objective of the game is to “corner” (or “checkmate”) the opponent’s king in such a way as to leave it with no counterattack or means of escape.

Chess can be a very involved game with lots of subtlety and variety. It has competitive and social aspects (on the further benefit of which, see further on). But, on the other hand, it can be played over the internet without you (or your loved one) having to leave home.

Once again, some researchers suggest that “playing chess helps stave off the development of dementia.”[6] In fact, one study showed that playing chess “resulted in an almost 30% reduction in” dementia risk.[7]

Checkers

A two-player game, checkers is similar in some respects to the aforementioned chess. For instance, the board consists of 64 alternately colored – or “checkered” – squares.

Checkers is, however, played with 12 pieces per side instead of 16. Each piece is the same at the beginning of the game: simply a small, circular disk. The object of checkers is to “capture” or remove all (or at least most) of your opponent’s pieces or to leave him or her without any legal moves.

Although checkers has less variety in terms of pieces and moves, it is plenty rich in terms of move combinations and traps.

“Studies show games like checkers can boost your brain strength.”[8]

Crosswords

Admit it: Here’s the one you’ve probably been waiting for!

Simply put, a “crossword” is a kind of word puzzle. It is usually presented as a sort of grid with a combination of “empty” boxes and shaded boxes. The object of a crossword is to answer questions or use clues to fill in the empty boxes with words. Often, the words crisscross and interconnect in interesting ways – usually by sharing letters – which accounts for the name of this puzzle type.

Some investigations have suggested that working crosswords can boost mental ability and function.

Whether these activities affect age- or Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline is an open question.

However, the National Center for Biotechnology Information, part of the National Institute of Health, published a study revealing that doing crossword puzzles delayed cognitive impairment – specifically, memory decline – by an average of two and a half years.[9]

Language

There’s a joke that goes something like this.

Question: What do you call a person who speaks three languages? Answer: Trilingual. Question: What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Answer: Bilingual. Question: What do you can a person who speaks only one language? Answer: American!

A quick Google search suggests that around 80-85% of Americans are monolingual.[10] Similar percentages apply in Canada. And the United States and Canada have some of the highest rates of Alzheimer’s Disease. For instance, it is the sixth leading cause of death in this country.

This is compared to approximately 45% of Europeans who are monolingual.[11]

Some research suggests that being bilingual can delay the onset of dementia.[12] For example, a 2013 article from CBS News is titled “Learning Another Language May Help Delay Dementia.”[13]

The article reported on a scientific study of various subpopulations in India. The suggestion was that speaking another language can push Alzheimer’s onset back an average of four to six years.

However, a key word is delay. Many people Belgium and Iceland are multilingual. However, both of those countries are in the top ten of nations with high percentages of Alzheimer’s dementia – according to WorldAtlas.com

In fact, Finland is the nation with the highest affliction rate. And a preponderance of the population appears to be bilingual to one degree or other.

Still, it seems reasonable to talk about a “protective effect of bilingualism.”[14]

Music

I have written a bit about how musical therapy can be a helpful intervention to explore when it comes to treating Alzheimer’s sufferers. (See my article “Can Music Calm an Alzheimer’s Patient?”)

A few studies have also led investigators to conclude that things like “playing musical instruments” can be better than working crossword puzzles or doing Sudoku. In fact, some suggest that this can “significantly reduce” a person’s risk.[15]

But for a more complete look at risk factors, see my video dedicated to that topic.

Puzzles

For those who weren’t introduced to these as children, jigsaw puzzles are basically jumbles of irregularly cut pieces (originally of wood, but now largely cardboard or plastic) that must be assembled in the correct order to reveal a pattern or picture. Pieces range in size from large (for small children or Alzheimer’s sufferers) to small (for people of normal to high cognitive function who may be looking for a challenge).

This deep into the article, you can probably predict what I’ll say next. “[J]igsaw puzzles …can help keep the mind active and a little sharper.”[16] (There are numerous kinds available. For my suggestions, see HERE.)

Reading

Some researchers believe that simply reading (books, magazines, etc.) frequently can have a protective and supportive effect on our brains. This could honestly be as mundane as picking up the daily newspaper. Or, for people who are more electronically inclined, visiting your favorite news website.[17]

If you walk to your local library, you could add a bit of exercise into the mix as well!

Social Interaction

According to a report from National Public Radio: “social interaction may be a better form of mental exercise than brain training,” where “brain training” refers to exercises designed to enhance processing speed and promote reasoning.[18]

Just “being around” other people can be of great benefit to Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Still, it is well to recall that causal direction is difficult to establish. Is it that social withdrawal leads to Alzheimer’s, or that Alzheimer’s leads to social withdrawal?

Sudoku

Here’s another – and more arithmetical – sort of puzzle: Sudoku. This Europe-originated puzzle with the Japanese name is essentially a reworked “magic square” in which numbers are inserted into a 9×9 grid. The object of the number game is to fill paper so that every column, row, and embedded 3×3 grid contains all numerals from 1 to 9.

One scientist stated: “…doing Sudoku isn’t probably going …to prevent you from developing Alzheimer’s disease” by itself.[19] Still, there’s little doubt from many investigators that “regular use of word and number puzzles” – like Sudoku – “helps keep our brains working better for longer.”[20] At least one scientific “study has identified a close relationship between frequency of number‐puzzle use and the quality of cognitive function in adults aged 50 to 93 years old.”[21]

If numbers are in your wheelhouse, give it a shot. If letters are more your thing, feel free to see our section on “crosswords,” above!

Working

You read that correctly. We’re talking about going to work.

Before you complain about your job, consider that, for many people, their job provides their “daily cognitive training.”[22]

This is to say that just going to work can have some neural-protective value.

Many jobs are going to present workers with daily brain challenges. These may include having data to enter, information to process, items to remember, things to multi-task, questions to answers, and so on.[23]

Now, if your nine-to-five has you on the verge of a panic-induced coronary, then you might want to seek stimulation elsewhere. But if your day job isn’t overly stressful or soul-sucking, then realize that it might be giving your brain an assist.

Caveats

When it comes to Alzheimer’s prevention, there are three divergent perspectives on the efficacy of mental exercise. These are as follows. (1) Mental exercise is possibly helpful. (2) Mental exercise is likely neither helpful not harmful. (3) Mental exercise is potentially harmful.

Objections

The third position – that mental can be potentially harmful – suggests a few objections to the strategies outlined above.

False Hope?

Firstly, some investigators worry that these considerations might give a person “false hope.” The idea, here, is – presumably – that someone might form beliefs such as that doing crossword puzzles has the power to confer some sort of magical protection against dementia, or that doing them could even reverse the disease. Sadly, these don’t seem to be the case.

But it seems to me that the solution is to have realistic expectations, rather than abandoning the idea of doing mental exercises.

Ineffective?

Secondly, and relatedly, some people object that these interventions are just plain ineffective. For example, in some studies – like regarding bilingualism – participants ended up getting Alzheimer’s anyway.

But this shouldn’t mean that the interventions are without value. It may be that we have to clarify what we mean by “effective.” If “effective” has to mean 100% protection against Alzheimer’s, then we might have to confess these interventions to be “ineffective.” But could mental exercises be “effective” at delaying Alzheimer’s?

Delaying onset of a disease seems valuable in and of itself. For example, if you can maintain a higher quality of life longer, wouldn’t you want to do it?

So, maybe playing checkers or working won’t guarantee that I never get Alzheimer’s. But if they (and other things) can help me to push onset back 2 years, 4 years, 6 years… it’s worth it to me.[24]

However, some people mention another facet of this objection. To put it directly, it’s possible that “incipient” or as-of-yet undetected dementia might prompt people to withdraw from social situations and to cease engaging in mentally stimulating activities.

On this picture, it’s not so much that you should exercise your brain to ward off Alzheimer’s. It’s more that once you reduce your level of mental engagement, it’s likely that you have Alzheimer’s – latently – already.

Of course, it is true that I don’t have any special insight into the mechanics or direction of the causation – if any – between mental exercise and dementia. It could be that dementia causes a lack of mental exercise; it could be that a lack of brain engagement causes dementia; it could be that they both have a third, presently unknown cause; or it could be that they are causally unrelated.

Still… only one of those possibilities suggests any direct way for me to influence my mental health positively. In the absence of some impelling reason for me to think that brain exercise isn’t at least possibly beneficial to me, I’ll continue to operate as though it might.

Counterproductive?

Thirdly, some commentators have spoken (or written) in such a way as to suggest that brain exercises could actually be harmful! A few titles make statements such as that mental training can “speed up dementia.” A few acknowledge that mental stimulation might buy time, but that it also accelerates decline once it begins.

There are a few things to be said.

Number one, insofar as these statements make it seem as if someone could be worse off for having exercised their brains, these summaries are a bit misleading. The “acceleration” of the decline can be explained as a simple matter of mathematics, provided only that the dementia is at least partially a matter of biology or physiology.

What I mean is this. Mental exercises almost certainly help boost or preserve cognitive function. But Alzheimer’s involves literal, physical damage to the brain. So, ultimately, mental exercises cannot undo physical damage.

However, through things such as by increasing “cognitive reserve,” they may be able to stave off the noticeable effects of the condition. But this means that once the effects of the condition do become noticeable, the disease may be “compressed,” and the decline may appear to be more rapid or steeper than it would have been otherwise.

Mathematically, this means that the decline is “quicker” either in that it happens over a shorter time, or that it occurs from a higher “starting point” – or both. This can be seen fairly readily from a simple curved-line graph.

In the graph, I show four different trajectories, all ending at age 80.

Red line: no exercise

The red line represents a person who doesn’t exercise at all, and whose decline begins at age 70. The decline concludes at age 80 – as it will for each of the four imagined scenarios.

Blue line: exercise preserves brain function

The blue line represents a person whose exercise preserves their cognitive function an extra five years. So, their decline begins at age 75. It still concludes at age 80.

Orange line: exercise increases, but doesn’t preserve

The orange line represents a person for whom exercise gives their brain function a boost. I didn’t also assume that this boost bought them any additional time. So, you see their decline begins at the same point as the person who doesn’t exercise at all: age 70. This is the person who has a “higher starting point.” The decline also ends at age 80.

Green line: exercise increased brain function

Finally, the green line represents the person for whom exercise both gives a boost to brain function and preserves it. Obviously, this is the best-case scenario. Since the brain function is boosted, the starting point is higher. Since it is preserved, I have their decline begin at age 75. Like everyone else, it stops at age 80.

Analysis

In this toy model, I have envisioned four scenarios, representing four possible combinations. (1) No boost to brain function and no preservation of brain function;[25] (2) preservation of brain function with no boost; (3) no preservation of function, but some boost; and (4) both preservation and boost.

In each of the four cases, we’re looking at people between the ages of 65 and 80. I have assigned arbitrary “brain-function points” between 100 and 400.[26] Furthermore, I have supposed that people start to decline beginning at age 70 or 75, depending on whether there is preservation or not.[27]

(You could either see these as representing four different, but relevantly similar, people. Or you could see it as representing four different possible trajectories for one and the same person. I prefer the latter.)

The four resulting combinations are as follows.

No boost, no preservation

The red line depicts a person who doesn’t engage in any mental exercise at all. The decline begins at level “300” (just an arbitrary number) and ends at level “100.” This is a difference of 200 points. It takes ten years, which means that they lose twenty points a year.

No boost, preservation

The blue line buys the person an extra five years of preservation. Since they hit the same level – level “100” – at the end, their decline occurs twice as fast as for the person who didn’t exercise. They drop 40 points per year, which is twice the rate of decline. This is because the same amount of decline (as occurred with red) is compressed into half the time.

Boost, no preservation

The orange line shows a person with a bit of a boost (getting them to 400), but no extra time before decline begins. They start higher, but end in the same place, dropping 300 points in ten years. This yields a rate of 30 points per year. The amount of decline (compared with red) is 1.5 times greater (150%) but is stretched over the same length of time (as red).

Boost, preservation

The green line shows a person with both boost and preservation. This person bought an extra five years before visible decline. But they also have the extra “100 points” of function. So, their decline starts at a later age (compared to red) – age 75 – and from a higher starting point (again, compared with red) – 400 points. Since they decline 300 points over five years, their rate of decline is 60 points per year.

Conclusion

That we see “higher rates” of decline in the exercisers is due to either (or both) of two factors.

Factor 1: The decline happens over a shorter span of time (as with blue and green); or…

Factor 2: The decline happens from a higher starting point (as with orange and green).

I said earlier that the explanation for the higher decline rates was mathematical. When a predetermined amount of decline happens over a shorter time frame, the rate of decline is increased. This is mathematical in this sense. Take some number, n. n divided by 5 is going to be bigger than n divided by 10.

Moreover, when a predetermined endpoint of decline is reached from a higher beginning point, the slope of the line representing that decline is steeper.[28] This is also mathematical, since the slope of a line is merely a value (m) in the equation representing that line. So, if the cognitive “drop off” is steeper, all we’re saying is that the value of slope (m) for that drop off is a bigger number than it is if the drop off were not as steep.

At the end of the day, for me, I would rather have my cognitive function preserved for as long as possible – and boosted as high as possible – even if I experience an eventual decline.[29]

Curiously, you could even argue that having a “quicker” or “higher” rate of decline is preferable to a slower rate in that it likely saves caretaker energy as well as money devoted to care!

Training Is Parochial

Fourthly, you may read that certain forms of “brain training” are very limited in terms of what they accomplish. Even where certain mental exercises may be worthwhile, their impact may be restricted. To put it another way, specific benefits may not generalize to other areas of your daily or mental life.

For example, reading books may help boost your processing speed, but maybe doesn’t help enhance your memory. (It’s just an illustration; I don’t know whether it does or doesn’t.)

Somewhere I read a researcher giving the following analogy. Some brain exercises can be likened to working out physically by doing only one or two exercises. These exercises – like bicep curls – may strengthen a single muscle (the biceps), but they are unlikely to impact the overall health of the body much.

A few things may be said in reply. Number one, you can make the case that doing a few exercises is better than doing none. A person who does biceps curls may not be as fit or healthy as a person who trains his or her whole body. But he or she may well be more fit or healthy than he or she would be if they did nothing at all.

Number two, whether a given exercise has broad or narrow impact may depend on the sort of exercise being done. In physical training, there are differences between compound and isolation exercises. It’s one thing to do bicep curls or grip strengtheners all day long. It’s another to do deadlifts or squats. The former may only affect one or two muscles; the latter might well affect the entire body. It is doubtful that we know enough about “brain training” to really understand the broader impact of a lot of the mental exercises discussed here. For example, is playing chess more than doing bicep curls, or more like doing squats? I’m not sure. And I’m not sure that anyone else is sure, either!

Blame the Victim?

Yet another objection, fifthly, is that talking about mental exercise may lead to sufferers being “blamed” for their Alzheimer’s. The idea here is that some people might conclude that if John Doe has dementia, then he must have been mentally inactive or lazy.

Sometimes you may read comparisons to smoking. People who smoke are at higher risk of lung cancer. So, if a smoker gets lung cancer, then he or she assumes some of the responsibility for that condition.

By way of response, I should first remind readers that Alzheimer’s risk almost certainly has a – probably a significant – genetic component. (See my video about risk factors HERE; or read the article on the same topic HERE.) To put it differently, some people are simply more at risk than others of developing it.

Having said that, I will simply repeat what I have mentioned many times in my written and video-graphic work: I am trying to stack the odds in my favor. I realize that if I smoke, I’ll be at increased risk for lung cancer. Although the data may not be as clear cut for the relationship between mental exercise and dementia, I’ll say that for me personally I’d rather exercise, and have it avail me nothing, than not exercise and have it turn out that it would have helped me.

If other people value other things over exercising, then I would suggest that it is their prerogative to do so. In the first place, the data in favor of mental exercise is not so compelling as to make it undeniable that it helps preserve or boost cognitive function or that it can ward off Alzheimer’s.

But even if the data were that compelling, it’s not clear that someone has to value preserving or boosting cognitive function or must value warding off Alzheimer’s, over not doing any of these. I confess that such a position would be foreign to my own thinking. But it’s not something that moves me to start throwing words like “blame” around.

I suppose you could put my answer this way. If a person doesn’t perform mental exercises, it’s either because they don’t think it will help or they don’t care if it helps or not. If they don’t think it will help, then their choice not to exercise is rational. They have discharged their rational duty and it’s not obvious to me that there’s anything to blame them for.

If they don’t care, then the choice itself may be irrational (i.e., not rational). But it’s not clear why a person choosing irrationally in this way wouldn’t care if exercising helps but would care if they’re “blamed” for not caring. It seems to me more likely (or at least more consistent) if they didn’t care about either one. So, even if the choice is blameworthy, it doesn’t appear to have the result the objector is worried about. It seems that the concern in the objection is centered on the perceived hurt feelings of the person being blamed. But, to reiterate: for all we know, the person who doesn’t care about not exercising wouldn’t care about being blamed for not exercising. If this is so, then it’s not obvious that there would be any hurt feelings for us to worry about.

Conclusions (Tentative)

One article ventured the opinion “that lifestyle choices may even counteract genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s.” If true, that’s huge.[30] And it would put a lot of control in our hands.

Here are a few takeaways.

Train the Whole Brain

But staying mentally fit and sharp may really come down to neural recruitment: using multiple parts of your brain, not just a few.

Be Consistent

It’s also going to involve consistency. Many reports mention the need to engage in stimulating activities regularly – say two or more times weekly – not just every blue moon.

Try Something New

Another key element is novelty. Sometimes trying something new may be more valuable than doing the same things over and over. There may be two “levels” of novelty. Think about some of the things on this list. For example, chess or reading. Every game of chess you play has the possibility of being different from every other game. And if you read new articles or books every day, you are adding some variety. However, we might call this low-level variety. A higher level of variety can be attained if you learn a new language or musical instrument, for example. Interestingly, there may be a kind of middle level as well. For example, a person could switch from reading fiction to nonfiction, or from reading prose to reading poetry.

Act as Though It’s ‘Use It Or Lose It’

As the Independent put it: “use it or lose it” idea may just “give a person a ‘higher starting point’ from which to decline.” But this still seems advantageous.

Realize: ‘Better Late Than Never’

Some commentators express the message that its always “better late than never.” But you should probably take the position that it’s desirable to start now! This applies to you whether you are a sufferer or a person looking to avoid the condition altogether.

No Silver Bullets

Still, neither I nor most other researchers are suggesting that any of these measures amounts to a “cure.”

Aim to Have a Healthy Lifestyle

Additionally, these mental activities almost certainly need to be situated in a larger context – a “lifestyle package,” as it were. Genetic predisposition notwithstanding, if you really want to stack the odds in your favor, you’ll need to address your blood pressure, body mass, cholesterol, diet, level of physical exercise, and sleep patterns.

I can tell you that I’m implementing a number of these measures today. Most of the items on this list are cheap (or free) and easy to obtain. And after all that’s been said, I think it’s reasonable to maintain that they can’t hurt. And some of them just might help. So…go on: give your brain a good workout!

[1] See, e.g., Chiara Giordano, “Doing Sudoku and Crosswords Won’t Stop Dementia or Mental Decline, Study Suggests,” Dec. 11, 2018, <https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/sudoku-crosswords-dementia-mental-decline-brain-study-aberdeen-university-research-a8677466.html>.

[2] Giordano, loc. cit.

[3] Felix Gussone, “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Alzheimer’s,” CNN, Jul. 17, 2014, <https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/14/health/alzheimers-disease-conference/index.html>.

[4] See, e.g., Margaret Gatz, Educating the Brain to Avoid Dementia: Can Mental Exercise Prevent Alzheimer Disease?” Public Library of Science, vol. 2, no. 1, Jan. 25, 2005, p. e7, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC545200/>.

[5] Amy Marcus, “How to Outsmart Alzheimer’s,” Wall Street Journal, Mar. 30, 2010, <https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703416204575145921517534304>.

[6] Allison Aubrey, “Mental Stimulation Postpones, Then Speeds Dementia,” National Public Radio, Weekend Ed. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, <https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129628082>.

[7] Ivan Vega, “‘Checkmate the Onset of Dementia’: Prescribing Chess to Elderly People as a Primary Prevention of Dementia,” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Jan. 25, 2019, <https://www.j-alz.com/editors-blog/posts/checkmate-onset-dementia>.

[8] Gussone, loc. cit.

[9] According to Jagan Pillai, Charles Hall, Dennis Dickson, Herman Buschke, Richard Lipton, and Joe Verghese, “Association of Crossword Puzzle Participation with Memory Decline in Persons Who Develop Dementia,” Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, vol. 17, no. 6, Nov., 2011, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3885259/>.

[10] At least, this is the assertion of the weblog Puerto Rico Report, in the post “Bilingual America,” Aug. 11, 2017, <https://www.puertoricoreport.com/bilingual-america>.

[11] Ingrid Piller, “Multilingual Europe,” Language on the Move, Jul. 18, 2012, <https://www.languageonthemove.com/multilingual-europe/>.

[12] The precise time of onset can be extremely difficult to identify.

[13] Ryan Jaslow, “Learning Another language May Help Delay Dementia,” CBS, Nov. 6, 2013, <https://www.cbsnews.com/news/learning-another-language-may-help-delay-dementia/>.

[14] Ibid.

[15] Giordano, loc. cit.

[16] Rob Nelson, “Hidden Heroes: Queens 12-Year-Old Helping People With Alzheimer’s,” ABC News, Apr. 26, 2019, <https://abc7ny.com/health/hidden-heroes-queens-12-year-old-helps-people-with-alzheimers/5272644/>.

[17] Though, for the counterpoint that online reading may be detrimental, see “‘The Shallows’: This Is Your Brain Online,” National Public Radio, All Things Considered, Jun. 2, 2010, <https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127370598>.

[18] “A Brain Scientist Who Studies Alzheimer’s Explains How She Stays Mentally Fit,” National Public Radio, Morning Ed., Oct. 8, 2018, <https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/10/08/654903558/a-brain-scientist-who-studies-alzheimers-explains-how-she-stays-mentally-fit>.

[19] “A Brain Scientist Who Studies Alzheimer’s Explains How She Stays Mentally Fit,” loc. cit.

[20] “Sudoku or Crosswords May Help Keep Your Brain 10 Years Younger,” Healthline, n.d., <https://www.healthline.com/health-news/can-sudoku-actually-keep-your-mind-sharp>.

[21] Helen Brooker, Keith Wesnes, Clive Ballard, Adam Hampshire, Dag Aarsland, Zunera Khan, Rob Stenton, Maria Megalogeni, and Anne Corbett, “The Relationship Between the Frequency of Number‐Puzzle Use and Baseline Cognitive Function in a Large Online Sample of Adults Aged 50 and Over,” International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, vol. 34, no. 7, publ. in print Jul. 2019, pp. 932-940, publ. online Feb. 11, 2019, <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/gps.5085>.

[22] “A Brain Scientist Who Studies Alzheimer’s Explains How She Stays Mentally Fit,” loc. cit.

[23] Ibid.

[24] Again, onset detection is not a little tricky.

[25] Both ideas – “boosting brain function” and “preserving brain function” – are a little vague and would need to be sharpened to be of greater use. However, my model is merely trying to show that the “higher rates of decline” spoken about in some articles might well be nothing to worry about. So, I have abstracted away from some of the details because I don’t think they’re necessary for the point.

[26] This raises the issue of how we would actually be able to measure cognitive ability. There are various assessment tests. But it is possible that these assessments fail, for one reason or other, to paint a true or complete picture of a person’s cognitive situation. This is simply a model.

[27] This choice was arbitrary.

[28] I realize that I opted to display the graph with curved lines. This was simply an esthetic choice since when I used straight lines, the lines overlapped in places and couldn’t be easily distinguished. The information is simply sample and hypothetical data for illustrative purposes only. It could be represented with straight lines. And if it were represented this way, then the resulting lines would have calculable slopes in the usual sense.

[29] As a side note, the red line also represents a case in which a person exercises, but it fails to boost their brain function or preserve it at all. So, you’ll notice that if the exercises are utterly ineffective, you’re no worse off than you would be had you not exercised at all. You might think that you would have wasted your time. I suppose this boils down to whether you find any of the exercises enjoyable – or potentially enjoyable – or not. But even still, personally, it strikes me as improbable that mental exercises would do nothing whatsoever. Readers may think differently.

[30] More scientific study and philosophical reflection is needed, however. Some studies abstract away from possibly relevant data, including economic, educational, genetic, intelligence, and sociological factors.

The post 12 Mental Exercises for Staving Off Alzheimer’s (POSSIBLY) appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

The biggest risk factors for getting Alzheimer’s are age (your chances increase as you get older) and genetics (especially if you’re a carrier of the ApoE4 gene). But there are others as well, for example having other diseases (like diabetes and Down’s Syndrome), conditions (such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and traumatic brain injury), or habits (chiefly, smoking) that predispose you toward dementia.

Preliminaries

Basics

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease in which a person experiences drastic losses in cognitive abilities and memory. Patients suffering from it develop a bunch of “junk” in their brains – protein deposits of various sorts that conglomerate into abnormal structures referred to as “plaques and tangles” – that disrupts neural signals and kills off brain cells. These structures accumulate excessively and are not considered to be a part of the “normal” aging process.

“As in [normal] aging, widespread neuron loss and decreases in synaptic density are observed, though Alzheimer’s disease results in a significant preferential effect in the neocortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and basal nucleus of Meynert… Normal aging can result in the formation of plaques and tangles, but the amount and distribution does not compare to the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease, in which greater quantities are common, especially in regions such as the temporal lobe.”[1]

• For more information on the general contours of the ailment, see my “What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? A Brief Overview.”

History

“The disease was first discovered in 1906 and described in a clinical journal article in 1907 by Alois Alzheimer, M.D. a German neurologist. He had first recognized the peculiar symptoms in one of his patients. a fifty-five-year-old woman. Dr. Alzheimer then referred to this disease in a published article as presenile dementia.

“Neurologists now agree that the dementia that occurs in the elderly is the same as or similar to the presenile condition. It is usually referred to today as senile dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (SDAT — more commonly leaving off the word ‘senile,’ medical specialists designate it just as DAT or Alzheimer’s disease).”[2]

• I have gone into much greater depth on the history of Alzheimer’s Disease elsewhere. For an introduction, see: “How Long Has Alzheimer’s Dementia Been Around?”

Cause(s)

Scientists have not yet determined a definite – let alone single – cause for Alzheimer’s Disease. Rather, there are a variety of postulated causes. These include the development of the previously mentioned plaques and tangles, sharp decreases in sex hormones (such as estrogen and testosterone) or neurotransmitters (like acetylcholine), chronic exposure to or excessive accumulation of toxins (e.g., aluminum or mercury), and so on.

• To read more in this vein, see: “10 Possible Causes for Alzheimer’s (& How to Address Them)”; “Can Drinking Alcohol Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?”; and “Can Contaminated/Dirty Tap Water Cause Alzheimer’s Disease?”

Risk Factors[3]

“Although an exact cause has not been identified, scientists have found several risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease. A risk factor predisposes someone to developing the disease. This means that someone with a risk factor is more likely to get a disease than someone without it.”[4]

“Risk factors for cognitive decline in aging are multifactorial, including medical co-morbidities and familial genetic risk.”[5]

Age

It turns out that, for everyone, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s goes up as we advance in years. This is repeated by numerous sources across the spectrum, from mainstream medical and scientific sources to more offbeat alternatives.

So, we read: “Age is the most important known risk factor for A[lzheimer’s] D[isease]. The number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65.”[6] And, again, alternative health guru Dr. Joseph Mercola states: “Your single greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is your age.”[7]

This is true as far as it goes. But there are other important factors. One is genetic.

Genes

“The gene apolipoprotein E-e4 (APOE-e4) has been identified as a …factor that most likely increases [the risk of] developing Alzheimer’s.”[8]

“Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder mostly seen in the elderly. Presence of at least one apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE) allele is the strongest yet known genetic risk factor of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. …Mutations of the genes encoding the [beta]-amyloid precursor protein and the presenilins 1 and 2 are risk factors for the early-onset form of Alzheimer’s disease. …”[9]

Family History

“Having a family history of dementia …[is] a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.”[10] Numerous studies have confirmed this.[11]

Contrariwise: “Subjects with A[lzheimer’s] D[isease] had a higher risk of having a family history of AD …as compared to control subjects.”[12]

Obesity

When a person is drastically more massive than is healthy for his or her height, the person might be said to be “obese.” “[A]ccumulating evidence links obesity to increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia later in life…”.[13]

What is alarming – albeit somewhat intriguing – is that “[o]besity …[is] recognized as an important player in the pathogenesis of …dementia …independently of insulin resistance or other vascular risk factors.”[14] In other words, obesity isn’t just a factor because of increased risk of diabetes or hypertension or other factors listed elsewhere.

Sex

Is it possible that being female is actually an Alzheimer’s risk factor?

Indeed, one author reports: “It [has been] suggested …that female gender could act as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease…”.

However, researchers are unsure whether this is, in fact, a separate factor. The aforementioned writer goes on to state: “but it appears …that women are at higher risk because of their relatively increased longevity.”[15]

If this is the case, then really sex is itself not a distinct risk factor. It’s just that women are likely to outlive men. Since, as we’ve already said, the older a person gets, the greater his or her risk for Alzheimer’s, it follows that if women live longer than men, then they’ll be more likely than their male counterparts to get dementia.

Other Diseases

Furthermore, there are links between various other conditions and Alzheimer’s. “Some evidence points to risk factors similar to those for heart disease, including no physical exercised, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and smoking.”[16]

Hardening of the Arteries (Atherosclerosis)

For example, there is a connection between “Alzheimer[‘s] neuropathology” and “atherosclerosis.” Atherosclerosis is termed a “vascular” disease because it afflicts the blood vessels of susceptible people. It’s sometimes referred to as a “hardening” of the arteries due to the fact that atherosclerosis involves gunk building up on the inside of those anatomical tubes.

These deposits are usually made of fat and, like their neurological cousins, are called plaques. One might get the impression that atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s might both be characterized by the bioaccumulation of garbage inside the body.

From my point of view, this underscores the importance of living an overall healthy lifestyle, including getting adequate exercise and sleep as well as maintaining a proper diet. For more on some of these, see: “The Alzheimer’s ‘MIND Diet’: What Should You Eat?”; “Alzheimer’s and Sleep: Too Little, Too Much, and Just Right”; and “Alzheimer’s and Sleep: Herbs, Spices, and Other Supplements.”

However, it is worth noting that “atherosclerosis …[is] potentially reversible” and the link between it and dementia is far from being completely understood.[17]

Diabetes

In general, diabetes is a malfunction in a person’s ability to handle insulin, an essential, glucose-regulating hormone produced in the pancreas. This malfunction results in out-of-whack blood-sugar levels. There are two sorts of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. A person with the former must receive insulin from an external source, as his or her body produces little or none of it. Type 2 is generally regarded as less severe than Type 1, since a sufferer’s body is usually able to produce some insulin. Therefore, a Type-2 diabetic is not “insulin-dependent” in the same way as is a Type-1 diabetic.

“People with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of cognitive dysfunction and dementia.”[18]

Down’s Syndrome

Down’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder. This condition arises when there is an extraneous copy of one chromosome (#21) in a parent’s (haploid) reproductive cells (gametes). This results in a sperm or egg cell with 24 chromosomes, instead of the usual 23. Combined with a normal gamete, the resulting offspring has 47 total chromosomes.

“People with Down’s syndrome …are at high risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease …at a relatively young age.”[19]

High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia; Hypercholesterolemia)

Cholesterol is a type of fat (or lipid) that is circulated in the body via the blood. It is produced by the liver and obtained in various foods (e.g., eggs). The body uses cholesterol to build new cells. So, having some of it is a good and necessary thing.

However, medical science is generally worried about the amount of cholesterol in your body. If it’s too high, the thinking goes, it can literally gummy up your blood vessels and increase your risk for cardiovascular and heart diseases.

Interestingly, “[s]everal lines of evidence have linked cholesterol to dementia.”[20]

Part of the reason for this may be because when blood flow is impeded, available oxygen can decrease. The brain is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation. Hence, if the brain is not properly oxygenated, the deficit can cause damage that can lead to dementia.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Other “risk factors …[include] hypertension.” Because of this, and besides increasing “cognitive engagement,” researchers suggest that getting “regular physical activity …[, eating] the Mediterranean diet and …[consuming] omega-3 fatty acids …may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease…”.[21]

Physical Brain Injury

There are also various external risk factors. “Head trauma …[is] is risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease…”.[22]

“Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury is one of the strongest environmental risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, although it is unclear whether mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion, also confers risk.”[23]

This is a difficult factor to track precisely “[s]ince people with Alzheimer’s disease …[are] bound to have poor recollection of the exposure to head trauma…”.[24]

Aluminum

In discussions of environmental risk factors, the light metal Aluminum (Al) has been brought up repeatedly. It has been associated both with the development both of the beta-amyloid plaques and the tau-protein neurofibrillary tangles that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s-riddled brains.

One writer states “that even miniscule amounts of aluminum can boost the production of beta-amyloid” and that “aluminum seems to misfold tau [proteins], which would boost the risk of the typical tangles of Alzheimer’s.”[25]

“There has been suggestion of interaction between aluminum and several A[lzheimer’s] D[isease]-associated pathways.”[26]

This warning turns up in some rather unexpected places. Writing in his popular introduction on the ancient proto-science of Alchemy, Dennis Hauck writes as follows.

“Don’t use aluminum pots and pans or utensils when making alchemical products. Modern alchemists feel that aluminum metal acts as a kind of ‘energy sponge; that depletes spiritual energy. Several scientific studies seem to support the alchemists’ suspicions and have linked aluminum to mental retardation and Alzheimer’s disease.”[27]

• For more on heavy-metal and other kinds of environmental toxicity, see “Toxic Alzheimer’s? Household Hazards: Gases, Molds, Poisons” and “Household Hazards for People With Dementia.”

Smoking

Smoking is so strongly correlated with lung disease that the habit is believed to cause numerous health problems including chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and even lung cancer.

Moreover, according to author Frank Murray, “smoking is definitely a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease…”.[28]

Combined Risk Factors

Unsurprisingly, if factors are combined, then a person’s expected risk goes up. I won’t list all the various combinations, and I’m not a statistician. But, here are a couple of examples.

“Elderly people with type-2 diabetes have an 8.8 percent increase[d] risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.”[29]

Or, again: “Family history of Alzheimer’s disease and APOE-4 status [together] were associated with” several, physical brain abnormalities, including “a thinner cortex in the entorhinal region, subiculum, and adjacent medial temporal lobe subfields.”[30]

For Further Reading

• “Protect Yourself Against the coming Dementia Crisis”
• “10 Things to Do NOW to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Later”
• “Top 25 Herbs for Treating (& Avoiding) Alzheimer’s Dementia”

Notes:

[1] Ronald Watson and Fabien De Meester, eds., Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health, Amsterdam: Academic Press; Elsevier, 2014, p. 209, <https://books.google.com/books?id=HFgXAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA209>.

[2] Herman Richard Casdorph and Morton Walker, Toxic Metal Syndrome, New York: Avery; Penguin, 1995, p. 18, <https://books.google.com/books?id=7GJEveEcurMC&pg=PA18>.

[3] For more information, see Dementia: New Insights for the Healthcare Professional, 2011 ed., Atlanta: ScholarlyEditions, 2012, passim., <https://books.google.com/books?id=u89Efydxk7MC>.

[4] Linda Lu and Juergen Bludau, Alzheimer’s Disease, Santa Barbara, Cal.: ABC-CLIO, 2011, p. 16, <https://books.google.com/books?id=6gskihyGEQ0C&pg=PA16>.

[5] Lisa Morrow, Beth Snitz, Eric Rodriquez, Kimberly Huber, and Judith Saxton, “High Medical Co-Morbidity and Family History of Dementia is Associated With Lower Cognitive Function in Older Patients,” Family Practice, vol. 26, no. 5, Oct. 2009, pp. 339-343, <https://academic.oup.com/fampra/article/26/5/339/636444>.

[6] Eileen Welsh, ed., Frontiers in Alzheimer’s Disease Research, New York: Nova Science Publ., 2006, publisher’s blurb, <https://books.google.com/books/about/Frontiers_in_Alzheimer_s_Disease_Researc.html?id=dpMdC21dU9YC>.

[7] Joseph Mercola, Dark Deception: Discover the Truths About the Benefits of Sunlight Exposure, Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, 2008, p. 71, <https://books.google.com/books?id=ay99sWUvTxoC&pg=PA71>.

[8] Jean Kaplan Teichroew, “Alzheimer’s,” Jean Kaplan Teichroew, ed., Chronic Diseases: An Encyclopedia of Causes, Effects, and Treatments, Santa Barbara, Cal.: ABC-CLIO, 2016, p. 53, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Am91DQAAQBAJ&pg=PA53>.

[9] Marcus Portallis, Focus on Hormone Replacement Research, New York: Nova Biomedical Publ., 2004, p. 87, <https://books.google.com/books?id=xWXSNNasBcEC&pg=PA87>.

[10] Ezra Susser, Sharon Schwartz, Alfredo Morabia, and Evelyn Bromet, with Melissa Begg, Jack Gorman, and Mary-Claire King, Psychiatric Epidemiology: Searching for the Causes of Mental Disorders, New York: Oxford Univ. Press, 2006, p. 367, <https://books.google.com/books?id=y6AN6bpfJhgC&pg=PA196>.

[11] See, e.g., D. Forster, A. Newens, D. Kay, and J. Edwardson, “Risk Factors in Clinically Diagnosed Presenile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type: A Case-Control Study in Northern England,” Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, vol. 49, no. 3, Jun. 1995, pp. 253-258, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1060793/> and M. Rajah, L. Wallace, E. Ankudowich, E. Yu, A. Swierkot, R. Patel, M. Chakravarty, D. Naumova, J. Pruessner, R. Joober, S. Gauthier, and S. Pasvanis, “Family History and APOE4 Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease Impact the Neural Correlates of Episodic Memory by Early Midlife,” NeuroImage: Clinical, vol. 14, Mar. 31, 2017, pp. 760-774, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5385589/ >.

[12] Ami Rosen, N. Kyle Steenland, John Hanfelt, Stewart Factor, James Lah, and Allan Levey, “Evidence of Shared Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Using Family History,” Neurogenetics, vol. 8, no. 4, Sept. 6, 2007, pp. 263-270, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2679377/>.

[13] Scott Kanoski, Ted Hsu, and Steven Pennell, “Obesity, Western Diet Intake, and Cognitive Impairment,” Ronald Ross Watson, Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health, Amsterdam: Elsevier; Academic Press, 2014, p. 57, <https://books.google.com/books?id=HFgXAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA57>.

[14] L. Letra, I. Santana, R. Seiça, “Obesity as a Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease: The Role of Adipocytokines,” Metabolic Brain Disease, vol. 29, no. 3, Feb. 20, 2014, pp. 563-568, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24553879>.

[15] Portallis, Focus on Hormone Replacement Research, loc. cit.

[16] Teichroew, “Alzheimer’s,” Teichroew, ed., Chronic Diseases, loc. cit.

[17] See H. Dolan, B. Crain, J. Troncoso, S. Resnick, A. Zonderman, and R. Obrien, “Atherosclerosis, Dementia, and Alzheimer [sic] Disease in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging Cohort,” Annals of Neurology, vol. 68, no. 2, Aug. 2010, pp. 231-240, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20695015>.

[18] Yael Reijmer, Esther van den Berg, Carla Ruis, L. Kappelle, and Geert Biessels, “Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes,” Diabetes, vol. 26, no. 7, Aug. 26, 2010, pp. 507-519, <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dmrr.1112>.

[19] Paula Castro, Shahid Zaman, and Anthony Holland, “Alzheimer’s Disease in People With Down’s Syndrome: The Prospects for and the Challenges of Developing Preventative Treatments,” Journal of Neurology, vol. 264, no. 4, Oct. 24, 2016, pp. 804–813, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5374178/>.

[20] A. Solomon, R. Sippola, H. Soininen, B. Wolozin, J. Tuomilehto, T. Laatikainen, and M. Kivipelto, “Lipid-Lowering Treatment Is Related to Decreased Risk of Dementia: A Population-Based Study,” Neuro-Degenerative Diseases, vol. 7, nos. 1-3, Apr. 2010, pp. 180-182, <https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/295659>.

[21] Yoram Barak, Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease: Personal Responsibility, New York : Nova Biomedical, 2014, publisher’s blurb, <https://books.google.com/books/about/Preventing_Alzheimer_s_Disease.html?id=tqiQvgEACAAJ>. Note that hypertension is also a risk factor for the second most common form of dementia, Vascular. See Sarah Jacobsen, Vascular Dementia: Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment, New York: Nova Science, 2011.

[22] Susser, Schwartz, Morabia, and Bromet, et al., Psychiatric Epidemiology, op. cit., p. 196.

[23] J. Hayes, M. Logue, N. Sadeh, J. Spielberg, M. Verfaellie, S. Hayes, A. Reagan, D. Salat, E. Wolf, R. McGlinchey, W. Milberg, A. Stone, S. Schichman, and M. Miller, “Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Is Associated With Reduced Cortical Thickness in Those at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease,” Brain, Mar. 1, 2017, vol. 140, no. 3, pp. 813-825, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28077398>. In fact, the condition known as Dementia Pugilistica, previously referred to as “punch-drunk syndrome,” afflicts people — e.g., boxers and athletes involved in “contact” sports such as football/gridiron, hockey, martial arts, rugby, and wrestling — who experience damage to or disease of the brain due to repeated injury (such as blows to the head).

[24] Susser, Schwartz, Morabia, and Bromet, et al., Psychiatric Epidemiology, op. cit., p. 201.

[25] Jeffrey Victoroff, Saving Your Brain: The Revolutionary Plan to Boost Brain Power, Improve Memory, and Protect Yourself Against Aging and Alzheimer’s, New York: Bantam Books, 2003, p. 168, <https://books.google.com/books?id=M5SqLEYbWPAC>.

[26] A. Castorina, A. Tiralongo, S. Giunta, M. Carnazza, G. Scapagnini, and V. D’Agata, “Early Effects of Aluminum Chloride on Beta-Secretase mRNA Expression in a Neuronal Model of Beta-Amyloid Toxicity,” Cell Biology and Toxicology, vol. 26, no. 4, Jan. 29, 2010, pp. 367-377, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20111991>.

[27] Dennis Hauck, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Alchemy, New York: Alpha; Penguin, 2008, p. 186, <https://books.google.com/books?id=SsolrTciALUC&pg=PA186>.

[28] Frank Murray, Minimizing the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, New York: Algora Publishing, 2012, p. 264, <https://books.google.com/books?id=9hveCHdjkt4C&pg=PA264>.

[29] Murray, Minimizing the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, op. cit., p. 255, <https://books.google.com/books?id=4f8Nj83E3R8C&pg=PA255>.

[30] Markus Donix, Alison Burggren, Nanthia Suthana, Prabha Siddarth, Arne Ekstrom, Allison Krupa, Michael Jones, Laurel Martin-Harris, Linda Ercoli, Karen Miller, Gary Small, and Susan Bookheimer, “Family History of Alzheimer’s Disease and Hippocampal Structure in Healthy People,” The American Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 167, no. 11, Aug. 4, 2010, pp. 1399-1406, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3086166/>.

The post Who’s in Danger of Getting Alzheimer’s? 13 Big Risk Factors appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

Introduction

Straightforwardly, “treatments” are dietary or medical interventions that are tailored to address specific health deficits or pathologies. To state the obvious in plain English, when you think there’s a problem, you try to devise a solution. But Alzheimer’s is tricky because researchers are still in the position of having to guess about the root problem.

Elsewhere, I have catalogued “10 Possible Causes for Alzheimer’s (& How to Address Them).” At least in my own reading, these appeared to me to be among the most commonly mentioned hypothetical causes for the disease. They include the accumulation of beta-amyloid “plaques” and neurofibrillary “tangles,” a deficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and an overabundance of the amino acid homocysteine, and other things.[1] (Click the above link for much more detail.)

In many ways, then, the “treatments” proposed in this article are geared toward the mitigation, relief, or reversal of one of more of the possible causes. Where relevant, I will note what cause is being addressed. But keep in mind that I have a fuller discussion of the causes and feel free to refer to it as needed or desired.

Also, understand that (most of) what follows in this article is probably best characterized with the heading “alternative” medicine. Readers who are interested in reding about more mainstream pharmaceutical recommendations can see my article HERE.

Caveats

Just a word or two of caution.

Firstly, I’m not a doctor. I’m not a dietician, either. Thus, the information presented here is given in good faith from my reflections on research that I have personally conducted. Usually, I will provide citations so that you can see and evaluate my source materials yourself. Basically, think of this article as giving you leads for your own follow-up investigations. I’m not trying to settle anything once and for all.

Secondly, and relatedly, many of the items on this list are highly controversial. Each of these has its vociferous proponents, and its equally vocal opponents. Again, I am not aiming to resolve these debates, here. In fact, by mentioning something, I’m not necessarily even endorsing it myself. My purpose is to make you aware of the lay of the land, options-wise.

Thirdly, in many ways, the treatments sort of “fall out” from a person’s views about the causes of Alzheimer’s. This means that certain readers might be more interested in some entries than in others simply because of what they believe about how Alzheimer’s begins or develops. But, at this time, the science is far from precise. So, there’s a sense in which the various options interconnect in complicated and sometimes interesting ways.

Twelve Surprising Treatments for Alzheimer’s

1.     Coconut Oil

In the introduction, I rehearsed a few of the best-known candidate causes for Alzheimer’s. However, there are others beyond the usual suspects. And here’s one of them.

Some people think that Alzheimer’s essentially results from energy deprivation in the brain. Those who take this line suggest that that cognitive impairment develops from a problem with the brain’s ability to use glucose.[2]

“In Alzheimer’s disease, brain cells have difficulty metabolizing glucose, the brain’s principal source of energy. …Ketone bypass the defect in glucose energy metabolism… Therefore, if enough ketones were available…, they could satisfy the brain’s energy needs. …”[3]

This bump in ketones occurs during fasting. But it can also come from ingesting a fatty acid called a “medium-chain triglyceride,” or MCTs. Wouldn’t you know it? Coconut oil is an important source.[4]

One author rhapsodizes that “…MCTs have produced better results in Alzheimer’s patients than any other treatment currently known to medical science. …The amount of MCTs in coconut oil is great enough to produce therapeutic blood levels of ketones.”[5]

2.     Sulphoraphane

Sulforaphane is an interesting one. Despite its somewhat forbidding name, it’s quite accessible, as it is a component of many green-leafy or cruciferous vegetables including some of the same offerings that were also rich in glutathione. Can you believe it?

It is a nutritional powerhouse that is credited with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxification abilities. But it’s Alzheimer’s-fighting potential appears to go beyond these.

As discussed elsewhere, one feature of Alzheimer’s-afflicted brains is the appearance of various protein deposits – the aforementioned “plaques and tangles” – that interfere with neural activity and may also have a general neurotoxic[6] effect.

At least one scientific study suggested that sulforphane may actually “[inhibit] the generation and aggregation” of this debilitating gunk.[7]

3.     Glutathione

Another commonly cited potential cause for dementia is “oxidation” or “oxidative stress.” Some onlookers think that the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques (and other features of Alzheimer’s) is a result of – or is at least bound up with – this oxidative damage.

Following this line of thought, “Studies …indicate that increasing the [body’s] antioxidative capacity through dietary or pharmacological intake of antioxidants can be beneficial in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.”[8]

In this regard, glutathione has a reputation as a key antioxidant. In point of fact, glutathione is produced by our bodies. However, sadly, its “concentration” and production appear to decrease sharply with age. And increased “oxidative stress” may leave us more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s.[9]

What can be done?

Firstly, you need to think about your (or your loved one’s) diet. There’s really no getting away it. Computer scientists have a saying, abbreviated GIGO: Garbage in, garbage out. In their field, this has to do with a computer program’s sensitive dependence on what is entered in by the programmer. If the programmer types in “garbage,” the program may be lousy. But think about how this principle can relation to our health.

You really can’t expect your body to behave optimally if you fuel it with junk food. So, lay off the alcohol, processed foods, and sugar.

In place of these, you’ll need a found of fruits and vegetables. Some are excellent glutathione boosters. These include Arugula (Eruca vesicaria), Bok Choy (Brassica chinensis), Broccoli (Brassica italica), Brussels Sprouts (Brassica gemmifera), Cabbage (Brassica capitata), Cauliflower (Brassica botrytis), Chard (Beta vulgaris vulgaris), Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum), Kale (Brassica sabellica), Mustard (Brassica rapa), Rapeseed (Brassica napus), and Watercress (Nasturtium officinale).

Additionally, foods such as Artichokes (Cynara scolymus), various berries – Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Goji (Lycium chinense), Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) – Cacao/Cocoa (Theobroma cacao), Catalase, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Hydroxytyrosol (C₈H₁₀O₃), Olive (Olea europaea), Red Wine, and Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) all have propensities to fight oxidation.

Secondly, you need to ensure that you maintain a consistent and adequate exercise regimen and sleep schedule. (For some tips on the latter, see my articles HERE, HERE, and HERE.)

• For more dietary considerations, see: “The Alzheimer’s ‘MIND Diet’: What Should You Eat?”

4.     Green Tea

While we’re on the subject of antioxidants, here’s another one that should probably be singled out for special attention: Green Tea (Camellia sinsensis).

As stated, Alzheimer’s is possibly – even if partially – a result of biochemical oxidation in the body.[10]

Once again, diet is fundamental to protection of your body’s neurons.[11] At the very least you’ll want to keep your levels of Vitamin-B Complex, Carotenoids (including the previously listed Astaxanthin, Beta Carotene, Lutein, and Lycopene), and Polyphenols within their optimal ranges. From a dietary perspective, this will involve eating generous helpings of quality fruits (especially berries), grains, and vegetables.[12] But it may also involve choice beverages such as …wait for it …green tea!

The bottom line is this. Research suggests that “Green Tea polyphenols protect neurons against P[arkinson’s] D[isease] and A[lzheimer’s] D[isease].”[13] One of the most remarkable of these polyphenols is Epi-Gallo-Catechin Gallate (EGCG).[14]

Other nutritional supplements can be quite helpful as well, for instance Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), Selenium (Se), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – all of which help boost your natural glutathione levels. You can even supplement with glutathione directly.

Finally, bear in mind that numerous other substances have antioxidant qualities. Some of the better known of these include Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), Astaxanthin (C₄₀H₅₂O₄), Beta Carotene (C₄₀H₅₆), Beta Glucan (C₁₈H₃₂O₁₆), Lutein (C₄₀H₅₆O₂), Lycopene (C₄₀H₅₆), N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), Resveratrol (C₁₄H₁₂O₃), Super-Oxide Dismutase (SOD), and Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol).

• For more, see: “Top 10 Nutrient and Vitamin Supplements for Alzheimer’s”

5.     Herbs

This category has consumed a lot of my attention on AlzheimersProof.com. For one thing, herbal supplements are easily acquired.

True, there may be considerable variation in quality and potency among various suppliers. (You can always try your hand at growing your own.) Still, I think these have potential for being of great assistance when it comes to staving off – or slowing down – Alzheimer’s.

Because I have gone into much greater detail elsewhere, I will really only list a few of my top choices, here. But I couldn’t neglect these entirely, as they are clearly major players in the realm of “alternative” dementia treatments.

So here are my Top Five Herbs for Alzheimer’s. For my entire list of Twenty-Five, see HERE.

·       Gingko (Gingko biloba)

If you’ve read continuously down this far, then you’ve probably noticed the recurring theme of antioxidants. And this is carried further with these herbal supplements.

There is little doubt but that ginkgo is a key player in the Alzheimer’s fight. In fact, according to one source, ginkgo is “[c]urrently the most widely prescribed treatment for A[lzheimer’s] D[isease] and other dementias in Germany… [It] is believed to work by stimulating nerve-cell activity in the brain while also improving blood flow and perhaps protecting against further cell damage as an antioxidant.”[15]

·       Magnolia (Schisandra chinensis)

Scientific research suggests that magnolia fruit has “a protective role in N[eurological] D[iseasess], including …neurodegenerative diseases” such as Alzheimer’s. Magnolia has several “neuroprotective mechanisms” including the aforementioned “antioxidation, suppression of apoptosis [i.e., cellular death – Ed.], anti-inflammation, regulation of neurotransmitters,” and other helpful things including “modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) related pathways” which, as far as I understand has to do with possible nerve growth or regrowth.[16]

·       Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Another heavy lifter, rosemary is another potent antioxidant that may actually have the ability “to inhibit neuronal cell death”.[17] That is amazing news for Alzheimer’s sufferers. In fact, rosemary is so powerful, it may also be effective even as an essential oil in aromatherapy![18]

·       Saffron (Crocus sativus)

Prized as one of the world’s most exotic – and expensive – spices, saffron is also being shown to possess remarkable neuroprotective abilities. For example, it “has been identified as a memory-enhancing agent” and it has also reportedly “demonstrated effective antioxidant[,] …anti-inflammatory[,] and antiamyloidgenic abilities.”[19]

·       Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is an absolute supplement steamroller. It is an inflammation-fighting machine. Used “[i]n traditional South Asian medicine, turmeric (curcumin) …relieve[s] …Alzheimer’s disease due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.”[20] At least one study suggested that Indians who eat curry regularly have better cognitive scores (when tested on the Mini Mental-State Examination, for more on which see HERE) and lower risk for dementia.[21]

For MUCH more on herbal supplements, see any (or all) of the following articles:

• “25 Herbs for Treating (& Avoiding) Alzheimer’s”
• “6 Drugs That Treat Alzheimer’s and 20+ Alternatives”
• “How to Alzheimer’s-Proof Your Diet: Vitamin D & Other Nutrients”

6.     Hormones

Let’s take these one at a time.

·       Estrogen

“Abundant evidence implicates sex steroid depletion in postmenopausal women as a risk factor for the development of A[lzheimer’s] D[isease].”[22] Another set of authors writes that “estrogen …plays a significant neuromodulatory and neuroprotective role.[23] The numerous estrogenic effects in the brain include the modulation of synaptogenesis, increased cerebral blood flow, mediation of important neurotransmitters and hormones, protection against apoptosis [i.e., cell death – Ed.], anti-inflammatory actions, and antioxidant properties. These multiple actions in the central nervous system support estrogen as a potential treatment for the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease…”.[24]

·       Melatonin

Similarly to glutathione, “[d]aily melatonin production decreases with age, and in several pathologies, attaining its lowest values in Alzheimer’s dementia patients.”[25] Surely, this is a pity, especially since some investigators argue that melatonin has the ability to mitigate the sort of “neurodegeneration” that is typical of “…Alzheimer’s disease …, Parkinson’s disease …, and ischemia / reperfusion injury to the brain, i.e., stroke.”[26] But, arguably, it’s no coincidence.[27]

·       Progesterone

A close cousin to estrogen in this regard, “…progesterone  …facilitates some forms of learning and memory” and has been suspected to be a factor in a particular mouse-centered “model of Alzheimer’s disease.”[28] The reduction of both females sex hormones – estrogen and progesterone – “appears to be a significant risk factor for the development of A[lzheimer’s] D[isease] in women.”[29] There is some hope that hormone-replacement therapies can help reduce this risk.[30]

·       Testosterone

There are a couple of things going on, here. Most obviously, since testosterone levels decrease as men age whereas Alzheimer’s risk increases, “some researchers [have] proposed a relationship between the development of A[lzheimer’s] D[isease] and reductions of T[estosterone].”[31]

But, relatedly, in men who possess the Alzheimer’s predisposing Apolipoprotein-E4 gene, there is a link between “reductions in testosterone” and “the development of the amyloid beta …and tau …proteins” that gunk of the brain by way of forming plaques and tangles.

Because of these observations, a few writers even make the bold and provocative (but probably unproven) claim that “…Alzheimer’s can be cured in its early stages and halted in in its later stages …primarily using testosterone.”[32] It’s something to keep your eye on.

7.     Lithium

First of all, lithium exhibits neuroprotective properties and may guard against neuronal “apoptosis,” that is, cell death.[33] Second, and relatedly, it may help to break up – or discourage the formation of – the plaques and tangles that are among the main indications of the presence of Alzheimer’s.[34]

Lithium can be obtained from various foods, including coffee, dairy (e.g., cheese and milk), eggs, grains (rice, wheat), kelp, legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, soybeans), mushrooms (like the Groundwart, Thelephora vialis), seafoods (like lobsters, oysters, shrimp, and scallops), nuts (like pistachios), and miscellaneous other vegetables (e.g., cucumbers and nightshade plants such as peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes).

But lithium can also be added to your diet by way of supplementation. Like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, lithium comes in a variety of forms, such as aspartate,[35] carbonate, chloride, citrate, and orotate. Of these, at least one source’s recommendation was states as follows. “Studies that have compared lithium orotate to lithium carbonate have found that lower doses or lithium orotate can achieve therapeutic brain lithium concentrations while avoiding toxicity.”[36]

8.     Marijuana

Wow. Here’s a hot topic right now. I realize that there is something of a sharp divide on this one. I don’t really want to wade deeply into a political debate. So, let me try to keep things fairly neutral – if possible.

One author observes: “Research suggests that cannabinoids (which are potent antioxidants) might be especially useful in minimizing inflammatory responses in the brain itself, symptoms of which are believed to be key to many serious neurodegenerative diseases ranging from Alzheimer’s dementia, to Parkinson’s disease, to other related motor disorders…”.[37]

Another, apparently amateur, researcher (of questionable accuracy) nevertheless echoes this, writing: “The cannabinoids of Cannabis sativa are neuro-protective and anti-inflammatory.”[38]

9.     Nicotine

“Drugs acting at nicotinic receptors including nicotine itself have been tested as treatments for cognitive impairments, including those seen in Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).”[39]

One source relates: “In Alzheimer’s disease patients, attentional performance has been found to be significantly improved with nicotine…”.[40] This “significant” improvement was demonstrated, for instance, through various activities evaluated on an attention-focused assessment called the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT, 3^rd Ed.). Nicotine administered through a patch for nearly a month seemed to elicit “a true increase in response accuracy”.

Another flatly states: “Nicotine treatment significantly improves cognitive function in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease.”[41]

10. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

This should be another dietary addition. Omega 3s are anti-inflammatory. “In addition, clinical studies have reported …the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder …, neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s disease …, and psychiatric disorders such as depression…”.[42]

Some randomized, controlled trials suggest that “omega-e …supplementation, particularly DHA, reverse age-related cognitive decline in otherwise healthy individuals… but these is less evidence to suggest such an effect in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.”[43]

Still, “[e]pidemiological studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acid consumption reduces the risk of dementia… especially Alzheimer’s disease.”[44]

But, you need to watch the sort of fats that you eat. Overindulgence in saturated fats leads “to an increased risk of mixed dementia.”[45]

Some of the best sources include Cod-Liver Oil, Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Krill Oil.[46]

• For more extensive treatment of omega 3s, including my list of the best dietary sources, see the following: “The Alzheimer’s Dementia ‘MIND’ Diet: What Should You Eat?,” “Alzheimer’s-Proofing Your Diet: Carbs, Fats and ‘Exotics’,” and “Top Ten (10) Nutrient & Vitamin Supplements for Alzheimer’s.”

11. Red Wine/Resveratrol

Resveratrol, one of the active ingredients in red wine, is sometimes touted as an “anti-aging” drug.[47]

One of the telltale features of Alzheimer’s is the presence in the brain of the hardened plaques and tangles – mentioned elsewhere in this article and on my website – that interfere with neuronal activity and seem to “kill off” portions of the brain. Some researchers maintain that “[r]esveratrol is useful is stimulating the break-down [sic] of beta-amyloid peptides… In a study involving laboratory animals …who were given resveratrol from 45 days, there was a 45% reduction in plaques in the medial cortex, 89% in the stratum, and 90% in the hypothalamus.”[48]

Of course, with alcohol, one must remember the word moderation. (Some research seems to indicate that cognitive impairments can be precipitated by overindulgence. See HERE.)

Another thing to keep in mind is that not all wines are equal in their potential health benefits. Red wines tend to be healthier than white, and dry wines tend to edge out their sweeter counterparts.

Some of the red wines that often recommended include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Madiran, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Shiraz/Syrah, St. Laurent, and Zinfandel. Of these, three that stand out for resveratrol content seem to be Malbec, Pinot Noir, and St. Laurent.

• For more on wines and Alzheimer’s, see HERE.

12. Vitamins

As an untutored layman, one of the most surprising things to me in my reading about Alzheimer’s is its association with various deficiencies. I go into this more deeply in other places. (See HERE.) So I will limit myself to two examples, presently.

·       Vitamin B

“[C]ertain of the B vitamins …, when lacking or deficient in our diets, can …easily produce a loss of vital memory. …[T]here of them …[are]: vitamin B-1, or thiamin; B-3, niacin or nicotinic acid;[49] and B-12.”[50]

The esteemed Mayo Clinic relates: “Some studies suggest low vitamin B-12 levels may be associated with an increased risk of dementia.”[51]

·       Vitamin D

Vitamin D is another such vitamin. Once again, I will appeal to the Mayo Clinic, which states that some “[r]esearch suggests that people with very low levels of vitamin D in their blood …are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease…”.[52]

First of all, it has anti-inflammatory properties. And the devil of it is, is that we actually produce it ourselves if we get enough sunlight exposure.

Joseph Mercola relates this to the decrease in our bodies’ capabilities as we age. “The ability of your skin to produce vitamin D decreases the older you get, and vitamin-D deficiency has been shown to be common among those with Alzheimer’s.”[53]

• For a more in-depth discussion on vitamins, see my “Top Ten (10) Nutrient & Vitamin Supplements for Alzheimer’s” as well as my “10 Possible Causes for Alzheimer’s (& How to Address Them).”

A Few Concluding Remarks

Supplements – including the ones discussed here – are not supernatural. They cannot be expected to compensate for a lifetime of poor habits. So, firstly, I want to take a moment to reiterate the importance of what may be termed a “healthy lifestyle.”

Truly, diet and exercise are two indispensable keys to maintaining physical and mental fitness. In terms of nutritional guidelines, a good place to start is with the so-called Alzheimer’s “MIND Diet.” I have an entire article devoted to this topic, HERE.

Secondly, we are surrounded by environmental poisons and toxins and some of these severally – or possibly all (or some portion) of these jointly – may bear a measure of responsibility for dementias of one sort of other being as pervasive as they are. Therefore, part of your strategy needs to be minimizing your exposure, wherever possible. I have numerous posts on identifying and trying to eliminate these sorts of hazards.

These may include herbicides, metals, molds, pesticides, and myriad other things. For more information, see “Toxic Alzheimer’s? Household Hazards: Gases, Molds, Poisons” and “Home Contaminants and Hazards to Watch out For.”

For Further Reading[54]

• “Does Alzheimer’s Disease Have Three Stages or Seven Stages?”
• “Protect Yourself Against the Coming Dementia Crisis”

Notes:

[1] For the details, see my dedicated article.

[2] Bruce Fife, The Coconut Oil Miracle, New York: Avery; Penguin, 2013, p. 188, <https://books.google.com/books?id=aLS1nQEACAAJ&pg=PA188>.

[3] Fife, The Coconut Oil Miracle, op. cit., p. 190.

[4] For completeness, I note that “the administration of glucose has [also] been shown to improve cognitive function, for example, memory performance in Alzheimer’s …[i]n clinical populations with severe cognitive deficits…”. Veronika Schöpf, Florian Fischmeister, Christian Windischberger, Florian Gerstl, Michael Wolzt, Karl Karlsson, and Ewald Moser, “Effects of Individual Glucose Levels on the Neuronal Correlates of Emotions,” Michael Smith and Andrew Scholey, eds., Nutritional Influences on Human Neurocognitive Functioning, p. 129; reproduction of article from Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, vol. 7, no. 212, May 21, 2013; cached at <https://books.google.com/books?id=0wKlBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA129>.

[5] Bruce Fife, Ketone Therapy: The Ketogenic Cleanse and Anti-Aging Diet, Colorado Springs, Colo.: Piccadilly Books, 2017, pp. 103-104, <https://books.google.com/books?id=5dEwDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA103>.

[6] I.e., be poisonous to the brain or nervous system.

[7] T. Hou, H. Yang, W. Wang, Q. Wu, Y. Tian, and J. Jia, “Sulforaphane Inhibits the Generation of Amyloid-β Oligomer and Promotes Spatial Learning and Memory in Alzheimer’s Disease (PS1V97L) Transgenic Mice,” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, vol. 62, no. 4, 2018, pp. 1803-1813, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29614663>.

[8] Nils-Erik Huseby, Elisabeth Sundkvist, and Gunbjørg Svineng, “Glutathione and Sulfur-Containing Amino Acids: Antioxidant and Conjugation Activities,” Roberta Masella, Giuseppe Mazza, eds., Glutathione and Sulfur Amino Acids in Human Health and Disease, Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons, 2009, p. 112, <https://books.google.com/books?id=c9HznhSDlJAC&pg=PA112>.

[9] See, e.g., Ye Feng and Xiaochuan Wang, “Antioxidant Therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease,” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, [vol. 2012,] Jul. 25, 2012, p. 472932, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3410354/>.

[10] Baolu Zhao, “Green Tea Polyphenols Protect Neurons Against Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease,” Lester Packer, Helmut Sies, Manfred Eggersdorfer, and Enrique Cadenas, eds., Micronutrients and Brain Health, Boca Raton: CRC Press; Taylor & Francis, 2009, p. 256, <https://books.google.com/books?id=ylX-GBKyLLkC&pg=PA256>.

[11] “Why is neuroprotection important? Neuroprotection refers to mechanism and strategies used to protect against neuronal injury, degenerative, or death in the central nervous system (CNS), especially following acute disorders such as stroke or traumatic brain injury or as a result of chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and multiple sclerosis (MS)…”.

[12] Emma Ramiro-Puig, Margarita Castell, Andrew McShea, George Perry, Mark Smith, and Gemma Casadesus, “Food Antioxidants and Alzheimer’s Disease,” Packer, Sies, Eggersdorfer, and Cadenas, Micronutrients and Brain Health, op. cit., p. 43.

[13] Zhao, op. cit., in Packer, Sies, Eggersdorfer, and Cadenas, Micronutrients and Brain Health, op. cit., p. 257.

[14] L. Xicota, J. Rodriguez-Morato, M. Dierssen, R. de la Torre, “Potential Role of (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) in the Secondary Prevention of Alzheimer [sic] Disease,” Current Drug Targets, vol. 18, no. 2, 2017, pp. 174-195, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26302801>.

[15] Porter Shimer, New Hope for People with Alzheimer’s and Their Caregivers: Your Friendly, Authoritative Guide to the Latest in Traditional and Complementary Treatments, New York: Three Rivers Press; Crown Publ., 2002, p. 76, <https://books.google.com/books?id=wNli8hoE9TYC&pg=PA76>.

[16] Minyu Zhang, Liping Xu, and Hongjun Yang, “Schisandra chinensis Fructus and Its Active Ingredients as Promising Resources for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases,” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 19, no. 7, Jul. 6, 2018, p. 1970, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073455/>.

[17] Solomon Habtemariam, The Therapeutic Potential of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Diterpenes for Alzheimer’s Disease,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, [vol. 2016,] Jan. 28, 2016, p. 2680409, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4749867/>.

[18] See Tadaaki Satou, Yuki Hanashima, Iho Mizutani, and Kazuo Koike, The Effect of Inhalation of Essential Oil from Rosmarinus Officinalis on Scopolamine‐induced Alzheimer’s Type Dementia Model Mice, Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons, 2018.

[19] Nur Adalier and Heath Parker, “Vitamin E, Turmeric and Saffron in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease,” Antioxidants (Switzerland), vol. 5, no. 4, Oct. 25, 2016, p. 40, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5187538/>.

[20] Adalier and Heath Parker, loc. cit.

[21] Ibid.

[22] Jenna Carroll, Estrogen and Progesterone-based Hormone Therapy and the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease, dissertation, Univ. of Southern California, 2009, <http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15799coll127/id/177259>.

[23] Though, at least one offbeat and possibly unreliable author appears to argue that “estrogen causes Alzheimer’s.” If interested in the counterpoint, see Raymond Peat’s self-published Progesterone in Orthomolecular Medicine, Eugene, Ore.: Raymond Peat, 1993, <https://books.google.com/books/about/Progesterone_in_Orthomolecular_Medicine.html?id=XdQ6AgAACAAJ>.

[24] B. Cholerton, C. Gleason, L. Baker, and S. Asthana, “Estrogen and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Story so Far,” Drugs & Aging, vol. 19, no. 6, 2002, pp. 405-427, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12149049>.

[25] Daniel Cardinali, Analía Furio, and María Ryes, “Melatonin and the Cytoprotective Role of Sleep,” Pedro Montilla and Isaac Túnez, ed., Melatonin: Present and Future, New York: Nova Biomedical Publ., 2007, p. 175, <https://books.google.com/books?id=cQn9NNUinwYC&pg=PA175>.

[26] See Russel Reiter, Dun-Xian Tan, and Faith Gultekin, “Melatonin Reduces Molecular Damage and Physiological Dysfunction in Experimental Models of Neurodegeneration,” Montilla and Túnez, ed., Melatonin, op. cit., p. 261.

[27] Though, whether melatonin decline is a cause of Alzheimer’s or an effect from it is an open question.

[28] Michael Foy, Michel Baudry, Roberta Brinton, and Richard Thompson, “Estrogen, Progesterone and Hippocampal Plasticity in Rodent Models,” G. Casadesus, ed., Handbook of Animal Models in Alzheimer’s Disease, Amsterdam: IOS Press, 2011, p. 109, <https://books.google.com/books?id=vddRI_qV5_gC&pg=PA109>.

[29] Ibid., p. 110.

[30] See, e.g., William Fryer and M. Shippen, The Testosterone Syndrome: The Critical Factor for Energy, Health, and Sexuality — Reversing the Male Menopause, New York: M. Evans & Co., 2001, p. 149, <https://books.google.com/books?id=UdXwbE7fGiEC&pg=PA149>.

[31] Martine Simard, Séverine Hervouet, and Hélène Forget,“Testosterone Depletion and Cognitive Impairment in Aging Men: A Possible Relationship Between Testosterone and Alzheimer’s Disease?” H. Sentowski, ed., Cognitive Disorders Research Trends, New York: Nova Science Publ., 2007, p. 51, <https://books.google.com/books?id=0R3I_ZMZVW4C&pg=PA51>.

[32] Edward Friedman and William Cane, The New Testosterone Treatment: How You and Your Doctor Can Fight Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Alzheimer’s, Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 2013, p. 19, <https://books.google.com/books?id=ybRvDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA19>.

[33] James Greenblatt, Integrative Medicine for Alzheimer’s: The Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan That Prevents Alzheimer’s Using Nutritional Lithium, Fort St. Victoria, British Columbia (Canada): Friesen Press, 2018, p. 27, <https://books.google.com/books?id=GNx8DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA27>.

[34] Michael Bauer and Michael Gitlin, The Essential Guide to Lithium Treatment, Basel, Switzerland: Springer, 2016, p. 93, <https://books.google.com/books?id=ePg0DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA93>.

[35] Be wary of the aspartate form. According to Greenblatt (op. cit., p. 73) it may be linked to “excitotoxicity,” which is “[o]ne common pathway of numerous degenerative diseases…,” according to Julie Holland, The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis, New York: Simon & Schuster, 2010, eBook, <https://books.google.com/books?id=tV0oDwAAQBAJ>.

[36] Greenblatt, Integrative Medicine for Alzheimer’s, op. cit., pp. 73-74. Note that, in the past (say late 1940s to early 1950s), some heart patients taking lithium chloride “developed lithium poisoning”, ibid., p. 38.

[37] Holland, The Pot Book, loc. cit.

[38] Joan Bello, The Benefits of Marijuana: Physical, Psychological and Spiritual, Susquehanna, Penn.: Lifeservices Press, 2008, p. 159, <https://books.google.com/books?id=J0cdQ_yn9aEC&pg=PA159>. The same writer further relates this interesting historical anecdote. “In 2737 BC[,] …Emperor Shen Nung compiled the first Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Marijuana was classified as one of the Superior Elixirs of Immortality. It was prescribed for absent-mindedness.” Ibid.

[39] David Balfour and Marcus Munafò, The Neurobiology and Genetics of Nicotine and Tobacco, Cham, Switzerland: Springer, 2015, p. 96, <https://books.google.com/books?id=00KMBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA96>.

[40] Melissa Piasecki and Paul Newhouse, eds., Nicotine in Psychiatry: Psychopathology and Emerging Therapeutics, Washington, D.C. & London: American Psychiatric Press, 2000, p. 207, <https://books.google.com/books?id=YXKzlaQ4zLgC&pg=PA207>. See, also, Paul Newhouse, A. Potter, and R. Lenox, et al., “Effects of Nicotinic Agents on Human Cognition: Possible Therapeutic Applications in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases,” Medical Chemistry Research, vol. 2, 1993, pp. 628-642.

[41] Balfour and Munafò, The Neurobiology and Genetics of Nicotine and Tobacco, loc. cit. This nicotine research appears to be in early stages. As nearly as I can tell, the nicotine affects “different attentional functions” by acting through “nicotinic acetylcholine receptor[s]” which seems clearly to tie this intervention in with other research on Alzheimer’s relation to acetylcholine deficiency, cholinesterase inhibition, and so on. For more, see HERE & HERE.

[42] Shogo Tokuyama and Kazuo Nakamoto, “Pain as Modified by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids,” Ronald Watson and Fabien De Meester, eds., Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health, Amsterdam: Academic Press; Elsevier, 2014, p. 131, <https://books.google.com/books?id=HFgXAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA131>.

[43] Grace Giles, Caroline Mahoney, and Robin Kanarek, “Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cognitive Behavior,” Watson and De Meester, eds., Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health, p. 322.

[44] Alyssa Velasco and Zaldys Tan, “Fatty Acids and the Aging Brain,” Watson and De Meester, eds., Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health, op. cit., p. 212.

[45] Ibid.

[46] Evening Primrose Oil is a good source for the related Omega-6 fatty acids. But watch these! Too much of them can be problematic.

[47] <https://books.google.com/books?id=4f8Nj83E3R8C&pg=PA238>.

[48] <https://books.google.com/books?id=4f8Nj83E3R8C&pg=PA258>.

[49] To make matters more confusing, there’s also the related Nicotinamide, a.k.a. Niacinamide.

[50] Vernon Mark, Reversing Memory Loss: Medically Proven Methods for Regaining, Strengthening, and Preserving Your Memory, Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1993, p. 100, <https://books.google.com/books?id=CbxMI-MCNm0C>.

[51] Jonathan Graff-Radford, “Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer’s?” Mayo Clinic, Oct. 14, 2016, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/alzheimers/faq-20057895>. For more, see Abram Hoffer and Harold D. Foster, Feel Better, Live Longer with Vitamin B-3: Nutrient Deficiency and Dependency, Toronto: Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Press, 2007.

[52] Jonathan Graff-Radford, “Vitamin D: Can it prevent Alzheimer’s & dementia?” Mayo Clinic, May 30, 2018, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/vitamin-d-alzheimers/faq-20111272>.

[53] Joseph Mercola, Dark Deception: Discover the Truths About the Benefits of Sunlight Exposure, Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, 2008, pp. 71-72, <https://books.google.com/books?id=ay99sWUvTxoC&pg=PA71>.

[54] From a scholarly perspective, see Arrigo Cicero, Federica Fogacci, and Maciej Banach, “Botanicals and Phytochemicals Active on Cognitive Decline: The Clinical Evidence,” Pharmacological Research, Dec. 28, 2017, pp. 204-212, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29289576>.

The post 12 Surprising Treatments for Alzheimer’s Dementia appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

Many of these possible causes revolve around various observed defects (such as “beta-amyloid plaques” and “neurofibrillary tangles”) that present themselves in certain brain regions (e.g., hippocampus and cerebral cortex) of an Alzheimer’s-affected brain. Others have to do with detectable deficiencies (e.g., in neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, or in vitamins) or with the discovery of foreign substances (like bacteria and heavy metals) that deposit themselves in the brain.

For more information, read on.

Disclaimer

As I have stated elsewhere, I am not a doctor or medical professional of any kind. This article is based upon my own research. Where possible, I have quoted researchers who have far more expertise than I have. Nevertheless, readers should bear in mind that these possible cases have a hypothetical, speculative, or otherwise tentative quality. The precise cause (or causes) of Alzheimer’s is presently unknown. (See the bottom of the article for some additional provisos.)

Top Ten (10) Candidate Causes for Alzheimer’s

1.     Acetylcholine Deficiency

Biochemically, acetylcholine (C₇H₁₆NO₂) is produced by the body from the essential substance choline, which we may get from eggs, legumes, and soy. Functionally, acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that helps our nervous system send impulses amongst neurons and between nerve and muscle cells.

For all the questions surrounding this disease, one thing researchers are fairly confident in is that “acetylcholine levels are abnormally low in people with Alzheimer’s”.[2]

It is by no means clear that the decrease in acetylcholine levels causes Alzheimer’s. It is perfectly compatible with the evidence that some other thing(s) causes both Alzheimer’s and the observed decrease in “cholinergic” (that is, acetylcholine-related neural) activity.

However, because of the correlation, numerous pharmaceutical and herbal interventions revolve around two, interrelated, strategies.

What can you do to increase acetylcholine levels?

Number one, doctors may try to increase the bioavailable levels of the relevant neurotransmitter. Straightforwardly, this is done by supplementing with acetylcholine or its precursor, choline.

And, number two, physicians may also try to stop the body from further breaking down the acetylcholine that it has. This is usually accomplished by trying to hinder, or inhibit, the action of the acetylcholine-dissolving enzyme cholinesterase.

Thus, there is a class of drugs called, appropriately enough, “cholinesterase inhibitors.” This class includes (or at one time included) such drugs as: Aricept (Donepezil), Cognex[3] (Tacrine), Exelon (Rivastigmine), and Razadyne (GalantamineListen). For more on these pharmaceuticals, see HERE.

Various herbs – such as Calamus (Acorus calamus), Clubmoss (Huperzia serrata), Cubeb (Piper cubeba), Gingko (Gingko biloba), Ginseng, Chinese (Panax ginseng), Juniper (Juniperus spp.) – may also display cholinesterase inhibiting properties. For much more on these (and other) herbs, see HERE.

2.     Homocysteine Levels High

Whereas acetylcholine levels are generally low in Alzheimer’s patients, the levels of other substances are found to be quite high.

For instance, various investigations suggest that “people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have higher levels of homocysteine in the blood than other people…”.[4] In fact, “[o]ne …study found that elderly people with high levels of …homocysteine have nearly twice the risk of developing the disease.”

Homocysteine is an amino acid. It’s presence is bound up with the biological processes whereby the body breaks down methionine (for more on which, see HERE) and the chemically related amino acid cysteine.

What can you do to decrease homocysteine levels?

It turns out that one of the most effective ways to lower homocysteine levels is to ensure that you have adequate amounts of the Vitamin-B Complex. Vitamins B-6 (Pyridoxine), B-9 (Folic Acid), and B-12 (Cobalamin) lower homocysteine levels.

Thus, out-of-control homocysteine levels could itself be caused by Vitamin-B deficiency. (See further.)

3.     Infection

This one may be a real shocker. And it comes in several variations.

One article in the magazine New Scientist had the stupefying title “Gum disease may be the cause of Alzheimer’s…”.[5] What?!

Here’s the deal. Several groups of researchers have discovered a particular bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, in Alzheimer’s-affected brain regions.[6] This same bacterium is a common culprit in various gum inflammations (gingivitis) and gum infections (periodontitis).

It’s not clear how – or precisely when – the bacterium gets into the brain. It could be that poor dental hygiene enables bacteria to enter the bloodstream of otherwise healthy individuals and, ultimately, attack their brains. So, it could be a cause for Alzheimer’s.

On the other hand, it may only be “opportunistic”; the bacteria might simply take advantage of the fact that the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient is somehow more open to infection. This explanation might even be preferred since it seems plausible that dementia sufferers let their dental care slide.

Time – and additional research – may tell.

Another possible route for infection-to-Alzheimer’s comes from the Chlamydia pneumoniae bacterium. Unlike its sexually transmitted cousin, Chlamydia trachomatis, the former causes respiratory problems – including pneumonia.

In an autopsy-based study of around 30 brains – 15 with Alzheimer’s at death and 15 without – “[a]ll but one of the brains from Alzheimer’s patients were positive for C. pneumoniae; only one of the control brains was.”[7]

What can you do to counteract infections?

Firstly, you can try to ensure that you maintain good hygiene – both for yourself and your loved one. In terms of dental hygiene, this means brushing teeth after meals and flossing at least once per day. In general terms, it means observing good disease-mitigation practices around sick people. This involves washing hands correctly, covering mouths and noses when coughing/sneezing, properly discarding soiled tissues, not using “communal” towels, and disinfecting surfaces and dishes prior to use.

But, secondly, you should also ensure that your or your loved one’s diet and nutrition are optimal. This may include the observance of the so-called Alzheimer’s-friendly “MIND Diet,” about which you can read more HERE.

Thirdly, it is probably appropriate to seek advice or care from a competent medical professional. If the person is a modern medical practitioner, then he or she may prescribe one or more pharmaceutical antibiotics to address infections. These include: Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Cephalexin, Ciprofolxacin, Clarithromycin, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Penicillin, various Sulfonamides, and Tetracycline.

If the person is a naturopath or traditional healer, then he or she might recommend certain herbs – such as Bee Balm, Scarlet (Monarda didyma), Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), Garlic (Allium sativum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Oregano (Origanum vulgare), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Uva Ursi[8] (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) – and other substances – e.g., Honey – that have reputations as bacteria-fighters.

4.     Inflammation

We just mentioned gum inflammation. But inflammation can occur all over the body – including in the brain directly.

As it happens, “[i]nflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients is characterized by increased cytokines and activated microglia.”[9] In fact: “Epidemiological studies suggest reduced AD risk is associated with long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).”

These include over-the-counter offerings such as Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) and prescription-only drugs like Celebrex (Celecoxib), Feldene (Piroxicam), and Mobic (Meloxicam).

However, there may be other reasons why long-term NSAID use is not encouraged. For example, NSAIDS can cause damage to sensitive gut tissues and lead to ulcers.

What can you do about inflammation?

Thus, a person might wish to turn to alternatives, such as anti-inflammatory herbals. These include the following.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum “acuminatum”), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Frankincense, Indian (Boswellia serrata), Garlic (Allium sativum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and White Willow (Salix alba).

You should also be aware that there are other supplements that can have an anti-inflammatory effect, such as Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), Bromelain – derived from the Pineapple (Ananas comosus) – Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Glutathione (C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S), Magnesium (Mg), Resveratrol (C₁₄H₁₂O₃) – derived from Red Wine, Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima), and Vitamins A (Retinol), B-6 (Pyridoxine), C (Ascorbic Acid), D (Ergocalciferol), E (Alpha-Tocopherol), K (Phytonadione).

Additionally, your general diet can allay inflammation. Focus on green, leafy and cruciferous vegetables such as Bok Choy (Brassica chinensis), Broccoli (Brassica italica), Brussels Sprouts (Brassica gemmifera), Cabbage (Brassica capitata), Cauliflower (Brassica botrytis), Chard (Beta vulgaris), Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum), Kale (Brassica sabellica), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Watercress (Nasturtium officinale). Other veggies can do you well also, including Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Don’t forget your berries – Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis), and Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa). Additionally, you’ll want to add Olive Oil (Olea europaea) and Green Tea (Camellia sinensis). And, if you’re adventurous, you might spring for some mushrooms, including Maitake (Grifola frondosa) and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum).

For more on dietary considerations for Alzheimer’s, see my article on the “MIND Diet,” HERE.

But the main point is that their seeming positive effect on Alzheimer’s risk suggests that inflammation is a major factor in the onset of dementia.

5.     Metal Poisoning (Aluminum, Copper, Lead, Mercury)

Let’s take these one at a time.

Aluminum

We’re continually exposed to this light metal. (For a more in-depth look at the sources of exposure to this metal, see my articles HERE and HERE.) And although it’s role in the development of various dementias is not entirely clear. Our sketchy knowledge is enough to raise concerns.[10]

For example, “[a]luminum seems to accumulate in the brain with age, and high levels of aluminum are found in the brains of victims of Alzheimer’s Disease.” The author then makes the obvious follow-up point that it is presently unknown whether the aluminum build up “is a cause or an effect of the disease”.[11]

Copper

Copper is a complicated metal to discuss because theorists are sharply divided over its role in Alzheimer’s Disease. On the one hand, there are those who speak about “copper therapy” as a means of addressing cognitive impairment. There is no question that copper is a micro- or “trace” nutrient that our bodies require in small amounts.

In small amounts. Note that phrase well. This reason?

“Too much copper …can cause a variety of ailments, including …severe damage to the central nervous system. …[H]igh levels of copper are also associated with …disorders, including …senile dementia (senility).”[12]

To read some more about the views on copper, see HERE and HERE.

Lead

Lead presents us with yet another case of how the various candidate causes on this list can dovetail. One journal article reports: “exposure to lead can potentially be implicated in Aβ and tau aggregation in AD”.[13] To translate: lead exposure might actually increase a person’s likelihood of developing the “beta-amyloid” Plaques and “tau”-protein-constituted neurofibrillary Tangles that are two major indicators of the presence of Alzheimer’s Disease. (For more on these, see their entry, below.)

Mercury

One author was convinced that mercury dental amalgams were capable of producing “[n]eurological …changes,” including the sorts of “sensory” problems that one sees in Alzheimer’s Disease.[14]

Besides his own stories, he points readers towards Tom Warren’s book Beating Alzheimer’s[15] for additional testimonial evidence.

Among the strongest statements that I located comes from Herman Casdorph and Morton Walker. Writing in their book, Toxic Metal Syndrome, they declare:

“Dental amalgams that allow mercury vapors to escape into the facial tissues, body, and/or brain cannot be excluded as a primary potential source of Alzheimer’s disease. …[T]here is no question that mercury vapor escapes with time from the surfaces of amalgams… There is definite evidence that mercury is shunted quickly from the blood and deposited in all organ tissues around the nervous system and brain.”[16]

The authors proceed to describe a study involving 22 autopsies – 10 performed on the brains of deceased Alzheimer’s patients, and 12 performed on non-sufferers functioning as the “control” group. The purpose was to catalog the prevalence of 13 “trace elements.”

The result?

The study’s authors stated: “[T]he elevation of mercury in …[Alzheimer’s] brains is the most important of the imbalances we observed. …This and our previous studies suggest that mercury toxicity plays a role in neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease.”[17]

Moreover, at least one pair of writers thought that mercury toxicity could be made worse when it occurred in the presence of other metals, chiefly copper and zinc.[18]

For more on possible sources of environmental mercury, including the aforementioned dental fillings, light bulbs (including compact-fluorescent and mercury-vapor), seafood (like tuna), and (some) vaccines, see my articles HERE and HERE.

What can you do about metal poisoning?

One common therapy for metal exposure is chelation. During chelation, certain substances are introduced into the body that form bonds with various metals, allowing them to be excreted.

Pharmaceutical-grade chelators include Ethylene-Diamine-Tetra-Acetic Acid (EDTA) – for lead and mercury; Di-Mercapto-Propane-Sulfonic Acid (DMPS) for mercury and Polonium-210; and Di-Mercapto-Succinic Acid (DMSA), for Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), and Mercury (Hg). Glutathione (C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S) and Metallothionein (MT) are supposed to reduce levels of Arsenic, Cadmium (Cd), Lead, and Mercury. Additionally, Selenium (Se) is reportedly effective against Mercury as well. Transferrin is used to counteract Iron (Fe) poisoning.

Among the reputed alternative/herbal chelators are Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris), Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), Garlic (Allium sativum), Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), and Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis).

Finally, various “Probiotics” (that is, “good” bacteria that live in your gut) – including Bifidus (Bifidobacterium longum), Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus), and Rhamnosus (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) – are possibly effective at reducing Cadmium and Lead.

6.     “Oxidative Stress”

Here’s the theory. “In the aging brain, as well as in the case of several neurodegenerative diseases, there is a decline in the normal antioxidant defense mechanisms, which increases the vulnerability of the brain to the deleterious effects of oxidative damage.”[19]

“Oxidative damage” is a bit obscure. In biochemical oxidation, some substance loses electrons. The most vivid example that I could find comes to us from everyday experience, rather than from biology. Iron turned into rust when it has lost electrons – that is, when it has been oxidized.[20]

Well, apparently, a similar change can occur inside of your body. There are some substances that can cause parts of your insides to “oxidize.” When this happens, if I understand correctly, the electrons are sort of carried around the body attached to particles typically called “free radicals.” These free radicals are unstable and are looking for something to react with. And the whole tangled business is, well… it’s bad, m’kay.

How bad? Well, some commentators suspect: “[A]ccumulated oxidative injury …results in many brain disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.”[21]

What can you do about oxidation?

Whether or not this amounts to a hard and fact causal connection, we can leave to the researchers to decide. But all this is one reason why I want to pepper my diet with oxidation-inhibiting substances called antioxidants. One of the best known of these antioxidants is good ol’ Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). (For more on this, see HERE.) I don’t know about you, but I’ll be loading up on the stuff.

Other fantastic (in the colloquial sense, of course) antioxidants are Beta-Carotene (C₄₀H₅₆), Lutein (C₄₀H₅₆O₂) and Lycopene (C₄₀H₅₆); Selenium (Se); Vitamin A (Retinol); Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol); and Zinc (Zn).[22]

The hormone Melatonin (C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂) is also reportedly powerful in this regard, as are Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), Astaxanthin (C₄₀H₅₂O₄), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Glutathione (C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S), Methionine (C₅H₁₁NO₂S), N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH),[23] and the enzyme Super-Oxide Dismutase (SOD).

From an herbal standpoint, Burdock (Arctium lappa), Catnip (Nepeta cataria), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Garlic (Allium sativum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis), Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), Oregano (Origanum vulgare), Peppermint (Mentha × piperita), Pine, Maritime (Pinus pinaster),[24] Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Turmeric (Curcuma longa).

As usual, diet is extremely important. “[M]any antioxidants can be obtained from food sources such as sprouted grains and fresh fruits and vegetables…”.[25] Berries like Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Blueberry, Wild (Vaccinium angustifolium) and Goji Berry (Lycium chinense) and noteworthy. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is also potent. The Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and Walnut (Juglans nigra) should also get special mention. And, again, green vegetables pack a wallop. For a start, refer back to the list provided under Inflammation, above.

But, for much more information on dietary recommendations – including a more complete enumeration of fruits, grains, meats, and vegetables – that are specifically geared toward Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, see my previous article on the “MIND Diet,” HERE.

7.     Oxygen Deficiency (“Hypoxia” & Ischemia)

Okay. Time for a few definitions. “Hypoxia” – meaning, roughly, under-oxygenated – has to do with states of oxygen deprivation. “Ischemia” refers to a state in which the brains (or heart’s) blood supply gets cuts off. This might occur because of a narrowing of the blood vessels. Or it might happen as the result of a blood clot (called a thrombus) “clogging” an artery or vein.

In any event, our organs need oxygen to live. It is unsurprising, therefore, that ischemia often precedes (or occurs alongside) infraction – which denotes the death of body tissue due to insufficient oxygen.

If brain tissue can literally die from lack of oxygen, though, there is little question but that “ischemia and hypoxia” sometimes “result in dementia” – including Alzheimer’s.[26]

One researcher[27] has opined that “cerebrovascular dementia is a matter of strokes large and small.”[28] This leads many to further insist that stroke-precipitated dementias “should be distinguished from Alzheimer’s disease…”.[29]

Regardless, oxygen deprivation can cause severe – and lasting – cognitive impairment.

One of the most intriguing pharmaceutical interventions is a substance known as Ergoloid (Hydergine). It was discovered (or developed, depending on how you view it) by Albert Hoffman of Sandoz. Recognize the name? He was also the man most associated with the hallucinogenic drug Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), often referred to as “acid.” In any case, Ergoloid is reputed to increase blood circulation and oxygenation. But it’s mechanisms of action are not well understood.

What can you do about oxygen deficiency?

Hypoxia can interrelate with other conditions, such as asthma or pneumonia. During acute, and identifiable, hypoxic episodes, a person suffering from hypoxia (or the related “hypoxemia,” when blood-oxygen levels are dangerously low) may require oxygen masks or other breathing apparatus. This is an emergency. During such an event, doctors or other hospital staff will keep tabs on oxygen levels and intervene as necessary.

In some cases, it may be appropriate to administer bronchodilators such as: Albuterol (Ventolin), Aminophylline (Euphyllin), Fluticasone (Flonase), Fluticasone & Salmeterol (Advair), Formoterol (Foradil), Ipratropium (Atrovent), Levalbuterol (Xopenex), Mometasone (Nasonex), Salmeterol (Serevent), Theophylline (Theochron), Tiotropium (Spiriva), and Vilanterol (Breo Ellipta).

Herbs sometimes employed in this context include: Asthma Plant (Euphorbia hirta), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Chamomile, German (Matricaria chamomilla), Coneflower, Pale Purple (Echinacea pallida), Coneflower, Purple (Echinacea purpurea), Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) Guelder Rose (Viburnun opulus), Gumplant, Hairy (Grindelia hirsutula), Indian Coleus[30] (Plectranthus barbatus), Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata), Khella (Ammi visnaga), Licorice (Glycyrriza glabra), Ma-Huang (Ephedra sinica), Nettle, Stinging (Urtica dioica), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Skullcap, Baikal (Scutellaria baicalensis), Sweetheart (Desmodium adscendens), and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris).

In more serious cases of respiratory distress, a physician might order an injection of Adrenaline (Epinephrine; EpiPen, etc.) – which is a both a hormone and a neurotransmitter – or some sort of oral steroid, like Dexamethasone (Decadron), Methylprednisolone (Medrol), Prednisone (Deltasone), or Prednisolone (Orapred).

Another possibly relevant concern is poor circulation. This can be addressed both proactively and therapeutically. Good eating habits are the foundation, here. This will include things like Oranges (Citrus X sinensis), as well as various kinds of fish, nuts, and red wine (in moderation). Since the Alzheimer’s-focused “MIND Diet” is based upon the heart-conscious “DASH Diet,” I invite you to see my main diet- and nutrition-related article, HERE.

However, be aware that supplements can be helpful. Some amino acids can be helpful, for example Arginine (L-Arginine), Carnitine (L-Carnitine), and Citrulline (L-Citrulline). Several vitamins and minerals are worth mentioning, also, including Magnesium (Mg), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), and Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol).

Among the quality circulation-improving herbs are Barberry (Berberis vulgaris); Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum); Garlic (Allium sativum); Ginger (Zingiber officinale); Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba); Ginseng, Siberian (Eleutherococcus senticosus); Ginseng, Southern[31] (Gynostemma pentaphyllum); Goji Berry[32] (Lycium chinense) Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus); Lotus, Sacred (Nelumbo nucifera); Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca); Pepper, Cayenne (Capsicum annuum “acuminatum”); Pine, Maritime (Pinus pinaster); Prickly Ash, Common (Zanthoxylum americanum); Purslane, Common (Portulaca oleracea); Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea); Sage, Red (Salvia miltiorrhiza); Turmeric (Curcuma longa); and Woflberry, Chinese[33] (Lycium barbarum).

8.     “Plaques & Tangles”

“The cause and progression of Alzheimer’s disease are not well understood. Research indicates that the disease is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain.”[34]

This, then, is the received view of Alzheimer’s, that one of its telltale signs is the presence of these “senile plaques and neurofibrillary changes,” including the so-called “tangles.”[35]

As mentioned in a previous section, the plaques are generally made up of something called “beta-amyloid” protein. And the tangles are composed of “tau” protein.

So, another author reports: “When we use a microscope to look at the brain of a deceased person who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, two abnormal structures can be seen: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Some elderly people without dementia have small amounts of plaques and tangles in their brain. In Alzheimer’s disease, however, there are many. …[P]laques are most prominent in the brain regions that are important for memory, thinking, and decision-making. These regions include the hippocampus and temporal and parietal regions of the cerebral cortex.”[36]

It’s an open question whether these structures are the cause of Alzheimer’s, or whether they themselves are caused by some other factor.

What can you do about plaques and tangles?

Presently and officially? Not much. Unfortunately.

However, there are experimental drugs[37] being developed (e.g., Aducanumab) that attempt to break up plaques and tangles. Some question the rationale behind this, however, since it may take more than the mere dissolution of plaques and tangles to beat Alzheimer’s. After all, beta-amyloid plaques are preceded by Amyloid Precursor Proteins, or APPs. Without a mechanism or strategy for ridding the protein waste, some people worry that busting up plaques will simply scatter the beta-amyloid and “encourage” its reassembly.

Additionally, certain herbs hold out promise of having “antiamyloidgenic” properties, including Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa), Magnolia (Magnolia offincalis), and Saffron (Crocus sativus). Additionally, some scientists suggest that Sulforaphane (contained in broccoli) and Resveratrol (in red wine) might also possess anti-amyloid potential.

For a bit more on these possible interventions, see my “Top 25 Herbs for Treating (& Avoiding) Alzheimer’s” and “Top 30 (+5) Supplements for Alzheimer’s Detoxification.”

9.     Toxin Exposure (Chronic)

Once again, this overlaps with at least one previous category – that of Metal Poisoning (for which, see above). But it turns out that researchers are concerned that our toxic-exposure problems go beyond mercury fillings and tuna fish.

Another set of worries revolves around “mycotoxins” (or fungal toxins) and pesticides. In this regard, one investigator had the following to say.

“Recent evidence suggests that in utero or early life-exposure to certain pesticides, metals, and other environmental contaminants may cause neurodegenerative (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, Huntington’s, ALS, and others), metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases, and cancer later in life.”[38]

What can you do to “detox”?

There are numerous strategies that you can use to help cleanse and detoxify your (or your loved one’s) body. I have written an entire article on this.

For the information, see: “Top 30 (+5) Supplements for Alzheimer’s Detoxification.”

10. Vitamin Deficiencies

The lines between these various candidate causes sometimes blur. And this final category provides us with a final example of this.

When the brain is deficient in certain vitamins – for example, various components of the B-Complex – “oxygenation cannot occur” and this, in turn, can present symptoms similar “to those in patients with hypoxia”.[39]

Additionally, as has been stated previously, it’s by no means obvious which way (if any) the causal direction moves. So, while it is possible that vitamin deficiencies could cause Alzheimer’s, some authors take contrary positions.

For example, one writer states that “…Alzheimer’s disease patients may develop nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine)…”.[40]

Other vitamins have been mentioned in connection with Alzheimer’s as well.

One author mentions that “vitamin C may …be important in preventing Alzheimer’s…”.[41]

Another warns: “There is strong evidence that links vitamin D deficiency to multiple sclerosis and a growing body of research associating it with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as well.”[42]

What can you do about vitamin deficiencies?

There are two primary and interconnected approaches. The first is to ensure (to the best of your ability) that you and your loved one are getting adequate levels of nutrients from your food. The basic starting point, here, is the so-called “Recommended Daily Allowances” (or RDAs)[43] that are established by the National Academy of Medicine.

Once again, I have a whole post just diving into this aspect of things. You can find that detailed dietary information, HERE.

Second, though, if there is a vitamin (or other) deficiency, then it might be appropriate to supplement with the vitamins that are lacking. I go into much more detail in “Top Ten (10) Nutrient & Vitamin Supplements for Alzheimer’s.”

A Few Summary Remarks

These Are Not the Only Candidate Causes

Although the ten possible causes just surveyed are among the most widely discussed, there are others that crop up in the literature from time to time.

For example, some investigators have observed (the fairly obvious fact) that Alzheimer’s risk increases with age. Well, some other things decrease with age, such as sex-steroid hormones (androgens, estrogens, and progestogens). So, some researchers posit a connection between dwindling levels of hormones such as estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone and Alzheimer’s Disease. Those who think this way may recommend hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) as an intervention.

Other authors try to pinpoint the cause of Alzheimer’s in an inability (in some people’s brains) to assimilate simple sugars and use them as energy. If this is so, it would suggest treatments such as the administration of glucose or alternatives. One alternative that has gained publicity recently is coconut oil.

For more on these, see my companion article: “12 Surprising Treatments for Alzheimer’s Dementia.”

Caveats

Genetic Caveat

After surveying the various, hypothetical causes, one might get a feeling of foreboding. It is possible that you might have a reaction similar to that voiced by the author of one of the source materials that I read.

He exclaimed: “After hearing all of this information, I wondered why we don’t all have Alzheimer’s.”[44]

And it’s a good question!

The answer could very well depend upon genetics. The major player, here, is the so-called “Apolipoprotein E,” abbreviated ApoE. It comes in three main variants: ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4.

This isn’t the space to delve too deeply into this subject. But it’s worth considering that the various causal candidates – or some weighted sum of them – might only actually precipitate Alzheimer’s in a subpopulation that is predisposed to it in virtue of having one or more of these genes.

Philosophical Caveats

Here are a few important limitations to any discussion about causation.

Firstly, if we’re being technical about things in a philosophical sense, we should acknowledge that there is vast disagreement over what causality actually is[45] (and, for some thinkers, whether it exists or not[46]). This really isn’t the place to dive into this. Suffice it to say that the topic is a tangled one.

Secondly, it is a well-known logical-scientific maxim that establishing the existence of a correlation doesn’t settle questions about causation. Even if it’s true that every single Alzheimer’s sufferer whatever has lower-than-normal levels of acetylcholine (see above), that doesn’t demonstrate that acetylcholine deficiency causes Alzheimer’s.

A playful example can perhaps help to illustrate the point. Let’s stipulate that the following is true. For every single thunderstorm whatsoever, a barometer will register a decrease in air pressure. Even if this is universally true, it would be quite wrongheaded to conclude that the drop in air pressure (or that the barometer itself!) “causes” the thunderstorm. Thunderstorm development is a complicated interplay of moisture and air masses. (That’s the best I can do since I’m not a meteorologist!) This complex process involves a reduction in air pressure and, in turn, a falling barometer. But, arguably, these things are not correctly identified as causes of thunderstorms.

The moral: Correlation does not imply causation. So, be careful.

Thirdly, and relatedly, there are several ways that two things can be correlated. And although a few do deal with causation, the “causal direction” might not be quite what you would expect.

Consider two things, X and Y, that are strongly correlated, such that if X is present then Y is too and if Y is present then X is too. Still, any of the following could be the case.

X might cause Y. This is a possible explanation for the correlation. But, equally possibly (for all we know given only this evidence), Y might cause X. But it’s worse than this because it might turn out that both X and Y are both caused by some third, as as-yet unidentified, thing (Z). Finally, it could well be that X and Y merely happen to be correlated without any causal explanation.

Notes:

[1] The word “senile” comes from the Latin word senex, meaning “old man.”

[2] Carol Turkington and Deborah Mitchell, The Encyclopedia of Alzheimer’s Disease, New York: Facts on File; Infobase Publ., 2010, p. 64, <https://books.google.com/books?id=SA2X3ZHUZaEC&pg=PT82>.

[3] This drug is no longer used.

[4] Turkington and Mitchell, The Encyclopedia of Alzheimer’s Disease, op. cit., p. 43, <https://books.google.com/books?id=SA2X3ZHUZaEC&pg=PT61>.

[5] Clare Wilson and Debora MacKenzie, “Gum Disease May Be the Cause of Alzheimer’s – Here’s How to Avoid It,” New Scientist, Jan. 24, 2019, <https://www.newscientist.com/article/2191842-gum-disease-may-be-the-cause-of-alzheimers-heres-how-to-avoid-it/>.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Paul Ewald, Plague Time: How Stealth Infections Cause Cancers, Heart Disease, and Other Deadly Ailments, New York: The Free Press; Simon & Schuster, 2000, p. 125, <https://books.google.com/books?id=HlmxmE6TMCwC&pg=PA125>.

[8] Also called “Bear-Berry.”

[9] Bharat Aggarwal, Anushree Kumar, and Alok Bharti, “Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin Derived from Turmeric (Curcuma longa),” Lester Packer, Sissi Wachtel-Galor, Choon Nam Ong, Barry Halliwell, eds., Herbal and Traditional Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, New York: Marcel Dekker, 2005, p. 700, <https://books.google.com/books?id=UxBFTHxVXQwC&pg=PA700>.

[10] On how aluminum may “induce” neurofibrillary Tangles (for more on which, see their entry, above), see James Brown, Jr., Environmental and Chemical Toxins and Psychiatric Illness, Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Publ., 2002, pp. 103ff.

[11] Robert Ronzio, The Encyclopedia of Nutrition & Good Health, New York: Facts on File, 1997, p. 24, <https://books.google.com/books?id=1bzCYeHoJ8sC&pg=PA24>. For more on this, see: C. Exley, Aluminum and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Science that Describes the Link, Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2001 and Frank Murray, Minimizing the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, New York: Algora Publ., 2012.

[12] Phyllis Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 5^th ed., New York: Avery; Penguin, 2010, p. 350.

[13] Anne Kim, Sungsu Lim, and Yun Kim, “Metal Ion Effects on Aβ and Tau Aggregation,” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 19, no. 1, Jan. 2, 2018, p. 128, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796077/>.

[14] Hal Huggins, It’s All in Your Head: The Link Between Mercury Amalgams and Illness, New York: Avery; Penguin, 1993, pp. 41-42, <https://books.google.com/books?id=7enhqv95boYC&pg=PA41>.

[15] Tom Warren, Beating Alzheimer’s: A Step Towards Unlocking the Mysteries of Brain Diseases, Garden City Park, N.Y.: Avery Pub. Group, 1991. See, also: Tom Warren, Reversing Chronic Disease: Getting Well Again, Washington, D.C. & Chula Vista, Cal.: Capital Univ. School of Integrated Medicine; New Century Press, 2004.

[16] Herman Casdorph and Morton Walker, Toxic Metal Syndrome, New York: Avery; Penguin, 1995, p. 156, <https://books.google.com/books?id=7GJEveEcurMC&pg=PA156>.

[17] Ibid., pp. 156 & 158. In other words, mercury came in first; bromine was second. The study tested for Bromine, Cesium, Chromium, Cobalt, Iron, Mercury, Potassium, Rubidium, Selenium, Silicon, Silver, Sodium, and Zinc.

[18] Hal Huggins and Thomas Levy, Uninformed Consent: The Hidden Dangers in Dental Care, Charlottesville, Virg.: Hampton Roads Publ., 1999, n.p., <https://books.google.com/books?id=ePkelycnYAEC>.

[19] Carmelina Gemma, Jennifer Vila, Adam Bachstetter, and Paula Bickford, “Oxidative Stress and the Aging Brain: From Theory to Prevention,” David Riddle, ed. Brain Aging: Models, Methods, and Mechanisms, Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press; Taylor & Francis, 2007, chap. 15; online at <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK3869/>.

[20] Oxidation is usually spoken of in tandem with “reduction,” which is the technical term for a substance’s gaining electrons. Therefore, some sources describe the overall reaction – where one thing gains the electrons lost by the other thing – a redox reaction.

[21] Tetsuya Konishi, Haruyo Ichikawa, and Hiroshi Nishida, “Protection of Oxidative Brain Injury by Chinese Herbal Medicine,” Lester Packer, Sissi Wachtel-Galor, Choon Nam Ong, Barry Halliwell, eds., Herbal and Traditional Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, New York: Marcel Dekker, 2005, p. 560, <https://books.google.com/books?id=UxBFTHxVXQwC&pg=PA560>.

[22] Man-made and chemical antioxidants such as Butylated Hydroxy-Anisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxy-Toluene (BHT), and Propyl Gallate (Gallic Acid) are sometimes used in cosmetic- and food-preservative applications. Other compounds, like Tertiary Butyl-Hydro-Quinone (TBHQ), are employed in more “industrial” contexts.

[23] The missing “H” in the name has to do with the fact that NAD exists in both oxidized and reduced variants.

[24] This extract is sometimes marketed under the trademarked name “Pycnogenol.”

[25] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 65.

[26] See, e.g., Wilma Wasco and Rudolph Tanzi, Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia, Humana Press, 1997, <>.

[27] 20^th-21^st– century Canadian neurologist C. Miller Fischer. See, also: José Merino and Vladimir Hachinski, “Introduction: What Is Vascular Cognitive Impairment?” Olivier Godefroy, ed., The Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology of Stroke, Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press, 2013, p. 1, <https://books.google.com/books?id=s5FxQ_3SAwkC&pg=PA1>.

[28] Charles Gaitz, ed., Aging and the Brain: The Proceedings of the Fifth Annual Symposium Held at the Texas Research Institute of Mental Sciences in Houston, October 1971, New York: Plenum Press, 1972, p. 119, <https://books.google.com/books?id=zMtJAQAAIAAJ>.

[29] Gaitz, ed., Aging and the Brain, op. cit., p. 119.

[30] Also known as “Forskohlii.”

[31] Also called “Jiaogulan.”

[32] This is sometimes referred to as the “Chinese Wolfberry.”

[33] A.k.a. the “Matrimony Vine.”

[34] Samuel Barrack, Advances in Research and Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease, London: iMedPub, 2012, blurb, <https://books.google.com/books/about/Advances_in_Research_and_Treatment_for_A.html?id=opDoR1LDACMC>.

[35] Gaitz, ed., Aging and the Brain, op. cit., p. 119.

[36] Sonja Lillrank and Christine Collins, Psychological Disorders: Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, New York: Chelsea House; Infobase Publ., 2007, pp. 48-49, <https://books.google.com/books?id=YJ_bMZhpuTYC&pg=PA48>.

[37] At various points, there has also been effort put toward the development of an anti-amyloid vaccine – e.g., UB-311. The idea, I think, it to try to elicit the body to attack plaques as they begin to form. However, this project does not appear to have had much success so far.

[38] Ramesh Gupta, Biomarkers in Toxicology, San Diego, Cal.: Academic Press; Elsevier, 2014, p. 4, <https://books.google.com/books?id=EMpUAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA4>.

[39] Gaitz, ed., Aging and the Brain, op. cit., p. 173.

[40] Casdorph and Walker, Toxic Metal Syndrome, op. cit., p. 18, <https://books.google.com/books?id=7GJEveEcurMC&pg=PA18>. He adds that this is often due to “routine, excessive, drinking of alcohol.” Ibid. Other writers speak as if Vitamin-B deficiency can be “Misdiagnosed Alzheimer’s.” On this, see Marie Mczak, The Secret of Staying Young: Age Reversal for Mind and Body, Twin Lakes, Wis.: Lotus Press, 2001, p. 19, <https://books.google.com/books?id=OtOVub6NH1AC>.

[41] Raquel Guine, Vitamin C: Dietary Sources, Technology, Daily Requirements and Symptoms of Deficiency, New York: Nova Science Publ, 2013, blurb, <https://books.google.com/books/about/Vitamin_C.html?id=BiXXngEACAAJ>.

[42] S. Roman and E. Monwry, “Vitamin D and the Central Nervous System: Development, Protection, and Disease,” Emilia Liao, ed., Extraskeletal Effects of Vitamin D: A Clinical Guide, Cham, Switzerland: Humana Press; Springer Intl., 2018, p. 232, <https://books.google.com/books?id=SYlXDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA232>. In yet a further case of interrelation, the author reminds readers that all four named conditions share certain features in common, such as “oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death.” Ibid. Several of these have their own entries on this list.

[43] Also called “Dietary Reference Intake,” or DRI.

[44] Huggins and Levy, Uninformed Consent, n.p., loc. cit.

[45] Some people think of causation as nothing other than statistical correlation. On this view, saying “A causes B” is just to say that A and B are strongly correlated in some (particular) way. Others prefer what is called the “counterfactual” account of causality. On this picture, saying that “A causes B” means that if A hadn’t happened, then B wouldn’t have happened. There are many other perspectives.

[46] Those who believe that it does exist are sometimes referred to as causal realists. Those who disbelieve in it – at least, as its usually conceived – fall into either an antirealist camp (those who claim that “causal claims” are merely abstractions) or a nihilist camp (those who think either that there are no true causal claims or that there just is no such thing as “cause” at all).

The post 10 Possible Causes for Alzheimer’s (& How to Address Them) appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

In other posts (see, e.g., HERE and HERE), I’ve pointed out that some researchers suspect that certain varieties of dementia might be precipitated by exposure to toxins. “Exposure,” here, could be contact with things (from metals and mold to herbicides and pesticides) in the environment. Or it could possibly be due to drinking contaminated water or taking particular (and “hepatotoxic”[1] – see below) pharmaceuticals over a long period of time. Toxins may build up inside of your body over time. So, the question arises: Can “detoxication,” or the process of ridding your body of toxins, be a part of Alzheimer’s treatment or prevention?

In line with my “betting strategy” – that is, my emphasis on things to try to improve your odds of Alzheimer’s avoidance or Alzheimer’s survival – I’m going to say: Tentatively… yes.

The liver is of utmost importance, here.[2] As one herbalist put it: “The liver is your toxic-waste disposal plant.”[3] But there are many things that can go wrong with it. One manual[4] listed the four main reasons for liver strain or outright failure.

• Exposure to poisons and toxins. Acute poisoning is occasionally a concern – particularly for a cognitively impaired individual. But the chief difficulty comes from chronic exposure. Even low quantities of a mildly toxic substance can have deleterious and detrimental, cumulative effects over long periods of time. To read additional information about the potential dangers of home-related toxins, see my article, HERE. For my database of household hazards, see HERE. (For plant poisons and allergy-triggering plants, see HERE and HERE.)
• Inadequate diet/poor nutrition. Diets lacking in essential minerals and vitamins cannot support healthy liver function – or healthy brain function, for that matter. You’ll want to avoid or reduce “junk” foods – especially processed and sugar-rich foods. For more specifics on what (and what not) to eat, see my article on the Alzheimer’s “MIND Diet,” HERE.
• Overindulgence in food/alcohol. Overeating and long-term alcohol use both heavily tax the liver. Readers interested in pursuing the alcohol angle, can click HERE.
• Chronic drug use or abuse. This category includes such substances as caffeine as well as prescription drugs.

It is interesting to think about these categories in relation to the three hypothesized “subtypes” of Alzheimer’s Disease. (For more on this speculative taxonomy, see HERE.) These are:

• Inflammatory Type I Alzheimer’s
• Nutrient-Deficiency Type II Alzheimer’s
• Brain-Toxicity Type III Alzheimer’s

Clearly, here, we’re focused on the hypothetical third type. If there really is a variety of Alzheimer’s that can be precipitated by exposure to environmental (or other) toxins, then it would be helpful to have some strategy in place for periodic liver (and other) detoxification.

One aspect of this can be addressed with various herbal and nutritional supplements. So, without any further ado, here is my list of some important supplements with reputations as detoxifiers.

The Top Thirty (30) Detoxification Supplements

1.     Apple Pectin (from Malus pumila)

To put is simply, “pectin” is a plant-based fiber. Usually found in fruits, pectin is often found in the baking aisle of your local supermarket, since (among other things) it’s used for thickening homemade jelly. (It’s also incorporated into certain cosmetic products, such as makeup “foundation” and hair conditioner, as well as pharmaceutical drugs, for example anti-diarrheal medications.)

Apples are one of the principal sources of pectin. And, apropos of our present topic, it turns out that Apple Pectin “[h]elps to detoxify heavy metals.”[5] It’s also available in capsule form.

2.     Arginine (L-Arginine)

Arginine is often employed for cardiovascular difficulties – for example, poor blood flow or circulation. But it also “[h]elps to detoxify ammonia, a by-product of protein digestion that can accumulate when the liver isn’t functioning correctly.”[6]

3.     Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Artichoke has been used medicinally by traditional healers. For one thing, it is reputed have anti-oxidant qualities. It’s also been employed similarly to Asparagus (see below) as a “hangover” cure. One reason for this is that is supposed to stimulate the liver’s production of bile.

But, along with Dandelion and Milk Thistle (and other herbs) Artichoke is also supposed to be a potent liver detoxifier. “Globe artichoke leaf has been used traditionally to increase bile flow and act as a protective agent against various toxins.”[7]

“In particular Globe Artichoke leaves have a well-established reputation for restoring liver health…”.[8] One herbalist effused: “You can – and should – literally inundate your diet with every sort of artichoke as much as possible. These products love your liver.”[9]

4.     Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

Asparagus is widely regarded as a potent alcohol “hangover” remedy. But, according to at least one peer-reviewed scientific journal, among its other “biological functions” is “the protection of liver cells” against various toxins.[10] In other words, it’s got detoxification qualities.

5.     Beet, Garden (Beta vulgaris vulgaris)

Believe it or not, Beets have been used as detoxifying agents for hundreds of years. “Betalains, particularly betanin, are powerful stimulators of the body’s own …detoxification enzymes that …help clear the system of environmental toxins known as xenobiotics – chemicals foreign to living organisms.”[11]

6.     Birch, American White (Betula pubescens)

This one lies a little off the beaten path. It’s sometimes recommended for joint problems. Herbalists Julie Bruton-Seal and Matthew Seal write that “[t]he fresh leaves or buds or birch offer a powerful …tea for general detoxing…”.[12] Birch is supposed to help get rid of toxins from the blood (similar to Burdock) and the kidneys/urinary tract (like Dandelion and Stinging Nettle).

7.     Broccoli (Brassica oleracea italica)

Wow: Broccoli! What to say?

It’s supposed to be a fantastic place to get Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9) – which is itself reputed to be an Alzheimer’s-proofing vitamin. (See “Top 10 Nutrient and Vitamin Supplements for Alzheimer’s.”)

Along with other green vegetables such as Cabbage (Brassica capitata), Brussels Sprouts (Brassica gemmifera), Kale (Brassica sabellica), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and so on, Broccoli is a fixture of the Alzheimer’s-friendly “MIND Diet.” (For much more detail on that – including specific recommendations – see HERE.)

But, wouldn’t you know it? Broccoli – at least in its “microgreen” form – is also reported to be a detoxifying agent. “Sulphoraphane, from broccoli-sprout extract, …stimulate[s] the body’s production of detoxification enzymes…”.[13] (For additional information on microgreens, see HERE and HERE.)

As a bonus, Broccoli’s sulphoraphane is also being investigated as a cancer-fighter. So, eat up! (Pinch your nose if you have to.)

8.     Burdock (Arctium lappa)

This is one of the top five detoxifiers, for sure. It may have a salubrious effect on the liver and other organs, but it’s really known a tonic for the blood.

“Burdock is a significant detoxing herb in both Western and Chinese medicinal traditions.”[14] “Burdock root, Dandelion root, Milk Thistle, and Red Clover all… aid in cleansing the blood-stream. …Burdock, echinacea, horsetail, and licorice[15] have detoxifying properties.”[16]

9.     Calendula (Calendula Officinalis)

Calendula is typically recommended for digestion-related conditions. For instance, it might be administered for various bowel and intestinal inflammations, gastro-esophageal reflux disease i.e., GERD), or even ulcers of one kind or another.

For our purposes, I note that some sources flatly report that “Calendula is a cleansing and detoxifying herb…”.[17]

10. Charcoal (Activated carbon)

This one is a bit different from some of the others on this list. First of all, it’s not an herb. Though, neither are Arginine, Citrulline, or Coenzyme-A (which see). Secondly, unlike Dandelion, Milk Thistle, and Yellow Dock, it doesn’t stimulate bile (that is, it’s not a choleretic). And charcoal doesn’t really get “circulated” throughout the body.

Instead, it basically passes straight through the digestive system. It basically works by physically encountering foreign or unwanted substances and absorbing them. Activated charcoal is ideal for this, since it has a huge and highly absorbent surface area.

Charcoal is sometimes administered in emergency rooms for certain types of acute poisonings or overdoses, such as from barbiturates, benzodiazepines, sedatives, and the like of that.

It doesn’t work on a lot of substances – for example, acids, cyanide, ethanol, or heavy metals. And it has to be ingested shortly after the poisonous substance was swallowed. It won’t work too long after exposure.

Additionally, if you take it alongside prescription medication – or even with your dinner – it may prevent your body from absorbing the drug or nutrients that you need.

Still, for all the caveats, I think that it’s good to have on hand… just in case.

11. Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

“Similar to dandelion, chicory also possesses liver cleansing and detoxifying properties.”[18] “Traditional foods that are noted for their beneficial effects on the liver include the bitter leaves of dandelion and chicory.”[19]

12. Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris)

Alternative-medical guru Joseph Mercola states that “Chlorella …is one of the most powerful detoxification…” herbs.[20] He even opines that it specializes in ridding the body of heavy metals – including mercury. (See more on heavy-metal poisoning, see HERE and HERE.)

Another writer underscores this, writing: “Chlorella works to clear the body of toxins, heavy metals and poisons.”[21]

13. Chrysanthemum/Ju Hua Cha/Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

This one comes from Asian medicine. Recently, the New York-based, Chinese-American newspaper Epoch Times reported that “chrysanthemum …helps to support the liver …[and] eliminate toxins… [Chrysanthemum tea] purifies the blood and improves blood flow. It detoxifies the liver and helps to improve vision and hearing.”[22]

A few other Chinese herbals should receive honorable mentions as detoxifying agents. Huang Lian (Rhizoma coptidis), Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae), Ling Nut (Trapa natans), and Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae) stick out in this regard. If you have a special affinity for traditional Asian medicine, then you might want these to your cabinet as well.

14. Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Like Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Cilantro is mostly employed as a spice. Also like basil, it is frequently used for digestive ailments, including cramps and gas. It also helps with bad breath – as does Parsley (Petroselinum crispum).

Recently, however, Cilantro has gained recognition as a “chelator.” Very roughly, chelation is a biochemical process whereby a substance – usually a metal – is converted into a form in which it can be excreted from the body. One danger of metals in the body is that they may be stored and build to toxic levels. So, the thinking goes, if we’ve been exposed to, or ingested, metals, then we may require chelation in order to rid ourselves of the offending material and guard against its lasting ill effects.

And… you probably guessed it. Cilantro is now regarded in some circles as facilitating this chelation process.

According to one source, Cilantro facilitated the excretion of aluminum, lead, and mercury.[23] As Balch notes: “Chlorella and cilantro are helpful for absorbing toxic metals.”[24]

15. Citrulline (Citrulline Malate; L-Citrulline)

Citrulline is used for a variety of ailments and conditions, many of which revolve around bodily weakness or debility, including chronic fatigue, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction. Because of these uses, Citrulline is also favored by athletes.

For our purposes, I note that “Citrulline …detoxifies ammonia, which damages living cells.”[25]

16. Clover, Red & White (Trifolium pratense & Trifolium repens)

“In traditional herbal terms, red clover is an ‘alterative.’ This means that it cleanses and detoxifies the system.”[26] White Clover is simply a sister species. Hint: You might have it growing in your yard. Don’t kill it. And, for goodness sakes, don’t expose yourself to pesticides. Why not harvest it; and eat it?

17. Coenzyme A (C₂₁H₃₆N₇O₁₆P₃S)

This one is fairly complex. First of all, its actually generated in the body so long as one’s Vitamin-B-5 levels are optimal. “Taken as a supplement, coenzyme A …supports the manufacture of substances critical for the brain…”.[27] And, yep… it helps “remove toxins from the body.”[28]

18. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

One of the several “weeds” on this list, it is rich in vitamins. “The young leaves boiled up into a tea or eaten fresh in salads are detoxifiers…”.[29] And, once again… the stuff grows like a weed. But, don’t treat it like one! It’s a detox powerhouse.

19. Dimethylglycine (DMG)

Recent scientific research suggests that “DMG can protect the liver… [and] aid in detoxification.”[30] As an added bonus, and like Folic Acid (see HERE) DMG reportedly also helps to decrease homocysteine in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid that, in high amounts, supposedly increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s as well as cardiovascular conditions.

20. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is reputed to address (and prevent) heart disease and high blood pressure. It’s long been known as a powerful antibiotic. And many insist that it has anti-viral properties as well.

I have also written about it as a good addition to your Alzheimer’s regimen for other reasons. (See my “Top 25 Herbs for Treating (and Avoiding) Alzheimer’s”.) In addition to all this, writer Phyllis Balch calls garlic “[a] potent detoxifier.”[31]

21. Glutathione (C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S)

Glutathione is an antioxidant that actually produced by the liver. However, it is possible to supplement with it. You might wish to do so on the theory that it will give your body a possibly much-needed detoxification assist.

One source had this amazing testimony to share. “So powerful is the antioxidant protection offered by …glutathione that it was able to prevent amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in …[a] laboratory model…”.[32]

Glutathione is sometimes administered intravenously to cancer patients. At the present time, there is not a huge amount of evidence about the effectiveness of taking supplements orally. But, as periodically reassert, I am merely trying to raise the probability that I will avoid Alzheimer’s Disease (and other forms of dementia). I’m not necessarily going to wait until Glutathione has gone through all the requisite clinical trials. If it’s safe – and from the information that I have laid eyes on – it appears to be, then I see its use on the level of a “bet.” I’m just stacking the odds in my favor as much as possible.

According to Balch, Glutathione “[a]ids in detoxifying” the body with a special emphasis on “reducing …the harmful effects …[of] drugs” of various kinds.[33]

Although I haven’t read this specifically in relation to Glutathione, you sometimes have to be careful supplementing with compounds that are produced by your own body. The reason, if I understand correctly, is that when your body produces a substance, it also monitors that substances levels with an aim toward regulating them and maintaining homeostasis. So, sometimes what can happen (and this may occur with hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and even melatonin) is that when you supplement with a substance, your body dials down (or shuts off) its own production of that substance. I’m not entirely sure that this applies to Glutathione, but I submit that it’s something you might want to keep in the back of your mind. Perhaps it might be best to take it periodically.[34]

22. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green Tea is chock full of antioxidants. Specifically, it contains a kind of plant-derived “micronutrient” (i.e., a nutrient that humans require only in small, or “trace,” amounts) called a polyphenol.

“Tea polyphenols support the liver’s enzyme detoxification system, which eliminates free radicals and toxins from the body.”[35]

23. Lemon Water (Citrus × limon + H₂O)

Lemon can also “[increase] oxygenation levels,”[36] which can have a neuroprotective effect on the brain. Furthermore, for those who are brave and inclined to try it, lemon water can also be used as an enema.[37]

24. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Also sometimes called St. Mary’s Thistle, “Milk thistle helps to detoxify the liver.”[38] In fact, it’s such a powerful liver-supporting agent that it can even be used for “the treatment and prevention of fibrosis and cirrhosis”.[39]

Milk Thistle should not be confused with Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus), which also has some cleansing/detoxifying properties.[40]

25. Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)

Oregon Grape is “a general tonic” that has been used in traditional healing to address both kidney and liver issues.[41] “Oregon grape root detoxifies the body…”.[42]

26. Pau D’Arco (Handroanthus impetiginosus)

“Pau d’arco …has detoxifying properties.”[43] Among this is its capability as a laxative/purgative. It shares this property along with other herbs such as Aloe (Aloe barbadensis), Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana),[44] Fumitory (for which, see the entry, above) and Senna (Cassia senna). Even Dandelion (also see above), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and Yellow Dock (see below) have mild laxative qualities.

27. Spirulina (Arthrospira maxima & Arthrospira platensis)

Although it’s sometimes called “blue-green algae,” Spirulina appears to be a kind of “good bacterium” that falls under the general category of cyanobacteria. Word on the interwebs has it that this stuff can be extremely potent as a heavy-metal detoxifier.[45]

28. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

“Modern-day naturopaths …use depuratives such as urtica [sic] to improve detoxification and elimination, thus helping to reduce accumulated metabolic waste products in the body.”[46] (A “depurative” is a purifying or detoxifying herb.)

29. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Predominantly known as a potent anti-inflammatory herb,[47] Turmeric is revealing that it also many other surprising qualities. As I have written elsewhere (see HERE, HERE, and HERE), this inflammation-fighting activity may be quite useful if it turns out that (some forms of) Alzheimer’s are precipitated by brain inflammation.

In any case, it also has been suggested that Turmeric – specifically its curcuminoids – has various “detoxifying properties”.[48]

30. Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)

Yellow Dock, also sometimes called Curly Dock, is regarded as an anti-inflammatory. It’s also prized for its purgative effects – particularly on the digestive system. However, of primary interest to us, here, is the fact that the cleansing ability of Yellow Dock “make[s] it an ideal liver-detox treatment…”.[49] This puts Yellow Dock in a class along with Dandelion, Milk Thistle, Red Clover and others on this list.

Five (5) Runners-up

1.     Boldo (Peumus boldus)

Boldo is supposedly useful for many digestive ailments. For example, it may be used to calm gastrointestinal upset and cramps. In this way, it is perhaps not unlike Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus), also known as Crampbark. It may also kill bacteria and intestinal worms, like Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium).[50]

Unfortunately, also like these other plants, Boldo is sometimes said to be harmful in large amounts – or over a long time. So, take care.

Still, one writer comments that among its “rumored …benefits …is …detoxing the liver.”[51]

2.     Cysteine (L-Cysteine) & N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

Researcher Phyllis Balch notes that Cysteine, and its sister, L-Cystine, “are important in detoxification.”[52] Ditto for their close cousin, NAC.[53]

Still, it’s a runner up on my list because of its uncertain relationship with homocysteine. As one scientific article puts it: “Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular diseases share a common risk factor, elevated blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid which becomes elevated by inadequate dietary intakes of vitamins B2, B6, B9 (folate) and B12.”[54]

If you keep your Vitamin-B levels up, you should be fine. (For more information, see “Top Ten (10) Nutrient & Vitamin Supplements for Alzheimer’s.”) But… be mindful.

3.     Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)

Fumitory is often used in homeopathic preparations. I underlined homeopathic in order to emphasize it. The basic difference between “homeopathy” and its complementary approach, allopathy, is this. In allopathic medicine, physicians treat symptoms by dispensing substances that produce opposite effects to those perceived by the physician. For example, if you have a fever, an allopath will prescribe a fever-reducer. Allopathic preparations tend to have quite a lot of active ingredient.

In homeopathic medicine, by contrast, a doctor will treat conditions by administering substances that tend to produce the same symptoms that are observed. However, in homeopathy, the amount of the substance is vanishingly tiny.

So, one might see the toxic Mercury (Hg) in certain homeopathic eardrops. And, as stated, fumitory, which contains the toxin fumarin, must be given carefully, under competent supervision, and only in minute quantities. Because of the danger, I can only conscionably list it as a “runner up.”

That said, it is still true that, along with Artichoke and Dandelion, Fumitory is sometimes listed as a potent “cholagogue,” that is, a substance that serves to “increase the flow and release of store bile from the gallbladder by stimulating gallbladder contraction.”[55] I advise you to consult a medical professional. Use Fumitory only with extreme caution.

4.     Ginseng, Chinese (Panax ginseng)

This is a bit of a change. To my knowledge, Ginseng isn’t poisonous or toxic in usual doses. And some sources list it as a detox agent.[56]

My main problem is that I simply couldn’t find a whole lot on Ginseng’s detoxifying activities. Ginseng is far better known as an “adaptagen” and a “revitalizer.”

Nevertheless, it’s arguably good for Alzheimer’s in general. “The German Commission E and the World Health Organization both approve Panax ginseng for use …in times of …declining capacity for work and concentration.”[57] For more information, see HERE, HERE, and HERE.

But, be advised: The name “Ginseng” is applied to at least nineteen (19) different plants! For a discussion, see my article, HERE.

5.     Methionine (L-Methionine)

Methionine assists the body in ridding itself of “harmful toxins.”[58] However, this has to be carefully tracked, since Methionine can convert to Homocysteine in the body, which (according to those in some research sectors) can increase a person’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s.[59]

Final Remarks

It is sometimes said that a farmer doesn’t grow a crop; he or she merely superintends while the plant grows itself. Likewise, some maintain that a doctor doesn’t heal the body. He or she just oversees while the body heals itself.

As I began by stating, the main job of detoxification is handled by your liver. Even so, your liver requires support. And it turns out “that a variety of natural compounds [activate] and [amplify] …the production …of protective and life-sustaining detoxification enzymes and antioxidants. Among these are curcumin, which comes from turmeric; green tea extract; resveratrol; sulphoraphane, derived from broccoli; and the omega-3 fat, DHA.” (For much more on Resveratrol, see HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE. And for more on Omega-3 Fatty Acids, see HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.)

Many of these supplements – and others enumerated, above – have little to no listed side effects, can be easily obtained, and (therefore) can be added in to your diet with little difficulty.

However, supplements are not magical. An herbal capsule or tea cannot make up for poor overall nutrition and cannot undo (at least, not overnight) a lifetime of dietary (or other) damage.

The moral of this story is this: Structure your Alzheimer’s-support and detoxification plan around a good diet. Accept no substitute.

Eat your veggies! As mentioned previously, the Alzheimer’s-friendly “MIND Diet” revolves heavily around the consumption of greens and miscellaneous vegetables.

Many of these have detoxing properties. “The commonly prescribed ones are carrot, celery and beetroot (often with a little ginger root), green vegetable juices with mint for increased detoxification. Chlorella (algae) can be added to this …for a real detoxification boost.”

Additionally, you’ll want to consume good quality fruits. Berries are especially good, here. The Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and the Chilean Wineberry, or Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) are standouts. I go into these HERE.

And you’ll definitely want to lay off (or entirely eliminate) the junk and processed food in your diet.

For a LOT more information on the dos and don’ts of dementia-prevention and dementia-treatment dieting, see my dedicated article: “The Alzheimer’s ‘MIND Diet’: What Should You Eat?”

Notes:

[1] This word means toxic to the liver. The Greek word for “liver” was hepar. Cognates of this word – for instance, “hepatic” – routinely show up in herbal and medical dictionaries.

[2] Many of the herbs (and other substances) on my list focus on liver detoxification. But some also help to purify other bodily systems – for instance, the circulatory and excretory systems. For herbs that give an assist to our nervous systems, see HERE.

[3] Jack Ritchason, The Little Herb Encyclopedia, 3^rd ed., Pleasant Grove, Utah: Woodland Health Books, 1995, p. 147.

[4] Phyllis Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 5th ed., New York: Avery; Penguin, 2010.

[5] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, p. 799.

[6] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, p. 337.

[7] Leah Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, Sydney, Australia: Elsevier Australia, 2012, p. 991, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA991>.

[8] Patricia Loh, Detox At Home: How to Get Rid Of Harmful Toxins From Your Body, Malaysia: Oak Publ. 2016, p. 29.

[9] Lloyd Wright, Triumph Over Hepatitis C: An Alternative Medicine Solution, India: Unistar Books, 2002, p. 204.

[10] See, e.g., B. Kim, Z. Cui, S. Lee, S. Kim, H. Kang, Y. Lee, D. Park, “Effects of Asparagus officinalis Extracts on Liver Cell Toxicity and Ethanol Metabolism,” Journal of Food Science, vol. 74, no. 7, Sept. 2009, pp. H204-H208, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19895471>.

[11] Nathan Bryan and Carolyn Pierini, Beet The Odds, Austin, Tex.: Neogenis Laboratories, 2013, <https://books.google.com/books?id=pI9VDQAAQBAJ>.

[12] Julie Bruton-Seal & Matthew Seal, Backyard Medicine: Harvest and Make Your Own Herbal Remedies, New York: Castle Books; Quarto Publ., 2012, p. 14.

[13] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 258.

[14] Bruton-Seal & Seal, Backyard Medicine, op. cit., p. 22.

[15] For more on Licorice, see HERE. Licorice is related to Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), which also has some detoxification actions.

[16] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., pp. 258 and 800.

[17] Disha Arora, Anita Rani, and Anupam Sharma, “A Review on Phytochemistry and Ethnopharmacological Aspects of Genus Calendula,” Pharmacognosy Reviews, vol. 7, no. 14, Jul.-Dec. 2013, pp. 179-187, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841996/>.

[18] Steph Zabel, “Chicory (Cichorium intybus Asteraceae): A Root for the Season,” Cambridge Naturals, Dec. 1, 2015, <https://www.cambridgenaturals.com/blog/chicory>.

[19] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 253, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA253>.

[20] “Chlorella: Use This Superfood to Help Remove Mercury From Your Tissues in Weeks,” Mercola [dot] com, Jan. 2, 2012, <https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/01/02/is-this-one-of-natures-most-powerful-detoxification-tools.aspx>.

[21] Beth Ley, Chlorella: The Ultimate Green Food: Nature’s Richest Source of Chlorophyll, DNA & RNA, Detroit Lakes, Minn.: BL Publ., 2003, p. 10.

[22] Margaret Trey, “Detox With Chrysanthemum Tea,” Epoch Times, Jun. 1, 2014; updated Oct. 25, 2018, <https://www.theepochtimes.com/detox-with-chrysanthemum-tea_706908.html>.

[23] Bruce Fife, Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing, Colorado Springs, Colo. Piccadilly Books, 2008, p. 144, <https://books.google.com/books?id=18bdNQAACAAJ&pg=pa144>.

[24] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 555.

[25] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 58. See also Lihua Zhu, Effects of Hepatic Triglyceride Accumulation on Hepatic Metabolism with Referance to Periparturient Cows, dissertation, Department of Dairy Science, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wis., 1999, pp. 7ff, <https://books.google.com/books?id=mDPZAAAAMAAJ>.

[26] “Historic Herbs: Red Clover for Hormone Balance and Detoxification,” Holland Landing Health Centre, Sept. 1, 2017, <https://hlhc.ca/news/historic-herbs-red-clover-hormone-balance-detoxification/>.

[27] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 79.

[28] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 308. See also David Jockers, “8 Proven Ways to Improve Your Detoxification System,” DrJockers [dot] com, n.d., <https://drjockers.com/improve-detoxification-system/>.

[29] Bruton-Seal & Seal, Backyard Medicine, op. cit., p. 52.

[30] Roger Kendall and John Lawson, “Recent Findings on N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG): A Nutrient for the New Millennium,” Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Port Townsend, Wash., MAY 2000; reproduced on VetriScience [dot] com, <https://www.vetriscience.com/white_papers/DMG_Townsend%20letter_2000.pdf>. This is seconded by Balch, who notes that DMG “detoxifies the body” and also “[e]hances immunity,” Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 725.

[31] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 282.

[32] David Perlmutter and Alberto Villoldo, Power up Your Brain: The Neuroscience of Enlightenment, Carlsbad, Cal.: Hay House, 2011, p. 104, <https://books.google.com/books?id=pnn43II86MgC&pg=PA104>.

[33] In context, Balch is writing about substance-abuse situations. But, frankly, one of the reasons that Glutathione may be give to cancer patients is because chemotherapeutic drugs are among the most dangerous and damaging compounds our bodies can be exposed to (without immediate death). So, my guess is that Glutathione may be effective for detoxing from both prescription and nonprescription drugs – whether they are legal or illegal.

[34] This is sometimes referred to as “cycling.” You might take it once a week, for instance. Or you might take it every day for a week and then not again for two weeks. It’s probably wise to seek the advice of a medical professional or nutritionist. I am neither!

[35] Lester Mitscher and Victoria Toews, The Green Tea Book, New York: Avery; Penguin, 2008, <https://books.google.com/books?id=b3GOBLdPoxYC>.

[36] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 373, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA373>.

[37] See Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 339. Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) and Coffee (e.g., Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora) also make for good detoxification enemas.

[38] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 390.

[39] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 267, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA267>.

[40] See, e.g., Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 131.

[41] Anthony J. Cichoke, Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies: A Comprehensive Guide to the Native American Tradition of Using Herbs and the Mind/Body/Spirit Connection for Improving Health and Well-Being, New York: Avery; Penguin, 2001, <https://books.google.com/books?id=WQuy8Qgib9AC>.

[42] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 369.

[43] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 800.

[44] Cascara Sagrada is also sometimes listed as a cleansing/detoxifying agent. (Ibid., p. 131.) However, because of its laxative action, it should probably be used carefully.

[45] Elizabeth Walling, “Natural Heavy Metal Detox With Chlorella and Spirulina,” The Nourished Life (blog), Oct. 13, 2018, <https://livingthenourishedlife.com/natural-heavy-metal-detox-with/>.

[46] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 515, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA515>.

[47] P. Ravindran, K. Babu, Kandaswamy Sivaraman, Turmeric: The Genus Curcuma, Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press; Taylor & Francis, 2007, p. 267, <https://books.google.com/books?id=P2ykHQi6RvMC&pg=pa267>.

[48] Ibid.

[49] Bruton-Seal & Seal, Backyard Medicine, op. cit., p. 48.

[50] Wormwood, like Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), has the ability to kill intestinal parasites. However, dosage is key. (For more on Black Walnut, see “Allergy-Triggering Plants.”)

[51] Malia Frey, “Boldo Tea: Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations,” Very Well Fit, Feb. 21, 2019, <https://www.verywellfit.com/boldo-tea-benefits-and-side-effects-4163849>.

[52] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 58.

[53] See “Top 9 Benefits of NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine),” HealthLine, n.d., <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nac-benefits>.

[54] Eddie Vos and Kilmer McCully, “Alzheimer’s Disease: Still a Perplexing Problem,” BMJ [The British Medical Journal], Jul 8, 2014, <https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g4433>.

[55] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 110, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA110>.

[56] See, e.g., Steven Schechter, Fighting Radiation & Chemical Pollutants With Foods, Herbs & Vitamins: Documented Natural Remedies That Boost Your Immunity & Detoxify, Encinitas, Cal.: Vitalty, Ink [sic], 1991, p. 68, <https://books.google.com/books?id=SBMNAQAAMAAJ>.

[57] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 1121, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA1121>.

[58] See, e.g., Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 337; cf. p. 524.

[59] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 1092, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA1092>.

The post Top 30 (+5) Supplements for Alzheimer’s Detoxification appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

But there is a nonneglible group of investigators who think that Alzheimer’s Disease – or at least some  forms of it (see HERE) – can be caused by various dietetic deficiencies and similar problems. These problems pertain to a wide range of nutrients and vitamins, including Acetylcholine, Vitamin B (Complex), Vitamin D, and Vitamin E. Additionally, other substances are hypothesized to be helpful for the avoidance or treatment of Alzheimer’s, or for the support of healthy brain function in general. These include Copper, L-Carnitine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Phosphatidylserine, Platinum, and Vitamin C.

10 of the Best Nutrients & Vitamins to Support Alzheimer’s Treatments (And Possibly Avoid Alzheimer’s to Begin With)

1.     Acetylcholine (C₇NH₁₆O₂+) & Choline (C₅H₁₄NO)

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, that is, a biochemical released by a neuron (nerve cell) that facilitates the transmission of messages in our nervous systems. Neurotransmitters are vital to healthy brain function. Problems with neurotransmitters (including their breakdown or deficiency) can result in cognitive, motor, and other dysfunctions.

In particular, a deficiency of acetylcholine has been suggested as a possible cause of Alzheimer’s.

It is available for direct nutritional supplementation. This being the case, it might be a good idea to take a little bit of the stuff, on the theory that your body will be less likely to “run out” of it.

However, the body is – in theory – capable of synthesizing acetylcholine. Another strategy, therefore, is to supplement with all the things that your body needs to make acetylcholine itself. There are several “ingredients” (loosely speaking), one of which is the essential nutrient Choline. Choline is available as its own supplement, or it may be obtained by taking Soy Lecithin (C₃₅H₆₆NO₇P) capsules.

Another ingredient seems to be Vitamin B-5. (For which, see below.) These necessary ingredients are called “precursors.” And since there is more than one precursor, the various ingredients are sometimes said to be “cofactors.”

2.     Carnitine[1] (C₇H₁₅NO₃)

Carnitine is an amino-acid derivative that appears to have several general health benefits. For one, it is supposed to rev up your body’s metabolism which, among other things, assists people in the burning of fat stores (leading to leaner physiques). It’s also reported to give a boost to immunity. But, for present purposes, the relevant fact is that carnitine shows promise as an Alzheimer’s-related intervention. In one study, going back to 1991, subjects treated with acetyl-L-carnitine “showed a slower rate of deterioration” than their placebo-imbibing compatriots.[2]

3.     Copper (Cu) & Zinc (Zn)

This one’s a bit tricky. (Or, rather… these two are tricky?)

On the one hand, some reports suggest that Copper is a prominent component of the plaques that gunk up an Alzheimer’s patient’s brain. This could be because the stuff bioaccumulates to a dangerous degree and should be consumed only with great caution. (Or it could be for some other, and as-of-yet unknown, reason.)

In this regard, at least one scientific article noted that Zinc supplementation could help to reduce Copper toxicity. The author stated: “Zinc therapy …protected against cognition loss …[and] significantly reduced …free copper in A[lzheimer’s]D[isease] patients…”.[3] So, perhaps Copper and Zinc “balance” each other in a way akin to that with which the electrolytes Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na) balance each other. Zinc comes in various forms. (For a rundown, see HERE.)

On the other hand, Copper is an important trace mineral that plays crucial roles in healthy nervous-system and neurotransmitter function. So, you don’t want to be deficient in it, either.

Perhaps the moral of the story is to keep your Copper levels in the “Goldilocks Zone” – not to low and not too high. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Copper is around 0.9 milligrams per day. You may wish to consult with a nutritionist for a more personalized recommendation. But, the RDA is as good a place as any to start.

4.     Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Maybe I should call the omega 3s the “big fish” in this list, in deference to one of their primary sources – fish oil. Joking aside: “Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exhibit neuroprotective properties and represent a potential treatment for a variety of neurodegenerative and neurological disorders.”[4]

Apart from this, Omega-3s support normal healthy brain, cardiovascular, heart, and other bodily functions. So, they made the cut.

There are actually three (3) subtypes of Omega-3 fatty acids: Alpha-Linolenic Acid, abbreviated ALA; Docosa-Hexaenoic Acid, or DHA; and Eicosa-Pentaenoic Acid, or EPA. Omega-3 supplements may include a blend of these. But, if yours doesn’t, you may wish to round things out by supplementing separately with the ones you seem to be missing.

5.     Phosphatidylserine (PS)

This difficult-to-pronounce “phospholipid” supplement has two different sources. On the one hand, it can come from cows (bovine PS); on the other, it can be derived from soybeans (soy PS).

What’s it good for? One article had this to say: “[Phosphatidylserine] decreased cholinesterase, improved memory, and improved hippocampal inflammation injury in A[lzheimer’s]D[isease-afflicted] brains…”.[5]

That’s an impressive list. Unfortunately, a lot of research pertains to bovine PS, which – following “Mad Cow Disease” (and similar) scares – is no longer commercially available. So, for right now, there is a question about whether the soy variety has the same benefits.

But, as I’ve mentioned in other places, I’m less interested in the answer than I am in avoiding Alzheimer’s. So, I’m tempted to add a bit of it to my supplement regimen. This is especially true since one apparent source of PS is soy lecithin – also a source of choline, mentioned earlier.

6.     Platinum, Colloidal (Pt)

This just something that I have gotten into recently. For reasons that I won’t go into, presently, I have become impressed that judicious supplementation with some metals might be salubrious.

While I won’t bet the farm on it, I think that platinum is interesting enough to pass along to curious readers. Call it a research lead.

According to one manufacturer of so-called “colloidal”-metal liquids, among platinum’s benefits are the following: “Promotes increased mental focus and concentration. Promotes enhanced mental acuity. …Promotes improved memory.”[6]

Anyway. It intrigues me.

Still, you want to be cautious when supplementing with any metal. You can overdo these things.

And as I have said myriad times on this website, I’m not a dietician, nutritionist, or medical practitioner of any kind. So, I could be way off base, here. Maybe you want to take your Platinum cum grano salis.

7.     Vitamin B Complex & Folic Acid[7]

This is called a “complex” because it is really a group of vitamins that, taken together, are vital for various “aspects of brain function.”[8] Not only this, but – as was the case with Vitamin D – “a significant proportion of the populations of developed countries suffer from deficiencies or insufficiencies in one or more of this group of vitamins…”.[9]

Therefore, one study concludes that high-dose “…administration of the entire B-vitamin group …would be a rational approach for preserving brain health.” I agree! (Not that my opinion means much.)

The main functions of the B Complex include supporting blood and brain health and promoting robust energy levels.

The numbering of the B Vitamins gets a little squirrely.

In point of fact, the scientific community only recognizes eight (8) Vitamin-B components (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-9, and B-12), even though the final entrant in the sequence – Cobalamin – is designated B-12. B-4, B-8, B-10, B-11, B-13, B-14 were all at one time proposed as components of the B Complex but were, for one reason or other, rejected.[10] A few of the later designations – B-15, B-16, and B-17 – were proposed by some scientists but rejected by others and, in any case, never were part of the B Complex as far as I could tell.

I like lists, however. And it bugs me (from an “aesthetic” point of view) to have gaps in numbered sequences.[11] Therefore, I am supplying all the various “B”-designations that I could find. But to differentiate the standardly accepted components of the B Complex from the rest, I have “grayed out” those compounds that have been rejected (or which were never included by the scientific community).

The Vitamin-B complex

• B-1 (Thiamine)
• B-2 (Riboflavin)
• B-3 (Niacin)
• B-4 (Adenine)
• B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)
• B-6 (Pyridoxine)
• B-7 (Biotin)
• B-8 (Inositol)
• B-9 (Folic Acid; Folate)
• B-10 (Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid, PABA)
• B11 (Pteryl-Hepta-Glutamic Acid, PHGA)
• B-12 (Cobalamin)
• B-13 (Orotic acid)
• B-14 (Xanthopterin)
• B-15 (Pangamic acid)
• B-16 (Di-Methyl-Glycine, DMG)
• B-17 (Amygdalin)

When it comes to Alzheimer’s Disease, several of the B-Complex components are relevant.

Thiamine has been discovered to be deficient in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers. It stands to reason, therefore, that Thiamine supplementation could provide a real benefit. One journalist, writing for the British newspaper Independent, has picked up on this. He relates that “[a] diet rich in thiamine can reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease, but some groups, such as the elderly, aren’t getting enough.”[12]

However, as we age, we lose some of our ability to absorb and use orally administered Thiamine.[13] So, it’s a bit of a pickle. You can try to eat more of it. But it may or may not actually make its way into the body where its needed. Still… I suppose that we must try. After all, just consider the alternative.

Riboflavin is, among other things, “…responsible for helping make oxygen available for use by your body…”.[14] Among the many hypotheses for the origination of Alzheimer’s is that it might be caused by brain “hypoxia,” that is, a state in which the brain receives less oxygen than it should.[15]

Niacin – particularly “sever…insufficiency” – is likewise associated with the onset of certain forms of dementia. Additionally, it appears that increasing dietary intake of niacin may have a “protective effect” on the cognitive powers of Alzheimer’s sufferers.[16]

Pantothenic Acid is a little less straightforward. According to one source that I consulted,[17] Vitamin B-5 is a “precursor” to the body’s generation of the vitally important neurotransmitter acetylcholine. B-5 supplementation, when administered alongside choline supplementation, supports the body’s ability to increase its own acetylcholine levels. (For more on this, see the first entry on Acetylcholine …& Choline.)

Vitamin B-5 doesn’t act alone, however. “The process is also dependent on zinc …and magnesium.” (For more on Zinc, see the Copper & Zinc entry, above. For more on magnesium, see HERE.)

Pyridoxine seems to be most relevant to dementia in terms of its supposed role in the regulation of human emotion. “Vitamin B6, …[including] pyridoxine, is involved in the regulation of mental function and mood.”[18] Since Alzheimer’s causing emotional disturbances (among other things), it’s probably wise to try to ensure that your (or your loved one’s) Vitamin-B-6 levels are where they ought to be.

Biotin is supposed (by at least one, Multiple-Sclerosis-related study[19]) to have “neuroprotective potential.” This may have wide application and come to be relevant to Alzheimer’s.

Folic Acid looms so large in current Alzheimer’s research that the important website WebMD published an article with the provocative title “Folic Acid May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s.”[20] That’s remarkable.

What’s the big deal? Well, it turns out that – among other things – Alzheimer’s-afflicted brains have higher levels of an amino acid called homocysteine as well as lower levels of Folic Acid. And this disparity doesn’t strike investigators as coincidental.

“Researchers suspect that high levels of homocysteine in the brain may damage the DNA of nerve cells in the brain. They think that folic acid may help protect the brain by allowing nerve cells to repair this DNA damage.”[21]

So, again…you may feel an urge to stock up on the stuff.

Cobalamin’s alleged importance can be communicated concisely. The current state of the research suggests that “Cobalamin deficiency may cause cognitive deficits and even dementia.”[22]

Summary: In all, the presently available evidence suggests that supplementation with the Vitamin-B Complex, whether through appropriate foods or vitamins, could be of vital importance for the avoidance and treatment of Alzheimer’s.

8.     Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

With Vitamin B (for which, see above), a recurring trouble seemed to be that many people don’t have enough of it – in one or many of its various components or forms. Relatedly, several studies suggest that “vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantially increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease.”[23]

Is all this true? I haven’t a clue. I’ll let the researchers duke it out in the corridors or laboratories and on the pages of scholarly articles. Meanwhile, I’ll be trying to get more sunlight exposure and taking vitamin-D capsules. You can do what you like.

Just a word of caution. It’s easy to think that vitamins and other supplements have no risk. But this isn’t the case. Vitamin D3 is a particular striking example of this since its actually used as a rodenticide.[24] I’d say that this shows that it can be deadly to some animals in high enough amounts. Therefore, you need to keep a close watch on the dosages that you or your loved one take. This is especially important to remember when you’re the caretaker for a person with a cognitive impairment. (For more on household toxins and poisons, and the dangers they pose for the cognitively impaired, see HERE, HERE, and HERE.)

9.     Vitamin E

One online source got right to it, stating: “[A]dequate lifelong intake of Vitamin E may help maintain normal brain function in middle and old age and possibly ward off Alzheimer’s disease.”[25]

Firstly, “a large proportion of individuals may have a sub-clinical deficiency of vitamin E that over time contributes to an increased risk of developing AD.”[26] (Are you noticing a common theme with many of the vitamins listed? For more on this deficiency angle, see HERE.)

This has led some investigators to posit that, at the very least, “Vitamin E may be an effective agent in pre-emptively slowing the progression of AD.”

Additionally, some researchers believe that oxidation within the body “plays a main role in A[lzheimer’s] D[isease] pathology. …Vitamin E is one of the most important antioxidant and some data indicated that it could counteract …[certain kinds of] oxidative stress. Evidence from preclinical studies showed that vitamin E administration may be beneficial in AD. …[V]itamin E is not only able to reduce …oxidative stress, but also able to improve memory and cognitive deficits.”[27]

10. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Various studies have underscored the notion that Vitamin C – that is, ascorbic acid – plays “a crucial role …in promoting healthy aging of the brain.”[28] In fact, ascorbic acid is vital in at least three respects that are relevant both to the aging process in general and to Alzheimer’s in specific.

Firstly, it is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.

Secondly, and relatedly, it is a potent antioxidant.[29]

Thirdly, it helps to check so-called “immunosenescence,” a 64-dollar word that designates the decreased effectiveness of our immune systems as we grow older.

Since it is both water-excreted and widely regarded as a prophylaxis against viruses – like the common cold – I don’t really see too much of a downside to supplementing with it. It’s in my medicine, er… vitamin cabinet.

Notes:

[1] This is sometimes known as “Vitamin B-20.” For the B-Complex Vitamins, see further on.

[2] A. Spagnoli, U. Lucca, G. Menasce, L. Bandera, G. Cizza, G. Forloni, M. Tettamanti, L. Frattura, P. Tiraboschi, M. Comelli, et al., “Long-Term Acetyl-L-Carnitine Treatment in Alzheimer’s Disease,” Neurology, vol. 41, no. 11, 1991, pp. 1726-1732, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1944900>.

[3] George Brewer, “Alzheimer’s Disease Causation by Copper Toxicity and Treatment With Zinc,” Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, vol. 6, May 16, 2014, p. 92, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4030141/>.

[4] Simon Dyall, “Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Brain: A Review of the Independent and Shared Effects of EPA, DPA and DHA,” Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, vol. 7, Apr. 21, 2015, p. 52, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404917/>.

[5] Y. Zhang, L. Yang, L. Guo, “Effect of Phosphatidylserine on Memory in Patients and Rats with Alzheimer’s Disease,” Genetics and Molecular Research, vol. 14, no. 3, Aug. 10, 2015, pp. 9325-9333, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26345866>.

[6] “MesoPlatinum® – Nanoparticle Colloidal Platinum,” Purest Colloids, 2019, <https://www.purestcolloids.com/mesoplatinum.php>.

[7] Folic Acid is actually part of the B Complex. But since it is often listed this way, I figured I would follow suit.

[8] David Kennedy, “B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy — A Review,” Nutrients, vol. 8, no. 2, Jan. 28, 2016, p. 68, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772032/>.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Sometimes, this was because it was discovered that the human body was able to synthesize the component in question. When this occurs, the compound fails to meet some of the definitional requirements for something to count as a vitamin – namely, that the thing be essential to healthy human life, but also that it be only obtainable from dietary sources.

[11] Elsewhere (see the relevant entry), I note that L-Carnitine is sometimes called “Vitamin B-20.” I have skipped that here because I was unable to locate anything answering to the labels “B-18” or “B-19.”

[12] Richard Hoffman, “Are You Getting Enough Vitamin B1 to Help Fend Off Alzheimer’s?” Independent, Jan. 31, 2017, <https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/healthy-living/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-b1-to-help-fend-off-alzheimer-s-a7553581.html>.

[13] K. Lu’o’ng, L. Nguyen, “Role of Thiamine in Alzheimer’s Disease,” American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias, vol. 26, no. 8, Dec. 2011, pp. 588-598, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22218733>.

[14] David Samadi, “The Role of B Vitamins in the Prevention of Alzheimer’s,” Fox News, May 23, 2013; updated Oct. 28, 2015, <https://www.foxnews.com/health/the-role-of-b-vitamins-in-the-prevention-of-alzheimers>.

[15] See, e.g., “Could Lack of Oxygen Trigger Alzheimer’s?” New Scientist, Nov. 20, 2006, <https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn10613-could-lack-of-oxygen-trigger-alzheimers/>.

[16] M. Morris, D. Evans, J. Bienias, P. Scherr, C. Tangney, L. Hebert, D. Bennett, R. Wilson, and N. Aggarwal, “Dietary Niacin and the Risk of Incident Alzheimer’s Disease and of Cognitive Decline,” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, vol. 75, no. 8, Aug. 2004, pp. 1093-1099, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1739176/>.

[17] Jonathan Wright, “Brain Breakthrough! Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Decline
are Reversed Using This Revolutionary Natural Program,” Nutrition and Healing, May 2015; excerpted at Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine, <https://www.faim.org/brain-breakthrough>.

[18] R. Malouf, J. Evans, “The Effect of Vitamin B6 on Cognition,” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol. 4, 2003, p. CD004393, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14584010>.

[19] M. McCarty, J. DiNicolantonio, “Neuroprotective Potential of High-Dose Biotin,” Medical Hypotheses, vol. 109, Oct. 16, 2017, pp. 145-149, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29150274>.

[20] “Folic Acid May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s,” WebMD, archives, Mar. 1, 2002, <https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20020301/folic-acid-may-help-prevent-alzheimers>.

[21] Ibid.

[22] A. Osimani, A. Berger, J. Friedman, B. Porat-Katz, J. Abarbanel, “Neuropsychology of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Elderly Dementia Patients and Control Subjects,” Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, vol. 18, no. 1, Mar. 2005, pp. 33-38, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15681626>. See also Carlos Rieder, “Vitamin B12 and Folate in Relation to the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease,” Neurology [dot] org, Jun. 26, 2001, <https://n.neurology.org/content/vitamin-b12-and-folate-relation-development-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-disease>.

[23] Thomas Littlejohns, William Henley, Iain Lang, Cedric Annweiler, Olivier Beauchet, Paulo Chaves, Linda Fried, Bryan Kestenbaum, Lewis Kuller, Kenneth Langa, Oscar Lopez, Katarina Kos, Maya Soni, and David Llewellyn, “Vitamin D and the Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer [sic] Disease,” Neurology, vol. 83, no. 10, Sept. 2, 2014, pp. 920-928, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4153851/>.

[24] “Cholecalciferol,” Pet Poison Helpline, <https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/cholecalciferol/>.

[25] Frank Murray, 100 Super Supplements for a Longer Life, Los Angeles: Keats Publ., 2000, p. 12, <https://books.google.com/books?id=q-PgoNm5HBIC&pg=PA12>.

McGraw Hill Professional, Nov 22, 2000

[26] Breana Cervantes and Lynn M. Ulatowski, “Vitamin E and Alzheimer’s Disease – Is It Time for Personalized Medicine?” Antioxidants (Switzerland), vol. 6, no. 3, Jun. 24, 2017, p. 45, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618073/>.

[27] Agnese Gugliandolo, Placido Bramanti, and Emanuela Mazzon, “Role of Vitamin E in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: Evidence from Animal Models,” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 18, no. 12, Nov. 23, 2017, p. 2504, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5751107/>.

[28] Fiammetta Monacelli, Erica Acquarone, Chiara Giannotti, Roberta Borghi, and Alessio Nencioni, “Vitamin C, Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease,” Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 7, Jun. 27, 2017, p. 2504, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537785/>.

[29] Fiona Harrison, “A Critical Review of Vitamin C for the Prevention of Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease,” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, vol. 29, no. 4, 2012, pp. 711-726, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3727637/>.

The post Top Ten (10) Nutrient & Vitamin Supplements for Alzheimer’s appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

Many herbs are reputed to be “nootropic,” that is, to be able to improve cognition, memory, and other mental functions. Reflecting upon my past research and writing (for example, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE) as well as upon a renewed glance at some recent scientific literature, I put together a top-twenty list of suggested supplements. Here are my picks (in alphabetical order).

But, before I get to this list, let me say one thing by way of a preface.

There is not a precise line to be drawn between plants that are thought of as “herbs” and plants that are thought of as food. For the purposes of this list, I am focusing on plants that are loosely understood to be in the former category. In other words, at present, I’m just talking about herbs.

This is important to note, here, because a great number of additional plants could (and should!) be named if we expand our list to include foods as well. For my list of foods that are recommended for Alzheimer’s, see my article on the so-called “MIND Diet.”[1]

Top 25 Best Herbal Supplements for Treating Alzheimer’s Disease & Supporting Mental Health

1.     Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

This herb is the first of several on this list that, for years, has been a staple in Indian medicine, or Ayurveda. “Ayurveda” is a holistic approach to healing and health that was developed within the Hindu philosophical-religious tradition. It’s “holistic” in the sense that it seeks to combine several strategies – including dietary and herbal recommendations as well as breathing and exercise techniques (usually referred to as “Yoga”) – that, from a “Western” point of view, often strike us as disparate and unrelated perspectives.

In any case, Ashwagandha is supposed to provide numerous health benefits, from lowering cholesterol and cortisol[2] (the “stress” hormone) levels to promoting restfulness and reducing feelings of agitation. For these reasons alone it might be a good addition to anyone’s daily nutritional regimen.

But in addition, Ashwagandha is also purported to have relevance to the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. One rather astonishing article title suggested that this herb might be capable of “revers[ing] Alzheimer’s disease”.[3] That would be nothing short of miraculous.

Still, even if Ashwagandha’s capabilities do not rise quite to that extraordinary level, it is still championed as a memory-booster and general “restorative” herb that, for some impairments, has been clinically shown to improve cognition.[4] The stuff is in my pantry.

2.     Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Also known as Water Hyssop, Bacopa monnieri comes to us from Ayurvedic medicine, where it is widely known as Brahmi. It is regarded generally as a multi-purpose “tonic” in Indian medicine. Where it really becomes of interest to us is its relevance to Alzheimer’s treatments. Specifically, Brahmi is reported to have various memory-improvement properties.

Recent scientific studies seem to have borne this out. For example, one article published in 2008 stated that Brahmi was useful for increasing cognitive-performance scores as well as for decreasing dementia-related depression.[5]

Another study strongly suggested that Brahmi was an effective anti-inflammatory.[6] This well positions it to help deal with so-called “Type III” Alzheimer’s, which is regarded by some investigators as being precipitated by inflammation. (For an introduction to this, see HERE; and for in-depth detoxification and hazard-eliminating suggestions, see HERE.)

3.     Calamus (Acorus calamus)

Along with several other herbs on this list,[7] Calmus, also known as Sweet Flag, is widely used for problems (including diarrhea and ulcers) related to digestion and the intestines.

But Calamus also exhibits several properties that make it a promising addition to your anti-dementia medicine chest. Firstly, it’s both a potent antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory.[8] Secondly, it shows real potential for cholinesterase inhibition.[9]

4.     Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Traditionally used for problems with digestion and joints, cat’s claw is used today as an herbal treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.[10] Readers may be aware that the normal aging process in general, and Alzheimer’s in particular, is characterized by “the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein containing ‘plaques’ and tau protein …‘tangles’.” It is these “plaques” and “tangles” that are believed to play a role in the devastating degeneration of cognition and memory that is the symptomatic hallmark of dementia.

Well, the herb “…cat’s claw demonstrated both the ability to prevent formation …[of certain offending] fibrils …and tau protein tangles…”[11] and therefore gives researchers hope that it may hold a key to treating this dread disease.

5.     Clubmoss (Huperzia serrata)

Dementia isn’t curable, presently. But there are a number of interventions that are geared toward slowing a person’s mental deterioration.

One of these involves an “alkaloid” substance known as Huperzine A that discourages the body from breaking down the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine – the depletion of which is one telltale sign of Alzheimer’s.

Recall that one of hypothesis for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s, the condition manifests when there is a decline in the availability of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Several “anti-cholinesterase” pharmaceuticals – such as Aricept and Reminyl – operate on the assumption that if the breakdown of acetylcholine can be prevented, at least the progress of Alzheimer’s may be slowed.

And what is one of the preeminent sources for Huperzine A? A handful of subvarieties of the herb Clubmoss, including Chinese Clubmoss (Huperzia chinensis) and Toothed Clubmoss (Huperzia serrata).[12]

6.     Cubeb (Piper cubeba)[13]

Herbalists may prescribe Cubeb for various stomach- and urinary-tract-related complaints. Like the Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Cubeb also functions as a diuretic and might therefore be effective at treating high blood pressure, among other things.

But this herb is also being investigated for its potential as a cholinesterase inhibitor – like any of several, currently available prescription drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s. (See also Clubmoss.) So far, in experiments on mice, Cubeb has displayed some neuroprotective properties. If this pans out, it would comport with Cubeb’s traditional reputation for treating memory problems.

7.      Frankincense, Indian (Boswellia serrata)

Traditional medical uses for Frankincense include treatment of joint ailments (including both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis) and respiratory conditions (including allergies and asthma). The plant is also widely used in aromatherapy.

However, it has recently been argued that “frankincense …has the potential to improve memory in both normal-brain …and impaired-memory conditions.”[14] One way this herb performs this function is by virtue of its antioxidant properties. Alzheimer’s brains generally display severe “oxidation.” “…B. serrata has persuasive anti-oxidant activity…”

8.     Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic isn’t always thought of in the context of dementia treatment. But it is often part of a naturopath’s herbal repertoire.

Garlic is reputed to lower cholesterol. It is touted as a possible anti-viral. It’s supposedly full of essential nutrients. But, recently, I have seen researchers mention its supposed neuroprotective properties. These are due, at least in part, to the fact that garlic is a potent anti-inflammatory.

After one 2017 study, the authors conclude by suggesting that Aged Garlic Extract “could be a good supplementary food for the improvement of cognitive function in the elderly and A[lzheimer’s]D[isease] patients.”[15] And it’s so potent in other areas (e.g., as an antibiotic), I figure: why not add it onto your diet?

9.     Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

This one was a real surprise to me. I’ve known as various of Ginger’s health benefits for some time. But, mostly, the herb “specializes” in digestive ailments. For example, it can calm upset stomachs, reduce intestinal gas, and relieve feelings of nausea.

Additionally, Ginger is used in certain cold-relief and respiratory-virus preparations. It can be drunk as a tea from dried powder or fresh Ginger root. When the source is fresh, Ginger has the ability to produce a warming sensation in the body.

But, lo and behold, Ginger is now believed to positively impact cognitive function – at least in certain groups of women. One study reported: “[G]inger is a potential cognitive enhancer for middle-aged women.”[16]

10.  Gingko (Gingko biloba)

This is one of the two “big-dog” herbals in the dementia fight. Ginkgo is widely reputed to have powerful, memory- and mind-boosting powers.

Writing in her Natural Standard Medical Conditions Reference eBook, author Catherine Ulbricht forthrightly declares: “The scientific literature overall does suggest that gingko benefits people with early-stage A[lzheimer’s]D[isease] …and may be as helpful as acetylcholinesterase-inhibitor drugs such as donepezil (Aricept).”[17] (For more on standard, pharmaceutical interventions, see my article HERE.)

One online research-journal repository had this to say. “Ginkgo biloba could possibly help some people with Alzheimer’s disease to perform daily activities better again. …[Various] studies showed that taking a higher dose of the Ginkgo [EGb 761] extract (240 mg per day) could improve participants’ memory.”[18]

11.  Ginseng, Chinese (Panax ginseng)

Chinese Ginseng[19] is widely regarded for its broad restorative powers. It is sometimes designated an “adaptagen,” a classification which identifies herbals that are supposedly simultaneously capable of remedying either hormonal/nutritional deficiencies or excesses. It’s used to revitalize people suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and it’s also touted as a potent fertility-enhancer.

A handful of scientific studies are now painting Chinese Ginseng as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s. In an article rehearsing one such study, the authors represented Panax Ginseng as capable of “improving” various dementia-related “cognitive deficits.”[20] They even suggested that it might function as well or better than some of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors on the market – including donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine (for more on which, see HERE.)

WARNING: There are a number of different herbs that go by the name “Ginseng.” For a discussion, see HERE. Be careful what you buy.

12.  Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

This one is another one that’s on “loan” in the West from Indian, or Ayurvedic, medicine. (See Brahmi.) In this tradition, Gotu Kola (or Centella, as it is sometimes called) is prescribed as a general “revitalizer.” It is believed to have healing properties and (along with other herbs such as Chinese Magnolia (Schisandra chinensis) and various subtypes of Ginseng[21]) is rumored to increase both male and female fertility.[22]

Beyond this, Gotu Kola is used in folk- and traditional-medical preparations to improve cognition and recall. More strikingly, Gotu Kola is rumored to have various “neuroprotective” and even “neuro-regenerative” properties.[23] This would be extraordinary for patients suffering from various forms of dementia. In fact, it could potentially be a proverbial game-changer.

13.  Intellect Tree (Celastrus Paniculatus)

The name on this one is suggestive and might just be right on target. Yet another borrowing from Ayurveda, Intellect-Tree oil has been used as both an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic (i.e., pain reliever).

But the really interesting bit about this plant is its potential for memory enhancement. It’s long had a reputation in India as a general “nerve tonic.” Now, even a few peer-reviewed journals have begun to mention its capabilities.[24]

14.  Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Juniper has several received uses in traditional medicine. Many of these – for instance, heartburn and poor appetite – are internal and revolve around problems with digestion. Though Juniper is also used to treat kidney stones and urinary-tract infections.

A couple of species even show great promise when it comes to dealing with dementia. For example, both Cade Juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) and Stinking Juniper (Juniperus foetidissima) have shown to be effective cholinesterase inhibitors.[25]

Beyond this, however, the essential oil of Juniper is often incorporated into various “aromatherapies,” that is, the use of plant fragrances for healing purposes. Startlingly, inhaled Juniper (Juniperus communis) also displays anti-acetylcholinesterase proclivities. And it’s a powerful antioxidant to boot.[26]

15.  Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

This herb already has quite a reputation. It is widely used to improve mood and to assist is relaxation. It was also one of a handful of herbs approved as a sleep aid in 1978 by Germany’s advisory “Commission E.” (For more on this, see HERE.)

More recently, however, a four-month-long study demonstrated that, compared with a placebo, lemon balm improved “cognitive function” and reduced “agitation” in Alzheimer’s sufferers.[27]

16.  Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice. Yes, that licorice. Well…sorta. The plant’s name literally means “sugar root” and it is the source of the licorice flavoring that is added to many candies and confectionaries.

For hundreds of years, Licorice has been used to treat intestinal inflammations, including duodenal and stomach ulcers. On the other hand, it’s also prescribed for bad respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, and it relieves symptoms (e.g., coughs and sore throats) of ailments like the common cold.

And now scientific research suggests that this sweet root “appears to be a promising drug for improving memory in the management of impaired learning, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.”[28] And, for once, that doesn’t seem like it’d be a bad pill to swallow.

17.  Magnolia (Magnolia offincalis)[29]

As far as I can tell, this is a new kid on the block. But a Korean study declared: “our results showed that extract products of Magnolia officinalis were effective for prevention and treatment of A[lzheimer’s]D[isease] through memorial improving and anti-amyloidogenic effects via down-regulating β-secretase activity…”.[30]

Did you catch that provocative key phrase? Effective for prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s? That’s remarkable, to say the least!

18.  Periwinkle, Lesser (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle is routinely prescribed as a cold remedy in folk-medical circles. It is supposed to relieve chest congestion, ease coughing, and relieve throat pain.

From the standpoint of dementia treatment, the herb “has been reported to improve cerebral metabolism, increase glucose and oxygen consumption by the brain, and improve brain resistance to hypoxia”[31] – the latter being a state of oxygen deficiency in the brain, often the result of a stroke or “mini-stroke” (i.e., transient ischemic attack, or TIA).

One study seemed to show a marked improvement – compared to a control group – in cognitive function of a group of early- and middle-stage Alzheimer’s patients. Although the data isn’t compelling at this time, I think there are enough grounds for me to add it into my own herbal regimen. And, unless your healthcare professional gives you some good reason to the contrary, I suggest that you consider doing the same.

19.  Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

There is evidence that this herb is a good choice for improving endurance and stamina and fighting fatigue – both physical and, yes… mental. But it’s also reputed to be useful for various nervous and nerve-related ailments. And a survey of some of the Alzheimer’s-treatment literature reveals hope that Rhodiola may prove to be helpful for numerous facets of this dread disease.

For example, one sees that Rhodiola has anti-inflammatory actions.[32] It has displayed various “neuroprotective” properties.[33] There are indications that it can increase both learning abilities and memory functions.[34] And it may even assist in treating some general age-related difficulties such as mobility troubles.[35]

20.  Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

This is the VIP on my top-ten list for one simple reason. It seems to have the longest history of being known as a memory booster. My authority? The bard himself.

William Shakespeare, in his famed production Hamlet[36] has the tragic character Ophelia exclaim: “There’s rosemary; that’s for remembrance…”.

Now, I’m not saying that Shakespeare is an authority on brain diseases – or even on herbal remedies. But I am saying that if rosemary already had a reputation as memory aid in his day, and that was 420 years ago, then I think we should at least lend it some credence.

This seems to be validated by scientific research as well. One academic author wrote that “All the available [data] to date …suggest that their [i.e., rosemary diterpenoids] effect on A[lzheimer’s]D[isease] is very promising and further research including clinical trials is well warranted.”[37]

21.  Saffron (Crocus sativus)[38]

A 2014 article in the peer-reviewed journal Human Psychopharmacology suggested that “saffron extract capsules …[were] comparable with [the pharmaceutical drug] memantine in reducing cognitive decline in patients with moderate to severe A[lzheimer’s]D[isease].”[39]

That’s pretty incredible – in the colloquial sense, of course. And it’s enough for saffron to earn a spot on my list. For more on mainstream, medical interventions, see my previous article HERE.

22.  Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage has been prized by herbalists for its antiseptic and soothing properties. It can be used in gargles and teas for colds and sore throats, for example. Additionally, it has been used as a therapy for asthma – both through ingestion and, sometimes, inhalation.[40]

Calling its therapeutic potential “promising,” one peer-reviewed scientific journal explained that “[i]n vitro, animal and preliminary human studies have supported the evidence of Salvia plants to enhance cognitive skills and guard against neurodegenerative disorders.”[41]

23.  Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

We’ve already discussed Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and the Intellect Tree. And now here’s yet another plant from, well… can you guess? If you said “India,” then you get a gold star. I’m beginning to think that Ayurvedic herbology knows a thing or two about brain health.

Thankfully, you can’t hear me trying to pronounce it. But I can say that Shankhapushpi is garnering attention for its memory-boosting and mood-lifting capabilities. One set of authors referred to the stuff as a traditional “nervine tonic” that was regularly employed for the “improvement of memory and cognitive function” as well as for the counteraction of sundry “nervous disorders such as stress, anxiety, mental fatigue, and insomnia.”[42]

The experiments mentioned by the same investigators noted that it “improved retention and spatial learning performance” in test rats. So, this one seems worth looking into.

24.  Spikenard[43] (Nardostachys jatamansi)

Haling from the Himalayas, this relative of the sleep-aid Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is believed to offer a wide range of health benefits. (For more on natural sedatives, click HERE. For background information on the importance of – and the difficulties that arise with – sleep for Alzheimer’s sufferers, see HERE.) Similarly, to Valerian root, it is touted as a soporific. It is also prescribed by naturopaths for bowel and digestional problems, especially constipation. But it’s also reputed to have anti-inflammatory qualities.

Would you believe that, on top of all that, it’s now being seriously investigated for memory-enhancement properties? Experiments with rodents suggest that that the stuff is able to boost both learning and retention.[44] So, it might be wise to stock up.

25.  Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Okay; I’m biased. I love turmeric. It’s an impressive anti-inflammatory. Period. I take it regularly because I have lingering rotator-cuff injuries.

Why is this inflammation-fighting property relevant in the present context? One hypothesis has it that (some varieties of) Alzheimer’s may be caused by – wait it… inflammation. So, my thought is: Wouldn’t it be wise to sprinkle a little extra of this anti-inflammatory into your curry?

But, if you concur with Basil Rathbone’s Sherlock Holmes (in the 1946 film Terror By Night) that curry is “Horrible stuff!” Then skip it and just take turmeric capsules.

Where to Buy

See our companion resource guide, HERE.

Additional Resources

• “The Alzheimer’s Dementia ‘MIND’ Diet: What Should You Eat?”
• Poisonous Plants (A Reference Database)
• “Toxic Alzheimer’s? Household Hazards: Gases, Molds, Poisons”
• Finally, as a companion to the present article, check out my earlier “6 Drugs That Treat Alzheimer’s and 20+ Natural Alternatives.”

Disclaimer:

As I have frequently noted, I am not an herbalist or a physician. I cannot prescribe anything. The information presented here is for research purposes only and is not intended as a a personalized treatment plan. You or you loved one may have allergies or other conditions that would contraindicate use of some or all of these herbs. Consult with a competent and trusted medical professional before consuming or otherwise using any of the plants mentioned on this (or any other) web page.

Notes:

[1] As I suggested, though, the line is not a little blurry. For example, one of the staples of the MIND Diet is green (and especially leafy) vegetables. These often include such offerings as Bok Choy (Brassica rapa chinensis), Broccoli (Brassica italica), Brussels Sprouts (Brassica gemmifera), Cabbage (Brassica capitata), Cauliflower (Brassica botrytis), Kale (Brassica sabellica), Turnip (Brassica rapa rapa) all of which are subvarieties of the Brassica genus. But Black Mustard (Brassica nigra) is also in same genus. Yet, Black Mustard alone is considered an herb or a “spice,” as opposed to a food. But, arguably any of the Brassicas – including Black Mustard – are good choices for Alzheimer’s treatment (or just supporting mental health). The point is that the distinction between “foods” and “herbs” comes down largely to practicality, tradition, and usage. From the standpoint of scientific classification, there is arguably very little difference.

[2] Gingko is also reported to do this. Read further on to learn more about Gingko.

[3] N. Sehgal, A. Gupta, R. Valli, S. Joshi, J. Mills, E. Hamel, P. Khanna, S. Jain, S. Thakur, V. Ravindranath, “Withania somnifera Reverses Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology by Enhancing Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein in Liver,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Jan. 30, 2012, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22308347>.

[4] Shaffi Manchanda and Gurcharan Kaurcorresponding, “Withania somnifera Leaf Alleviates Cognitive Dysfunction by Enhancing Hippocampal Plasticity in High Fat Diet Induced Obesity Model,” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 17, Mar. 3, 2017, p. 136, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5335828/>.

[5] Carlo Calabrese, William Gregory, Michael Leo, Dale Kraemer, Kerry Bone, and Barry Oken, “Effects of a Standardized Bacopa monnieri Extract on Cognitive Performance, Anxiety, and Depression in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial,” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 14, no. 6, Jul. 2008, pp. 707-713, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153866/>.

[6] Michelle Nemetchek, Andrea Stierle, Donald Stierle, and Diana Lurie, “The Ayurvedic Plant Bacopa Monnieri Inhibits Inflammatory Pathways in the Brain,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 197, Jul. 26, 2016, pp. 92-100, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5269610/>.

[7] Including Cat’s Claw, Cubeb, Juniper, and Spikenard.

[8] See, e.g., Ebrahim Esfandiari, Mustafa Ghanadian, Bahman Rashidi, Amir Mokhtarian, and Amir Vatankhah, “The Effects of Acorus calamus L. in Preventing Memory Loss, Anxiety, and Oxidative Stress on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Neuroinflammation Rat Models,” International Journal of Preventive Medicine, vol. 9, Oct. 12, 2018, p. 85, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6202774/>.

[9] Mohammad Ahmadian-Attari, Abolhassan Ahmadiani, Mohammad Kamalinejad, Leila Dargahi, Meysam Shirzad, and Mahmoud Mosaddegh, “Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease in Iranian Traditional Medicine,” Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, vol. 17, no. 1, Dec. 25, 2014, p. e18052, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4341360/>.

[10] See “Cat’s Claw,” Document # D334, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Sept., 2016, <https://nccih.nih.gov/health/catclaw>.

[11] A. Snow, G. Castillo, B. Nguyen, P. Choi, J. Cummings, J. Cam, Q. Hu, T. Lake, W. Pan, A. Kastin, D. Kirschner, S. Wood, E. Rockenstein, E. Masliah, S. Lorimer, R. Tanzi, and L. Larsen, “The Amazon Rain Forest Plant Uncaria tomentosa (Cat’s Claw) and Its Specific Proanthocyanidin Constituents are Potent Inhibitors and Reducers of Both Brain Plaques and Tangles,” Scientific Reports, vol. 9, no. 1, Feb. 6, 2019, p. 561, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30728442>.

[12] See, e.g., A. Desilets, J. Gickas, K. Dunican, “Role of Huperzine A in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease,” Annals of Pharmacotherapy, vol. 43, no. 3, Feb. 24, 2009, pp. 514-518, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19240260>.

[13] Piper nigrum (Black Pepper) and Piper longum (Indian Long Pepper) are sometimes also used by natural healings for memory difficulties.

[14] Siamak Beheshti and Rezvan Aghaie, “Therapeutic Effect of Frankincense in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease,” Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, vol. 6, no. 4, Jul.-Aug. 2016, pp. 468-475, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4967843/>.

[15] Nutchareeporn Nillert, Wanassanun Pannangrong, Jariya Welbat, Wunnee Chaijaroonkhanarak, Kittisak Sripanidkulchai, and Bungorn Sripanidkulchai, “Neuroprotective Effects of Aged Garlic Extract on Cognitive Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Induced by β-Amyloid in Rats,” Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 1, Jan 3, 2017, p. 24, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5295068/>.

[16] Naritsara Saenghong, Jintanaporn Wattanathorn, Supaporn Muchimapura, Terdthai Tongun, Nawanant Piyavhatkul, Chuleratana Banchonglikitkul, and Tanwarat Kajsongkram, “Zingiber officinale Improves Cognitive Function of the Middle-Aged Healthy Women,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, [vol. 2012,] Dec. 22, 2011, p. 383062, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3253463/>.

[17] Catherine Ulbricht, Natural Standard Medical Conditions Reference E-Book: An Integrative Approach, St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2009, p. 18, <>.

[18] “Alzheimer’s disease: Do Ginkgo products help?” Informed Health Online, Mar. 10, 2009; update Jun. 29, 2017, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279357/>.

[19] Also called “Asian Ginseng,” “Korean Ginseng,” and “Red Ginseng.”

[20] Jae-Hyeok Heo, Soon-Tae Lee, Min Oh, Hyun-Jung Park, Ji-Young Shim, Kon Chu, and Manho Kim, “Improvement of Cognitive Deficit in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients by Long Term Treatment with Korean Red Ginseng,” Journal of Ginseng Research, vol. 35, no. 4, Nov. 2011, pp. 457-461, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3659550/>.

[21] On the disambiguation of the confusing name “Ginseng,” and how it is applied to

[22] Many times, female fertility-boosting herbs are quite different from those that are believed to boost male virility. For females, one often sees some mixture of the following: Black Cohosh (Actæa racemosa), Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), False Unicorn (Chamælirium luteum), and Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). When it comes to males, I’ve run into the these as recommended supplements: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus), Bindii (Tribulus terrestris), Chinese Ginseng (Panax ginseng), Hygrophila (Hygrophila auriculata), and Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens).

[23] Yogeswaran Lokanathan, Norazzila Omar, Nur Puzi, Aminuddin Saim, and Ruszymah Idrus, “Recent Updates in Neuroprotective and Neuroregenerative Potential of Centella asiatica,” Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, vol. 23, no. 1, Jan. 2016, pp. 4-14, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4975583/>.

[24] See, e.g., Muhammad Akram and Allah Nawaz, “Effects of medicinal plants on Alzheimer’s disease and memory deficits,” Neural Regeneration Research, vol. 12, no. 4, Apr. 2017, pp. 660-670, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5436367/>.

[25] M. Oztürk, İ. Tümen, A. Uğur, F. Aydoğmuş-Öztürk, and G. Topçu, “Evaluation of Fruit Extracts of Six Turkish Juniperus Species for Their Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase and Antimicrobial Activities,” Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, vol. 91, no. 5, Mar. 30, 2011, pp. 867-876, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21384354>.

[26] O. Cioanca, M. Hancianu, M. Mihasan, L. Hritcu, “Anti-Acetylcholinesterase and Antioxidant Activities of Inhaled Juniper Oil on Amyloid Beta (1-42)-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Rat Hippocampus,” Neurochemical Research, vol. 40, no. 5, Mar. 6, 2015, pp. 952-960, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25743585>.

[27] S. Akhondzadeh, M. Noroozian, M. Mohammadi, S. Ohadinia, A. Jamshidi, and M. Khani, “Melissa officinalis Extract in the Treatment of Patients With Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease: A Double Blind, Randomised (sic), Placebo Controlled Trial,” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, Jul. 2003, vol. 74, no. 7, pp. 863-866, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1738567/>.

[28] Kosuri Chakravarthi and Ramakrishna Avadhani, “Beneficial Effect of Aqueous Root Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on Learning and Memory Using Different Behavioral Models: An Experimental Study,” Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, vol. 4, no. 2, Jul.-Dec. 2013, pp. 420-425, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783792/>.

[29] This is actually a Chinese subvariant. The American Southern Magnolia is Magnolia grandiflora.

[30] Young-Jung Lee, Dong-Young Choi, Sang Bae Han, Young Hee Kim, Ki Ho Kim, Yeon Hee Seong, Ki-Wan Oh, and Jin Tae Hong, “A Comparison between Extract Products of Magnolia officinalis on Memory Impairment and Amyloidogenesis in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease,” Biomolecules & Therapeutics (Seoul, South Korea), May 2012, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 332–339, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3794532/>.

[31] Zhi-Kun Sun, Hong-Qi Yang, and Sheng-Di Chen, “Traditional Chinese medicine: a promising candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease,” Translational Neurodegeneration, vol. 2, p. 6, Feb. 28, 2013, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3599149/>.

[32] See: Yeonju Lee, Jae-Chul Jung, Soyong Jang, Jieun Kim, Zulfiqar Ali, Ikhlas Khan, and Seikwan Oh, “Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effects of Constituents Isolated from Rhodiola rosea,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, [vol. 2016,] Apr. 16, 2013, p. 514049, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652169/>.

[33] Ibid.

[34] See, e.g., Gou-ping Ma, Qun Zheng, Meng-bei Xu, Xiao-li Zhou, Lin Lu, Zuo-xiao Li, and Guo-Qing Zheng, “Rhodiola rosea L. Improves Learning and Memory Function: Preclinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms, Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 9, 2018, Dec. 4, 2018, p. 1415, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6288277/>.

[35] Granted, this experimentation was performed on fruit flies. See: Jasmin Arabit, Rami Elhaj, Samuel Schriner, Evgueni Sevrioukov, and Mahtab Jafari, “Rhodiola rosea Improves Lifespan, Locomotion, and Neurodegeneration in a Drosophila melanogaster Model of Huntington’s Disease,” BioMed Research International, [vol. 2018,] Jun. 10, 2018, p. 6726874, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6015705/>.

[36] Act 4, Scene 5.

[37] Solomon Habtemariam, “The Therapeutic Potential of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Diterpenes for Alzheimer’s Disease,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Jan. 28, 2016, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4749867/>.

[38] This edible spice Saffron is certainly not to be confused with the highly poisonous “Meadow Saffron” (Colchicum autumnale), which is also sometimes referred to as Autumn Crocus. (For more on the latter, see HERE.)

[39] M. Farokhnia, Sabet Shafiee, N. Iranpour, A. Gougol, H. Yekehtaz, R. Alimardani, F. Farsad, M. Kamalipour, S. Akhondzadeh, “Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Crocus sativus L. With Memantine in Patients With Moderate to Severe Alzheimer’s Disease: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial,” Human Psychopharmacology, vol. 29, no. 4, Jul. 2014, pp. 351-359, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25163440>.

[40] Like Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Sage is sometimes smoked. Though one variety, Salvia divinorum, referred to as “Diviner’s Sage,” is reputed to be a hallucinogen.

[41] Adrian L. Lopresti, “Salvia (Sage): A Review of its Potential Cognitive-Enhancing and Protective Effects,” Drugs R&D, vol. 17, no. 1, Nov. 25, 2016, pp. 53-64, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5318325/>. In particular, the study looked at Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) and Spanish Sage (Salvia lavandulifolia).

[42]  Rammohan Rao, Olivier Descamps, Varghese John, and Dale Bredesen, “Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review,” Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, vol. 4, no. 3, Jun. 29, 2012, p. 22, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3506936/>.

[43] Not to be confused with American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa).

[44] See H. Joshi, M. Parle, “Nardostachys jatamansi Improves Learning and Memory in Mice,” Journal of Medicinal Food, vol. 9, no. 1, Spring, 2006, pp. 113-118, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16579738>.

The post Top 25 Herbs For Treating (& Avoiding) Alzheimer’s Dementia appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

In the wake of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, families can feel like they are adrift at sea in a damaged boat – without help in sight. When my dad, Jim, was diagnosed, one of the first things that become obvious to us was that we needed to make changes to the home environment in order to make his care more manageable and to keep him safer. (Read Jim’s story, HERE.) This is to be expected since most households are organized around the lives of people with normal cognitive functioning. They are not especially well suited to home-health or memory-related care. But by making a few tweaks here and there, caretakers and families can make the home more conducive to dementia care.

These changes can come in several categories. On the one hand, there will be access-control modifications. These will be additions to the home – like gates, latches, locks, and the like – that will help caretakers restrict their charge in terms of where he or she can go throughout the living space. Common restrictions will apply to appliances, attics, cars and other vehicles, bathrooms, entryways and exits, fireplaces, garages, kitchens, and yards. Other modifications will pertain to improving mobility and minimizing falls and tripping. These may include the installation of grab bars, handrails, extra lighting, ramps, walk-in bathtubs, widened doorways, and so on.[1] Still other household changes – setting up “baby monitors,” cameras, intercoms, mirrors, etc. – will be geared toward more effective patient monitoring.

You’ll Need to Survey Your Own Living Space

I didn’t have much guidance when it fell to me to prep the household for my dad’s care. The following resource, then, is basically one of several that I wish I had had available to me after my dad’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It’s really part of my overall “Alzheimer’s-Proofing” project – and part of a series of articles on Alzheimer’s-proofing the home. Interested readers can examine other articles in the series, links to which are provided at right about the end notes.

Not every tip will apply to every reader. Moreover, given the specifics of your situation, you may need to perform modifications that I do not cover on this page. For more suggestions that may spark your own imagination, consult the “Additional Reading” section, below.

But to get you going and to help you start thinking through the modifications that may be necessary in your own home, here is my top ten list for recommended changes. This list is based on my own dealings with my dad, Jim. (If you would like more of the personal details, I invite you to read “Jim’s Story.” For a bit more information about how Jim actually died, there is a follow-up post HERE.)

Just a word about the structure of the list. The first five items are those modifications that can be made well in advance of someone’s actually getting diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related condition. The last five are those that, in many circumstances, should be made as soon as you know that your family is facing the prospect of living with someone with dementia.[2]

Top Ten Modifications to Begin Alzheimer’s-Proofing Your Home

1. Lighting! This item has easy aspects – and “less easy” ones. On the simple side, just ensure that all the home’s light fixtures and switches are in good working order and have appropriately sized (and functional!) light bulbs. You want to simultaneously provide adequate luminance in the home, while minimizing the danger of bulbs overheating and becoming fire hazards. (On other home-related hazards – and how to rectify them – see HERE.)

   On the less easy side, you might need to add light fixtures to dimly lit areas, or even swap out existing (possibly low-luminance or “mood”-type) lights with brighter ones that help to increase visibility. This could be as easy as adding a lamp (out of the way, of course). Or it may need to be as involved as hiring a handyman or electrician to install lights, switches, and wiring.

   A less common, but still possible, problem that you may encounter is lighting that is too bright. In my dad’s case, this one mainly applied to the flood lamp on our garage. The motion-sensing fixture would turn on when we pulled a vehicle or walked into the driveway. On at least one occasion, my dad lost his balance because the bright light disoriented him. For us, the fix was to reposition the lamps so that they were differently aimed. However, in related cases it may be advisable to replace the entire lighting assembly with a different one, or to try to obtain suitable bulbs that have lower wattages.[3]

2. Baby monitor – that’s also an intercom. Remember that there are certain modifications that will be helpful once they become necessary. But there are some items – like monitors – that also tend to be obtrusive if they are installed only after a cognitive impairment surfaces.

   When it became obvious that we needed to monitor my dad (Jim), it took me weeks to find an appropriate hiding spot for the camera/transmitter. I ended up having to camouflage it because he would locate the thing and either move or remove it.[4] And this might also happen to you.

   But it occurred to me that if you introduce the device early enough – say, before the dementia presents itself – your loved one might become acclimated or “used” to its presence. This is especially the case if the item has multiple uses.

   So, you might try getting a baby monitor to use as an intercom system. When and if it becomes necessary to use it as a monitor – the idea is – your loved one will not be perturbed by it.[5] At least, this is what I would try if I had it to do over again.

3. Microwave – with “childproofing” features. I feel like this is another good thing to have in your Alzheimer’s-proofing repertoire. Like other cooking devices (such as conventional ovens, stoves, and so on), microwaves pose various risks – from the risk or burns and fires to the risk of eating underprepared food (because your loved one didn’t observe proper procedures) and more.

   The basic idea is that some microwave ovens have the capability of being “locked” (usually with a 3- or 4-digit code) in such a way that prevents them from being operated without “authorization” or apart from careful supervision. My dad, Jim, had a habit of trying to use kitchen appliances well past the time when he could remember how to safely prepare meals. As it was, we had to remove the microwave from the kitchen. Having a lock-able model would have been far better. I’d tell you: get one – if you don’t have one already.[6]

4. GPS tracker – that doubles as a watch. Eventually, Jim got to be a real handful. Even though his mental faculties were on the decline, he remained physically fit – at least initially. This meant that even when he couldn’t remember simple things (like how to wash his hands correctly, or where to put dirty dishes), he was still able to open doors and jump fences. (Believe it or not!)

   In caretaking circles, Alzheimer’s patients aren’t said to “escape” from their safe areas; this sounds too prison-like. Rather, when they leave their care facilities or homes, Alzheimer’s sufferers are said to elope.

   And believe me, Jim eloped frequently enough to alarm us. He always wore a watch, however. So, another gadget that could really have benefited my family would have been a watch with built-in GPS location-tracking features. It’s not a substitute for careful supervision or thorough safeguarding. But it can be a kind of failsafe.[7]

5. Handrails. This is a simple one. Even before there is any cognitive impairment arises, a case can be made that it is worthwhile to “beef up” the house’s mobility aids.

   Many homes don’t have adequate railings for staircases. So, to my way of thinking, this is a fairly obvious first step (no stairway pun intended).

   This may not be as critical if you (or your loved one) aren’t suffering from any physical disabilities. But even able-bodied people may need slight “assists” from time to time. For example, after my dad’s surgeries (triple bypass and colectomy), he had major difficulties getting around. If the truth be told, I’ve had injuries (sprains, etc.) and illnesses that have hampered my own ability to get up and down.

   The moral? Handrails can benefit everyone in the house (and even visitors). And they may get you thinking about adding additional mobility aids. For more on the possibilities, see HERE.

6. Guardian door lock. Every time I think about home Alzheimer’s Proofing, this little thing pops into my head. It’s an absolute gem. Its primary function is as a door brace to guard against forced entry. But caretakers are impelled to become experts on non-traditional uses for things.

   

   And, in reality, this one doesn’t require much imagination. You install it the same way for theft deterrence or for this secondary purpose: namely, providing an additional layer of protection against “elopement.”

   I positioned one high up on the door going into our garage. Even when my dad unlocked the door, he was less likely to be able to get into the garage – which was, as might be expected, fraught with peril (at least for a cognitively impaired person).

   To my knowledge, my dad never defeated it. For one thing, I think that this was because he had a hard time seeing it. For another, he would have had a difficult time reaching it. And finally, to disengage it requires a particular motion that would have been challenging for him. And it’s around $15. Honestly, I think it’s close to a no-brainer.

7. Electric plug locks. On my list of suggested modifications, this is only second to the Guardian – and this is probably because I love my Guardians so much. In terms of versatility, these small locks can be lifesavers.

   Have a coffeepot or toaster that you want to leave out, but don’t want your loved one operating? No problem. Plug the power cord into a plug lock and mom or grandad won’t be able to plug in the toaster. The lock accommodates two- or three-prong electrical plugs and can be unlocked with a key.

   A bit inconvenient for the caretaker who might want coffee or toast? Sure. But what you lose in convenience you gain in peace of mind that your loved one won’t hurt him- or herself – or burn the house down.

   And the locks work equally well on other appliances. Among other things, and besides the aforementioned coffee pot and toasted, I locked our blender, can opener, electric drill, and table saw. Your investment will be under $20 per lock.

8. Cabinet and drawer locks. These are going to be practically essential. It almost a sure bet that your cabinets and drawers contain at least some objects that would be dangerous in the hands of a cognitively impaired individual. This really leaves you with only two alternatives: get rid of the offending materials or lock them up.

   I can’t tell you which option is best for your situation. But I can say that in our case removal wasn’t always feasible. For instance, insofar as people will be living and doing meal preparation inside the home, there will be various items (like knives and kitchen appliances) that are necessary to have on hand.

   Even if you could swap glassware for plasticware, and remove things like firearms, you may not be able to rid the household of everything that poses a danger. And, frankly, it’s probably not worth thinking too hard about when cabinet and drawer locks are readily available.

   You can often find these in the “childproofing” sections of many stores – or online. (For more on the similarities between baby/childproofing and Alzheimer’s-proofing, see HERE.)

9. Alcohol, guns, and other ‘specialty’ hazards. Since many people keep alcohol and guns in cabinets (though, hopefully, not the same cabinet!), in a way, this is just an extension of the previous recommendation. Nevertheless, I feel like I should call out these items for special attention, since the risks they pose are especially great.

   Because these concerns are significant, I may as well mention here one of the strategies that I use. I am a big believer in redundancy, that is, the use of several “layers” of security that are put in place so that if a primary layer fails, secondary (tertiary, etc.) layers can serve as a kind of backstop.

   So, in the case of a firearm, an extreme example of redundancy might be the placement of locked gun, inside of a biometric safe, inside of a locked cabinet that is itself located inside of a locked room. Is all this redundancy strictly necessary? I can’t answer that. But the various layers of security allow that even if the impaired person enters the room or gains access to the cabinet, he or she will be unlikely to defeat all layers and actually get to the firearm.

10. Thermostat cover. Once again, I am just drawing on the experience that I had with my dad. But one of the things that happened in his case was that he constantly fiddled with the temperature controls. And since, by that time, he had questionable perceptual and reasoning abilities, he would simply crank the thing up or down more or less willy-nilly.

    Sometimes this would lead to conditions where, for example, the house temperature would end up around 90 degrees. Not only is this an annoyance, but it can also pose hazardous to a person’s health in terms of things like overheating or hyperthermia.[8]

    For us, believe it or not, we actually had the functional thermostat moved to the lower level and we left the main-level thermostat in place, but inoperable. Because it’s so convoluted of a solution, I wouldn’t recommend this, particularly.

    Instead, I would tell you to try getting a locking thermostat cover – the kind that you see in public areas like libraries, offices, etc. If this causes your loved one to become agitated, you can explore additional options like camouflaging it. But at least the temperatures will remain at reasonable and safe levels.

Concluding Remarks

Bear in mind that these recommendations only scratch the surface of what you could do and, unfortunately, of what you might be forced to do to properly care for your loved one.

For a more complete list of suggestions, see my free web resource titled “Ultimate Guide to Alzheimer’s-Proofing A Home: Master List.” You can think of it as a list of possible action items. Peruse it to get some ideas as to how you might effectively alter your own living environment to better care for your afflicted family member.

Looking for Product Recommendations?

Unsure what to buy? I recommend select products HERE.

Additional Reading

Background Information on Alzheimer’s Itself:

• “What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? A Brief Overview”
• “How Many Stages Does Alzheimer’s Disease Have?”

General Alzheimer’s-Proofing Information:

• “What Do We Mean by ‘Alzheimer’s-Proofing’?”
• “Alzheimer’s Proofing Vs. Baby Proofing”

Five-Part Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s Proofing Your House:

• “Part One: The Master List.”
• “Part Two: General and Senior-Safety Tips.”
• “Part Three: Specific Alzheimer’s Tips.”
• “Part Four: Kitchens & Bathrooms.”
• “Part Five: Indoors and Outdoors.”
• “Recommended Products”

Alzheimer’s-Proofing a Vehicle:

• “How Do You Alzheimer’s Proof a Car?”
• “Car-Disabling Devices”

Notes:

[1] Another aspect of this will simply be decluttering and decontaminating the living space, where applicable. I cover these is other articles.

[2] There are the usual provisos. For one thing, every situation is different. Since Alzheimer’s is a brain-degenerating condition, it may – and is liable to – affect people in various ways. Additionally, because cognitive impairments often impact seniors, there may be physical impairments to contend with as well. These might be byproducts of the dementia, or they might be unrelated (i.e., “comorbid”). Thus, care for some patients may require a heavier emphasis on mobility-aid improvements. While care for other Alzheimer’s sufferers might demand a focus upon access-control and restriction. Let your loved one’s specific case and needs dictate your direction.

[3] Generally, you can put lower wattage bulbs into a light fixture without danger. Of course, you need to make sure that the bulbs are designed for use in fixtures similar to yours. Also, be aware that lower-wattage bulbs will be dimmer. You just never want to exceed the recommended wattage, or you could have a fire hazard on your hands.

[4] He sometimes also obstructed it. Sometimes this may have been intentional; other times, it probably wasn’t.

[5] Of course, I have to include a major caveat. Alzheimer’s ravages memories. So, it is possible that your loved one won’t remember being “used to” the monitor when he or she is suffering from dementia. It’s also possible that your loved one will “remember” the object and fiddle with it in ways that obstruct its use as a monitor. But I still think that this item is valuable enough to be worth that risk. Having a monitor on my dad freed me up to be able to do other tasks around the house – or even do business-related work in the home – without worry that Jim was “getting into” or doing something that he shouldn’t.

[6] Before spending money, you might want to determine whether your current model is lockable in the relevant way. Try to locate the printed copy of your microwave’s owner’s manual – or find it online.

[7] IF, that is, your loved one would wear it. Although my dad wore a watch, it was a wristwatch with a traditional clockface and moving hands. It wasn’t digital. So, it’s not a sure bet that he would have accepted a GPS-tracking watch as a substitute for what he was used to wearing. However, after he disappeared several times, I would have been inclined to give it a try.

[8] Of course, it’s also possible that the house temperature could drop dangerously low and present equal but opposite risks. However, personally, I never ran into this with my dad.

The post Best Home Modifications For Handling Alzheimer’s Dementia appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s – or of another form of dementia – is a scary thing for a person and his or her family. It is literally lifechanging. We went through the rollercoaster of emotions when my dad, Jim, was diagnosed around 2008. (Read “Jim’s Story,” HERE.)

Much of this website is devoted to things that caretakers can do to better safeguard the home environment.[1] But you don’t want to neglect those things that you yourself can do to minimize the risk of developing Alzheimer’s in the first place. This will include basic tips like these: Get regular exercise; Drink purified water; Reduce your alcohol intake; Make sure you get your nutrients; Sit less; Turn off the TV; Boost your brain activity; Improve your memory; Supplement with herbs and spices; and Get adequate amounts of sleep.

Caveats

Despite researchers’ best efforts, Alzheimer’s Disease remains largely a mystery in many ways. This means that there are no agreed upon – let alone “guaranteed” – ways of avoiding or treating Alzheimer’s. And, presently, there is no cure. This means that, relatedly, there can be no definitive list of “things you can do” to avoid Alzheimer’s.

But this last fact by no means rules out the idea that, based upon our current state of knowledge, some lifestyles changes seem to hold out the promise of improving our odds. (It also gives me an incentive to try to stack the deck in my favor, health-wise. After all, I don’t want any disease; but I especially don’t want a disease about which little is known.) So, even though I am not a doctor and none of what is written in this post constitutes medical advice (for which, see your local healthcare professional), what is included is a bit of what I have done for myself. Even though these suggestions are speculative, there are some indications in the relevant literature that a few of these tips might be effective. Do what you will with the information; employ suggestions at your own risk.

Top Ten List

1. Exercise More

Regular exercise is routinely touted as valuable for health. Even if it’s not quite the fabled panacea, there is no denying the litany of positive benefits associated with it.

For example, exercise strengthens and tones muscles. It can therefore help you to feel – and look – better. This, in turn, can decrease your risk of certain illnesses (e.g., diabetes and heart disease).

But, getting into an exercise routine can also improve the health and vitality of your brain.

One doctor, Jonathan Graff-Radford, writing for the celebrated Mayo Clinic, explains: “Physical activity seems to help your brain not only by keeping the blood flowing but also by increasing chemicals that protect the brain.”[2]

An article published on the website of the prestigious Harvard Medical School stated that: “Regular exercise changes the brain in ways to improve memory and thinking skills…”.[3] This is partly because exercise has anti-inflammatory effects on various parts of the body and it also helps ensure that body internal body chemistry (including insulin and “growth factors”) are optimal.”[4]

Scientific American even published a tantalizing article that claimed exercise might be able to “clean up” the “hostile environments in the brains of Alzheimer’s mice, allowing new nerve cells …to enable cognitive improvements, such as [for] learning and memory.”[5]

Whether you bike, dance, walk, or weight lift, getting at least some exercise every day is repeatedly emphasized as a boon to your overall health.

2. Drink Filtered Water

Do you have any idea how much crud can potentially be in your tap water? Municipal water supplies are contaminated with many chemicals and other substances. These range from herbicides, pesticides and industrial byproducts, to metals like aluminum, lead, and mercury. There are even detectable levels of various microorganisms, pharmaceuticals, and other toxins – in the water that comes out of your faucet!

Numerous of these compounds have been linked to cancer, inflammation, and an assortment of other health problems. For much more detail on these, and related, water-contamination issues, see HERE.

While a definite causal mechanism for Alzheimer’s Disease still has not been pinned down, the condition is often characterized by brain degeneration, inflammation, and toxicity.

Could all the crap floating around in America’s water supplies be at least a contributing cause?

The fact that this seems to be a live possibility leads me to one practical conclusion: To raise the probability that I will escape my dad’s fate, I want to drink the cleanest water available. And my research (which again, is summarized HERE) leads me to think that this means I need to filter my own water.

So, get yourself a good quality filter. Keep it serviced. And stop imbibing chemical-laced tap water!

For my specific filter-related product recommendations, click HERE.

3. Reduce Alcohol Consumption

I’ll admit: This is a tough one for me. I do love a good whiskey. (Sometimes, I’ll even love a bad one.)

Alcohol, especially red wine, is associated with various health improvements. For example, it is reputed to reduce the risk of stroke and to improve general health.

On the other hand, some argue that the component bringing the actual benefits (resveratrol) may be better consumed through other sources, because of the potential dangers of alcohol.

For instance, alcohol can have adverse effects on many of the body’s parts, including the circulatory system and heart (from raising blood pressure to causing irregular heart rhythms) as well as the liver (including cirrhosis, “fatty” liver, and inflammation).

But, most pertinently, alcohol has links to brain problems, including – you guessed it – Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

For a more in-depth discussion of the pros and cons of drinking alcohol, as well as for more related information, see my article, HERE.

Like so many other things in life (not to mention on the present list), perhaps the best advice is this: moderation. “Moderation,” of course, has to do with the avoidance of extremes – that of deficiency on the one hand and overindulgence on the other.[6]

4. Get Your Nutrients

Some observers suggest that Alzheimer’s Disease comes in different varieties. (For more on this intriguing idea, see HERE.)

Relevantly, one of the sub-varieties (“Type 2,” in the idiom of Dr. Dale Bredesen) is believed to be precipitated by nutrient deficiencies of one sort or other.

The basic notion is that our cognitive faculties – things like our abilities to remember and to think – depend on hormonal, nutritional, or other “trophic” support.

In my research, some vitamin deficiencies are possibly important to note.

Vitamin B12. For one thing, there is a bit of literature on the subject of B12 deficiency. B12, also known as cobalamin, plays an essential role ensuring the body’s health at a cellular level. B12 is especially important for blood cells as well as nerve cells. There is some dispute over whether a lack of B12 causes Alzheimer’s per se[7] or whether B12 deficiency is simply Alzheimer’s-like.[8] Honestly though, it’s good advice to keep up your levels of B12 regardless of which is the case.[9]

Vitamin D. Another notable entrant on this list has to be vitamin D. HERE I go more in depth on what vitamin D actually is and why it’s important. For the time being, let’s just say that the august Mayo Clinic has noticed that “people with very low levels of vitamin D …are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia” than are people whose vitamin-D levels are normal.[10]

Copper. Copper is a further substance that sometimes crops up in articles on possible links between dementia and nutrient deficiencies. A lack of copper might bring about the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. Or so says one school of thought on the matter.[11] However, others maintain that copper actually precipitates Alzheimer’s![12] Although the jury’s still out on this issue, it seems reasonable to try to keep your copper intake to within the Food and Drug Administration’s so-called “recommended daily allowances.” Currently, this is supposedly 900 micrograms per day.

Since copper may end up in our bodies via the pipes that carry water into our homes, it may be advisable to invest in a good-quality filter. (For more on this, see the relevant section in this article, above. For specific water-purification recommendations, see HERE.)

Of course, at the most basic level, you want to ensure that you’re eating a balanced diet. Some nutritionists even speak of specialized diet plans such as those geared towards reducing inflammation. For more on dietary tweaks, click HERE, HERE, and HERE.

5. Boost Brain Activity

Earlier, I mentioned the importance of physical exercise for brain health. But, there are also such things as “brain exercises.” To put it slightly differently, there are any of a number of ways to build and strengthen neural connections, as well as to sharpen your reason, and bolster your memory. Improving memory is so important I’m giving it its own separate section, below. Presently, I’ll just sort of dash off a few quick tips for giving your gray matter a bit of a workout.

Do some puzzles or ‘brain teasers.’ Okay: admit it. This is the tip that you’ve been expecting. Many people have heard this one. A good way to keep your brain active is to do crossword (or other) puzzles. And it’s certainly worth considering. Solving (or attempting to solve) puzzles activate brain connections that may have been dormant for some time. In other words, they tax our brains. Besides crosswords, there are brain teasers, checkers and chess problems, logic puzzles, sudokus, and so on. There’s practically something for everyone. So, think about trying one of these the next time you reach for your television remote.

Get creative. Write a poem. Write in a journal. Draw a picture. (Or paint one.) Turn on a piece of music. Sing along – trying to memorize the words. Sculpt. Act in a play (and memorize those lines). Alternatively, go to your local art museum and make a study of some of the pieces.

Learn something new. This could be something large and involved – like a new language or a musical instrument – or it could be something smaller – like a memorizable passage from a book or a word-of-the-day. You could take an actual class, or just read a book. (But, maybe try to avoid watching courses on tv. For the reason, see further on.) Keep challenging your brain, the thinking goes, and you’ll keep building neuronal pathways. And that’s a good thing.

Rely less on artificial and ‘external’ helps. What do I mean? Well, how much change are you owed as giving the cashier a $20 bill on a total of $17.23? Don’t just do nothing and assume that she knows the answer (or, more likely, that her register computer will tell her). Don’t turn immediately for your calculator (or, more likely, the “calc app” on your smartphone). Instead, try to work it out in your head.  (Okay… maybe you’re allowed a pencil and paper.) Scary, right? I realize. But think of it this way: you’re not being graded! Even if you get the answer wrong, at least you gave your brain a mini workout. And we’re surrounded with similar opportunities.

6. Work on Your Memory

One interesting and (I think) neglected area is memory development. This is in addition to giving your brain nutritional support as well as a “workout.” (For more on these, see the relevant sections, above.)

It seems that every day, we rely more and more heavily on cell phones and other electronic devices as memory aids. Part of our reliance pertains to maintenance of our daily calendars and schedules. And phone numbers? Who knows those any longer?!

But of late this over-reliance seems to have extended even to basic facts – which we can have told to us by the virtual voices of Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, etc.

This might appear to be a great help. And, there’s no denying the “convenience” of it. However, it is possible that our dependence on these sorts of artificial helps has a negative impact on our natural capacity to remember things. So, here’s one quick suggestion that I have been taking to heart, lately.

Don’t (over-)rely on memory aids. If you have a list of things to purchase from the store, try to remember it. Of course, you should write it down – both as a backup and as a means of memorizing the list. But don’t be so quick to turn to the list for that next item. Put a little effort into trying to bring it to mind without any outside help. Make a game out of it.

Not scoring so well in this game? Take heart! For, believe it or not, there are ways of enhancing our memories.

(For more detailed explanations of these various techniques, see my companion article: “How to Boost Memory & Possibly Avoid Alzheimer’s.”)

Use the ‘major system.’ This system uses letter combinations as an assist to remembering numbers. To start with, you actually have to memorize the substitution list. (Sorry!) But after you have the short list down, it becomes a lot easier. It’s beyond the scope of the present article to explain the workings of the system. (For that stuff, click HERE!) Suffice it to say that this fairly straightforward mnemonic allows for the memorization of things like birthdates, social-security numbers, telephone numbers and the like. Impress your friends! But, more importantly, enhance your memory.

Build yourself a mind palace. The precise goings on are too nuanced to expound upon, here. At present, I will simply note that there are memory procedures involving the creation of mnemonic devices along with the construction (within the mind) of something termed a “memory palace”[13] – popularized on such television shows as the BBC’s Sherlock (airing in four seasons from 2010 to 2017 and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman) as well as figuring in several performances by the British “mentalist” Derren Brown.[14]

While there is no word (that I have seen) regarding whether these techniques shield their user from dementias, as I have stated elsewhere, my concern is just stacking the odds in my favor. And, my guess is that it’s better to have a robust and healthy memory than, well… not.

Again, for the more detailed discussion of these memory-building techniques, see HERE.

7. Add Some Spice to Your Life

We have already discussed the fact that some vitamin (and other) supplements can usefully augment your diet, thus (possibly) stacking the odds of avoiding dementia more in your favor. But it turns out that some of the ingredients on your kitchen spice rack might actually reduce some of your Alzheimer risks as well.

I have also touched upon some of these elsewhere. (So check that out, HERE.) Suffice it to say, here, that several everyday seasonings also are reputed to have some potent health effects.

Here are just a few examples.

Cinnamon. Take cinnamon, for instance. According to an article just published in the academic journal Pharmacological Research, “[c]innamon …[is] a promising prospect towards Alzheimer’s disease.”[15] “[T]wo compounds found in cinnamon – cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin – are showing some promise in the effort to fight the disease. …[T]he compounds have been shown to prevent the development of the filamentous ‘tangles’ found in the brain cells that characterize Alzheimer’s.”[16]

Turmeric. One study suggests that turmeric (curcumin) may reduce Alzheimer’s-related brain inflammation and, consequently, improve patient’s memory. On the flip side, taking it before onset might stave off the Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Here’s an excerpt from the article’s abstract. “Curcumin …has a potential role in the prevention and treatment of AD. Curcumin as an …anti-inflammatory …improves the cognitive functions in patients with AD. A growing body of evidence indicates that oxidative stress, free radicals, beta amyloid, cerebral deregulation caused by bio-metal toxicity and abnormal inflammatory reactions contribute to the key event in Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Due to various effects of curcumin, such as decreased Beta-amyloid plaques, delayed degradation of neurons, metal-chelation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and decreased microglia formation, the overall memory in patients with AD has improved.”[17]

Ginger. I should also mention ginger. Though, admittedly, in this case research suggests that ginger is useful not so much for Alzheimer’s prevention as for symptom management. The idea is that “traditional Chinese medicinal ginger root extract (GRE)” might help “to prevent behavioral dysfunction in the Alzheimer disease…”.[18]

8. Sit Less (and Stand More)

According to a scholarly article published in 2015: “Prolonged sedentary time was …associated with deleterious health outcomes regardless of physical activity.”[19] Got that? Regardless of physical activity!

That means that if you sit a lot – and “more than half of the average person’s waking hours are spent sitting”[20] doing one activity of other – then you are increasing your risk for numerous conditions and diseases.

I’ve gone into this elsewhere. (For more, see HERE.) But, in general terms, “too much sitting …increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and premature death.”[21]

And wouldn’t you know it? Sitting is also bad for the brain, specifically. Too much sitting can cause a “[t]hinning in brain regions [that are] important for memory…”.[22]

One study suggested to the writers at Medical News Today that the effects of a sedentary lifestyle were so pronounced as to raise a person’s level of risk to that which he or she would have if there were a genetic predisposition. Citing a 2017 article in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease,[23] one reporter observed that a “lack of exercise” – typical of people who sit all day long – “may be …as risky for dementia development …[as is] carrying the APOE e4 gene,”[24] for more on which gene, see HERE and HERE. To put some numbers to it, we’re talking in the neighborhood of three to twelve times higher risk.

That’s a huge and significant increase. So, get off your duff!

Stand More. A simple “fix” for sitting too much is, well… standing more often. There are a number of ways to do this, including getting standing desks for work. But, straightforwardly, just try to take every opportunity that you have to be a little more active. For some ideas to get you going – both literally and metaphorically – see HERE.

9. Turn off the Television

You might be thinking, “Some kinds of sitting are arguably worse than other others.” And this is doubtless true.

For instance, you can sit and work a crossword puzzle or read a Shakespearean sonnet. On the other hand, you could sit and “binge watch” your latest guilty pleasure on Netflix.

It turns out, then, not so much that extended sitting can be made better, but that its negative effects can be compounded with the introduction of television.

Indeed, the culprit, here, isn’t just “television” (full stop). It’s any related form of electronic-video viewing.

According to a 2015 article in America Magazine: “[T]he more TV you watch, the more likely you are to get Alzheimer’s disease.”[25]

This conclusion was based on a twenty-five-year study carried out by the San Francisco-based Northern California Institute for Research and Education. Commenting on the same research, one Washington Post writer explained that “too much TV might damage your brain and also raise the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”[26]

In fact, a link between dementia and television had been suggested nearly fifteen years earlier.

In 2001, a Dr. Robert Friedland and his team declared that tv viewing was potentially deleterious to brain and cognitive health.[27] In their findings, watching television was highly correlated with Alzheimer’s. To put it another way, those who developed Alzheimer’s later in life had been observed to have been (or reported having been) “heavy” tv viewers.[28]

I go into greater depth on this, HERE. Suffice it to say that you might want to consider turning off – or, at least limiting your time in front of – the tube. (And I’ll certainly be considering the same thing!)

10. Relax – and Get Your Sleep

Now that you’re all good and worked up over your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, just try to settle down. What’s the saying? Worrying doesn’t add any days to your life. In fact, it might even subtract a few of them. So, cool it.

Seriously, though, this is important. I have elsewhere written about the necessity of getting optimal (or at least adequate) amounts of sleep. (It’s so crucial, it has two articles – and counting. Get started HERE and HERE.)

But a corollary of this advice is that we all (you and me both) need to stop worrying so much.

One article on the popular WebMD website relates that high levels of “…stress” might predispose us “for the kind of thinking difficulties that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease…”.[29]

The Mayo Clinic explains that stress prompts our bodies to release the hormone cortisol. In turn, chronically high cortisol levels can precipitate all sorts of health problems, including: emotional difficulties (e.g., anxiety and depression) as well as physical troubles. These latter can come in the form of so-called “stress” headaches, stomach troubles, and – yes – “[m]emory and concentration impairment.”[30]

Stress is also known to disrupt sleep. And this lack of proper rest and restoration can further increase stress – as well as put us at greater risk for Alzheimer’s.

Here are some things to try to minimize (or deal with) the stressors in your life.

Avoid drugs. This variously sounds absurd and obvious. But as I am reading over some of the things that can cause stress, what appears on the list? We’re talking about alcohol (which I addressed above), caffeine, cigarettes and nicotine, and so on. (I’m tempted to add sugar to that list. Ahem.) It sometimes seems that nothing good comes from these except addiction. Of course, we often hear platitudes like “all things in moderation.” (I even used it myself, above, regarding that chimerical beast, “moderate drinking.”) And if you do really have the ability to be moderate then… good for you! Sincerely! For the rest of us, maybe we should just lay off (as best we can). (Oh, my precious whiskey…)

Exercise. This stress-reduction list has a lot of similarities to the present article, n’est-ce pas? Coincidence? So, get out and move around a little – or a lot. It can do your body a lot of good just to go for a walk. Jog or run if you can manage. Do some yoga. Learn some breathing techniques. Lift weights. Cycle. You get the idea. Just do something.

Seek counseling. This may or may not require the hiring of a professional (and licensed) therapist of one kind or other. It may be as simple as just having good friends to lean on. Alternatively, it might necessitate engaging a “life coach,” personal assistant, or someone who can help make your daily tasks more controllable, predictable, and organized. Time management is a key, here.

Get more sleep! But this can be difficult (or practically impossible) when you’re already stressed out. It begins a proverbial vicious cycle. What can be done?

Well, here are a few herbs (and other things) that can take the edge off enough to help you get those Zs.

I’m focused on things that are, according to my untutored reading, not as habit-forming as alcohol (or even some of the prescription or OTC concoctions that people go in for these days).

My top herbal picks would include the following:

• Hops (Humulus lupulus).
• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis).
• Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata).
• Valerian (Valerian officinalis).

For the a non-herbal sleep assist, it’s hard to do better than the amino acid:

• L-Tryptophan.

For more in-depth information on these supplements – and for several other recommendations (e.g., GABA and melatonin) – click HERE.

A final suggestion is to regulate your light and sunlight exposure. Here’s what I mean. It can be extremely beneficial to get some sunlight during the day. For instance, natural light helps your body produce vitamin D naturally. (For more on this, see above as well as HERE and HERE.)

Equally and oppositely, limiting light exposure at night can be vital for your ability to sleep. For most people (who don’t work nights), limiting sunlight isn’t a problem during their scheduled sleeping period. But, here, it is essential to reduce your exposure to artificial lights – including electronic displays. (Read additional tips HERE.)

Summary

10 Things You Can Do to Lessen Your Alzheimer’s Risk:

1. Exercise
2. Drink Purified Water
3. Cut Back on Alcohol
4. Eat Well & Take Your Vitamins
5. Give Your Brain a Workout
6. Enhance Your Memory
7. Reach for Your Kitchen Spices
8. Sit Less/Stand More
9. Watch Less TV
10. Get Enough Rest

Notes:

[1] See the five-part guide to Alzheimer’s-proofing a home: Part 1 – Master List; Part 2 – Senior Safety; Part 3 – Alzheimer’s Tips; Part 4 – Kitchens & Baths; Part 5 – Indoors & Outdoors..

[2] Jonathan Graff-Radford, “Alzheimer’s Disease: Can Exercise Prevent Memory Loss?” Mayo Clinic, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/alzheimers-disease/faq-20057881>.

[3] Heidi Godman, “Regular Exercise Changes the Brain to Improve Memory, Thinking Skills,” Harvard Medical School, Apr. 9, 2014; updated Apr. 5, 2018, <https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110>.

[4] “[G]rowth factors …[are] chemicals in the brain that affect the health of brain cells, the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, and even the abundance and survival of new brain cells.” Ibid.

[5] Jonathan Grinstein, “How Exercise Might ‘Clean’ the Alzheimer’s Brain: Hints at Potential Treatments for Age-Related Dementia and Memory Loss,” Scientific American, Oct. 16, 2018, <https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-exercise-might-clean-the-alzheimers-brain1/>.

[6] It’s something like an application of Aristotle’s famous “golden mean.” A commonly cited example is that of courage that, properly construed is “midway” (so to speak) between cowardice and recklessness abandon.

[7] But see Jennifer Warner, “Vitamin B12 Linked to Lower Alzheimer’s Risk,” WebMD, Oct. 18, 2010, <https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20101018/vitamin-b12-linked-to-lower-alzheimers-risk>.

[8] See, e.g., “What’s Causing Your Memory Loss? It’s Not Necessarily Alzheimer’s,” HelpGuide, n.d., <https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/whats-causing-your-memory-loss.htm>.

[9] For more reading, see A. Osimani, A. Berger, J. Friedman, B. Porat-Katz, and J. Abarbanel, “Neuropsychology of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Elderly Dementia Patients and Control Subjects,” Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, vol. 18, no. 1, Mar. 2005, pp. 33-8, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15681626>.

[10] Jonathan Graff-Radford, “Can Taking Vitamin D Supplements or Spending More Time in the Sun Help Prevent Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia?” Mayo Clinic, May 30, 2018, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/vitamin-d-alzheimers/faq-20111272>.

[11] See, for instance, J. Xu, S. Church, S. Patassini, P. Begley, H. Waldvogel, M. Curtis, R. Faull, R. Unwin, and G. Cooper, “Evidence for Widespread, Severe Brain Copper Deficiency in Alzheimer’s Dementia,” Metallomics, Aug 16, 2017, vol. 9, no. 8, pp. 1106-1119, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28654115> and L. Klevay, “Alzheimer’s Disease as Copper Deficiency,” Medical Hypotheses, vol. 70, no. 4, Oct. 24, 2007, pp. 802-807, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17928161>.

[12] For the Cliff’s Notes’s version, take a look at Andrew Weil, “Does Copper Lead to Alzheimer’s?” Dr. Weil (dot) com, Nov. 11, 2013, <https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/health-centers/aging-gracefully/does-copper-lead-to-alzheimers/>.

[13] This is also sometimes called the method of places

[14] For an entertaining illustration of which, see HERE.

[15] “Various cinnamon species and their biologically active ingredients have renewed the interest towards the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate A[lzheimer’s]D[isease] through the inhibition of tau protein aggregation and prevention of the formation and accumulation of amyloid-β peptides into the neurotoxic oligomeric inclusions, both of which are considered to be the AD trademarks.” according to S. Momtaz, S. Hassani, F. Khan, M. Ziaee, and M. Abdollahi, “Cinnamon, a Promising Prospect Towards Alzheimer’s Disease,” Pharmacological Research, vol. 130, Dec. 2017 (online); Apr. 2018 (in print), pp. 241-258, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29258915>.

[16] “Cinnamon Compound Has Potential Ability to Prevent Alzheimer’s,” Science Daily, May 23, 2013, <https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130523143737.htm>; citing Roshni George, John Lew, and Donald Graves, “Interaction of Cinnamaldehyde and Epicatechin with Tau: Implications of Beneficial Effects in Modulating Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis,” Charles Ramassamy, ed., Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, vol. 36, no. 1, Jun. 2013, pp. 21-41, <https://www.j-alz.com/vol36-1>.

[17] Shrikant Mishra and Kalpana Palanivelu, “The Effect of Curcumin (Turmeric) on Alzheimer’s Disease: An Overview,” Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, vol. 11, no. 1, Jan.-Mar. 2008, pp. 13-19, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781139/>.

[18] G. Zeng, Z. Zhang, L. Lu, D. Xiao, S. Zong, and J. He, “Protective Effects of Ginger Root Extract on Alzheimer Disease-Induced Behavioral Dysfunction in Rats,” Rejuvenation Research, Apr. 2013, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 124-33, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23374025>.

[19] Aviroop Biswas, Paul Oh, Guy Faulkner, Ravi Bajaj, Michael Silver, Marc Mitchell, David Alter, “Sedentary Time and Its Association With Risk for Disease Incidence, Mortality, and Hospitalization in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” Annals of Internal Medicine, vol. 162, no. 2, Jan. 20, 2015, pp. 123-132, <http://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/2091327/sedentary-time-its-association-risk-disease-incidence-mortality-hospitalization-adults>.

[20] Julie Corliss, “Too Much Sitting Linked to Heart Disease, Diabetes, Premature Death,” Harvard Heart Letter, Jan. 22, 2015, online at <https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/much-sitting-linked-heart-disease-diabetes-premature-death-201501227618>.

[21] Leigh Hopper, “Sitting Is Bad for Your Brain – Not Just Your Metabolism or Heart,” Univ. of Cal. – Los Angeles, press release, Apr. 12, 2018, <https://eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-04/uoc–sib041118.php>. See, also, Laurie Tarkan, “The Connection Between Sitting and Diabetes,” On-Track Diabetes, Jul. 27, 2017, <https://www.ontrackdiabetes.com/get-fit/motivation/connection-between-sitting-diabetes> and Earl Ford and Carl Caspersen, “Sedentary Behaviour and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Prospective Studies,” International Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 41, no. 5, Oct. 2012, pp. 1338-1353, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4582407/>.

[22] Hopper, op. cit. Cf. Prabha Siddarth, Alison Burggren, Harris Eyre, Gary Small, and David Merrill, “Sedentary Behavior Associated With Reduced Medial Temporal Lobe Thickness in Middle-Aged and Older Adults,” PLoS ONE (Public Library of Science), vol. 13, no. 4, Apr. 12, 2018, <https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0195549>.

[23] Barbara Fenesi, Hanna Fang, Ana Kovacevic, Mark Oremus, Parminder Raina, and Jennifer Heisz, “Physical Exercise Moderates the Relationship of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Genotype and Dementia Risk: A Population-Based Study,” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, vol. 56, no. 1, Jan. 2017, pp. 297-303. Relatedly, it is also the case that the dementia sufferers tend to be more sedentary than comparable non-dementia individuals. See Y. Hartman, E. Karssemeijer, L. van Diepen, M. Rikkert, and D. Thijssen, “Dementia Patients Are More Sedentary and Less Physically Active than Age- and Sex-Matched Cognitively Healthy Older Adults,” Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, vol. 46, nos. 1-2, Aug. 24, 2018, pp. 81-89, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30145584>.

[24] Honor Whiteman, “Sedentary Behavior Raises Dementia Risk as Much as Genetic Factors,” Medical News Today, Jan. 15, 2017, <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315173.php>.

[25] Mark Pattison, “New Study Shows Link Between TV Viewing and Alzheimer’s,” America; via Catholic News Service, Jul. 31, 2015, <https://www.americamagazine.org/content/all-things/tv-viewing-linked-alzheimers>.

[26] Fredrick Kunkle, “Too Much TV Could Raise the Risk of Alzheimer’s, Study Suggests,” Washington Post, Jul. 20, 2015, <https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/too-much-tv-can-raise-the-risk-of-alzheimers-new-study-suggests/2015/07/20/7dcdc4cc-2eea-11e5-97ae-30a30cca95d7_story.html>.

[27] See, e.g., Roger Highfield, “Scientists Hint at Link Between TV and Alzheimer’s,” Telegraph (British newspaper), Mar. 6, 2001, <https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/1325216/Scientists-hint-at-link-between-TV-and-Alzheimers.html>.

[28] Cf. David Wilkes, “Can TV Lead to Alzheimer’s?” Daily Mail (British newspaper), n.d., <https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-28720/Can-TV-lead-Alzheimers.html>.

[29] Tara Haelle, “Stress and Alzheimer’s-Linked Thinking Problems,” HealthDay via WedMD, Dec. 11, 2015, <https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20151211/stress-may-boost-risk-for-alzheimers-linked-thinking-problems>.

[30] Staff writers, “Chronic Stress Puts Your Health at Risk,” Mayo Clinic, Apr. 21, 2016, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037>.

The post 10 Things to Do Now to Reduce Your Alzheimer’s Risk Later appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.