Besides its not-inconsiderable practical burdens, Alzheimer’s also has numerous theoretical burdens as well. Chief among these are that we know neither precisely what causes Alzheimer’s, nor do we have any curative treatment available.
However, there is much speculation on both alleged causes and prospective cures. Readers can get a flavor for this by attending to the recent Awakening From Alzheimer’s “summit.” This presentation has given me hope, since doctors and researchers believe that they are making progress toward giving us explanations of, and possible solutions to, this dreadful disease.
The first of the many fascinating ideas that I encountered was the notion that our brains are akin to living organisms. On the face of it, this is trivially true, since our brains are part of our bodies and our bodies are, quite obviously, alive. The revelation really comes at the level of analysis, where a more organic view of brain is replacing a more computational/mechanical model.
Various research has convinced some investigators that healthy brains rejuvenate and change on almost a daily basis. But our brains need whole-body support to perpetuate these changes and to keep them going in a positive direction. Too often, poor diet and bad lifestyle choices lead to cognitive decline. (In a way, this is the theme of the entire weblog.)
The “Bredesen Protocol”
The prevailing opinion is that “amyloid plaque” causes Alzheimer’s Disease. An interesting alternative has been proposed by Dr. Dale Bredesen. He believes that the amyloid plaque is actually a reaction of the body to protect the brain from the underlying real cause. This real cause ties into Dr. Bredesen’s primary thesis: there are, in his estimation, different types of Alzheimer’s.
If Dr. Bredesen is correct, then we have some idea of why pharmaceutical companies have heretofore been unsuccessful at devising chemical interventions. They are on the wrong track. One pill cannot cure everyone (nor even slow down the progression of the disease); one size does not fit all, when it comes to dementia. Things are far more complicated than that. (For the received view, see HERE.)
He believes that there are multiple causes of multiple variations of Alzheimer’s. Therefore, we need multiple remedies.
The doctor’s entire schema, as well as his recipe for treatment, is termed the “Bredesen Protocol.” It rests on the posit that there are three different types of Alzheimer’s.
Type 1 – Inflammation Alzheimer’s. Type 1 is characterized by initial memory loss and is supposed to be caused variously by diets high in sugar and processed food or unspecified infection. This sort is generally of late onset.
Type 2 – Nutrient-Deficiency Alzheimer’s. Dr. Bredesen thinks that Type 2 is precipitated when the brain or nervous system lack essential nutrients – termed “trophic supports.” Like Type 1, Type 2 is late-onset and starts with memory loss.
Type 3 – Brain-Toxicity Alzheimer’s. This third sort is early onset and begins with the disruption of executive functioning, as opposed to mere memory loss. Dr. Bredesen believes that the relevant brain toxicity is caused by exposure to specific heavy metals like mercury, or to biotoxins like mold.
BRIGHT MINDS
Another worthy mention is Dr. Daniel Amen, who summarized his BRIGHT MINDS program. The name is an acronym in which the letters stand for factors pertinent to overall brain and cognitive health. Dr. Amen recommends that each factor be checked out and, if need be, issue in a dietary change or lifestyle modification.
In order, the elements are as follows.
- Blood Flow – Ensure that your brain has adequate blood flow. Substances like caffeine can restrict blood flow. (On the other hand, some herbs like ginkgo and hawthorn are supposedly salubrious – see HERE.)
- Retirement – Don’t just sit around; keep learning! (For some pointers, see HERE.)
- Inflammation – Dr. Amen advises: Increase omega-3 levels, by using flaxseed oil, fish oil, and the like. (Additionally, turmeric is a potent, natural anti-inflammatory. For more, see HERE.)
- Genetics – This underlines the obvious datum that you are believed to be at greater risk for Alzheimer’s if the disease runs in your family. (On available testing – including genetic testing – see HERE.) What can you do? Dr. Amen recommends that you drink green tea and supplement with vitamin D. (For more on vitamin D, see HERE.)
- Head trauma – Dr. Amen colorfully likens our brains to “soft butter.” Protect your brain! Yes, it’s probably a bad idea to bicycle without a helmet or to ride in a car without a seatbelt.
- Toxins – Like Dr. Bredesen, Dr. Amen points out that there appears to be a link between neurological degeneration and things such as alcohol, carbon monoxide, drugs of various kinds, mold, and so on.
- Mental health – Get help dealing with anger, depression, stress, and the like.
- Immunity and infection – Again, in common with Dr. Bredesen, Dr. Amen warns against the possible negative, systemic effects of unchecked infection. Boost your immunity naturally with vitamins C and D as well as probiotics. (Again, see HERE and HERE.)
- Neurohormonal deficiency – Hormones should be at optimal – not just adequate – levels.
- Diabetes – Cease and desist with the sugar, already! And, yes, we’re looking at you too, breads and pastas. Do you have to cut these yummy treats out entirely? Perhaps not. But, for your brain’s sake, cut down. Eat nutrient-dense foods such as asparagus, berries (like blueberries and strawberries), carrots, cruciferous veggies (e.g., arugula, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, collard greens, kale), fish (like salmon), lentils, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.
- Sleep – We generally need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep. And yes, you need those 7 hours (minimum) of shuteye each night. (For much more on sleep, see HERE and HERE.)
Get in Step With Your Circadian Rhythm
Dr. Michael Breus talked about our innate circadian rhythms, and how our brains are more receptive to certain types of activities at certain times of the day. For example, he alleges that, for many people, the brain is readier to learn new information in the morning after breakfast, and it’s more creative in the afternoon after lunch.
Dr. Breus speculates that this is because mental clarity and focus peak early in the circadian cycle, as opposed to creativity, which climaxes later. He also recommends that we venture outdoors to soak up some of the natural light – because, in his estimation, “light is medicine.” (See HERE.) So, on the advice of Dr. Breus: Take a walk!
Movement is also important. (We touched on this topic and the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, HERE.) After lunch, when you feel your energy waning, go outside and get the blood flowing again. (There’s that Blood Flow, again – as mentioned by Dr. Amen.)
Dr. Brues gave a couple of tips on how to get to sleep. He stated that you want your cortisol levels to be low at night because cortisol is a hormone that indicates being stressed. On the other hand, you want high levels of melatonin because that hormone accompanies or marks states of relaxation. (Thus, it helps you get to sleep.) Other helpful tips include turning off computers (and other electronic gadgets) at least one hour before bed – as blue light inhibits (or “turns off”) melatonin production. (For much more on these and other matters, see my sleep articles, HERE and HERE.)
SHINE on, You Sane Diamond
Another method or system – the so-called “SHINE Protocol” – was explicated by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum. Dr. Teitelbaum’s sketches five areas that are key to developing optimal energy and neurotransmitter functionality. Fine-tuning your nervous system enables your chemical messengers to carry their information from the nerve cells in the brain to other parts of the body in the most efficient manner feasible.
“SHINE” stands for:
- Sleep – Not enough sleep can leave you tired and foggy. (Are you starting to get the picture? It’s like old computer-programming adage “garbage in, garbage out.” Many of our problems seem to stem from the fact that we don’t care for ourselves at the most basic levels.) Dr. Teitelbaum recommends 8-9 hours. (Again, see HERE and HERE.)
- Hormones – Any kind of deficiency, here, can leave you achy, irritable, tired, and, if Dr. Bredesen is correct, possibly struggling with Type-2 Alzheimer’s. (For more on this, search “hormone” HERE.)
- Immunity and infection – Gas and bloating can be a sign of a Candida infection. This, in turn, can be a sign of certain suboptimalities that can spell disaster for brain health.
- Nutrition – Mainly watch the levels of your vitamins A, B12, C, and D, as well as of the mineral magnesium. These are easily depleted. (See HERE for more information.)
- Exercise (as able) – Start slowly and with light weights. Increase speed and weight and your endurance and strength increase – under the guidance of a competent fitness or medical professional, of course.
Wait, You Want Me to Increase My Fat Intake?
Well, be careful with this one. But consider the words of one Dr. David Perlmutter. The doctor made the astounding statement that our brains are powered (that is, get their needed energy from) by fat – not sugar, as one might immediately think.
Dr. Perlmutter said that, in fact, the higher the blood sugar, the greater the risk for dementia. On the other hand, people who eat diets higher in (good) fat have a 44% risk reduction. Along this line, the best foods to eat for memory retention are avocados, beef (grass-fed), and coconut oil – of which he adds one tablespoon to his coffee every morning to help him feel full for hours.
Coffee also receives a high rank because it helps relieve oxidative stress and protect against neuro-degenerative diseases with a 65% risk reduction. However, presumably, this must be weighed against Dr. Amen’s warning that caffeine is a vasodilator and can restrict blood flow to the brain. (For the skinny on fats – as well as some other good info – see HERE.)