M
Matt
Guest
Hello,
My aunt has compiled the following "rules of thumb" that my family
uses for our Alzheimer's prevention diet. Can anyone comment on these
points and/or possibly point to other places of reference so that we
can possibly learn more, maybe read about other perspectives/opinions
on Alzheimer's prevention with diet? Are there other steps we might
take above and beyond what is listed below?
(My grandmother and great-grandmother have experienced Alzheimer's, so
my family is quite sensitive and aware of any reasonable prevention
measures that we can take.)
-Matt
[[ My aunt's compilation follows... ]]
I've listed my prevention strategies in order of my perceived
importance. These are not proven to inhibit the disease, but they are
good health practices anyway….so what do you have to lose?
1. Choline - This amino acid improves neuro-transmission in the
memory portion of the brain. One of the reason that Grandma took the
drug Aricept was to increase the choline production in the brain.
Choline can be found in eggs, green leafy vegetables, legumes, and
tofu. You can also by it in capsule form. There is no set daily
dosage requirement.
2. Vitamin E - A powerful anti-oxidant believed to be the most
important of all vitamins in preventing Alzheimer's. Most research
supports taking well above the daily recommended dosage. I take 1,000
mg. twice a day.
3. Vitamin C - Useful in the development of new brain cells which
slows down at the onset of Alzheimer's. Again research suggests a
higher than normal dosage. I take 1,000 mg. three times a day.
4. Fish oils - Omega 3 fatty acids are rich in fish oils. The
highest dosage is found in sardines, salmon, tuna and turbot. You
should be having a minimum of two servings per week. I take an fatty
acid supplement three times a day that contains both Omega 3 and 6.
Not only has it been found to improve brain efficiency, but it also
maintains good joint health and helps guard cholesterol levels.
5. Homocysteine level in Blood - The higher the level of
homocysteine, the more likely you are to develop the disease.
Homocysteines has a toxic effect on brain cells that can begin to age
the brain long before Alzheimer's sets in. A blood test can tell you
if your levels are elevated. Take 2 mg. of folic acid to keep them
under control. This is more than typically found in your daily
multivitamin.
6. Aluminum - Avoid ingesting it. Aluminum shows up in the
autopsies of Alzheimer's victims' brains. There toxic properties may
contribute to the destruction of brain cells. Minimize your use of
soda cans and aluminum cook ware. Watch for traces of harmful metals
in your antacid and other over-the-counter drugs.
7. Ibuprofen - This in the most controversial of the
recommendations I am making to you. This is because regular use of
Important may lead to liver and kidney damage, as well as irritate
your stomach lining. Nonetheless, inflammation is also believed to
play a big factor in Alzheimer's. The swelling of the brain membranes
is believed to play a part in the development of amyloid plaques in
the brain.
I take one 200 mg. tablet twice a day for several months, then
alternate its use with an herbal supplement alternative. It is called
Zyflamend from New Chapter. The herb is not only unproven, but more
expensive than taking Advil. It is much fewer side effects, however.
8. Deep breathing - Oxygen to the brain is critically important
to normal reticular activity that keeps your brain alert. Aerobic
exercise, yoga or pilates are great ways to meet this need.
9. Water - Dehydration effects proper brain function, and most of
us walk around in this condition every day without even realizing it.
I keep a water bottle with me almost everywhere I go and drink one
full bottle first thing every morning.
Hope this helps. For more information you may log onto the
Alzheimer's website at www.ALZ.org. The is some incredibly promising
research out there using passive immunization of Beta Amyloids that
are believed to be the primary cause of the disease. There are also a
new advances in slowing down the disease through stimulation of nerve
growth factors in the brain. Not much can be done at present until
symptoms arise in the victim. Many researchers believe that the
damage begins in the brain up to 20 years before these symptoms first
occur. For this reason, it is none to soon for each of you to take a
pro-active stance in your own personal prevention of the disease. I
already give [my children that are 11 and 14] extra E and C and a
choline supplement. They seldom drink soda or other canned drinks and
I try to push the water as much as I can. I just can't see a down
side to forming good habits now.
--
Remove the obvious text (including the dash) to email me.
My aunt has compiled the following "rules of thumb" that my family
uses for our Alzheimer's prevention diet. Can anyone comment on these
points and/or possibly point to other places of reference so that we
can possibly learn more, maybe read about other perspectives/opinions
on Alzheimer's prevention with diet? Are there other steps we might
take above and beyond what is listed below?
(My grandmother and great-grandmother have experienced Alzheimer's, so
my family is quite sensitive and aware of any reasonable prevention
measures that we can take.)
-Matt
[[ My aunt's compilation follows... ]]
I've listed my prevention strategies in order of my perceived
importance. These are not proven to inhibit the disease, but they are
good health practices anyway….so what do you have to lose?
1. Choline - This amino acid improves neuro-transmission in the
memory portion of the brain. One of the reason that Grandma took the
drug Aricept was to increase the choline production in the brain.
Choline can be found in eggs, green leafy vegetables, legumes, and
tofu. You can also by it in capsule form. There is no set daily
dosage requirement.
2. Vitamin E - A powerful anti-oxidant believed to be the most
important of all vitamins in preventing Alzheimer's. Most research
supports taking well above the daily recommended dosage. I take 1,000
mg. twice a day.
3. Vitamin C - Useful in the development of new brain cells which
slows down at the onset of Alzheimer's. Again research suggests a
higher than normal dosage. I take 1,000 mg. three times a day.
4. Fish oils - Omega 3 fatty acids are rich in fish oils. The
highest dosage is found in sardines, salmon, tuna and turbot. You
should be having a minimum of two servings per week. I take an fatty
acid supplement three times a day that contains both Omega 3 and 6.
Not only has it been found to improve brain efficiency, but it also
maintains good joint health and helps guard cholesterol levels.
5. Homocysteine level in Blood - The higher the level of
homocysteine, the more likely you are to develop the disease.
Homocysteines has a toxic effect on brain cells that can begin to age
the brain long before Alzheimer's sets in. A blood test can tell you
if your levels are elevated. Take 2 mg. of folic acid to keep them
under control. This is more than typically found in your daily
multivitamin.
6. Aluminum - Avoid ingesting it. Aluminum shows up in the
autopsies of Alzheimer's victims' brains. There toxic properties may
contribute to the destruction of brain cells. Minimize your use of
soda cans and aluminum cook ware. Watch for traces of harmful metals
in your antacid and other over-the-counter drugs.
7. Ibuprofen - This in the most controversial of the
recommendations I am making to you. This is because regular use of
Important may lead to liver and kidney damage, as well as irritate
your stomach lining. Nonetheless, inflammation is also believed to
play a big factor in Alzheimer's. The swelling of the brain membranes
is believed to play a part in the development of amyloid plaques in
the brain.
I take one 200 mg. tablet twice a day for several months, then
alternate its use with an herbal supplement alternative. It is called
Zyflamend from New Chapter. The herb is not only unproven, but more
expensive than taking Advil. It is much fewer side effects, however.
8. Deep breathing - Oxygen to the brain is critically important
to normal reticular activity that keeps your brain alert. Aerobic
exercise, yoga or pilates are great ways to meet this need.
9. Water - Dehydration effects proper brain function, and most of
us walk around in this condition every day without even realizing it.
I keep a water bottle with me almost everywhere I go and drink one
full bottle first thing every morning.
Hope this helps. For more information you may log onto the
Alzheimer's website at www.ALZ.org. The is some incredibly promising
research out there using passive immunization of Beta Amyloids that
are believed to be the primary cause of the disease. There are also a
new advances in slowing down the disease through stimulation of nerve
growth factors in the brain. Not much can be done at present until
symptoms arise in the victim. Many researchers believe that the
damage begins in the brain up to 20 years before these symptoms first
occur. For this reason, it is none to soon for each of you to take a
pro-active stance in your own personal prevention of the disease. I
already give [my children that are 11 and 14] extra E and C and a
choline supplement. They seldom drink soda or other canned drinks and
I try to push the water as much as I can. I just can't see a down
side to forming good habits now.
--
Remove the obvious text (including the dash) to email me.
