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.
