Alan,
Inflammation is well documented, it is common in neuropathological
conditions. Amyloid activates microglia, which in turn release h202, oh-,
and NO, all of which can significantly damage cells. These are, after all, a
primary mode of attack for the innate immune system and it is the innate
immune response that drives inflammation in alz.
So I would argue that any amyloid is potentially inflammatory even in the
absence of symptoms. However there are important exceptions, some studies
have demonstrated that humans can have quite extensive amyloidosis with no
or little cognitive dysfunction. I can only guess here but that guess is
that in these individuals, who are often above average iq, have more
"cerebral reserve" to make up for the losses. They may also possess and
intrinsically lower systemic inflammation. Studies have revealed that even
if a Alz patient has the flu this will markedly impact on their cognition.
This is because of systemic inflammation arising via inflammatory cytokines
like il-1, tnfa, possibly il-12 and 2. So make sure your mum has no chronic
infections or conditions that can drive inflammation. In that regard gum
health is important.
Ironically one of the most promising treatments for Alz may be cannabinoids.
Not just THC either, but cannabidol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, can act
as both a suppressor of microglial activation and a potent antioxidant. In
Mole Pharm Oct 6, 2006, one study found that THC was better than current
drugs in increasing acetlycholine levels and preventing amyloid production.
Hampson et al, PNAS, July 1998 found THC and cannabidol to have better
antioxidant potential than vits E or c and comparable to the powerful lab
antoxidant BHT. More trials needed.
Make sure you Mum has an optimal diet, avoid the red meat(ie reduce iron
because iron is a strong driver of oxidative stress and brains tend to
accumulate iron with age!), load up on oily fish, lots of sunshine as
vitamin D also plays a very important anti inflammatory role. Vits E and C
don't really help. Brazil nuts for selenium, very important. A slow release
multi vit a good idea, you would be surprised at how many elderly people are
malnourished, a recent study here in Aus found well over 50%, perhaps as
high as 80%, were borderline malnourished or outright malnourished. Ginkgo
Biloba, used in Europe for decades, has both anti inflammatory and anti
amyloid properties. It activates ttr (transthyretin) which promotes amyloid
scavenging. So I'm rather interested in the mode of curcumin action.
Be careful with gingko though, check with doctor first because of
complications if your mum is on blood thinners or blood pressure medication.
Also, it inhibits platelet function so if there is a family history of
bleeds\strokes I would advise against gingko.
If your Mum has elevated cholesterol a statin is advisable but make sure she
also takes co enzyme Q10 with the statin. Statin drugs have an
anti-inflammatory component and some speculate that this may be why they
help in cholesterol management. There is also a striking relationship
between cholesterol and alz, the reasons for that remain unclear. I suspect
statins may become useful in the treatment of alz but haven't seen any data
to that effect. Warning: if she takes a statin without coq10 it may make
matters worse.
Go for broad spectrum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory intake, lots of
fruits and veges, blueberries, strawberries, orange juice ....
Recent research revealed that apples contain a compound that promotes
acetylcholine production. Might be worth thinking about because in Alz ach
levels plummet.
If there are any people around your mum who irritate her then [censored] them off.
Stress must be avoided and [censored] need to be thrown out of the house.
I realise this is easy advice to give and sounds promising and also know
that getting alz patients to change their habits can be a nightmare. Be
realistic and good luck. .
John.
"Alan Meyer" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"John H." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:Quoted message said:The case of your mother will be confounded by the fact that pre-existing
Alz
Quoted message said:Quoted message said:has a strong inflammatory component to it and this will inhibit amyloid
clearance. Curcumin will work only work in early stage cases, after that
there will need to be interventions to address the inflammatory
component.
Quoted message said:...
John,
Are there any human studies, or even any mouse studies,
that support this? Or is this a speculation?
Also, do we know that inflammation occurs in mid stages but
not in early stages?
And finally, as Alan H. asks, isn't curcumin itself supposed to be
an anti-inflammatory?
Thanks.
Alan
