Thursday, June 1, 2017

Lifestyle Factors and Alzheimer’s/Dementia Risk

What the new research shows

The Bredesen Protocol for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease derives its success from its core concept.  That concept is that the disease is driven by the coalescence of multiple metabolic imbalances that are driven by lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, stress and others. 

A growing body of research has been showing that these factors such as chronic low omega-3 fatty acid intake or low blood vitamin B12 levels impair brain health and cognitive function.  However, preventing or correcting these factors individually has been shown to impart only small preventative/protective effects which help but are not enough to make large impacts on the disease.  The core concept of the Bredesen Protocol assumes that finding all of the collective factors that are involved and correcting all of them simultaneously will yield much broader results.

To date about 40 factors have been identified and are investigated in the protocol.  Any given individual may have 21 factors that are imbalanced, and a specific treatment program will target that pattern.  The next individual may have 30 different factors that are imbalanced and their specific treatment program will be targeted to those.  It is this comprehensiveness and individually specific design of each treatment program that has resulted in the excellent treatment outcomes.  The whole really has proven greater than simply the sum of the parts.

I thought it would be good to look at some the latest research examining some of these factors that relate to the risk of developing the disease.


The Inflammatory US Diet and Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease

Chronic inflammation is a potent risk factor for the developments and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.  Lifestyle factors that contribute to chronic inflammation are therefore therapeutic targets in treatment.  One of those lifestyle factors that has been shown to contribute to chronic inflammation is diet.

A new study looked at the relationship between dietary patterns known to be associated with chronic inflammation and the risk of developing pre-Alzheimer’s (MCI) or dementia.  Compared to those chronically eating the anti-inflammatory Mediterreanean dietary pattern, those consuming the standard American diet which is considered pro-inflammatory had a 27% increased risk.  The results led the researchers to conclude: “Diets with the highest pro-inflammatory potential were associated with higher risk of MCI or dementia.”

Diet is perhaps the single lifestyle factor most associated with broad chronic disease risks.

Hayden et al.  The association between an inflammatory diet and global cognitive function and incident dementia in older women: The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study.  Alzheimers & Dementia, ePub 2017.


The Importance of Cognitive Reserves

In a previous post I discussed the impact of cognitive reserve of the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  Simply put, the more exercise and development the brain has had during life the more resistant it is to developing the disease with age.  This study looked at risk associated with low cognitive development and reserves.

During a 44 year follow-up each standard deviation of decreased cognitive ability was associated with increased risk of dementia of 33%.  In this type of analysis they take the average cognitive ability across a large group and compare those with moderate (1 standard deviation) and substantial (2 standard deviations) lower from this average.

The key point here is that the brain needs exercise throughout life and the greater the “strength” it has, the more resistant it is to developing Alzheimer’s.  Although not looked at in this study, other study has shown that cognitive exercise even in later life has preventative and therapeutic benefit.

Osler et al.  Cognitive ability in young adulthood and risk of dementia in a cohort of Danish men, brothers, and twins.  Alzheimers & Dementia, ePub 2017.



The Impact of Low Vitamin D Levels on Cognitive Decline

One of the important variables in the Bredesen Protocol which is measured and closely managed is the blood vitamin D levels.  A new study looked at this variable in older subjects to see if it correlated with the rate of cognitive decline and the risk of transitioning to Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia.

Compared to individuals with normal vitamin D levels participants with vitamin D deficiency exhibited a faster cognitive decline over the study period. A total of 177 dementia cases, including 124 cases of Alzheimer’s disease occurred.  Those with vitamin D deficiency had a nearly three-fold increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The normal lab range for blood vitamin D is 32-100 mg/dL.  Research has found that the ideal level for the prevention of chronic disease is 50 mg/dL.  This suggests that many individuals assuming that their levels are adequate are actually at greater risk.

Feart et al.  Associations of lower vitamin D concentrations with cognitive decline and long-term risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older adults.  Alzheimers & Dementia, ePub 2017.



Exercise and Beta Amyloid Accumulation

The primary toxic protein that causes the brain cell loss in Alzheimer’s disease is called beta amyloid.  While the brain is always making some of this protein, it only becomes toxic when it builds up in higher amounts in the brain tissue.  There are many factors that cause the brain to produce too much beta amyloid exceeding the ability to remove it.  Inflammation is a key example.  There are other factors that affect beta amyloid removal such as low omega-3 fatty acid intake which also increases the likelihood of build-up. 

Exercise seems to be another variable that influences the risk of beta amyloid build-up.  A new study examined the presence of beta amyloid build-up with PET scans using a tracer that highlights this protein.  In those without positive PET scans there were equal numbers of high and low-level exercisers.  However, when they separated out those subjects already showing some beta amyloid build-up, it was significantly higher in those who had low exercise levels. This suggests that when there are other factors driving beta amyloid build-up in the brain, higher levels of regular exercise seems to prevent this from progressing.

This observation is supported by other research that has found regular exercise to be therapeutically helpful in preventing progression in pre-Alzheimer’s patients.

Brown et at al.  Habitual exercise levels are associated with cerebral amyloid load in presymptomatic autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease.  Alzheimers & Dementia, ePub 2017.



            Mineral Deficiencies and Alzheimer’s Risk

The body uses two classes of antioxidants, endogenous (made within the body) and exogenous (supplied from diet).  The endogenous antioxidants are also dietary dependent as they require dietary factors such as minerals. Selenium is needed to produce the body’s major endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione.

As oxidative stress which is not effectively neutralized by antioxidants is a primary mechanism that drives brain degeneration in Alzheimer’s and dementia, selenium status is of concern.  Most of human selenium intake comes from plant based foods and those levels are determined by the selenium content of the soil they are grown in.

Given the above facts a study was set up to examine the relationship between selenium levels in different geographic locations and Alzheimer’s risk.  The risk of the disease in the 6 states with the lowest selenium content was increased 53% compared to the 6 states with the highest levels.
The conclusion is simple.  Inadequate supply of dietary nutrients that are used in the inherent antioxidant systems is a strong risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

Sun H.  Associations of Spatial Disparities of Alzheimer's Disease Mortality Rates and Soil Selenium, Sulfur Concentrations, and Risk Factors in the United States.  J Alzheimers Dis. ePub 2017.



Too Few Good Fats or Too much Bad Fat Highly Associated with Alzheimer’s Risk

apoE4 genotype causes decreased transport of needed long chain fatty acids such as omega-3s that cell membranes need for growth of neurons to keep up with establishing new synaptic connections.  The presence of the apoE4, which is the major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, may require higher daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids to achieve adequate cell membrane levels that are associated with disease protection.

The above issue is why a cell omega-3 fatty acid test should be used to determine cell membrane levels rather than simply using a certain dietary level particularly in the 15% (1 in 6 adults) of the population with the apoE4 gene variant.

Intake of trans-FAs (hydrogenated oils and fats in processed food) of 4.8g/day showed a 5-fold higher relative risk to develop Alzheimer’s than subjects consuming 1.8g/day. 

Grimm et al.  Omega-3 fatty acids, lipids and apoE lipidation in Alzheimer’s disease: a rationale for multi-nutrient dementia prevention.  Journal of Lipid Research, ePub 2017.



Summary

The research continues to expand on the risk of Alzheimer’s disease with modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet and nutrient intake.  While many factors are shown to have a relationship to risk and their correction can be beneficial, no one factor alone will generate a striking reduction.  However, when large groups of these factors are all examined and managed together, the results can be striking as Dr. Bredesen has demonstrated.  The whole really has proven greater than simply the sum of the parts.



Banks Nutrition Center

We are proud to be a certified Bredesen Protocol provider.  We are available to help anyone who is concerned about their risk of developing the disease or those who have begun to notice cognitive difficulty.



The Bredesen Protocol
Preventing & Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr. Scott Banks, D.C., M.S. - Clinical Nutritionist

Event Date: Saturday, June 10th 2017
Time: 11:00AM to 1:00PM
Banks Nutrition Center
Location: 200 Golden Oak Court, Suite 100
Reflections ll Building
Virginia Beach VA 23452
Office Phone Number: 757-456-5053

This is a free educational event to the public & seating is limited.
If you would like to join us, please call our office to reserve your seat.

5 comments:

  1. Alzheimer's illness is common in my family, I have been stressed at work for at least 16 years suffered depression my thoughts were blocked. So I knew the need to keep a watch on it, that was when I began to walk several times a week, 2 miles a day and realized that was a positive thing, but it got to a point my whole body started getting weaker, I needed some help. I started up training, the trainer came to my hometown 5 times a week and he told me that would be able to help me. I agreed with him and was happy I finally found solution not until I woke up one day and couldn't walk. Tried out so many medications and diet but none of them was able to help me. In the process I knew about ZOMO, an herbal medicine for Alzheimer's disease, I followed the blog address shared; I curiously contacted him and got ZOMO. I didn’t want to be disabled at my old age, and was so hungry for more healthy days on earth. My recovery involved both medicine and diet. I never had any complications I experienced while on English medications why using ZOMO. You may contact Dr. Charanjit via his email. charantova@gmail.com or visit his blog via curetoalzheimer.blogspot.com

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  2. Here is a great herbal doctor who cured me of Hepatitis B. his name is Dr. Imoloa. I suffered Hepatitis B for 11 years, I was very weak with pains all over my body my stomach was swollen and I could hardly eat. And one day my brother came with a herbal medicine from doctor Imoloa and asked me to drink and I drank hence there was no hope, and behold after 2 week of taking the medicine, I started feeling relief, my swollen stomach started shrinking down and the pains was gone. I became normal after the completion of the medication, I went to the hospital and I was tested negative which means I’m cured. He can also cure the following diseases with his herbal medicine...lupus, hay fever, measles, dry cough, diabetics hepatitis A.B.C, mouth ulcer, mouth cancer, bile salt disease, fol ate deficinecy, diarrhoea, liver/kidney inflammatory, eye cancer, skin cancer disease, malaria, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, food poisoning, parkinson disease, bowel cancer, bone cancer, brain tumours, asthma, arthritis, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, lyme disease, muscle aches, cholera, fatigue, muscle aches, shortness of breath, alzhemer's disease, acute myeloid leukaemia, acute pancreatitis, chronic inflammatory joint disease, Addison's disease back acne, breast cancer, allergic bronchitis, Celia disease, bulimia, congenital heart disease, cirrhosis, constipation, fungal nail infection, fabromyalgia, (love spell) and many more. he is a great herbalist man. Contact him on email; drimolaherbalmademedicine@gmail.com. You can also reach him on whatssap- +2347081986098.

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  3. My name is hoover, my 18 years old daughter, Tricia was diagnosed of herpes 3 years ago. ever since then,we have been going from one hospital to the other. We tried all sorts of pills but all efforts to get rid of the virus was futile. The blisters kept on reappearing after some months. My daughter was making use of Acyclovir tablets 200mg. 2 tablets every 6hours and fusitin cream 15grams. and H5 POT. Permanganate with water to be applied 2x a day but all still show no result. So I was on the internet some months back, to sought for any other means of saving my only child. just then, i came across a comment on dr imoloa herbal treatment and decided to give it a try. i contacted the him and he prepared some herbs and sent it to me together with guidelines on how to use the herbs through DHL courier service. my daughter used it as directed dr imoloa and in less than 14days, my daughter regained her health.. You should contact Dr imoloa today directly on his email address for any kind of health challenge; lupus disease,  mouth ulcer,  mouth cancer, body pain, fever, hepatitis A.B.C.,   syphilis,  diarrhea,  HIV/AIDS,  Huntington's Disease,   back acne,  Chronic renal failure,   addison disease,  Chronic Pain,   Crohn's Disease,   Cystic Fibrosis,  Fibromyalgia,   Inflammatory Bowel Disease,  fungal nail disease, Lyme Disease, Celia disease, Lymphoma, Major Depression,  Malignant Melanoma,   Mania,  Melorheostosis,   Meniere's Disease,  Mucopolysaccharidosis , Multiple Sclerosis,  Muscular Dystrophy,  Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alzheimer's Disease, parkison disease, vaginal cancer, epilepsy,  Anxiety Disorders, Autoimmune Disease,   Back Pain,  Back Sprain,   Bipolar Disorder,  Brain Tumour,  Malignant,   Bruxism, Bulimia,  Cervical Disk Disease, cardiovascular disease, Neoplasms, chronic respiratory disease,  mental and behavioural disorder,     Cystic Fibrosis,   Hypertension, Diabetes, asthma,  Inflammatory autoimmune-mediated arthritis.  chronic kidney disease, inflammatory joint disease,  impotence,  feta alcohol spectrum,  Dysthymic Disorder,   Eczema, tuberculosis,  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease.  and many more; contact him on email- drimolaherbalmademedicine@gmail.com./ also on  whatssap-+2347081986098.

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  4. I’m here to testify about what Dr James  did for me. I have been suffering from (GENITAL HERPES VIRUS) disease for the past 4 years and had constant pain and itching, especially in my private part. During the first year.This disease started circulating all over my body and  I have used Oregano oil, Coconut oil, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, and some other products and it really helped during my outbreaks but I totally got cured! from my HSV with a strong and active herbal medicine ordered from  Dr James herbal mix and it completely fought the virus from my nervous system and I was tested negative after 15 days of using  Dr James  herbal mix medicine. I'm here to let y'all know that herpes virus has a complete cure, I got rid of mine with the help of Dr James herbal medicine.  I came across a testimony of Kasha, on the internet testifying about Dr James , on how he cured Her from 7 years HSV 2. And she also gave the email address of Dr James... [drjamesherbalmix@gmail.com]..., advising anybody to contact him for help on any kind of diseases that he would be of help with, so I emailed him telling him about my (HSV 2) he told me not to worry that I'm going to be cured!! Well, I never doubted him. I have faith he can cure me too,, Dr James prepared and sent me his herbal mix medicine made of  roots and herbs which I took. In the first one week, I started experiencing changes all over me, after 15 days I drank his herbal mix medicine, I was totally cured. no more itching , pain on me anymore as Dr James assured me. After some time I went to my doctor to do another test. the result came out negative. So friends my advice is if you have such disease or know anyone who suffers from it or any other disease like Alzheimer's Disease, Warts,Moles, Bipolar disorder, Shingles,  HPV, HBV, HIV/AIDS, ALS, HBP, CANCER,NEPHROTIC SYNDROME HIV / AIDS, herpes cancer,Ovarian Cancer,Pancreatic cancers, bladder cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, Glaucoma., Cataracts,Macular degeneration,Cardiovascular disease,Autism,Lung disease.Enlarged prostate,Osteoporosis.Alzheimer's disease,psoriasis ,Tach Diseases,Lupus,Backache,dementia.kidney cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, skin cancer and skin cancer.testicular Cancer, , LEUKEMIA, VIRUSES, HEPATITIS, INFERTILITY .  , etc. you can contact Dr James directly on his.... [drjamesherbalmix@gamil.com]...  He is a good man,and He will help you.

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  5. I can’t forget in a hurry my Mom's horrible years of fight with Mental ailment (Alzheimer). My Mom got really sick around Christmas that year. When I saw her in the hospital with all those tubes, I just lost it. I got so hysterical that I had to be escorted out. Soon after that, I got into that altercation with my neighbor and was sent to jail. When I got out of jail, Her symptoms were acting up and I felt so angry.  Dad had already taken her to a state psychiatric hospital. I was really nervous, but I talked to a psychiatrist there who made me feel comfortable. For the first time, she opened up about what she was experiencing—the voices, not being able to remember things, the paranoia. She said, “Your mom is battling Alzheimer.” I didn’t even know what that meant.

    He suggested that when she got out of the hospital and off the treatments she was taking there, we try a new treatment for Alzheimer. After weighing the risks and benefits, we both agreed the treatment, given through monthly injections, might help control her symptoms. Meanwhile, I made friends, and gained insight into her illness. During the week, there were movies, cooking classes and education sessions about her disease—basically, activities to help people like her get back into society. I learned about Alzheimer and what some of her triggers were. All told, she stayed there for two months and we left, I was taking her for doctor’s appointments and grocery shopping. It was hard, especially when her birthday passed, I still helped her walk, fix her food and dress her which made me sad because she was very active at 69 until the illness struck her.

    I came across a herbal medication sometimes last year called zomo but before we started the treatment, we started a day rehabilitation program, and also started the new medication with zomo. I was working hard to achieve my care goals by following the treatment plan. Her symptoms got under control within three months, as she started feeling better. First she regained interest in the things she used to enjoy, like calling/visiting our family and friends for lunch and going for walks in the park and grocery shopping. I will never forget what I went through, or what it took for her to get here. I don’t take any of it for granted. I consider myself an advocate for people who don’t have any knowledge about this herbal medicine. To anyone who’s taken the time to read this that may be struggling with this awful ailment (Alzheimer), reach out, share, I guarantee you reach out to charantova@gmail.com, and know, that as lonely as you may feel, as hopeless as you believe things are, please know, that there are so many patients out there going through same and you are never alone! reach out to him so you could share your own testimony to let others know there is hope.

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The Relationship Between Stress and Alzheimer’s Disease

Stress markedly alters brain activity. It is thought that the human brain actually does not have a “stress response” but rather only a dan...