http://www.care2.com/greenliving/help-for-alzheimers.html
Help for Alzheimer’s
Q: Throughout the last 10 to 12 years my mother, who is now 85, has gradually developed either Alzheimer’s or senile dementia because of several brain strokes, or her state of mental health might be a combination of both scenarios. I’ve read all I can about this worldwide, almost-epidemic health problem and I’m well aware that all theories are at this time inconclusive. In your opinion, is there a dietary regime and vitamin supplements that could help us, family members, prevent or retard this condition, short of genetic origin?
A: Sorry to hear that your family had to go through this ordeal. As you know, you are not alone in your suffering or in your concern.
There are essentially no studies that irrefutably support the recommendation of a particular dietary supplement as a measure to prevent Alzheimer’s. As we get older, nearly all people will develop the protein “plaques” and neurofibrillary tangles that are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s. When these develop, they damage or obstruct the brain cells (called neurons) that help the brain process information. Research suggests the more we protect and nourish the neurons throughout life, the better able the brain is to compensate for the development of the plaques and tangles. Controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes is very important so that the blood vessels in the brain remain healthy and allow for good flow of blood to the neurons. Regular cardiovascular exercise is also important for this as well.
Keeping the brain active by constantly engaging in new activities and learning new things also helps build new connections between neurons, and the more of these healthy connections you have, the less your brain will be affected the Alzheimer’s Disease process.
Dr. Brent Ridge is the health expert for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. You can call and ask him a question live every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 112 (1.866.675.6675). You can also follow along as he learns to grow his own food and raise goats on his farm in upstate New York by visiting www.beekman1802.com.
Got a health question for Dr. Brent? E-mail him at drbrent@care2.com.
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8 comments
add your comment »I hear more and more how important it is for people young and old to continually exercise their minds. there are great cognitive tools like puzzles and quick brain challenges that help the brain stay active and healthy for longer.
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thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner
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My mother has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She is in the beginning stages. Winter has been really hard on her, with all the snow and not being able to get out. She was without her computer, and I definitely noted a real difference in her. She now has a new computer and alto she only plays games on it, she is much better. She uses the EXELON patch and that is also helping. It is easy on the stomach- she just has to be reminded to replace it every day:-). She still lives alone, but I check on her every day, usually twice and I have other people calling her too. I try to make sure that the food she cooks, can be done in the microwave- it's safer that way. I will check on the folate tho- she loves strawberries and nuts - Thanks.
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Really appreciate the comments. My husbands parents both had altzheimers and my father did. It truly is a devastating, sad and dignity stripping disease. The caregiver & the patient suffer tremendously. You can also check out the alzheimer association for your area on the web.
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An elderly friend recently spiraled deep into dimentia or Alzheimer's due to dehydration. The dehydration was brought on by a recurring urinary tract infection. Dehydration caused his brain to shrink, and he was never the same again.
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There was an excellent article posted in January called 10 “Boredom Busters” for Frail Seniors on this site. It has some wonderful ideas for engaging seniors in simple activities that keep their minds working. You may find something in that article that could help. Best of all, your mother has been blessed with a family who care about her.
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Here's a quote from mercola.com:
"Eating whole foods with high amounts of folate – a nutrient found in green leafy vegetables, strawberries, liver, kidney, whole grains and nuts – helps to prevent Alzheimer's disease. Seems older folks who ate larger amounts of folate – at least 400 mgs a day -- cut their risk of Alzheimer's disease by more than half."
EASY ENOUGH!!!
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Anyone concerned with prevention of, reversal of Alzheimer's should read research on B-3 reported by David Williams, MD. Awkward therapy but cheap and hopefully miraculously effective.
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