HealthBeat News

Category: Senior Health

  • Pneumonia – In The Summertime?

    Pneumonia is not just an illness of the “Bad Weather” seasons – It can strike at any time of the year!

     

    Pneumonia – Deadly But Preventable – Here’s How:

     

    By Dr. Myatt

     

    Pneumonia is a lung inflammation usually accompanied by infection. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi or by accidentally inhaling a liquid or chemical. (The most common cause is a virus). People over age 65 or younger than 2 years of age, or those who have other health problems, are most at risk.

    Symptoms of pneumonia include difficulty breathing and a cough and fever. Antibiotics are only effective for bacterial pneumonia, but viral pneumonia is the most common type of infection.

    Studies show that using acid suppressing drugs (acid blockers) — even the “over-the-counter” kind — increase the risk of pneumonia four-fold.

    Instead of decreasing stomach acid, I recommend taking digestive enzymes such as Similase and performing an inexpensive gastric acid self-test.

    [Nurse Mark note: correcting weak digestive juices will be far more effective in relieving “heartburn” than shutting down your stomach’s acid production – please see the HealthBeat article “What’s Burning You?”]

    Low levels of zinc are associated with increased risk of infection, and adequate zinc status is associated with both lower risk of infection, less serious infections and shorter duration of infection. For those taking daily Maxi Multis, “we’ve got you covered.”

    Simple mouth bacteria is also associated with increased risk, especially in the elderly. Rinsing the mouth with hydrogen peroxide twice a day after brushing can greatly decrease harmful bacteria in the mouth.

    Finally, remember that bromelain has been shown to be highly effective — in some cases more effective than antibiotics — in treating respiratory infections including pneumonia.

    A protein-digesting enzyme from pineapple stems, bromelain dissolves the mucous coating that many bacteria use to “shield” themselves from the body’s immune system. It also thins mucous, making it easier to cough up the crud (or drain sinuses).

    A potent combination of inhaled essential oil vapors, as found in a novel product called Inspirol, is extremely helpful is preventing and treating pneumonia.

    To prevent pneumonia and respiratory infections:

    1. Maxi Multi: daily multiple vitamin mineral formula.
    2. Immune Support: taken daily during cold and flu-season months, or year-’round in elderly or immune compromised people.
    3. Brush teeth and rinse mouth with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, twice daily.

    If you get a cold (to prevent pneumonia) take:

    1. Bromelain: 1 cap, 3-4 times per day between meals.
    2. Inspirol: inhale 4 times per day (or more).

    If you have a lower respiratory infection (bronchitis, “chest cold” or pneumonia):

    NOTE: Always see a doctor for diagnosis with shortness of breath or sever chest congestion; bacterial pneumonia is a life-threatening disease, especially in seniors. But also remember that antibiotics alone are often ineffective even in bacterial pneumonia, and completely worthless in viral or other types of pneumonia. Follow the above recommendations no matter what, and you won’t “expire” from a case of pneumonia!

    References

    • Acid suppression associated with increased pneumonia risk.
      The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Volume 4, Issue 12, Pages 715-715.
    • Zinc Supplementation Decreases Incidence of Infections in the Elderly: Effect of Zinc on Generation of Cytokines and Oxidative Stress. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85, No. 3, March 2007.
    • Serum Zinc and Pneumonia in Nursing Home Elderly. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 86, No. 4, October 2007, ajcn.org
    • Pneumonia in nonambulatory patients: The role of oral bacteria and oral hygiene. J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 137, No suppl_2, 21S-25S, 2006.
    • The use of proteolytic enzymes in the therapy of acute and chronic bronchopathies. Minerva Med. 1969 Aug 25;60(67):3060-71.
    • A double-blind clinical evaluation of bromelains in the treatment of acute sinusitis. Headache. 1967 Apr;7(1):13-7.

  • Dupuytren’s Contracture: Annoying But Treatable

    Dupuytren’s Contracture: There are alternatives to surgery!

     

    Dr. Myatt recently answered a question about Dupuytren’s Contracture for a friend, and we thought that the rest of our HealthBeat News readers would be interested in this information as well – this annoying and sometimes painful deformity of the hand affects nearly 8 of every 100 Americans, men more frequently than women.

    Here is what Dr. Myatt had to say to our friend Al:

    Hi Al:
    That “finger funk” you have is called Dupuytren’s Contracture. Learn more than you probably want to know at this website:

    This is basically the tightening and stiffening of tendons in the hand.

    Conventional treatment ranges from “never mind, it’s not that bad” to surgery (which isn’t always successful) with nothing in between. Thanks, guys.

    We can do better than that, and possibly even soften up some of the fibrosis. It will take 3-4 months of CONSISTENT treatment to see results, so please keep this in mind. You might notice improvement sooner, but if you’ve had this for a long time, it will take longer to see results.

    1.) PABA:  Doses that prevent/reverse fibrosis range from 6-15 grams per day. The more conservative dose (6 grams) is 12 caps per day. Because PABA is water-soluble, it is best taken in divided doses. 4 caps, 3 times per day would be best but 6 caps, 2 times per day should work also.

    PABA  is also an antioxidant and has been shown in several studies to greatly increase life span of animals. In other words, it will have more of a positive effect than just working on the fibrosis.

    2.) DMSO: Rub into hand along the entire course of the fibrosis, 2-3 times per day. Be sure your hands are clean before doing this as DMSO “drives in” whatever else it is associated with including gunk on your hand! Dr. Jonathan Wright suggests massaging a mixture of Vitamin E and DMSO into the thickened tissues.

    That’s it for now and let me know if you have and questions about this.

    Here’s to a happier, handier hand!
    In Health,
    Dana

    Please bear in mind that the website she refers Al to is the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – and they tend to favor surgical solutions to a problem like Dupuytren’s (or any other orthopedic problem for that matter!). This should come as no surprise – since surgery is what keeps them in car payments… Still, it is a well-done webpage with some very good information – and if after a good trial of more natural remedies as listed above (like a year or so) I might be persuaded to try one of their less-invasive suggestions.

    For those who wish to try Dr. Myatt’s suggestions, we can make both PABA and DMSO available by special order – contact us for details.

  • The 5 Most Important Supplements For Health and Longevity

    The 5 Most Important Supplements For Health and Longevity

     

    By Dr. Dana Myatt

     

    Many nutritional supplements and herbs have documented value in maintaining health and possibly also extending lifespan. The following list of recommendations comprises my picks for the 5 most important supplements the average person should take to preserve or reclaim optimum health and vitality.

    I have chosen this list based on what I call the “preponderance of evidence” (scientific data). Although many substances have proven value for various conditions, this list includes only those that have a substantial amount of scientific study and data behind them. Substances tested for 3 weeks in lab rats do not make my list. Neither do supplements tested in only poorly-controlled or small samplings of people. The supplements and substances on my “A” list have all been thoroughly tested and proven, and the body of scientific documentation leave little doubt as to their importance.

    The list is given in order of priority. Please keep in mind, however, that an individual might need a specific nutrient lower on the list or something not on this list at all for the prevention or reversal of a particular illness. For most healthy people, these are the nutrients of highest importance if one is concerned about maintaining health and promoting longevity.

    The Five Most Important Supplements For Health and Longevity

    1.) Optimal Potency Multiple Vitamin / Mineral / Trace Mineral Supplementation (Maxi Multi) including:

    I.) Broad-spectrum vitamin & mineral formula. Many Americans take nutritional supplements for good reason. A wide variety of illnesses have known links to nutritional deficiencies. Adding certain nutrients in supplemental form is an inexpensive insurance policy against some of the worst diseases of modern times. Here are just of few of the known deficiency / disease connections:

    A deficiency of antioxidant nutrients (especially beta carotene, vitamins C & E, and selenium) is associated with higher incidence of cancers of the colon, breast, prostate, mouth, lungs and skin. Some researchers believe that antioxidant deficiencies may be related to higher incidence of all cancers.

    A mineral deficiency, especially magnesium and potassium but also calcium, is associated with high blood pressure.

    Deficiencies of vitamin E, C, B6, B12, folic acid (a B vitamin), and bioflavonoids are associated with cardiovascular disease. The connection between vitamin E and heart health is so well established that conventional medical cardiologists are instructed to recommend vitamin E to their patients.

    Healthy bones, and the prevention of osteoporosis, depend on sufficient levels of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc, copper, B vitamins, and vitamin D.

    In males, benign prostatic hypertrophy is associated with decreased levels of zinc. Zinc deficiency also correlates to decreased immune function. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and diabetes (high blood sugar) occur more frequently in people who are chromium deficient. After diabetes is present, low levels of vitamin A, C, E, plus zinc, selenium, choline, bioflavonoids and B complex vitamins are associated with more complications from the disease.

    This list could go on for pages, but you get the idea. Deficiencies of key nutrients are correlated with disease. Such deficiencies are also common in the modern American diet. Depleted soils result in lowered nutritional content in produce AND Americans eat less fresh produce than ever before. Much of our food is highly processed, removing not only nutrients but also fiber and enzymes.

    The best health insurance may not be an expensive medical policy, but the addition of sufficient nutrients to fill in the gaps in our day-to-day nutritional status.

    II.) High potency antioxidant formula (“ACES”: vitamins A,C,E, and selenium and bioflavonoids). Antioxidants are molecules which “quench” and render free radicals harmless. Free radicals are unstable molecules that steal electrons from other molecules and thereby cause damage to normal cells. The damage they cause in the body is called oxidation, and it is the body-equivalent to rust on a piece of tin. Free radical damage is linked to heart disease, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration, immune suppression and aging in general.

    Although the body produces many of it’s own antioxidants (such as CoQ10 and glutathione), exposure to environmental chemicals in food, air and water, plus the effects of stress, smoking excess alcohol and sunlight can generate more free radicals than the body’s antioxidants can “quench.” Internal antioxidant production also declines with age. Since so many diseases are associated with declining antioxidants and numerous studies have proven the benefit of keeping these levels high, it is recommended that a high potency antioxidant formula be a part of every basic supplementation program.

    III.) Calcium / magnesium / boron / vanadium (bone nutrients) Calcium and magnesium are the primary minerals comprising bone, and inadequate levels can lead to osteoporosis. In combination with trace mineral boron, vanadium and vitamin D, these nutrient serve to protect bone health. Calcium and magnesium have a much more widespread function in the body than preserving bone health, however.

    Calcium and magnesium are necessary for normal heart function and blood pressure. Deficiencies of either can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure. Magnesium is necessary for normal energy processes including nerve function and enzyme activation. Deficiencies are associated with cardiac arrhythmias.

    Insufficient calcium has recently been shown to be associated with colon cancer, and people who have generous calcium intakes are less susceptible to this condition.

    These two major minerals are frequently insufficient even in a “good” diet. Because they take up a lot of space in a capsule, it is impossible to get an optimal daily dose in any “one-a-day” formula. A suggested daily dose is 1,000 -1,500mg per day of calcium and 250-500mg magnesium for both men and women.

    IV.) B Complex vitamins (higher doses than in most multiples). B vitamins are used in the body individually and in combination with enzymes to help release energy from food. They are also of extreme importance to the nervous system. B vitamins are required by the metabolic pathways that generate the energy. Every system in the body depends on these vitamins for their role in energy production, and a deficiency of even a single B vitamin can have widespread and serious health consequences. Unfortunately, the B complex vitamins are routinely deficient from the Standard American Diet, because these nutrients are removed when grains and sugars are processed. Deficiencies of B complex vitamins are too numerous to mention here, but the most serious consequences include heart disease (B6, B12 and folate), depression, neuropathy, high cholesterol, cataracts, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis and fatigue to name only a few. Because deficiencies of the b vitamins are so common even in a “good” diet, they higher potency formulas should always be part of a basic multivitamin supplement program.

    Recommendation: Maxi Multi is a superior formula of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, flavonoids and high potency antioxidants that provides the optimal nutritional levels of all four formulas listed above in a single supplement. Whether you take four separate formulas or enjoy the convenience and savings of Maxi Multi, this Optimal Potency Vitamin / Mineral / Trace Mineral program should be the cornerstone of any supplement program because it provides so many well studied nutrients. Dose: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals (9 per day total) or as directed by physician.

    2.) Green Food Herbs and Veggies (Maxi Greens)

    The Federal government, the USDA and multiple other government agencies are advocating that Americans consume more fruits and vegetables for a healthier life style. As we discussed in the last issue of HealthBeat, however, the nutritive value of these foods has declined dramatically within the last 30 years. In addition to this, few Americans obtain the daily recommended target of 5 fruits and/or veggies.

    Plants contain hundreds of non-vitamin, non-mineral substances known as “Phytonutrients” (Phyto=plant). Although not absolutely essential to life like vitamins and minerals are, these plant-derived nutrients never-the-less perform many important functions. Phytonutrients act as detoxifiers, antioxidants, oxygenators, immune stimulators, and anti-mutagenics (Preventing cancerous changes in cells). The typical American diet is far too low in produce, and the produce we do eat is nutritionally deficient, so plant-derived nutrients are often lacking.

    Some examples of phytonutrients include:

    Indole-3-carbinol (IC3) from cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts). This phytonutrient has been shown to prevent cancer through multiple mechanisms including I.) Protecting the genomic structure of DNA. II.) Converting dangerous estrogens (16-alpha-hydroxyestrone) that cause the development of cancer into safer forms of estrogen (2-hydroxyestrone) that prevent the development of cancer. III.) Blocking estrogen receptor sites on the membranes of breast and other cells. IV.) Inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cancer cells. V.) Protecting cells against the effects of pesticides and other environmental pollutants including dioxin that mimic estrogen in the body. VI.) Slowing the propagation of aberrant breast and prostate cells.

    Pycnogenols (OPC’s) and resveratrol from grapes seed and skin exhibit 50 times more antioxidant power than vitamin E and 20 times more than vitamin C. They easily cross the blood-brain barrier and prevent free radical damage to the brain and nervous system. OPC’s bind to collagen and help increase elasticity of skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It also acts as a smooth muscle relaxant in blood vessels. OPC’s have antihistamine effects that make it useful for allergies and asthma.

    Catechins from green tea have been shown to neutralize cancer-causing agents and prevent cellular mutations leading to cancer. In addition, green tea prevents abnormal blood clotting, reduces total cholesterol, aids high blood pressure and protects arterioles.

    Silymarin from milk thistle has been the subject of over 100 clinical trials. It powerfully protects the liver from the effects of environmental toxins. Is also stimulates liver cell regeneration and is useful for all types of liver disease including the liver-toxic effect of many drugs.

    Flavoglycosides in ginkgo biloba are one of the most well-studies herbs for age-related memory changes. ginkgo is a potent antioxidant that increases circulation to small-diameter blood vessels (such as those in the brain and extremities) Studies have verified ginko’s effectiveness in early-stage Alzheimer’s, multiple infarct dementia (“mini strokes”), age-related depression, glaucoma, impotence, vascular insufficiency and MS. It has anti-allergy effects that make it useful for chronic respiratory allergies and asthma.

    THIS IS JUST A SMALL SAMPLE of they types of “phytonutrients” found in herbs and vegetables.

    Recommendation: Take specific herbs for any medical condition you may have, but for general prevention and health maintenance, Maxi Greens combines a broad spectrum of these important plant substances. Daily dose: 2 to 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals.

    3.) Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids: Maxi Marine O3, Max EPA or Flax Oil

    On May 27, 2003, The White House urged government health agencies to encourage Americans to increase their consumption of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and decrease their intake of trans fatty acids. The release from the Executive Office of The President stated:

    “Health researchers have found that Americans can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease with a modest change in their diets. The government should make this life-saving information as widely available as possible.”

    This Executive initiative is based on the new guidelines of the American Heart Association which now recommends eating cold-water fish at least twice a week and other oils and food sources high in omega-3 fatty acids. (Fish and flax oil are the richest sources). The Office of The President also cited the “growing body of scientific evidence, both experimental and epidemiological, that suggests that consumption of trans fatty acids increases the risk of coronary heart disease.”

    Recommendation: Americans eat far too little Omega-3 fatty acids and far too much trans fat (any amount of “trans” is too much). Eating or and/or supplementing Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil and flax oil) is known to help prevent over 60 illnesses including heart disease. Dose: 1 TBS. of flax oil OR 6 capsules of flax oil OR 3-6 capsules of MaxEPA (fish oil) OR 2 TBS. ground flax seed meal daily. Some people lack the enzyme to convert flax oil to EPA & DHA (the “active ingredients” from these oils). These people should use the fish oils (Maxi Marine O3, MaxEPA) exclusively.

    4.) CoQ10 (ubiquinone)

    Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant produced by the body. It functions as an “energizer” to the mitochondria, the body’s energy producing units. Dr. Michael Murray says to think of CoQ10 as the body’s “spark plugs.” Mitochondria, which produce energy, require CoQ10 to “spark” their production on energy units (ATP). Muscles, and the heart in particular, have high requirements for CoQ10. Although it is manufactured in the body, aging humans produce only 50% of the CoQ10 that young adults do. This finding makes CoQ10 one of the most important nutrients for people over 30. Cholesterol-lowering drugs including statins are known to lower CoQ10 levels.

    CoQ10 is beneficial in ALL types of heart disease (mitral valve prolapse, angina, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, arrhythmia), periodontal disease, immune deficiency, cancer, chemotherapy side-effects, overweight and obesity, muscular dystrophy, fatigue and for enhancing athletic performance. The suggested dose is 50mg per day for health maintenance and 100-400mg per day for heart disease, cancer and weight loss programs.

    Recommendations: For primary prevention, 50-100mg CoQ10 daily should be used. Higher doses (100-400mg) are recommended for heart disease, cancer, and overweight/weight loss programs.

    5) Melatonin

    Melatonin is a hormone manufactured from serotonin in the pineal gland. This hormone helps regulate the sleep/wake cycle and set the Circadian rhythms (24-hour cycle) of the body. This, in turn, regulates the release of all other hormones.

    Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the central nervous system from disease, free-radical injury and aging. Melatonin increases the production of immune cells and is used in cancer medicine for its immune-enhancing and antioxidant effects. (DO NOT use in leukemia or lymphoma until more is known). Recent studies have shown that melatonin helps reduce high blood pressure.

    Many researchers consider melatonin to be one of the most powerful anti-aging substances available, but like many other hormones, secretion of melatonin declines with age.

    Recommendation: A typical preventative dose is 3mg at bedtime, although higher doses are used (10-20mg) in cancer and certain advanced disease states. Anyone with a neurological disease should certainly be taking melatonin.

  • The Subtle Formula for Health

    The Subtle Formula for Health (Why Small Choices Matter)

     

    By Dr. Dana Myatt

     

    Disease and poor health are rarely caused by a single, cataclysmic event.

     

    Most people do not lose their health overnight. Instead, disease and declining health result from an accumulation of poor judgement and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

    In other words, most disease is caused by a few small mistakes, repeated frequently.

    Why would anyone who knows they are making bad choices or “cheating” on their health be so foolish to keep repeating those bad choices day in and day out? Because the average person doesn’t realize how much those small choices matter.

    Individually, our little daily indiscretions don’t seem that important. A slight bit of overeating here, forgetting to take supplements a time or two there, skipping our daily exercise a couple of times a week doesn’t cause any instant or noticeable problem. Most of the time, we escape any immediate consequences of our “slips.”

    People who eat too many unhealthy foods are contributing to future health problems, but the temporary pleasure of the moment overshadows the potential consequences of the future. If one is lucky, that over-the-top sugary desert causes a stomach ache and we are not eager to repeat the taste again. Usually, however, there is no apparent consequence for such a “small” bad choice. And so we come to believe that such a choice “doesn’t matter,” forgetting that such choices are cumulative. Because there are no apparent repercussions, it becomes increasingly easier to enjoy a sweet desert more often.

    The same holds true for smoking, drinking, skipping exercise, skimping on sleep. One may not feel immediate consequences, but don’t be fooled! The consequences have simply been delayed for a future date.  These choices accumulate until the “day of reckoning” arrives. Eventually the price must be paid for our “little” poor choices, choices that didn’t seem to matter at the time.

    Disease’s most dangerous trait is subtlety. Those little errors don’t seem to make any difference. We eat desert every night and nothing bad seems to happen. Our health does not seem to be failing. Because nothing terrible happens over these small choices and no immediate consequence captures our attention, we continue from day to day, repeating the errors, eating the wrong foods, skipping the exercise, forgetting our supplements and making poor choices. The sky did not fall on us yesterday when we skipped our supplements, so we think that probably didn’t have much effect and that skipping them doesn’t matter.  Since the choice seemed to have no negative consequence, it feels safe to repeat.

    Wake up and smell the green tea!

    If we ate a rich desert and woke up the next morning with fifty extra pounds of fat hanging off our middle, we’d notice – pronto!

    Such immediate feedback would undoubtedly merit an emergency visit to the doctor and a promise to ourselves not to repeat such an act. Like a child who sticks his finger in a flame despite warnings, the instantaneous feedback would have convinced us of the folly of our ways.

    Unfortunately, most poor choices don’t holler out warnings or give immediate feedback. This is why anyone aiming for good health, sustained into old age, must be wise enough to recognize the cumulative effects of small daily choices and develop a philosophy of consistently making better choices. With a clear personal health philosophy guiding our steps, we can more clearly see our errors in judgment and also see how those small daily choices really do matter.

    In reverse order, the results of consistent good choices are not always immediately apparent. As one patient recently remarked, “I took those supplements for a whole week and didn’t feel any different!” Positive changes resulting from small, positive choices take time to accumulate and manifest, just like poor choices take time to manifest.

    Fortunately, the formula for health is just as easy as the formula for disease. Good health is a matter of a few simple habits practiced every day.

    One way to make small daily habits a part of our routine is to make a decision to be healthy in the future. Only by caring about our state of health in the future will we be able and willing to make small, positive changes today.

    What do you want your future to look like? When you are old, do you want to be healthy and vigorous, still able to play a keen round of golf or throw a few hoops with the grand kids? If you can see yourself as vigorous and healthy tomorrow, you will have stoked the fires of enthusiasm today.

    How many good things could happen to your health if you took just a few minutes each day to think about your future? The consequences of your repeated actions would become clear to you, and the day-to-day choices would become easier.

    One of the exciting things about this “Health formula”  of just changing a few simple habits, practiced every day,  is that the results, though not immediate, can be seen quickly.  Fifteen minutes a day of exercise, replacing water for soda pop, taking nutritional supplements regularly instead of occasionally — these simple habits will improve our health noticeably in just a few weeks. That positive feedback, combined with our increased awareness and pro-activity toward our future, can make a significant difference in our health today and tomorrow.

    Little choices practiced consistently add up to big results, whether for good or ill. Remember, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”  — Chinese proverb.

    Will you start today to make “deposits” toward a future of good health?

  • Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease – Naturally

    Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease – Naturally

     

    What Alzheimer’s Is — and Isn’t

     

    Alzheimer’s disease, first described in 1907 by German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer, is a degenerative condition of the brain that results in progressive memory loss. In its most severe stage, afflicted people become unable to care for themselves, lose bowel and bladder control and are often unable to swallow and eat. Death usually ensues from infection, often pneumonia.

    There are many causes of memory loss besides Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that an approximately equal number of people over age 60 suffer from senile dementia and Alzheimer’s. (Four million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease at a cost of $90 billion annually). While dementia is most frequently caused by atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s is caused by the deposition of an abnormal protein — beta amyloid — in the brain. These protein deposits are accompanied by “neurofibrillary tangles,” (tangles of tiny filaments in the brain) and a loss of many nerve cells. The two conditions are often difficult to differentiate.

    Any memory loss with age COULD be serious, but many causes of decreased memory are due to correctable abnormalities such as low thyroid function, nutrient deficiencies, atherosclerosis and tumors. Some decreased capacity to recall names is not necessarily a sign of anything worrisome. One expert described the difference between benign age-related memory changes and Alzheimer’s like this: aging memory is forgetting where you put the car keys; Alzheimer’s is forgetting how to drive the car. Benign aging memory is forgetting an old high school friend’s name; Alzheimer’s is forgetting your spouse’s name.

    When to be Concerned about Memory Loss

    Any persistent memory changes in a person of ANY age should be evaluated by a physician. Again, there are many correctable causes of memory loss. Many of these corrections are best made as early as possible. For example, deficiencies of B6, B12 and folic acid are associated with increased levels of homocysteine. Increased homocysteine, in turn, is associated with memory loss. This nutrient-related memory decline is felt to be completely reversible within the first 6-12 months. After that, although further memory decline can often be prevented, the existing memory deficits are most often irreversible. (Another good reason to take your daily Maxi Multi, which contains the optimal target doses of these nutrients).

    Again, any memory or personality changes should be thoroughly evaluated by a physician. Don’t wait – see your doctor promptly for memory concerns.

    Causes of Alzheimer’s

    The major abnormalities seen in Alzheimer’s are beta amyloid plaque deposition, neurofibrillary tangles, and loss of neurons. The cause of this collection of abnormalities is not known, although strong evidence exists to support several mechanisms.

    1.) Genetics. There appears to be some genetic predisposition to the disease, with 15-20% of cases running in families.

    2.) Free Radical Damage (oxidative stress). Brain lesions in Alzheimer’s patients exhibit typical free-radical damage, including damaged DNA, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and Advanced Glycosylation end products (AGE’s, see # 3 below).

    3.) Inflammation. The same inflammatory cascade that is a known risk factor for heart disease appears in Alzheimer’s at the site of beta amyloid deposition. These inflammatory products accelerate the loss of neurons (brain cells). The hs-CRP test that I encourage all patients to have on an annual basis to help predict heart-disease risk is an indication of this type of low-grade inflammation.

    4.) Advanced Glycolsylation End products (AGEs). Glycation is a process whereby a protein binds irreversibly to a sugar molecule, producing an abnormal complex that impairs tissue elasticity. Evidence for AGEs as a cause of Alzheimer’s relates to the fact that AGEs are found in the neurofibrillary tangles characteristic of the disease. Many researchers feel that AGEs may be a more important cause of Alzheimer’s that beta amyloid.

    5.) Aluminum toxicity. Although this potential cause is dismissed by conventional medicine, the evidence is strong in favoring aluminum as a causative factor. First, the senile plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s patients have been found to accumulate aluminum. Lab animals injected with aluminum will develop neurofibrillary tangles as seen in Alzheimer’s. One study (McLachlan, et al. 1996) found a 250% increase of Alzheimer’s disease in people drinking municipal water with high aluminum levels for 10 years or more. Finally, one drug used to treat Alzheimer’s (desferrioxamine) shows a significant benefit in slowing progression of the disease. This drug chelates aluminum.

    6.) Homocysteine. This metabolic intermediate, clearly recognized as a risk factor for coronary artery disease, non-Alzheimer’s dementia, and stroke, is now felt to be a significant risk for Alzheimer’s disease as well. Elevated homocysteine levels results from deficiencies of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid.

    Although other theories of the genesis of Alzheimer’s disease exist, the above-listed causes appear to have the most research and relevance behind them.

    Avoiding Alzheimer’s: Prevention Steps to Take NOW

    With the exception of genetics, all of the most widely supported causes of Alzheimer’s are amenable to preventive and possibly even corrective measures. This is good news, because it means we are not helpless to prevent such a devastating disease. Here are the most-proven methods for addressing the causes of Alzheimer’s:

    1.) Prevent Free Radical Damage to the brain and elsewhere. This is a two-step process. First, avoid or minimize exposure to factors that cause free radicals in the body. These factors include first and second-hand smoke, excessive exposure to X-rays, excessive sun exposure, dietary trans fatty acids, heavy metal toxicity. Secondly, take an abundance of nutritional antioxidants to neutralize free radicals in the body. Common antioxidants include: vitamin A, C, E, beta carotene, flavonoids, CoQ10 and acetyl-L-carnitine. The herb Ginkgo biloba is also a potent antioxidant.

    2.) Prevent and Reverse Subtle Inflammation. The herb turmeric (curcumin), is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrin substance. It is also a potent antioxidant with liver-protecting properties. Ginkgo is another anti-inflammatory herb (actually mentioned in The Merck Manual of conventional medicine as being helpful for Alzheimer’s). Essential Fatty Acids, such as those found in flax and fish oil, are anti-inflammatory.

    3.) Reduce Advanced Glycosylation End products (AGEs). This is best accomplished by means of a lower carbohydrate diet. In the absence of chronic high blood sugar, AGEs form much less, if at all. The Super Fast Diet is an example of a health-restoring diet that minimizes the production of AGEs by lowering average daily blood sugars and insulin levels. Vitamin B1 and B6 decrease AGE formation.

    4.) Chelate Toxic metals, especially aluminum. A hair analysis should be employed to evaluate for heavy and toxic metal toxicity. This inexpensive test costs $72 – see our Hair Mineral Analysis  page for more information.  An excess of ANY toxic metal should be chelated with the guidance of a physician. In most cases, this can be accomplished by taking an oral chelating agent (the agent will differ depending on which toxic metal is accumulated). For severe toxicity, IV chelation is sometimes more expeditious.

    5.) Lower Homocysteine Levels. This can almost always be easily accomplished by taking optimal doses of B6, B12 and folic acid.

    A Simplified Action Plan for Preventing Alzheimer’s

    1.) Take Daily Multi Vitamin and Mineral Supplement.

    This should include vitamins A,C,E, beta carotene, bioflavonoids, B complex vitamins (especially B1, B6, B12, folic acid), and selenium. Maxi Multi contains optimal daily doses of these nutrients.

    2.) Max EPA (fish oil):

    1 cap, 3 times per day with meals to prevent or reverse inflammation. Take higher doses as directed if your hs-CRP tests are elevated. Flax oil is also beneficial but requires a biochemical conversion in the body which is deficient in many people, so fish oil is more certain.

    3.) Extra protection:

    take any or all of these proven neuro-protective substances:

    I.) CoQ10: 50-300mg per day. This powerful antioxidant, produced by the body, diminishes with age. It is especially valuable for all types of heart disease. CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUGS deplete CoQ10.

    II.) Turmeric: 1 capsule, 3 times per day (target dose: 900mg). Potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrin herb, turmeric acts by three different mechanisms to help protect the brain from the presumed causes of Alzheimer’s.

    III.) Ginkgo biloba: 1 cap, 2 times per day. [target dose: 240mg of a 24% flavoneglycoside formula]. Ginkgo is a potent antioxidant that also improves cerebral circulation. This herb is mentioned in The Merck Manual of (conventional) Medicine as being helpful for Alzheimer’s!

    IV.) Phosphatidyl Serine: 1 cap (100mgPS), 3 times per day. PS increases brain cell communication by improving membrane fluidity.

    V.) Acetyl-L-Carnitine: 1 cap (500mg), 3 times per day between meals. A-LC acts as a powerful antioxidant in the brain.

    VI.) Alpha-Lipoic Acid: 1 cap, 2-3 times per day. This neurological antioxidant chelates free iron from the forebrain, thereby protecting against free-radical induced brain aging.

    VII.) Melatonin: this hormone decreases with age. It is a potent antioxidant and one of the only ones to cross the blood-brain barrier. It should be used in almost all cases of any neurological disease and is an important part of longevity and anti-aging programs.

    Alzheimer’s disease is not an inevitable part of aging even though it is common in our country. Don’t let this memory-robbing disease deprive you of YOUR Golden Years!