Having recently attended a mind-blowing (excuse the pun) seminar in London on Alzheimer’s and seeing Dale Bredesen speak, it brought it home how prevention is so important. Early onset can be as early as our 50’s and no one wants to grow old suffering from this dreadful disease that is now so common (more common than breast cancer in women), or watch a loved one grow old in this manner.

Here is some of the basic information about the research and protocol:

A cure for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a condition marked by progressive, debilitating cognitive decline that affects more than 5.4 million Americans, is the holy grail in disease research. Dr. Dale Bredesen, a professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, thinks he might have found a way to reverse memory loss, a hallmark of the disease.

Bredesen and colleagues have shown how 10 patients who were experiencing age-related memory decline showed brain scan improvements after following an approach called metabolic enhancement for neurodegeneration (MEND), a 36-point individualized regimen of diet, exercise, brain stimulation, sleep improvements, medication and vitamins and other specific protocols for five to 24 months.

The study noted that some of the patients who had to quit working as a result of their memory decline, were able to return to work after adopting MEND and participants who were struggling at their jobs reported an improvement in job performance.

The Bredesen protocol includes:

De-stressing!

Blood glucose support

Gut support

Elimination of gluten

Supplements of minerals, vitamins, micro nutrients, probiotics, antioxidants, algae, essential fatty acids and herbs

Genetic testing

 

The Lancet Neurology shows that healthy living can help prevent Alzheimer’s. The study found seven conditions in particular that account for up to half of the 35 million cases of Alzheimer’s around the world and in the U.S.

 

1. Not enough physical activity is the number one preventable factor that contributes to Alzheimer’s cases. – time to get up and move.
2. Problems with blood sugar control kick off the list of modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s, linked to diabetes and pre-diabetes.
3. Time to go back to school – or to pick up a crossword puzzle? Low education – or simply not using your brain enough.
4. Packing on the pounds as you pile on the years? Midlife obesity is a contributor.
5. High blood pressure – linked to mid-life hypertension.
6. Smoking – Need another reason not to smoke?
7. Depression and high stress levels.

 

Top Tip!! Dietary Fats for Your Mind and Body

1. Polyunsaturated Fat

Polyunsaturated fats contain the essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega-3 and omega-6. Our brains need these fats to function properly, studies also show that eating high quantities of omega-3 fatty acids are linked to reduced rates of major depression, but our bodies are unable to produce them. This means it’s important that we include these fat sources in our diets.

2. DHA

An omega-3 fatty acid, DHA has been shown to help brain functions like memory, speaking ability, and motor skills. Increasing dietary levels of omega-3s has been shown to help improve conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

3. Saturated Fat

Saturated fat is actually one of the main components of brain cells, and is therefore necessary for healthy brain function. In one study, it was found that people who ate more saturated fat reduced their risk for developing dementia by 36 percent. Saturated fat also provides benefits for the liver and immune system and helps maintain proper hormone balance.

Avoid all trans-fat and processed foods.

Include:

Coconut oil

Olive oil

Eggs

Salmon

Nuts

Avocadoes

 

For further information on Alzheimer’s prevention and support contact Suzanne Garaty dipCNM mBANT

www.vitalnutrition.eu

 

Upcoming healthy eating workshop and a Cancer Support Group Brunch by Suzanne

3 and 10 November, Santa Catalina – more information to follow.