(also referred to as ...)
AD
Description
This ailment was first identified in 1907 by Alois Alzheimer, a German neurologist. Alzheimer's is a mentally debilitating disease that progressively interferes with one's ability to function individually and socially.
Alzheimer's is characterized by a high death rate of brain cells and the buildup of intercellular plaque. Plaque and other "tangles" in the cell's fibres prevent nutrients from entering the cell. This starves individual cells, interferes with brain-cell communication and affects thought, reasoning, and recall processes. The overall process tends to occur in nerve fibres surrounding the hippocampus -- the brain's memory centre. As a result, new memories cannot be formed and early memories cannot be retrieved. This plaque builds up and damages nerve cells in other areas of the brain as well.
It is believed that Alzheimer's is the primary cause of dementia or severe age-related mental deterioration. It is also thought that the processes leading to this disease occur over a ten to twenty period, making prevention and/or early detection a viable strategy.
The probability of having Alzheimer's increases with age (see Causes, below). The National Institute on Aging (NIA) estimates that up to half of all people over 85 have symptoms related to this disease.
Alzheimer's disease is also a social problem. Health and home care costs are on the rise and this economic trend is coupled with the demographic reality of an aging population. In addition, the results of Alzheimer's affect both the individual and their family. It is a difficult disease for all it touches.
Symptoms and Signs:
Forgetfulness is the main symptom of Alzheimer's. Short-term memory recall is in varying degrees of decline. One tends not to remember the contents of a magazine article just read, the person they last spoke to, a phone number they were given, the weather they just saw on the news, et cetera.
Other symptoms include emotional withdrawal, combativeness and paranoia. These symptoms may be defense mechanisms as those with the disease try to deal with their increasing confusion and lack of rational context to base decisions upon.
Additional symptoms include depression, mood swings, and personality changes.
Causes:
Alzheimer's may be a natural part of the aging process. Over time, all systems in our body lose their capacity to function optimally. Compromised mental function, though not desirable, may be inevitable.
It is also believed that if the brain is not kept active or receives required nutrients, deterioration can result. The brain, like our muscles, needs to be "flexed" and exercised to be kept in shape. Keeping the brain active promotes neural pathway activity and various other processes. And without proper nutrition, our body cannot function properly in general.
Other causes include brain damage from stroke or inflammation, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), low estrogen levels in menopausal women, genetic factors, and compounding drug interactions.
The exact cause of Alzheimer's has yet to be determined. Several theories prevail, however.
Those with Alzheimer's tend to have low levels of vitamin B12 and zinc. B vitamins are necessary for proper neural function, while a zinc deficiency can lead to plaque development in the brain. Malabsorption problems increase as we age, making adequate nutritional intake challenging.
A lack of antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, in the body can lead to excessive oxidation and subsequent damage to bodily tissues, including the brain.
The Aluminum Connection While not conclusive, an extensive array of studies have linked excess aluminum absorption and increased susceptibility to Alzheimer's. Aluminum is found primarily in the earth's crust and permeates the air, water, and soil. As a result, we absorb aluminum via the food and water we take in daily. This element can be eliminated from the body by the kidneys and, in its natural form, does not easily pass through the blood-brain barrier. However, when combined with other elements, aluminum compounds can cross the barrier and become deposited in elemental form typically on the top of the brain. It is not flushed or otherwise removed from the body and will remain in this location, potentially disrupting mental functions. For more information on avoidance and exposure reduction methods, see Remedies -- Aluminum Exposure Reduction, below.
What to Expect:
Short-term memory can become extremely compromised over time. It can become increasingly difficult to retain acute information. The danger in this situation lies in the inability to retain critical information such as place of residence, home telephone number, personal name, or essential travel routes. Safety situations commonly include forgetting to turn off the stove, letting the kettle boil dry, leaving the iron on, letting the bath tub overflow, et cetera. Such situations can pose personal hazards as well as hazards to those living in and around the place of residence.
It is not recommended that those experiencing Alzheimer's be left alone over the long-term for the above reasons.
Long-term memory, however, often remains unaffected. Individuals who cannot recall their actions from five minutes past vividly remember where they worked and lived in their younger years as well as key events that have occurred over their lifetime.
Remedies
Aluminum Exposure Reduction
Aluminum is the most abundant metallic element in the earth's crust. Natural levels are absorbed through food and water as this element permeates the air, water, and soil. However, the modern industrialized world has substantially increased average aluminum absorption to potentially unsafe levels. Aluminum is found in many foods and products used every day. Excessive levels of absorption are believed to be toxic and can result in a number of ailments. And even if evidence is not conclusive, you should strive to reduce exposure to this element, especially from manufactured sources.
Start by checking the labels of the products in your house. Aluminum comes in many forms: aluminum salt, aluminum hydroxide, kaolin, aluminum magnesium silicate, attapulgite, aluminum glycinate, dihydroxyaluminum, waxed metal containers, beer and pop cans, aluminum chlorhydrate, sodium aluminum phosphate, aluminum sulfate (alum), aluminum ammonium sulfate, aluminum potassium sulfate, amalgam fillings, magnesium aluminum silicate, and aluminum lauryl sulfate. Though aluminum is bonded in many of these compounds (and may potentially be benign as a result), the compounds can break down in the body either over the short or long term. Avoiding exposure is your best bet.
Common products that contain one or more of the above compounds include cake mixes, frozen dough, self-rising flour, sliced processed cheese, baking powder, food starch modifiers, anti-caking agents, pickling salts, fast-food cheese burgers, antidiarrheal drugs, antacids, buffered aspirin, deodorants, antiperspirants, shampoo, anti-dandruff shampoo, douches, pots, pans, pie plates, baking pans, and assorted cookware, foil, canned fish, fruits, and vegetables, juices, beer, and pop cans.
The above listings are quite extensive and understandably daunting. However, you must weigh the potential benefits from reducing exposure. We pay to ensure ourselves against many "ifs" -- theft, fire, job-loss, vandalism, collision, loss of life, et cetera. Think of this as an additional facet of your health insurance.
In addition, eliminating and substituting the above products will also reduce your exposure to a wide range of other industrial chemicals, additives, and preservatives from your body. These benefits in themselves are a worthwhile goal.
Alternatives to aluminum-containing products include aluminum-free deodorants, toothpaste, and shampoos, aluminum-free/alum-free (aluminum sulfate free) baking powder, glass (not plastic) pop and juice containers, natural and non-chemical douches, antacids, and anti-diarrheal preparations, enamel lined, lead and aluminum-free fruit and vegetable cans, stainless steel, glass, or iron cookware and ceramic, glass, stainless steel, or earthenware kettles, tea pots, and mugs. The majority of these items can be found at health food stores. If they are not readily available, most stores will be able to tell you where you can find such items. Health-related trade shows and fairs are also excellent places to pick up aluminum-free items. Also, speak to your dentist on alternatives to amalgam (mercury) fillings. Viable solutions are employed by both homeopathic and western dentists.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants prevent free radical damage that can also target the brain. You can drink Green tea (one cup daily in the morning or afternoon), take grape seed extract (two capsules daily), or supplement with Vitamins A, C, and E (see Vitamins, below). There are a variety of other antioxidants that you can review in the dedicated section on Antioxidants.
Foods
Spirulina is high in B12 as well as a number of other beneficial nutrients such as vitamin A, B3, potassium, and protein. Take 6 500mg tablets daily. See also Vitamins -- B12, below.
Food Supplements
Essential fatty acids provide your body with necessary fats to ensure proper brain and nervous system function. EFA's can be combined with a B complex vitamin (see below) to improve overall nervous system function. Flaxseed/linseed oil, borage oil, pumpkin seed oil, hemp seed oil, evening primrose oil, fish, eggs, and walnuts are all sources of EFA's. The oils may be the most ideal. Take one tablespoon daily on yogurt, rice and/or bean dishes, salads, and vegetables. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 2 to 3 capsules daily, in the morning. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1 500mg capsule daily, in the morning
Do not cook with these oils. Heat denatures these oils and they lose their nutritional value. Be sure to keep oils refrigerated as they will go rancid if not kept cool.
Herbs
Ginkgo biloba is commonly used to improve memory function. This herb enhances blood flow to the brain and results in increased oxygen availability and an overall improvement in mental function. Take 100 to 200mg three times daily in liquid or capsule form.
Rosemary and Sage may also prove helpful. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of these herbs for your needs.
Lifestyle
Keep mentally active. This will encourage neural activity and will also help keep you busy. Do crafts, hobbies, read, socialize, write, do crosswords, and other puzzles, et cetera.
Miscellaneous
Phosphatidylserine (PS) strengthens cell membranes, improving nutrient absorption. Take 100mg twice daily (can increase up to three times daily).
A Columbia University study showed that menopausal women who increased estrogen levels had an 80% reduction in risk of developing Alzheimer's. A variety of natural methods are available to increase estrogen levels. See the section on Menopause for more information.
Vitamins
A B-complex supplement helps support your nervous system by providing it with the nutrients it needs to function properly. People with anxiety, depression, or stress (situations that can occur in concert with Alzheimer's) often benefit from addition B vitamins. Take one 50mg capsule once or twice daily. Do not take more than 50mg at one time as your body cannot absorb a larger amount in a single dosage. B complex injections may also be considered for better absorption. You must discuss this option with your naturopath or other health practitioner.
B12 injections may be necessary to address a deficiency. This is the most optimal method for absorption. You must discuss this option with your naturopath or other health practitioner.
Coenzyme Q10 enhances cellular energy. Take 60 to 100mg daily (can increase up to 200mg).
Vitamin A, C, and E. If supplementing with A, take 10,000 IU daily. If supplementing with C, take 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily (can increase up to bowel tolerance). If supplementing with E, take 400 to 800 IU daily (can increase up to 1,000 IU).
Actions and Remedy Listings
For More Information ...
Alzheimer Society of Canada
20 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 1200
Toronto, Ontario
M4R 1K8
Tel: 416.488.8772
Toll-Free (Canada Only): 1.800.616.8816
Fax: 416.488.3778
Web: www.alzheimer.ca
Email: info@alzheimer.ca
Alzheimer Society of Ontario
1200 Bay Street.
Toronto, Ontario
M5R 2A5
Tel: 416.967.5900
Alzheimer Society for Metropolitan Toronto
2323 Yonge Street, Suite 500
Toronto, Ontario
M4P 2C9
Tel: 416.322.6560
Fax: 322-6656
Web: www.asmt.org
Email: write@asmt.org
Alzheimer's Association
919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1100
Chicago, Illinois
60611-1676
Tel.: 312.335.8700
Toll-free: 1.800.272.3900
Fax: 312.335.1110
Web: www.alz.org
Email: info@alz.org
Institute for Human Development, Life Course, and Aging, University of Toronto
http://library.utoronto.ca/www/aging/resource.html
Health Canada's Aging and Seniors Web Resource
Division of Aging and Seniors
Population Health Directorate
Health Canada
Address Locator 1908A1
Ottawa, Ontario
KlA 1B4
Tel.: 613.952.7606
Fax: 613.957.7627
Web: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/seniors-aines
Email: seniors@hc-sc.gc.ca
National Institute on Aging
Building 31, Room 5C27
31 Center Drive, MSC 2292
Bethesda, Maryland
20892
Tel.: 301.496.1752
Web: www.nih.gov/nia
Email: webmaster@nia.nih.gov
See also
Aging, Senility.
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