Natural Ways to Fight Alzheimer's Disease

The number of 80 year olds is expected to triple by 2040. That means that memory-robbing Alzheimer's disease may also triple in that period. And since obesity has been linked by some research to higher likelihood of Alzheimer's disease, that figure may be too low.

As anyone who has had a family member or friend who suffered from Alzheimer's disease can tell you, this disease robs a person of their memories and even, finally, their personality. It is a neurological disease that impairs communication between brain cells when plaques or lesions in brain tissues trigger inflammation and mental decline. Because this damage occurs in the synapses between brain cells, normal metabolic processes can't remove the plaques.

What can we do to increase the likelihood that we won't be one of the elderly suffering from Alzheimer's disease? There is some research on natural supplements that seem promising.

Since the memory loss occurs after inflammation, anti-inflammatories are proving beneficial. And research is showing that levels of antioxidants are significantly lower in Alzheimer's patients than people who are not suffering cognitive loss.
Genetic factors do play a role in this disease but other factors that can perhaps be helped include diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and stress. Being forgetful does not mean a person has Alzheimer's, however. Other conditions including alcohol consumption, depression, minor strokes, some medications, an under-acting thyroid, and some vitamin deficiencies can mimic this devastating memory loss. And information overload, that we all suffer from in this age of 24/7 electronic bombardment is linked to age-related dementia and even Alzheimer's.

Some psychologists suggest that focusing on a single task enhances and improves mental function. Multi-tasking does not sculpt the necessary brain activity to maintain optimum cognitive function. (I knew there was a reason I can't remember anything since I had two children). Think mindfully. Allow yourself to focus on what you are doing now. Be in the present, no matter how clamoring the email, phone, and instant messaging (and your kids) are. It's good for your brain. Training the brain by playing chess, sodoku, or cross word puzzles is also thought to be beneficial in preventing age-related memory loss.

Our brain uses about 20 percent of our daily energy supply, so it is important to consume the correct nutrition to feed this vital organ. Eating small plant-based meals, along with relaxation and exercise, does appear to boost brain function. Eating high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grains appear protective against Alzheimer's. And a number of other studies suggest that drinking green tea prevents the inflammation present in Alzheimer's.

Essential fatty acids in the form of omega-3 fats, like those found in fish oil or fish oil supplements help prevent cognitive decline as we age. Consuming too many processed foods and animal protein may increase a person's aluminum intake. Alzheimer's patients show a marked increase in aluminum, suggesting that decreasing aluminum intake by eating food containing anticaking agents, baking powers, stabilizers, and some thickeners can help prevent this disease.

Supplements in addition to fish oil that can be helpful include: Vitamin C and Vitamin E. A Tufts University study showed that Vitamin C and E supplements improved brain performance and lowered the risk of age-related cognitive loss. Acetyl-L-carnitine (or ALC), derived from amino acids, has proved to give people with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's a significant advantage over those who were taking a placebo. Other supplements of benefit are carnosine (called an agent of longevity by some who have studied it) and taurine (another amino acid). There is some indication that phosphatidylserine or PS , an essential component to the formation of brain cells, can reduce risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. In fact, the FDA has approved these health claims for PS for the elderly.

120 milligram of Ginkoba has been shown to improve mental performance and social functioning in patients with some cognitive dysfunction. Gingko is an herb that is rich in flavonoids and increases blood flow to the brain; enhances the ability to focus; reduces inflammation to brain cells; and reduces damage to brain cells by free radicals. It appears as though combining gingko with ginger for its anti-inflammatory properties is even more effective.

Some promising experimental research found that turmeric contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. This research has also shown that turmeric prevents the plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's from building up, and can even break up the existing plaque.

It is important to discuss all of these supplements and other therapies with your doctor. If you are simply looking to do the best you can at preventing Alzheimer's and other age-related cognitive problems, the research indicates that the best defense is to eat natural foods; exercise both your body and your brain; engage in some form of relaxation, like meditation or yoga; and supplement with essential fatty acids, Vitamin C , and Vitamin E. If a loved one of yours is suffering from Alzheimer's, discuss any supplements with the patient's doctor before starting a regimen. So far there are no cases of drug interaction with these reported, but there may be drugs that gingko and turmeric, for instance, can interact with.

Think about preventing Alzheimer's while you are still young. Whoever said "A mind is a terrible thing to waste" may not have been referring to this devastating disease that devours memories and personality, but the sentiment still stands.