Alzheimer's Disease

A form of presenile dementia due to atrophy of frontal and occipital lobes of the brain. Usually occurs between ages 40 and 60, more often in women than men. Involves progressive, irreversible loss of memory, deterioration of intellectual functions, apathy, speech and gait disturbances, and disorientation. Course may take from a few months to 4-5 years to progress to complete loss of intellectual function.

Causes

Previously classified as senile dementia, this disorder is characterized by tangled nerve fibers surrounding the hippocampus. The hippocampus is the brain's memory center. When the nerves surrounding the hippocampus become tangled, nerve impulses can no longer carry information to or from the brain. Because the brain's circuits are now disconnected, information cannot be retrieved. This entanglement does not destroy the information stored in the hippocampus, rather it prevents the information from being transferred.

Symptoms

Inability of function socially or at work. Memory and abstract thought processes are impaired. Some characteristics are memory loss, severe mood swings, personality changes, disoriented perceptions of space and time, and an inability to concentrate or communicate. The individual's health progressively deteriorates until he is totally incapacitated. Death will usually occur within five years if the victim is not treated. Many people worry that their forgetfulness is a sign of Alzheimer's disease. Forgetting where you put your keys or glasses some time or another is not an indication of Alzheimer's disease. However, if you forget that you wear glasses, then this is showing signs of dementia. Presenile dementia may strike when an individual is in his forties. Diagnosis is made by eliminating other disorders. There is no laboratory procedures or biochemical markers that can confirm Alzheimer's disease. It may be the result from arteriosclerosis when the supply of blood to the brain is slowly cut off. Loss of brain tissue from a series of minor strokes or from an increased amount of fluid accumulation in the brain might cause dementia. Toxic reactions to drugs or small clots to the brain, advanced syphilis, brain tumors, and hypothyroidism often exhibit the same symptoms as Alzheimer's. Research has revealed a strong correlation between Alzheimer's and excessive amounts of aluminum and silicon in the brain.

Nutrients

Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg. per day, is a natural substance that carries oxygen to cells and is responsible for generating cellular energy. Germanium, 200 mg. per day, enhances immune function. Kelp, 5 tablets per day, supplies minerals. Lecithin, 1 tbsp. with meals, is needed for brain function. Potassium from a high potency multivitamin, 99 mg. per day, is a necessary nutrient. Protein supplement (free form amino acids), taken twice daily on an empty stomach, is needed for improved brain function and tissue repair. RNA-DNA, 1 tablet contains 200 mg. RNA and 100 mg. DNA, taken as directed on the label (these are the brain's cellular building blocks, and are available in supplements in health food stores). Selenium, 200 mcg. per day. Zinc, 50 mcg. per day. Vanadium, 5 mg. per day. Boron, 3 mg. per day. Vitamin B complex, 2 cc 3 times weekly, is needed for brain function and aids in the digestion of food. Vitamin B6 (pyrodoxine), 1/2 cc 3 times weekly. Vitamin B12, 1/2 cc 3 times weekly. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 6,000-10,000 mg. per day in divided doses, enhances immune function and increases energy levels. Vitamin E, 400 IU daily, increase to 800 IU daily, helps transport oxygen to the brain cells.

Herbs

Butcher's broom
Clubmoss, running or common
Ginkgo biloba

Recommendations

Drink steam-distilled water only. Include plenty of fiber in the diet.

Suggestions

The symptoms of alcoholism are similar to Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's sometimes misdiagnosed as alcoholism for this reason. Care should be taken when cooking with aluminum cookware. Check the water supply for aluminum content.