Ending Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise 30,000,000 patients in 2012 and currently the 3rd leading cause of death this disease is now recognized as a new epidemic. If this does not get your attention I don’t know what will. This used to be a disease of the 8th decade and now we are seeing patients as young as 50 years old diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that begins with memory loss and eventually leads to dementia and death. Alzheimer’s disease targets a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is the seat of memory, and the hippocampus becomes entangled. The resulting formations, often called plaque, result in the loss of brain cells especially those that make new memories and retrieve old ones.
The Progression of Alzheimer’s
In beginning stages of this disease, people will experience mild memory problems that most assume is part of normal aging, words recall, misplacing items, struggling with planning and organization. As the disease progresses it becomes increasingly difficult to remember events that occurred very recently say the day before or even just a few hours prior to the present time. Memory loss at this point looks more and more like dementia; affected people may not recognize others close to them or be able to recall appropriate words. Eventually, complete dementia sets in. Personal memories disappear and with them the ability to recognize beloved people and places. Functional memories also are irretrievable. The person forgets how to perform daily functions which include getting dressed, brushing teeth and using the toilet. Hallucinations or episodes of violence often attend this stage of the disease. At this point, it is rarely possible for a family member or close friend to look after the sufferer, who needs twenty-four hours a day care.
Often these people have had a history of depression, insomnia, concussions, anemia, heart disease, stroke, metabolic disorders, deficiency of B12 and folic acid, alcoholism, drug abuse, long term use of a statin medication and stomach pills.
To date conventional medicine can only offer medication that will slow the progression of this horrific disease. Taking a functional medicine approach, addressing the root causes of the disease, is now proving to be reverse Alzheimer’s. Dale E Bredesen MD just released his new book ‘The End of Alzheimer’s’. He reviews the root cause as 6 different types of Alzheimer’s
The Six sub types of Alzheimer’s disease include:
Type 1: This form is considered inflammatory and patients present with inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines.
Type 1.5: In-between types 1 and 2 because these patients have both inflammatory and atrophic factors.
Type 2: This form is due to atrophic factors such as an increase in homocysteine, glutamate receptor dysfunction and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Type 3: Caused by bio toxins exposures such as mycotoxins, which are emitted by mold.
Type 4: Caused when vascular impairment is driving amyloid accumulation.
Type 5: Associated with history of head trauma. Patients experience significant personality changes such as lack of empathy and temper.
It’s important to understand the differences in these Alzheimer’s disease sub type’s because identifying the root cause of any illness gives us the best chance at treating the condition.
What can be done?
Using a functional medicine approach and Dr Bredsen’s Re-CODE protocol, patients are already showing reversal this gives new light and hope for many people.
Treatment and labs need to be tailored to the individuals type of Alzheimer’s. However you can get started by incorporating healthier fats into the diet like Omega 3 fatty acid, flaxseeds, chia, raw nuts, coconut oil, avocado, grapeseed oil and olive oil. While adding in these healthy fats start eliminating processed foods and sugars! Eat real food such as lean proteins, fruits, green leafy vegetables.
If you are experiencing any cognitive impairment, it is important to have an evaluation done by a brain certified functional medicine practitioner early, do not wait, the earlier this is identified it is much easier to get complete reversal.
Forum Health Clarkston
248-625-5143
Resources:
The End of Alzheimer’s – Dale E. Bredesen, M.D.
Prescription for Natural Cures – James F Balch MD and Mark Stengler, N.D.
Dr. Jill Carnahan – Mold/ Alzheimer’s blog
