Dementia (Alzheimer's)
What you need to know.
People with dementia need to have a complete diagnostic check-up in order to fully assess their individual situation. Many cases of dementia are entirely reversible and therefore every effort should be made to rule out any reversible factors. It is known that deficiencies of certain nutrients can lead to dementia and that over 80% of the elderly are lacking in one or more vitamins and minerals. In addition, dementia may be induced as a result of an overload of drug-based medicines. This is also very relevant in the elderly, as over 30% use 8 or more prescribed drugs on a daily basis.
Dementia in the elderly is also often as a result of insufficient blood and oxygen to the brain, caused by atherosclerosis (arterial plaque), so yet another reason for following the preventative advice in the healthy heart programme. It should be noted that dementia in the elderly is sometimes misdiagnosed, and often after further examination, depression is the correct diagnosis. A thorough diagnosis from a qualified and experienced specialist is therefore very important.
The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which is thought to occur in around 50% of all dementia patients. Alzheimer's can occur at any age, but usually starts after the 50th year. Its cause is largely unknown, but it is thought to be related to a deficiency of the chemical, acetyl choline, which is needed for the transmission of electrical impulses in the brain and nervous system. Another possible cause of Alzheimer's disease is thought to be due to a build-up of aluminium, mercury or silicon in the brain.
The most useful supplements:
To correct nutritional deficiencies in the diet and to help prevent dementia, it makes sense to take a high potency multivitamin and mineral supplement, 1 to 2 times daily. In addition, to protect the nervous system from free radical damage and help prevent Alzheimer's disease whilst generally slowing down the ageing process, taking an antioxidant formula once or twice daily is advisable.
Other key supplements include:
| Acetyl-L-carnitine1-3 | Helps to make acetyl choline, may slow rate of progression and improve memory - 500mg to 1,000mg 3 times a day |
| Phosphatidyl Serine4 |
Can improve numeracy and recall - 300mg per day |
| Vitamin E5 |
Antioxidant - slows down progression - 1,000iu to 2,000iu per day (at least 1,000mg of Vitamin C should be taken when using higher levels of Vitamin E, to prevent deficiency) |
| NADH6 |
effective in the early stages - 5mg to 10mg per day |
| Phosphatidyl choline7 |
helps make acetyl choline and may slow rate of progression - 10grams to 20grams per day |
| L-Glutamine |
may protect neuronal function from ammonia - 1gram to 10 grams per day |
Other supplements that may help include Vitamin C (antioxidant protection), Vitamins B1, B6, B12 and Folic acid (commonly deficient in Alzheimer's patients), or a high potency Vitamin B complex. Zinc is commonly deficient in the elderly.
The most useful Herbs:
| Ginkgo biloba8-10 | to protect brain cells from degeneration, improve memory and improve blood flow to the brain - 240mg of extract daily |
| Huperzine A11 |
Prevents the breakdown of acetyl choline - 200mcg 2 times per day |
| Vinca Minor12 |
Improves blood flow and is an alternative to Ginkgo if you are on other medications - tinctures, 3 times daily |
Butchers broom may help to improve circulation.
Dietary changes that may be beneficial.
- Eating a diet based on plenty of colourful fresh fruit and vegetables will provide natural sources of antioxidant compounds and nutrients. Antioxidants help protect all cells in the body, including brain cells, from harmful free radicals which are known to have a negative effect on health. The world health organisation suggests that we should all be eating 4 to 5 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day.
- Certain foods contain some acetyl choline, try to regularly eat organic lean meat, oats, soya beans, cabbage and cauliflower for this vital brain nutrient. Other foods high in choline include egg yolks, soya and sardines - and much higher amounts are found in lecithin products.
- Eating less animal fats, full fat dairy and dried foods, whilst consuming more polyunsaturates from oily fish, nuts and seeds helps to keep circulation flowing freely and improves blood and oxygen supply to the brain. The omega-3 fatty acids found in these foods are also important for normal brain function.
- Ensure your diet is high in fibre, in particular soluble fibre, which helps to carry toxins and metals such as aluminium out of the body. Try adding oat bran or rice bran to meals, but always ensure plenty of pure water is also consumed.
- Although caffeinated drinks are stimulating to the brain and make you more alert in the short term, large amounts on a regular basis actually impair mental function, slowing reaction time and reducing your memory. It is sensible to use caffeine in moderation to maintain mental clarity, in addition to many other health reasons. Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, cola drinks, chocolate and the herb, guarana. Some experts also suggest avoiding foods containing the flavour enhancer, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and aluminium based additives (found in starch modifiers, pouring agents and pickling salts. Also avoid aluminium cooking pots and pans - and drinks found in aluminium containers.
- Some water supplies are high in aluminium and other chemicals which have neurological problems. If you are unsure of the quality of your tap water - drink bottled, or invest in a water filter.
Other useful advice
- Give up smoking - it will help reduce the toxic load on the brain - recent research from Holland indicates that smokers are twice as likely to develop dementia in later life.
- A reduction in alcohol consumption is advisable - in excess it can damage brain cells and impair mental function.
- Exercising both body and mind - physical exercise, crosswords, board games or even gardening will help to keep the brain active.
- Although there is no link with age related cognitive decline, aluminium is very damaging to the brain and is strongly associated as a causative factor in Alzheimer's disease. Aluminium is found in some medicines (antacids, anti-diarrhoeals, buffered aspirin), deodorants, shampoos, douches, cookware, baking foil and some food additives. Other metals too can impair brain function, including:
Age concern may offer additional advice on this condition
Tel: +44 (0)20 8765 7200.
Or the Alzheimer's Disease Society
Tel: +44 (0)207 306 0606
 | This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication. |
