Dementia – Stay Sharp Until the End
In the past, cognitive decline was believed to be unavoidable with the passage of time. Attributed simply to ‘old age’, many families watched helplessly as their loved ones minds’ slipped away. Recent research, however, has challenged the idea that dementia and cognitive decline are a natural result of old age and has suggested that to some extent it may even be preventable.
Toxic metal build-up causes oxidative damage that destroys brain tissue leading to dementia (Medical Hypotheses, 1999; 53: 3, 175-176; Lancet 1997; 349:1189-90). Alzheimer’s patients are more likely to have spent a lifetime consuming foods high in aluminium-containing preservatives – e.g. some grain product, ready-made desserts, cheese, chocolate pudding, chocolate beverages, salt, and some chewing gum (Age Ageing, 1999; 28: 205-9). A lifetime use of aluminium-containing antiperspirants is also a risk factor (J Clin Epidemiol, 1990; 43: 35-44) as is aluminium in our water supplies. In areas with a higher aluminium content in the drinking water, the incidence of Alzheimer’s can increase by as much as 46 per cent (Lancet, 1991; 338: 390).
Mercury is a similarly potent neurotoxin. US studies suggest that people with Alzheimer’s have abnormally high mercury levels of mercury in their brains (Neurotoxicol, 1988; 9: 1-8; Brain Res, 1990; 533: 125-31). The most common source of mercury toxicity is dental amalgam. Remove this type of filling if you can and avoid seafoods most likely to be contaminated (see below). Consuming foods high in selenium (more Brazil nuts, turkey, chicken, sole or flounder, wheatgerm, brown rice and oatmeal) or taking selenium supplements can protect against mercury toxicity.
Protect your liver. A poorly functioning liver will not be able to handle the increased toxic load associated with our modern society and may affect immunity. Limiting alcohol and the amount of saturated fats you ingest are substantial steps towards a healthy liver. A high fibre diet will aid the excretion of toxins, while sulphur rich foods such as onions and garlic will promote liver health and aid digestion.
Atherosclerotic plaque can lead to poor circulation and oxygen deprivation – which asre both risk factors for dementia (Int J Geriatric Psychiatry, 1999; 14: 1050-1061).
In one study people with an inherited risk of dementia had a nearly twenty times increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s if they also had atherosclerosis (Haemostasis, 1998; 28: 167-173).
To counter this increased risk, keep blood flvessels flexible by taking vitamin C and bioflavonoids, in a ratio of 0.7 units of bioflavonoids for each unit of vitamin C (J Am Dietetic Assn, 1994; 94: 779-781)
Ginkgo Biloba extract (GBE) increases circulation to the brain and organs and protects nerve cells from brief periods of oxygen deprivation. GBE can also enhance nerve receptor and neurotransmitter function (N Carolina Med J, 2000; 61: 393-395) Aim for 120-240mg daily.
Quit smoking. Research shows it can increase your risk of dementia twofold (Lancet, 1998; 351: 1840-43).
Add fish to your diet. Eating fish or some other type of seafood at least once a week has been shown to reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by 34 and 31 per cent, respectively (BMJ, 2002; 325: 932-3). The downside is that many types of fish contain mercury. To be safe, limit consumption of high-risk fish (shark and swordfish) to no more than one meal per month. Smaller, less polluted fish and seafood – shrimp, pollock, salmon, cod, catfish, clams, flatfish, crabs and scallops – can be consumed more often.
Investigate DHEA Several studies have found that people with Alzheimer’s have lower levels of the adrenal hormone DHEA than those without alzheimer’s (Biol Psychiatry, 2000; 47: 161-3; Biol Psychiatry, 1991; 30: 684-90). A dose of 100mg/day may be helpful.
Sidebar: Use it or Lose it
An active mind is a healthy mind. That is the conclusion of a recent US study covering 21 years. Researchers found that regularly reading books, playing cards and board games, and doing crossword puzzles reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia (N Engl J Med, 2003; 348: 2508-16). This finding supports earlier research suggesting that higher levels of education (Neuroloogy, 1994; 44: 2073-80) and lifelong learning can have a protective effect on the brain (West Ind Med J, 2002; 51: 143-7; J Alzheimer’s Dis, 2003; 5: 91-104).
Likewise, your social-support system may also play an important role in maintaining a healthy mind. Evidence suggests that those who have the least social interactions have the highest incidence of dementia (Lancet, 2000; 355: 1315-9).
Sidebar: Supplements Can Help
Antioxidant supplements counteract toxic build-up and keep blood vessels flexible (see main text). There is evidence that people who take vitamins C or E have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared with those who do not (Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord, 1998; 12: 121-6). In particular, large amounts of supplemental vitamin E (2000 IU daily) may slow disease progression and improve day-to-day functioning in individuals with moderate Alzheimer’s (N Engl J Med, 1997; 336: 1216-22).
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is necessary for optimal neurological transmission in those parts of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s. In people who suffer from this disease, the activity of vitamin B1-dependent enzymes in the brain has been found to be impaired (Arch Neurol, 1988; 45: 836-40). Small, but significant, improvements in mental function have been noted in Alzheimer’s sufferers who took 3 g of vitamin B1 daily compared with those who took a placebo (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, 1993; 6: 222-9; Arch Neurol, 1988; 45: 833-5).
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a relative of lecithin that can enhance neurological function. Although not a cure, 300-400 mg daily has been shown to improve mental function, including being able to remember names and finding frequently misplaced objects, in patients with Alzheimer’s (Psychopharmacol Bull, 1992; 28: 61-6; Dementia, 1994; 5: 88-98; Am J Health Syst Pharm, 1999; 56: 2036-44). There is also evidence, however, that only the most seriously impaired individuals will benefit from this supplement (Psychopharmacol Bull, 1988; 24: 130-4).
- This article first appeared in the October 2003 (volume 14 number 7) edition of What Doctors Don’t Tell You
