About Alzheimer's Disease Prevention
- Alzheimer's disease used to be a scourge of the old. Did you used to take trips to the old folks home to see Grandma or Grandpa who was senile? Early-onset Alzheimer's is starting to claim the lives and careers of those in their 40s and 50s. Those who are just starting to hit their stride in the work force are devastated to find that their mental longevity is being cut short.
Additionally, Alzheimer's-type symptoms are linked with the eating of tainted meat. For example, some who've eaten the delicacy of tainted squirrels' brains in the south as well as those who have eaten tainted deer meat have come down with untreatable "mad cow" disease. The symptoms of dementia and slow decline to death are eerily similar to those of Alzheimer's, including uncoordinated walking, unsteady movements and a weakness that prevents standing.
Additionally, roasted meat, crispy french fries, and toasted breads are sources of dangerous compounds called acrylamides, which can harm the body and are associated with various cancers, Alzheimer's disease and other illnesses. - Diet can change the amounts of contaminants that we take into our bodies. A protocol for overcoming early-stage dementia includes going to a totally vegetarian-based diet, and drinking fruit and vegetable juices.
The cruciferous family contains broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. These vegetables contain sulfur compounds, which also act as a natural antibiotic in the gut and are also cancer preventives. Vegetables like garlic and onion contain compounds that kill parasites, bacteria and viruses. They also help ease old food out of the digestive tract because they contain large amounts of fiber. Aloe vera, which helps improve micro-circulation in the limbs and extremities is also a good mixer juice for stronger vegetables. Deep-leafy greens can help heal the body of heavy-metal contamination.
Stronger juices may be diluted with aloe vera and green cucumber (with the skin on) until the body can process stronger concentrations. Wheat grass makes a very strong juice that may be diluted until the body can tolerate the full concentrate. (See link below for a beginner site on juicing.)
Supplemental and dietary fiber helps heal and cleanse the digestive tract. Undigested foods become home to parasites and excess yeast overgrowth. Undigested material from past foods prevents the body from absorbing all of the essential nutrients from our meals. - Supplements should be garnered under the auspices of a licenced professional. Supplements for Alzheimer's prevention will include essential fats and oils. These include omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, flax seed oil and walnuts. A nutritionist can help you pick healthy foods containing the essential fatty acids.
Inflammation-reducing supplements are important in the prevention of Alzheimer's. These include green tea, enteric-coated oregano oil, glucosamine, chondroitin, and other herbs and minerals. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, and quercetin work synergistically to prevent free radical damage that happens both within the cells of the body, as well as from the outside from contaminants such as pollution. Supplements like grape seed extract strengthen the circulatory system, and strengthen the mucous membranes. Co-enzyme Q10 helps every cell in the body, including the heart and the brain. Under a doctor's care, CoQ10 is a supplement that helps kill parasites in the gut. Supplements like nondairy yogurt can help recolonize the active flora of the gut. Supplements like niacin, folic acid and B-12 can help the body in an important process called methylation, which has many functions like creating the neurotransmitter serotonin, for example. - A holistic approach to mental health is important.
A now famous study of elderly nuns showed that certain behaviors correlated with mental health. Those who maintained strong communal bonds, who fostered a positive mental outlook, and who also practiced a faith discipline did better than those who did not practice these disciplines. The study also showed the benefits for those who maintained a healthy diet, for those who exercised, and for those who maintained their cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular disease is also related to another type of dementia, as well. - Dr. Daniel Amen is a neuropsychiatrist who has several recommendations for a healthy brain. These include removing all caffeine from the diet, which causes constriction of the brain's blood vessels. Additionally, he feels that just doing crosswords will not be enough for a healthy and vibrant brain well into adulthood and beyond. We must challenge ourselves with new activities that we are not comfortable with. New and difficult activities challenge our brains to create new connections.