Lifestyle impacts your health.

Alzheimer’s Information

A team led by Swedish researcher Bengt Winblad, M.D. estimated the worldwide direct costs for dementia in 2003 were $156 billion (U.S.), based on a worldwide estimate of 27.7 million people with dementia.

Senility and dementia refer to a general mental deterioration. Alzheimer’s disease is just one form of dementia. People with dementia develop progressive loss of memory and gradually lose the ability to function and to take care of themselves.

The first step to diagnosing confusion, forgetfulness or any mental deterioration should be a complete examination by a physician. Many times these can be the symptoms of other physical problems. If senile dementia is diagnosed, consultation with a gerontologist can be helpful.

Learn strategies to maximize your memory

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

In dementia and early Alzheimer’s disease, there is severe difficulty moving newly learned information into long term memory. Unlike normal memory loss associated with aging which is intermittent and annoying, the memory disorder in Alzheimer’s is relentless and disabling.

Known Risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease

• Age
• Family history

• History of heart disease: There is interesting research coming in, that in autopsy, the changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s occur at a higher rate in those people with a history of heart disease. Researchers found that the higher the mid-life blood pressure the more “tangles and plaque” were found at autopsy. Hypertension and heart disease early in life might be setting people up for Alzheimer’s later in life.

• Obesity: Other studies have shown a correlation between higher body mass indexes and Alzheimer’s disease. Yet another reason to watch our weight!

• Low HDL: A recent study (Ann Neur. Jun 2002;51(6):716-721) concluded that there is a link between low HDL levels and the risk of dementia in older adults. After evaluation, the researchers found an association between dementia and low HDL levels, but this association was not seen with any other lipids or lipoproteins. After those with a history or stroke or cardiovascular disease were excluded from the results, the association still remained significant. This study concluded by stating that low HDL levels are related with risk of dementia.

EARLY-ONSET ALZHEIMER'S

Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimer's disease is not just a disease of the elderly. Early-onset Alzheimer's accounts for up to 10% of Alzheimer's cases and may strike people in their 30's, 40's or 50's. Although the person with the early-onset form of Alzheimer's will experience similar symptoms as do all people with the disease, they may have to deal with some unique issues.

These include:

1. Difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis
2. Children still living at home
3. Financial challenges due to the early onset of the disease
4. Loss of employment

Listen to a discussion about Maximizing Memory and Brain Power
This 22 minute discussion covers:

• Alzheimer’s disease statistics
• The brain and it's functions
• How the brain creates memories
• Different types of memories
• Causes of memory decline and loss
• Causes of Alzheimer’s disease
• Risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease
• Links between cardiac disease, diet and diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease
• Steps to take to reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease
• Supplements to promote brain health*

Premium supplements designed for a healthy mind and spirit.

Change Your Life:

• Exercise at least 3 times a week. Check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Keeping active outside of one’s work, either physically or mentally, during midlife may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease*
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet that concentrates on whole, unprocessed foods. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. In general, the more fruits and vegetables are processed, the less nutritive value they have. Eat whole grains or foods made from whole grains. Beans (legumes) are a healthy, low fat source of protein and vitamins. Seeds and nuts contain essential fatty acids.
• In studies, high dietary intake of fat and calories was associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, whereas high intake of fish was associated with a decreased risk. Consider supplementing with an Omega 3 supplement if you consume cold water fish less than 2-3 times a week.
• Drink 8 - 10 eight ounces of pure water. Reduce or eliminate alcohol, caffeine and refined sugar. Carbonated drinks should be severely restricted.
• Reduce your stress. There are numerous studies documenting the deleterious effects of stress on health. Make time for friends and family. Find ways of relaxing throughout the day. Consider meditation, deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques or prayer.
• If you are the caregiver for a person suffering from dementia, remember to care for yourself. Look for support groups through local churches or crisis centers. Numerous support groups have an online presence.

Helpful Supplements:

• The AMA has endorsed the need for a daily multivitamin.
• Take 200 - 400 IU of vitamin E daily. Selenium enhances the action of vitamin E. Also supplement vitamin C, 500 - 1000 mg each day, as vitamin C converts vitamin E into its
  helpful form after oxidation. Some studies have suggested a protective value of vitamin E*.
• Ginkgo biloba is an approved treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in Europe and is gaining popularity in the U.S. While Ginkgo biloba cannot cure Alzheimer's disease it may improve memory and quality of life and slow progression in the early stages of the disease*. Jinzhou Tian, M.D., of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and colleagues found that an herbal extract known as GETO (from ginseng, epimedium herb, thin leaf milkwort root and two other herbs), taken daily, improved the memory of people with mild cognitive impairment.
• B vitamin complex supports normal brain function and can address a deficiency in B vitamins found by some researchers*.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs much more frequently in the elderly. A Norwegian mental hospital measured the B12 level of every patient over 30 years old who was admitted during a one-year period. The results showed that the percentage of mental patients with below normal vitamin B12 levels was 30 times higher than in the normal population in that area.
• Coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant, may protect brain tissue*.
• Bacopa monnieri has been shown in clinical tests to improve memory and the ability to learn new information* and is known to maintain normal metabolic activity in the brain.*
• Vinpocetine has been widely used in Europe and Japan, and in clinical tests, has been shown to enhance blood flow, glucose utilization, and increase oxygen uptake to the brain*
• Polygala tenuifolia is traditionally used in China and Japanese Kampo Medicine for brain health*

Additional information: Read an informative pamphlet about a supplement that contains herbs and naturally sourced compounds that have been clinically proven to:

• Provide the necessary nutrition to enhance memory*
• Support optimal brain function*
• Increase speed of information processing*
• Improve blood flow, glucose utilization, and oxygen uptake to the brain*

Learn more about this memory and cognitive function enhancing supplement*.

Related sites:

MEDLINE plus on Alzheimer's Disease

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.