ASK BONNIE for January 2000

Question:

My Mom has Alzheimer's and I'm scared I am going to get it too. What can I do to prevent this?

Answer:

Alzheimer's is a degenerative disorder created when nerve fibers surrounding the hippocampus (the brain's memory center) becomes tangled so that information can no longer be carried properly throughout the brain. Characteristic amyloid plaque also builds up, damaging nerve cells. Forgetfulness is not Alzheimer's. For example, if you forgot where you put your glasses, that is forgetfulness. If you don't remember that you wear glasses, then you may have Alzheimer's. However, senile dementia, minor strokes, brain tumors, hypothyroidism, drug reactions, and serious nutritional deficiencies (especially of B-12 and Zinc) can manifest similar to but are not Alzheimer's. A neurological workup is necessary if memory loss is more than ordinary forgetfulness.

To prevent Alzheimer's (even in the face of a genetic predisposition):

1)    Avoid Aluminum - containing cookware, antacids, buffered aspirin, cans (containing acidic foods), regular and diet soft drinks (especially in cans), aluminum-containing deodorants.

2)    Avoid toxic metals (lead, mercury, excess iron, etc.) - cigarettes may contain many of these.

3)    Keep immune system healthy.

4)    Avoid chlorinated water.

5)    Take the following nutrients daily (if on blood thinners, consult your physician):

a.    B-Complex vitamin for optimum nerve transmission and cognitive function

b.    Take up to 800 i.u. of Vitamin E daily (more could suppress the immune system), but up to 2000 i.u. if Alzheimer's is diagnosed. Vitmain E can definitely delay the onset of Alzheimer's.

c.    Take Vitamin A (up to 8000 i.u.) in the form of cod liver oil.

d.    Take 60-100 mg. of CoQ10 daily (increases oxygenation of cells and all cellular energy).

e.    Take standardized ginkgo biloba (100-200 mg. 3x daily) which increases blood flow to the brain. Also good for patients diagnosed with senile dementia.

f.    Take up to 50 mg. of Zinc daily (more could suppress the immune system). Zinc chelates heavy metals, helps prevent memory loss, and stops amyloid plaque build-up.

g.    Take a 1:1 ratio of Calcium/Magnesium. Can prevent plaque build-up and helps nerve transmission.

h.    Take Vitamin C with Quercitin. Enhances immune function, powerful antioxidant, and reduces inflammation.

6)    Rule out chemical or environmental sensitivities. An excellent resource on alzheimers regarding the role chemical allergies can play (especially with chronic or recurringn headaches): BEATING ALZHEIMER'S by Tom Warren (Avery Publishing)

7)    Rule out Homocysteine as a culprit (through a blood test). A recent case-control study of 164 clinically diagnosed Alzheimer patients showed much higher levels of homocysteine than in the control group (Nutrition Reviews, Volume 57, Number 4). Therapeutic doses of Folic Acid (up to 2000mcg.), B-12 (up to 2000 mcg.) and B-6, up to 100 mg. can reverse hyper homocysteinemia, hence the aforementioned B-Complex. The earlier the diagnosis the better so that both nutritional and medical steps can be taken to slow down deterioration.