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Brain Nutrients for Alzheimers Disease and Senile Dementia
By
Patricia Valle
Mental decline and age-related diseases such as Alzheimers and Senile Dementia
affect more than four million people over the age of 65, and 30% of people over
the age of 85. Alzheimers is a disease that progresses slowly with memory loss
and disorientation as the first symptoms. Eventually there is almost complete
loss of physical function and a reversion to childhood in terms of care. Other
symptoms include anxiety, mood swings and apprehension and may result in
personality changs. People with Alzheimers have a tendency to wander and often
neglect their hygeine and appearance.
Although the causes remain unknown, there are a number of theories which range
from using too many drugs, long-term exposure to aluminum cookware and utensils,
nutritional deficiencies, food allergies or possibly a viral connection. There
are no labs tests that can detect the existance of Alzheimers because it
particularly difficult to diagnose.
Dementia may result from hardening of the arteries which slowly cuts off the
supply of blood to the brain.
In 1907, a German neurologist named Alois Alzheimer, first identified the
disorder which is characterized by mental deterioration that interferes with the
ability to function socially.
Nutrients and plant devivatives may help prevent and treat the progression of
impaired brain function. Antioxidants and B Vitamins help reduce inflammatory
damage to the central vervous system. Essential fatty acids such as fish oil,
flax seed oil, and evening primrose oil help nourish the brain. Lecithin
contains choline which stimulates the production of acetylcholine and may help
with memory function. Suggested doasage is 100 mg. three times a day with meals.
Lecithin comes in granules or softgels. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) has shown an
improvement in long-term memory impairment, and has been researched since the
1950's as a treatment for Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's. Alpha Lipoic Acid
can reduce damage to neurons caused by toxic substances that are products of
inflammatory processes. ALA is also involved with numerous metabolic functions,
including glucose metabolism, liver function, energy production in muscles and
nervous systme function, which ultimately affects the brain.
B Bitamins are essential for mental health. Deficiencies may manifest themsleves
as cognitive impairment or psychosis. B1 (thiamin) deficiency is associated with
a psychotic disorder, and B3 (niacin) deficiency is associated with dementia,
memory deficits and delirium. Studies indicate that abnormally low levels of
vitamin B 12 are also associated with Alzheimers Disease.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid present in large amounts in brain
tissue and the component of all cell membranes. Suggested dosage is 300 mg.
three times a day with meals. Zinc prevents zinc depletion which has been linked
to a number of brain disorders. Ginkgo Biloba ia an herb that has been well
documented to improve cerebral blood flow, and exhibits antioxidant activity on
nerves. It may also reduce age-related decline of neurotransmitters and
receptors. Ginko may also slow the progression of Alzheimers by improving blood
flow and reduce blood vessel inflammation.
Proper nutrition may deter the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. Avoid red meats,
sugar, alcohol, processed foods, and avoid using any aluminum cooking utensils
when preparing foods. Eating a well-balanced diet of natural foods is highly
recommended. Add fiber foods such as vegetables, sea greens, nuts, ginger, eggs,
and soy for brain-nourishing EFA's. Include B vitamin foods such as brewere's
yeast, brown rice, molasses, wheat germ, fish and whole grains. Avoid
flouridated water as it increases aluminum absorption, and avoid using pain
killers like buffered aspirin, analgesics and antacids because they contain
aluminum. By using natural therapies, the slow progression of brain
deterioriation has been successful.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any ailment. Always
consult with your health care professional.
Copyright 2003 by Patricia Valle
About the author:
I am a nutrition consultant at a well-known health food store in So. California.
Prior to working at this store, I became interested in alternative medicine and
nutrition when my eldest son was dying of a terminal illness. A little over two
years ago I began writing articles on health, nutrition and herbs. Some of the
articles are on my own website.
www.angel-made.com
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