Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer’s is a common form of dementia (senility) affecting almost five million Americans. As our population ages, this is an area that drug companies believe may be quite profitable, so there is heavy advertising being done for the medication Aricept, which has very minimal to modest benefit.

The only definitive test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s is a brain biopsy, which appropriately is not done. Because of this, and because most doctors do not have time to do a proper 30-60 minute evaluation for underlying causes (Medicare pays poorly for visits over about five minutes), many elderly folks get a label of Alzheimer’s slapped on them and a prescription for Aricept at first sign of confusion, and perhaps a cursory look for other causes of confusion.

With a thorough exam, we frequently find that the person doesn't have Alzheimer’s, and that even if they do, even modest improvements in mental function can dramatically improve their ability to function and remember names and people. There is also a promising new medication for Alzheimer’s that can stop it in its tracks (well, really an old natural compound that a drug company will try to pass off as new).

Also, for those of you with day to day “brain fog” wondering if you may have Alzheimer’s, a simple rule of thumb:

Alzheimer’s is not when you keep forgetting where you left the keys. It’s when you forget how to USE the keys.

TREATMENT

Recommended Supplements

Vitamin B12 injections

Check your vitamin B12 level. If it is under 540 (anything over 209 is “normal” but NOT necessarily acceptable), get a series of at least 15 B12 shots over several months (make sure the injections have 1,000-5,000 mcg of B12 per injection). If the B12 level is under 350, take the shots monthly forever, and add 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar to each meal (as convenient) as low B12 is usually associated with low stomach acid, and the vinegar can help digestion.

Multi-vitamin supplement

Supply overall nutritional support with a good multi-nutrient powder, such as the Energy Revitalization System (one that includes a strong B complex vitamin, which can take care of the low B12 if your doctor won’t give the injections).

Fish oil

Consume fish oil, either by eating 3-4+ servings of tuna, herring, or salmon each week, or by taking a tablespoon of fish oil twice a week. The brain is made of the oil found in fish oil (DHA). This can also help treat any hidden depression which may be present.

Other Therapies & Advice

Hormonal deficiencies

Treat hormonal deficiencies, even if your blood tests are normal.

Armour Thyroid

Prescription Armour Thyroid should be tried by those experiencing unexplained chronic confusion to see if it helps. A thyroid test even on the low side in the normal range in women was associated with more than a doubled risk of developing dementia!

Natural testosterone cream

Men with total testosterone under 400 should use natural testosterone cream to raise their total testosterone level to about 600-800. Testosterone used in the natural form and in safe dosages decreases heart disease and diabetes risk and does NOT increase prostate cancer risk (in fact, low testosterone is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer).

Aspirin

Consider a trial of 1 aspirin a day. Much of what is called Alzheimer’s is really the result of multiple small mini-strokes. This is especially likely if the progression of mind problems seemed to occur in discrete small steps (worsening with each small silent stroke). An aspirin a day (or, if aspirin bothers your stomach, willow bark — found in health food stores, 120 mg of salicin a day) can decrease the risk of further strokes and often will improve function.

Sleep

Get 8 hours of sleep a day. Begin with Melatonin 3-5 mg at bedtime (1/2 mg is normally recommended, but use the higher dose in this setting). If needed, add an herbal sleep aid at bedtime.

Depression

Make sure there is no depression (which can mimic Alzheimer’s).

Infections

Look for and eliminate any chronic infections (e.g., silent bladder infections seen on a urine culture; or yeast overgrowth — which is suggested by increased gas or clearing one’s throat a lot).

Check your medications

Look for medications (or excess alcohol) that could contribute to confusion, and see if the doctor will work with you to leave each medication off for 2-3 days (if able) to see if the mind clears.

Anti-aging supplements

Anti-aging supplements that help prevent memory loss can help. Importantly, the product "Remember" has been shown to be twice as effective as Aricept, and has in some cases stopped Alzheimer’s progression in its tracks. It is simply old fashioned methylene blue. It won’t be available in your pharmacy for several years but is available now from compounding pharmacies (see Alzheimer link below).

Related Information

Alzheimer's and Senility are Reversible

Optimal Testosterone Levels Associated with Longer and Healthier Life

Eliminate Depression—Naturally!