20 Ways to Beat Alzheimers Disease

20 Ways to Beat Alzheimers Disease

One of the fastest growing diseases in the industrial world is Alzheimers
disease (AD). This is characterized by massive degeneration of the brain
that causes disruptions in memory, cognition, personality that finally
culminates with brain death.
Approximately, 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimers and that number
is expected to go up to 15 million by the year 2050 (1). Take action now
to prevent and reverse Alzheimers disease with natural strategies.
Alzheimers disease cripples the individuals brain to the point where they
cannot form new memories. They are a danger to themselves because
they are entirely unable to take care of even the most basic needs. Most
individuals survive for 5-10 years with AD.

The Alzheimers Burden:

Alzheimers disease cripples the individuals brain to the point where they
cannot form new memories. They are a danger to themselves because
they are entirely unable to take care of even the most basic needs. Most
individuals survive for 5-10 years with AD.
These individuals need constant care-giving which creates a massive
economic burden on the family. New reports show there are more than
15 million Americans providing care for someone with AD. This is a
tremendous financial, physical and emotional burden to help care for a
loved one with AD.

The average caregiver taking care of someone with Alzheimers

encounters over $50,000 in out of pocket expenses each year (1, 2).
The Neuro Degenerative Process:
Alzheimers disease and dementia are characterized by massive neuronal
loss in the temperal lobe hippocampus region of the brain (3, 4). The
hippocampus is the major region where we process and create short term
memory. This causes problems with short term memory, behavioral
changes, depression and irritability, balance problems and disorientation.
AD is also associated with damage to the Amygdala and limbic regions of
the brain. These areas are responsible for our response to fear, our
emotions and behavior. This is why AD patients struggle with irritability,
anxiety, mood disorders and depression (5).
AD diagnosis is made by observing neuron loss of medium and large
sized pyramidal cells and the presence of intraneuronal neurofibrillary
tangles (NFTs) and extracellular deposits of amyloid filaments that are
surrounded by altered neuritic processes and glia cells. These NFTs with
amyloid are called senile plaques and they are found in greater abundance
in the hippocampus, amygdala and other limbic regions (6).
Poor Blood Sugar Signaling
Research has shown that Alzheimers disease development and
progression is highly influenced by lifestyle factors. A recent study
published in the Journal of Alzheimers Disease confirmed earlier reports
that AD is characterized by chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in
the brain. Researchers have titled this pathophysiological pattern type-3
diabetes (7, 8, 9).
These researchers found that as blood sugar signaling patterns are
disrupted it leads to elevated blood sugar and the formation of Advanced
Glycolytic End Products (AGEs). The AGEs destroy cell membrane
function and damage insulin receptor activity creating a vicious cycle of
elevated blood sugar and inflammatory stress. AGEs cause massive
destruction throughout the body and have an affinity for neurological
tissue (10, 11).

Blood Brain Barrier and Alzheimers:

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a tight network of blood vessels that is
designed to only allow small nutrients to pass into the brain. The BBB is
a mechanism the body uses to protect the brain from oxidative stress,
infectious microbes and chronic inflammation.
Individuals with Alzheimers have alterations in the BBB where they have
increased permeability which therefore allows greater stress on the brain
(12). This happens through 3 major mechanisms
1) Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar causes a partial starvation of the
brain tissue and the body responds by opening up the BBB to allow for
more nutrients to cross. This also allows for more toxins and oxidative
stress to effect brain tissue (13).
2) Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar causes more oxidative stress that
damages the endothelial lining of the BBB, weakening this protective
shield and making it more permeable to larger compounds. This causes
increased stress on the brain tissue and leads to insulin resistance in the
brain. Increased insulin levels are associated with the neurofibrillary
tangles and amyloid plaque found in Alzheimers disease (14, 15).
3) Magnesium Deficiency: Blood sugar imbalances deplete magnesium
and many B vitamin stores in the body. Magnesium plays a key role in
the capillary tone of the endothelial membrane. Magnesium deficiency
weakens the endothelial lining and makes it more permeable to heavy
metals such as aluminum which is classically found in Alzheimers
disease (16, 17, 18).
The MicroBiome and Alzheimers
There has been a tremendous amount of research linking the gut
microbiome and neurological health. Research has indicated that low
levels of healthy lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are linked with
increased brain excitability and neurological inflammation (19, 20).
These microbes help to break down the excititory neurotransmitter
glutamate into the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Low levels of
GABA production are associated with anxiety, seizures, depression,
dementia and Alzheimers (21, 22).
Additionally, it has been shown that some microbes secrete amyloid as a
byproduct of their metabolism. This endotoxin is linked to the
pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease. It is thought that high levels of
amyloid producing bacteria are a significant factor in the development of
Alzheimers (23, 24).
Aluminum and Alzheimers:
Aluminum is found in high amounts within the neurofibrillary tangles of
Alzheimers disease patients. How does it get in there? Through a
combination of blood sugar dysregulation, gut dysbiosis and chronic
inflammation and environmental aluminum exposure.

Aluminum is used in the processing of many different industrial products.

We are exposed to aluminum in vaccines, deoderants, medications,
canned foods and tap water. Aluminum has an affinity for brain tissue
due to 2 major mechanisms (25,26, 27)
1) Slow Absorption and Uptake Rates: Because aluminum is absorbed
by the body slowly and the uptake into the brain is progressive, many
scientists believe it is a safe additive in food and drinking water treatment.
2) Aluminums Ionic Size: This particle is similar to iron in size and
uses iron-evolved mechanisms to enter the highly active, iron-dependent
cells responsible for memory processing. Aluminum accumulates in these
iron-dependent cells and dysregulates the iron homeostasis which causes
brain hypoxia and neuronal cell death.
AD is a human form of chronic aluminum neurotoxicity. The causality
analysis demonstrates that chronic aluminum intake causes AD.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction:
Every cell of the body has mitochondria within it that produce energy for
the cell. The mitochondria are the battery packs of the cell and they are
extremely important. High levels of oxidative stress wear down the
mitochondria and cause a dysfunctional state. Studies have found that
individuals with Alzheimers disease have an advanced state of
mitochondrial dysfunction (28, 29).
Individuals suffering from AD are evidenced to have massive cell death of
the hippocampus and amygdala regions of the brain (30). Research has
shown that this is initiated by a profound glutathione (GSH) decrease and
a mitochondrial dysfunction.

Glutathione Depletion and Nrf2:

In AD, the cells are under so much stress that there main protective shield
(GSH) gets worn down and oxidative stress damages the mitochondria
and the DNA leading to cell death. Poor blood sugar control and high
environmental toxinexposure are known to deplete glutathione levels and
impair mitochondrial function (31).
A key pathway that maintains cellular glutathione levels and the ability of
the cell to adapt to stress is called Keap1-Nrf2. When this pathway
breaks down it causes increased levels of oxidative stress within the cell
that leads to the glutathione depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction (32).
This pathway must be addressed in order to prevent or reverse
AD symptoms (33).
Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition:
An anti-inflammatory nutrition plan that is low in carbohydrate and rich
in healthy fats and anti-oxidants is critical to preventing and treating
Alzheimers disease. The brain is primarily water, fat and cholesterol.
These are all key building blocks for promoting healthy brain function
and rebuilding a damaged brain.
The proper nutrition plan to beat AD is rich in phytonutrient dense
vegetables, healthy fat and clean protein sources. Healthy fat sources
such as coconut, avocados, olive oil & sprouted nuts and seeds must take
a central role in the diet to promote healthy brain function.
Healthy Proteins & Anti-Oxidants:
Healthy proteins include wild-caught fish, grass-fed red meat and organic
chicken, turkey and eggs. Grass-fed beef is loaded with long-chain
omega 3 fatty acids, saturated fat, cholesterol, vitamin B12, and
conjugated linoleic acid which are all necessary for healthy neurological
function.

Additionally, grass-fed beef contains carnosine, wild salmon contains

astaxanthin and organic pasture-fed eggs have retinol, lutein &
zeaxanthin. These fat-soluble anti-oxidants protect the brain and
neurological tissue from AGEs and other damaging free radicals.
Superfood herbs like turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, rosemary,
thyme, ginger, basil, etc. should be used as much as possible.

Critical Nutrients for Brain Health:

Regular exercise and sun exposure are extremely critical factors to boost
oxygenation, anti-aging hormones and vitamin D3 levels. Vitamin D3
supplementation of 10,000 IU daily is often needed. High quality multi-
vitamins, magnesium, extra B complex vitamins, zinc & selenium as well
as probiotics and purified omega 3 fatty acids should be used as well.
Individuals at risk for AD have sleep challenges throughout their lives and
have reduced melatonin signaling systems in their brain. Establishing
regular sleep cycles by going to bed early and getting a full 8 hours of
sleep each night is essential. Adding in certain teas such as valerian root,
chamomile and passionflower can be especially helpful.

Additionally, you can use lavendar, chamomile and peppermint essential

oils to relax the nervous system, oxygenate the body and induce deeper
sleep. Healthy melatonin levels help the brain to clean up damaged cells
(autophagy) including the NFTs that are characteristic of AD.

Good sleep and optimal melatonin secretions also positively influence

healthy genetic expression, circadian rhythms that improve anti-aging
characteristics and human growth hormone levels which boost immunity,
reduce inflammation and build lean body tissue and a healthy physique.
Stimulating NeuroGenesis:
One of the biggest breakthroughs in neuroscience over the last 20 years
has been the discovery of neurogenesis. This refers to the ability of the
brain to generate new healthier and stronger cells and synaptic junctions.
 The brain can literally re-wire itself. In the case of AD, the brain is
breaking down faster than it can rebuild which is
called neurodegeneration.
In order to grow stronger and healthier neuronal cells the neurons secrete
a compound called Brain derived neurotrophic growth factor (BDNF).
BDNF encourages the growth and differentiation of new neurons and
synapses. In the brain, it is most active in the hippocampus and cortex
and is vital to learning, memory and higher thinking (34).
Key ways to simulate BDNF include regular exercise, novel movement
patterns such as using your non-dominant hand for activities, doing cross-
crawl style movements, aromatherapy, learning new concepts, listening to
classical music, social interaction and laughing.

Action Steps to Beat Alzheimers:

Here are the best action steps to get started with on your journey to
prevent and/or beat Alzheimers disease. You should always consult with
your physician before stopping or changing medications or taking on new
health strategies.

Additionally, you should be working with a functional health practitioner

to help guide you through these strategies. This is not an exhaustive list
and there are other natural therapeutic strategies that I and functional
health practitioners will utilize to help individuals with Alzheimers.

1) Change Your Diet: Follow an Anti-Inflammatory nutrition

plan here and avoid exposure to aluminum cans by choosing fresh or
frozen organic food as much as possible.
2) Reduce Stress: Find ways to reduce stressful activities and enjoy
more peace and calm. Learn to thrive under stress by reading this
article here
3) Improve Your Sleep: Sleeping a high quality 8-9 hours each night is
key to healing and improving brain function. Follow the steps in
this article to improve your sleep.
4) Power Up Your Nrf2 Pathway: This is the key genetic anti-oxidant
pathway. Adding in clinical dosages of resveratrol, curcumin,
sulfuraphane and Green tea (ECGC) can be extraordinarily beneficial. I
use Nrf2 Power here to improve this pathway. I always get my chronic
hypertensive patients on Nrf2 Power.
5) Include Magnesium & B Vitamin Rich Foods: Magnesium helps to
improve blood sugar signaling patterns and protects the blood-brain
barrier. The best magnesium and B vitamin rich foods include dark green
leafy veggies, grass-fed dairy, raw cacao and pumpkin seeds. You can
also do Epsom salt baths to boost your magnesium levels.
6) Focus on Deep Breathing: Improving your posture, seeing a high
quality chiropractor and optimizing your breathing patterns is highly
recommended. Follow these tips here to improve your breathing patterns.
7) Use Anti-Oxidant Rich Herbs: Add turmeric, ginger, oregano,
garlic, basil, thyme and rosemary to as many dishes as possible and drink
organic herbal teas on a regular basis.
8) Ground Your Body: In our society we are surrounded by toxic
electromagnetic frequencys (EMFs). These EMFs increase stress
within our body and alter neurotransmitter function. By going outside
daily and walking barefoot on grass, dirt or sand you absorb natural
EMFs from the ground that balance your electrical rhythms. Follow the
steps in this article here.
9) Supplement With Omega 3s: Omega 3 fatty acids and in particular
the long chain variety EPA and DHA are critical for stabilizing blood
sugar, improving neurogenesis and neurotransmitter production (35, 36).
Consume grass-fed meat, grass-fed butter, wild-caught fish and spirulina
to get it in your diet.
It is also advisable to supplement with 2-5 grams daily of EPA/DHA
along with 200 mg of GLA. Clinically, I use ProEFA to boost up omega
3s.
10) Improve Your Mitochondria: The mitochondria are the energy
powerhouses of every cell. When someone has a neurodegenerative
disorder it is a clinical sign that they have disfunctional activity going on
in the mitochondria.
Support your mitochondria with clinical doses of CoQ10, L-carnitine, N-
acetyl cysteine and Lipoic acid. The supplement I use with my
neurodegenerative clients is Brain Supercharge which has the clinically
effective dosages of each of these key nutrients and more.
11) Juice Your Veggies: Juicing is one of the best ways to get high
quality anti-oxidants and powerful phytonutrients into your system. Here
is my article on Best Juicing strategies.
12) Intermittent Fasting: Going 16 hours between dinner and breakfast
is one of the best ways to improve mitochondrial production. Your body
improves energy efficiency by increasing and strengthening the
mitochondria during periods of fasting. Consume your meals in an 8 hour
window such as 11am 7pm. Read thisarticle for more info on fasting.
13) Optimize Your Vitamin D: Low vitamin D3 is associated with
neurological inflammation and neurodegenerative conditions (37). Be
sure to increase your vitamin D through good amounts of regular sun
exposure and/or taking a high quality vitamin D3/K2 supplement.
14) Get a Home Water Filtration System: Very important to avoid the
chloride, fluoride, pesticides, heavy metals aluminum, etc. that are
found in tap water. Use a good whole home water filtration system as
discussed in this articlehere
15) Do Brain Based Exercises: Various brain based exercises can be
performed daily to help boost Brain Derived Neurotropic Growth Factors
(BDNF) that improve the health and stability of the brain. Watch my
video on these here
16) Make Learning Your Hobby: Continual and life long learning is
one of the best ways to improve BDNF levels. Studying new subjects,
reading books, learning languages, playing new instruments and doing
crossword puzzles are extremely healthy for the brain.
17) Use Essential Oils: The anti-oxidant content and aromatherapy
benefits of essential oils help to reduce inflammation in the brain and
stimulate BDNF. Some of my favorites include lavendar, peppermint,
chamomile and sweet orange among others.
Put a drop on your hands and mix together and then cover your nose and
inhale the healing vapors. This will stimulate your brain and increase
blood flow to your cranium.

18) Improve Your Gut Motility: Improving bowel movement

frequency and consistency is a key detoxification concept. Consuming an
anti-inflammatory diet with good fiber sources such as chia seed and flax
seed, using bone broths, fermented foods and probiotics will improve
bowel motility.
19) Low Intensity Movement: A sedentary lifestyle reduces
cerebrospinal fluid flow and can lead to increased oxidative stress in the
brain. Throughout the day, get a lot of low-intensity movement such as
walking, light cycling, playing, etc. Regular movement will help reduce
inflammation and boost the development of new neurons in the brain.
20) Use an Advanced Brain Support Pack: This is designed to get you
the key nutrients that are we have already discussed that are necessary for
optimal brain function and cognitive processing. These nutrients help the
brain to produce the right amount of neurotransmitters and other
neurochemicals.
 Additionally, these key nutrients have a powerful effect at reducing the
inflammatory fires that destroy our brain tissue.

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Here
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