Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Disease

Do we know what causes Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia? Brain Health is so important and we are learning more each and every day, but we still have so many questions.   Is there a connection between statin drugs, toxins and Alzheimer’s and can we reverse Alzheimer’s Disease?

Dangers of Statins or Cholesterol Lowering Drugs 

The U. S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) issued a warning related to statins or cholesterol lowering drugs which said: Adverse Event Information “Information about the potential for generally non-serious and reversible cognitive side effects (memory loss, confusion, etc.) and reports of increased blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels has been added to the statin labels.” FDA continues to believe that the cardiovascular benefits of statins outweigh these small increased risks.

In the following article, The Clue to Why Low Fat Diet and Statins May Cause Alzheimer’s by Stephanie Seneff she states:  Statins cripple the liver’s ability to synthesize cholesterol, and as a consequence the level of LDL in the blood plummets.  Cholesterol plays a crucial role in the brain, both in terms of enabling signal transport across the synapse [50] and in terms of encouraging the growth of neurons through healthy development of the myelin sheath [45].  Nonetheless, the statin industry proudly boasts that statins are effective at interfering with cholesterol production  in the brain [31][47] as well as in the liver.

Read this article on the connection of Alzheimer’s and statin drugs.  In the article, it states that in addition, statins also cause liver damage, Type 2 Diabetes and muscle weakness.  It is also widely known that statins severely deplete your body’s natural levels of CoQ10. A Columbia University study found that within 30 days, your levels of CoQ10 can be decreased by half. [Rundek T, et al. Arch Neurol 2004;61:889-892. ] 

Reversing Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Brain health is so important.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or some kind of dementia and an estimated 450,000 people will die of Alzheimer’s in 2013 alone.  With those kind of statistics, it makes you ask the question, “What can I do to prevent this from happening to me or a family member?”  There is a new screening test to determine one’s genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, it is a simple blood test.  The test is for the apolipoprotein E4 gene.  Carrying the gene does confer an increased risk of the disease.  

Toxins are also a possible cause for Alzheimer’s Disease.  A new test developed by Italian researchers can measure “free” levels of copper in your blood. This copper is unbound and circulates freely through your body. But if too much of it builds up, it can make its way into your brain.  This causes damage that can lead to AD and about 60% of AD cases show signs of copper damage.  Learning this, I think detoxing is VITAL.  Flor Essence is an EXCELLENT detoxifying product, especially if you have any disease at all, not just Alzheimer’s.  Many diseases are caused by toxin buildup in our bodies and brains and you need to rid yourself of these poisons .

Consider these 15 Ways to Improve Brain Health:  Remember to Always consult your physician first.

• Acetyl L-Carnitine  is an antioxidant and amino acid that is said to “wake up” the brain cells and boost cellular energy and function. Source.
• Aloe Vera Extract – Diabetes of the brain is what some are calling Alzheimer’s. See the research on aloe vera and the brain.
• Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphorycholine (form of Choline) – may increase levels of GABA that helps stop brain neurons from misfiring and also helps reduce anxiety. Source.
• Bacopa, Bacopin – studies suggest this plant increases reasoning skills, memorization and learning. An adaptogen which helps the body combat stress and is a scavenger for free radicals which means it protects cells and restores damaged cells. Source.
• B Vitamins are required for brain health. “The B vitamins represent a group of eight essential dietary micro nutrients that work closely in concert at a cellular level and which are absolutely essential for every aspect of brain function.” Source.
• Black Seed Oil supplies good essential fatty acids. See research on my original post.
• Blueberries – an antioxidant that is packed with flavonoids and contains 4x the free-radical fighting power of vitamin C.
• Coconut Oil – Ketones are found in the oil and provide an alternative source of energy to brain cells that have lost their ability to use glucose. See my post on coconut oil on how research is beginning to prove that this medium-chain triglyceride is improving memory in Alzheimer’s patients.
• Detox your body as this is very important. Parasites, fungus and toxins can enter the brain, so read more here on detoxing.
• Exercise and eating healthy! No research needed here, this is a given.
• Fish oil is an Omega 3 and has vitamin D. It’s great for inflammation. “One recent landmark study found that aging humans who consumed more omega-3s had INCREASED gray matter brain volume and that most new tissue development was observed in the part of the brain associated with happiness.” More. DMAE is found in fish oil and is also shown to boost cognitive function.
• Ginkgo Biloba – Terpenoids from the Ginkgo improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets and protects damaged nerve cells. It is widely used for dementia in Europe. More.
• Nitric Oxide – is considered a natural statin. Wow!
• Pomegranate juice is a neuro protectant, increases memory, and improves motor skills.
• Vinpocetine effects brain blood vessels, blood flow and brain cells. Enhances oxygen and nutrients to the brain. More.