DEMENTIA or memory loss, Alzheimer’s in particular, is the one greatest fear for people over the age of 55, which includes me. When Alzheimer’s hits me, I would rather leave this world to save my family from the excessive burden my dementia would impose on them, physically, mentally, socially, financially, etc. There are more than 4 million people currently suffering from Alzheimer’s in the USA alone, and those numbers are expected to quadruple by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
This severely devastating disease of the brain can instantly hit and totally robs and erases the person’s memory. When it occurs, it happens so fast like transforming a well-lit room into total darkness with a flip of a switch. The entire memory bank is emptied, turning even a great, talented mind and a charismatic communicator, like the late President Ronald Reagan, one of the best presidents the United States has ever had, into a blank, emotionless, non-verbal, totally dependent and helpless stranger, oblivious of his environment, his loved ones, and even of his own self.
The post-mortem pathology found among Alzheimer’s patients is the abnormal and extensive build-up of beta-amyloid plaque (akin to cholesterol build-up) in the brain, which damages the nerve cells and their (circuitry) connections, resulting in memory loss.
The pervasive belief that Alzheimer’s is hereditary and cannot be prevented is a great misconception and scientifically incorrect. The process of brain deterioration starts early, even during our teen years, if the brain is not stimulated and not protected from the risks in our environment and from our unhealthy lifestyle.
EGCG from green tea
A study from the University of South Florida (USF) reported that high doses of an antioxidant ingredient in green tea, called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), significantly reduced by 54 percent the formation of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain of laboratory mice. This substance is among antioxidants called flavonoids found in plants.
Fatty acids from plants
A fatty acid in safflower, corn, and sunflower oils may help prevent Alzheimer’s in some people, according to Sara M. Debanne, PhD, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland.
“In people who did not have the inherited Alzheimer’s risk factor gene (ApoEe4), eating a diet rich in linoleic acids reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by about 50 percent. But in those who carried the disease-causing gene, linoleic acids appeared to raise the risk of developing the mind-robbing disease even further”, says the researcher.
Statins against Alzheimer’s
Debanne says she suspects “the fatty acids’ cholesterol-lowering properties account for their protective effect in some people, since several studies have shown that the cholesterol-lowering statin drugs appear to ward off the disease.”
This research finding may be a good reason for people to get tested to find out if they carry the ApoEe4 gene, especially those with a family history.
Fish fat fights Alzheimer’s
New studies from the Louisiana State University’s Neuroscience Center of Excellence revealed that decosahexaenoic (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like herring, mackerel and salmon, etc., might help prevent Alzheimer’s. The DHA helps the brain cells by (1) minimizing the production of beta-amyloid proteins, and (2) increasing the production of another protein called NPD1 which helps the brain cells stay alive.
Previous researches have shown that people who eat fish at least 4 times a week, or those who take refined omega-3 from fish oil in gelcaps twice daily, reduce their risk of developing this dreaded disease, compared to those who hardly eat fish.
The following are normal daily routines that can reduce the risk and prevent Alzheimer’s, in combination with the regimen listed above:
•Drinking 3-4 cups of coffee (regular or decaf
reduces the risk by 65 percent).
•Good dental hygiene, brushing, flossing, and
gurgling to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases
reduce infection and resultant inflammation, which could “migrate” to the brain. Periodontal disease
before age 35 increases the risk for Alzheimer’s by four times (400 percent).
•Drinking apple juice or eating apples, blueberries, other fruits and vegetables, can improve the production of memory chemical, acetylcholine. Doing this
regularly, reduces by 76 percent the odds of getting
dementia. Soft drinks have severe adverse effects on our body, including the brain, especially among children.
•Eating a lot of fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, etc.) as suggested earlier, taking vitamin B complex and D3, exercises, sleeping and resting enough, avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol (a glass of two of red wine with dinner is good for the brain) can help prevent dementia, by stimulating the growth of new brain cells at whatever age.
•Visiting Google often and surfing the net regularly, watching the Discovery National Geographic, History, Science, comedy and music channels, and other educational videos will stimulate the brain cells to a more alert level.
•Doing crossword, Sudoku, or any puzzle, having a hobby, even needlepoint, gardening, writing, and meeting people and socializing with family and friends often, making a point to remember events, dates, places, and names will challenge the brain and keep it healthy, lowering the risk for Alzheimer’s.
•Protecting your head from injury is essential
because trauma doubles the risk for dementia in five year or so following the accident.
•Using the mind to focus and concentrate on
certain enjoyable activity and letting the imagination explore anything you are interested in helps the brain and improve cognitive power.
•Finally meditation is a refreshing way to put the brain cells at virtual rest and the mind in a peaceful realm for brain health.
Daily physical exercise and mental calisthenics
I listed exercise as last on my list of preventive measures because it plays a most significant role in warding off diseases, like Alzheimer’s. Exercise in general is a major part of a healthy lifestyle, and the most magnificent and versatile tool we have in preventing or fighting almost all diseases known to man.
We can do it practically anywhere, anytime, and it is free. Even a simple brisk walking every day does unimaginable wonders. Just as we exercise our muscles and joints, exercising and stimulating, challenging our brain through mental calisthenics, could significantly lower the risk for Alzheimer’s and other illness, like depression, cardiovascular (high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke), metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes, thyroid, etc), and even cancer. Proper nutrition as described earlier, adequate sleep and rest and frequent social interaction, are also very essential in our overall mental and corporal health.
It is indeed within our power to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, especially among the younger individuals. Let us not forget to remember and remember not to forget the strategy.
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