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 omplete 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