Look into The
Bredesen Protocol Synopsis:
The Bredesen Protocol targets multiple underlying contributors to Alzheimer's disease. It's a 36-point system that factors in a person's biochemical and metabolic imbalances and prescribes an individualized treatment plan of diet, supplements, sleep, exercise and other lifestyle modifications, with the goal of reversing the effects of Alzheimers.
Writing in the Journal of Aging, Bredesen details the successes in reversing the cognitive decline of early Alzheimer's disease.
"Patients who had to discontinue work were able to return to work, and those struggling at work were able to improve their performance," writes Bredesen. "The patients, their spouses, and their co-workers all reported clear improvements."
If you want to get started now, these are the most important "Life Style" parts of the protocol.
Low-glycemic diet. A diet with little or no added sugar or white carbs, and low in grains to help minimize inflammation and minimize insulin resistance; both are linked to decreased incidence of Alzheimer's.
Fast 12 hours each night. A 12-hour overnight fast, including the three hours before bedtime, to induce ketogenesis, reduce insulin levels, and reduce amyloid beta (Ab), amino acids that are linked to Alzheimer's disease as the main component of the amyloid plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer patients.
Sleep 8 hours each night, treating sleep apnea and supplementing with melatonin if needed. Melatonin may have a protective effect against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's; some evidence suggests that taking melatonin 2.5 mg to 3 mg before bedtime reduces the confusion and restlessness experienced by some dementia patients in the evening.
Reduce stress. Strategies vary by individual, and can include yoga, meditation, music, taking regular walks... with the goal of reducing cortisol levels and CRF (corticotropin-releasing factor), both risk factors linked to Alzheimer's.
Exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes per day, four to six days a week. Physical activity reduces brain atrophy in elderly people at risk for Alzheimer's disease, in the region of the brain thought to be the center for memory and emotion.
Following are the supplements that are recommended:
Vitamin B12 levels greater than 500. Low levels of vitamin B12 are a risk factor for cognitive decline. Serum B12 levels can be measured via standard lab test; supplement with vitamin B12 as needed.
Supplement with curcumin. The active component of turmeric, curcumin has a natural anti-inflammatory effect, and is linked to a reduction of amyloid beta (Ab) peptides. The dosage I typically recommend for clients is 400-500 mg curcumin, two to three times daily. Curcumin is better absorbed in conjunction with black pepper, so ideally best to take with meals.
Supplement with vitamin D3 when necessary. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer disease. Vitamin D can be measured by testing blood levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, and supplement with vitamin D as needed.
Add citicoline and DHA. Both provide structural components needed to promote the synthesis of new brain synapses. Supplementing with 1,000 to 2,000 mg citicoline daily seems to improve verbal memory in people aged 50 to 85 years. And research suggests that higher dietary intake of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid plentiful in fish like salmon and sardines) is associated with a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Add probiotics. Boost immune system and help to reduce inflammation with probiotic-rich foods like plain Greek yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and fermented foods like miso and sauerkraut.
Optimize antioxidants. A regimen consisting of an antioxidant-rich diet plus supplements may help improve cognitive functioning and appears to be part of a safe, natural treatment for Alzheimer's. Add more antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and blackberries. Eat one Brazil nut daily for selenium. Supplement with 400 mg vitamin E (mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols), 500-1,000 mg vitamin C, and 200 mg alpha lipoic acid.
This all works the best if started at the first sign of cognitive impairment and on younger patients. On older patients (over 80) the best one can hope for is that it will slow the progression to the point that something else gets them first.
