Prospects For The Treatment Of Alzheimers Disease And Vascular Dementia
Oestrogen treatment
Oestrogen appears to have a number of beneficial effects on the brain and it is possible that it may protect the brain from deterioration in several ways.
It has been suggested that oestrogen replacement therapy for postmenopausal women might delay the onset of Alzheimers disease or prevent postmenopausal women from ultimately developing Alzheimers disease.
Data from several case control studies have found that oestrogen replacement may be associated with a 30% lower risk of developing Alzheimers disease. However, some of these studies are flawed because the individuals taking oestrogen have differed on basic variables such as education and social class from individuals not taking oestrogen.
No randomised controlled study has shown that oestrogen prevents Alzheimers disease or diminishes ones chance of getting it. In the Womens Health Initiative Memory Study, oestrogen actually increased the chance of developing Alzheimers disease.
Two recent trials using oestrogen to treat Alzheimers disease have found absolutely no benefit for women who already have Alzheimers disease. In addition, some forms of hormone replacement therapy have been associated with an increased risk of dementia and may, by implication, worsen dementia already present.
Oestrogen has significant effects, both good and bad, if taken after the menopause.
Anti-inflammatory agents
Folate and Vitamin B12
Vitamin E
Statins
Ginkgo biloba
Brahmi
Other agents
Social Interaction And An Active Mind
Social interactions can lead to happiness, exerting a positive effect on patients with Alzheimers disease and their families.
Ensuring constant social contact improves the quality of life for patients in every stage of Alzheimers disease.
Keeping your mind active reduces the risk for cognitive decline. Learning a new activity, such as dancing, creates new pathways of communication in the brain. Acquiring new skills and reminiscing on cherished life events are excellent ways to help prevent loss of cognitive function.
Maintaining an active mind is a very important lifestyle choice. Challenging oneself with problem solving activities, maintaining friendships, and learning new sensory skills help stimulate the mind.
Treatment For Mild To Moderate Alzheimers
Treating the symptoms of Alzheimers can provide people with comfort, dignity, and independence for a longer period of time and can encourage and assist their caregivers as well. Galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil are cholinesterase inhibitors that are prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimers symptoms. These drugs may help reduce or control some cognitive and behavioral symptoms.
Scientists do not yet fully understand how cholinesterase inhibitors work to treat Alzheimers disease, but research indicates that they prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical believed to be important for memory and thinking. As Alzheimers progresses, the brain produces less and less acetylcholine, so these medicines may eventually lose their effect. Because cholinesterase inhibitors work in a similar way, switching from one to another may not produce significantly different results, but a person living with Alzheimers may respond better to one drug versus another.
Before prescribing aducanumab, doctors may require PET scans or an analysis of cerebrospinal fluid to evaluate whether amyloid deposits are present in the brain. This can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis of Alzheimers before prescribing the medication. Once a person is on aducanumab, their doctor or specialist may require routine MRIs to monitor for side effects such as brain swelling or bleeding in the brain.
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Diseases That Come Under The Dementia Umbrella
Dementia is not actually a single disease or illness initself. Its a shared term used to describe the difficulties people withvarious underlying brain problems or brain damage can have with their thinking,memory, and speech . So its basically a broadterm used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills,and what would be considered normal emotional reactions in a person. Alzheimers,vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease , Parkinsons,ALS and Huntingtons disease allcome under the dementia umbrella. Incredibly, one new case of dementia isdiagnosed every 4 seconds around the world. That tells you the sheer scope ofthis brutal disorder and how many lives are being affected. Of course,Alzheimers makes up the bulk of dementia sufferers , followed by vasculardementia.
Can Alzheimer’s And Dementia Be Prevented Or Slowed
Alzheimers disease is one of the biggest concerns many of us have as we get older. The thought of developing the disease can be a frightening prospect, especially if youve witnessed a loved one affected by dementia. While you may have been told that all you can do is hope for the best and wait for a pharmaceutical cure, the truth is much more encouraging. Promising research shows that there are steps you can take to both reduce your risk of developing symptoms of Alzheimers and other dementias, or slow the process of deterioration if youve already been diagnosed.
Alzheimers is a complex disease with multiple risk factors. Some, like your age and genetics, are outside your control. However, there are seven pillars for a brain-healthy lifestyle that are within your control:
Experts now believe that the risk of Alzheimers is not limited to old age, but in fact can start in the brain long before symptoms are detected, often in middle age. That means that its never too early to start taking care of your brain health.
The more you strengthen each of the seven pillars in your daily life, the longerand strongeryour brain will stay working. Youll also be better able to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimers disease and other types of dementia, or delay the onset of more severe symptoms.
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Piper Nigrum And Piper Longum
Piperine is a nitrogen-containing alkaloid found in the fruit black pepper and long pepper. It is utilized in herbal treatment for therapeutic applications to manage a variety of diseases . Multimodal health advantages such as anti-depressive impact, better cognitive functioning, neuroprotective effect, and antioxidant properties activity has been documented based on pharmaceutical data . It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, analgesic, and anti-ulcerous properties. In AD patients, ethyl choline aziridinium can cause a cholinergic action. More research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurogenesis is required. Piperine demonstrated significant enhancement in cognition and neurodegeneration in the hippocampus .
Herbs That Can Help Those Living With Dementia
Dementia may not yet be curable, but there are several ways to reduce your risk and combat some of the symptoms. Changes in diet, regular body cleansing and paying attention to some of the herbs and spices we have outlined below are a great start. Whilst some people with dementia are able to live independently at home or with support from a relative or friend, others may need to go into a care home for those that do need dementia care, we are able to provide an experience that is as close as possible to the one they wouldve received at home if not better. If you have a loved one and are struggling with the stress of dementia, be sure to try out some of our top herbs to help dementia, as well as making sure you contact us and find out more about the different types of care we have available.
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Alzheimers Natural Treatment Options & 7 Notable Breakthroughs
Alzheimers disease is a form of dementia that can rob people of the ability to think clearly, perform everyday tasks and ultimately, remember who they even are. Because the disease is so devastating, and since previous treatments failed to come up with a cure, Im always on the lookout for Alzheimers natural treatment options and Alzheimers news, scouring the medical journals for for Alzheimers breakthroughs.
Theres so much we still dont know about the human brain, but thankfully, 2016 marks a year of progress and some pretty significant Alzheimers breakthroughs. Let me share some of them with you.
There are several theories including free radical damage, an inability to use glucose properly, vitamin deficiencies or environmental toxins. This illness affects a third of people over the age of 85 in the U.S.
The good news is that there are Alzheimers natural treatment options that can effectively improve this condition. Recently, scientists are also uncovering major Alzheimers breakthroughs that may, one day, lead us to a cure.
Tips For Starting And Sticking With An Exercise Plan
If you’ve been inactive for a while, starting an exercise program can be intimidating. But remember: a little exercise is better than none. In fact, adding just modest amounts of physical activity to your weekly routine can have a profound effect on your health.
Choose activities you enjoy and start smalla 10-minute walk a few times a day, for exampleand allow yourself to gradually build up your momentum and self-confidence.
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Natural Therapy Methods For People Living With Dementia
While thereâs no known cure for dementia, there are a variety of natural therapies and treatments that could help slow the progression and lessen symptoms. Ultimately these therapies serve to improve quality of life for the person living with dementia. If youâre a caretaker, you understand how impactful even small improvements can be.
However, prescription medications tend to treat only specific symptoms and can have negative side effects. As a caregiver, you might want to explore natural therapies and preventative measures first. Read on to find out the options for natural therapy for dementia and how they work.
Natural Remedies For Dementia And Alzheimers Treatment Option #: Foodsto Avoid Foods To Eat
Certain foods definitely help with the prevention and treatmentof dementia, while other foods are guaranteed to make this condition much worse.
The foods and liquids you should be eating and drinkingmore of are the staples. These include
- Filtered water Helps to flush toxins from the body andhydrate the cells .
- Green tea or Matcha tea Both contain powerfulantioxidants known as catechins which remove harmful toxins and chemicals fromthe body. A component in these teas has also been shown to decrease brainbeta-amyloid plaque formation.
- Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Chillis , Rosemary, Coriander and Garlic All of these herbs and spices are potent anti-viral,anti-inflammatory and immune boosting foods .
- Reishi and Cordyceps mushrooms Both are immune boostingand contain strong neuro-protective properties.
- Probiotics Needed for healthy gut function, which inturn produces healthy brain function and healthy immunity. You can learn how tomake your own fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and yoghurthere Cultures for Health.
- Whole foods Eating plenty of organic mixed berries,green leafy vegetables, liver , nuts and seeds such aschia and flaxseeds is vital. When it comes to buying these, fresh isdefinitely best.
For the foods you should be avoiding or not eating atall, heres the top ones
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Promising Natural Products Against Alzheimer’s Disease
Herbs are currently one of the most effective medicines used to treat and attenuate the progression of a number of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and neurological diseases Like AD . Recently, natural products have become very popular as a supplement or alternative medicine due to their efficacies and fewer side effects . Before the advent of post-genomic high-efficiency screening
Natural Remedies For Dementia With Dietary Supplements
As you get older, you might find that you have more trouble remembering, making decisions and understanding information. While this is a normal part of ageing, severe cognitive difficulties might mean that you have dementia. Dementia refers to a decline in cognitive function caused by certain diseases or conditions that affect your brain such as Alzheimers disease or nutritional deficiencies. Finding out whats causing dementia and how natural remedies for dementia might help stop your symptoms.
Keep in mind that reversing dementia might be possible through natural remedies.
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Other Vascular Health Tips
Watch your cholesterol levels. Studies also suggests there may be a connection between high cholesterol and Alzheimers and dementia, especially having high cholesterol levels in mid-life. Improving your levels can be good for both your brain and your heart.
Stop smoking. Smoking is one of the most preventable risk factors for Alzheimers disease and dementia. One study found that smokers over the age of 65 have a nearly 80% higher risk of Alzheimers than those who have never smoked. When you stop smoking, the brain benefits from improved circulation almost immediately.
Top Alzheimers Foods To Eat & Avoid
Foods to Eat
Organic, unprocessed foods Make sure you diet includes plenty of real foods. These are foods that dont have an ingredient listing. Vegetables, clean meats and fruit in moderation are all important foods to consume.
Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E There may be some connection between free radicals and Alzheimers. Antioxidant foods help combat the damage caused by free radicals. Colorful fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and should be consumed at every meal.
Wild-caught fish A great source for omega-3 fats, DHA specifically, which are critical for brain health.
Foods high in zinc Many people with Alzheimers are deficient in zinc. Foods high in zinc include pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef and dark chocolate.
Coconut oil Coconut oil uses include providing the brain with ketones, which serves as brain fuel instead of glucose. Some people have seen significant improvement to memory after adding coconut to their diet.
Foods to Avoid
Any food containing toxins or additives These foods can possibly be neurotoxic.Be sure to especially avoid the dirty dozen: nonorganic fruits and vegetables that are coated with neurotoxic agricultural chemicals. Studies show people with higher levels of organochlorine pesticides in their blood, including DDE, a breakdown compound of DDT, face a higher risk of Alzheimers disease. Its also best to avoid any processed foods.
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Consider Primehealths Prevention Program
We stand behind Dr. Dale Bredesens revolutionary KetoFLEX 12/3 diet program for patients with cognitive decline. We have seen it work wonders, particularly in combination with other beneficial lifestyle changes.
As more research is published on the KetoFLEX 12/3 diet, we cant wait for more professionals and caregivers to hear about this super effective diet plan.
How can you reverse dementia naturally? You can reverse dementia naturally with simple lifestyle and dietary changes. This mainly works in the very early stages of dementia and cognitive decline.
Want to prevent Alzheimers using a plan that works without breaking the bank? Get our guide to the Bredesen Protocol on a budget for as little as $5.
Natural Alzheimers Treatment #: Exercise
The relationship between exercise and dementia has been studied extensively. It is estimated that reducing physical inactivity by as little as 25% in all elders could reduce as many as one million cases of dementia worldwide.
Exercise is particularly helpful in the management of vascular dementia, where brain cell death occurs due to the blood flow being restricted somewhere along the way due to plaque build-up. Studies show that regular exercise is a great strategy to combat this plaque build-up, as well as to maintain the bodys muscle mass. According to recent research, 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week is shown to protect cognitive health in those over age 65.
There are many ways to reach your 150 minutes at home if you arent the gym-going type.
See our guide to the best 25 videos and exercise equipment for staying fit at home if youd like some ideas. There are also many ways to get your blood pumping at home without ever picking up a dumbbell, simply incorporate your lifelong hobbies into aerobic activity. Gardening is a great activity that keeps elders active, as is walking around the neighborhood, yard work, and dancing.
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Natural Alzheimers Treatment #: Social Interaction
Another great approach to improving cognition and overall wellness in those living with Alzheimers disease and related dementias is through psychosocial interventions. Whether your loved one is aging in place with your help, or living in an assisted living facility, research shows that ensuring constant social contact with a focus on what brings people joy improves the lives of those with dementia. There are many ways to improve the quality of life and possibly dementia symptoms through social activities.
Those living with relatives have many opportunities for improving their lives through social interactions. Research into group activities involving reminiscing showed immediate improvements in mood within the participants, and caregivers reminiscing in casual settings with elders provides a wealth of mental benefits as well, such as increased happiness for both the carer and person with dementia.
Day programs, or aduly daycares, are places that care for a group of elders, often with varying degrees of dementia, for a fee. These programs generally run for the length of a full day, or half of a day, and provide all means and supplies that would be needed to care for the elders as well as entertain them. Research into these programs shows benefits for caregivers and those with dementia alike, as well as for those living in nursing homes.
Natural Remedies For Dementia And Alzheimers Treatment Option #: Coconutoil
Coconut oil works so incredibly well for dementiapatients it almost seems like a magic bullet treatment. Coconut oil containssubstances called ketones, which are a powerful brain food . The healthy fats contained in coconut oil also help to rebuild thelining of the nerves so brain communication is increased and healthy nervefunction is enhanced. Virtually all dementia suffers who try it receive overwhelmingly positive benefits. Ihad the privilege of interviewing world-renowned coconut oil expert and author,Dr Bruce Fife, not so long ago and he spoke extensively about the power ofcoconut oil for preventing and reversing Alzheimers disease .
Heres a snippet of what Dr Fife had to say in thatinterview
Coconutketone therapy has the potential to stop the progression of Alzheimers,reverse it, and in some cases completely eliminate the disease.
Themedical research on coconut oil derived ketone therapy is remarkable. In onestudy for example, Alzheimers patients were split into two groups. Each groupwas given a beverage to drink. The beverage given to one group contained MCFAsfrom coconut oil, the other beverage contained the types of fatty acidsordinarily found in the diet. Ninety minutes later the investigators had thepatients take cognitive and memory tests. The results showed that thosepatients that consumed the beverage with MCFAs scored significantly higher onthe tests.
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