How To Use These Oils
The most popular ways of using essential oils with dementia patients are via inhalation or via massage.
Inhalation works in two ways. When the aromatic essential oil molecules are inhaled it triggers receptors within the olfactory system to send messages to the limbic area of the brain this area is often referred to as the emotional nervous system and is also responsible for higher mental functions such as learning and memory. The pituitary gland can also be stimulated to release chemical messages that travel via the blood to glands and organs to create physical body responses. In addition to this, molecules inhaled via the nose and mouth enter the blood stream via the lungs and are transported to the organs and body systems where they can start to take effect.
Although dementia is often accompanied by olfactory loss the inhalation of essential oils is still thought to have beneficial effects.
When used in massage the essential oils are absorbed into the blood stream via the skin. The touch aspect of massage is also of benefit as it can stimulate the production of endorphins that help to reduce stress and agitation, lift the mood and reduce pain. It can also have beneficial effects on sleep quality and the immune system.
Our aromatherapist, Nicole Barton, offers a couple of suggestions on how to use the recommended essential oils to best effect.
Diffusion
Massage
Sharon Lovett
Caprylic Acid Induces Chronic Gluconeogenesis
Gluconeogenesis is a metabolic pathway that generates glucose when there is either insufficient carbohydrate in the diet, during fasting, or as a result of intense exercise. It catabolizes proteins to form glucogenic amino acids and breaks down triglycerides, both of which may be used for glucose production. Many individuals on a low carb, high fat diet or even those that replace breakfast with MCT-infused coffee for the purpose of intermittent fasting, are often driving blood glucose levels low enough to chronically invoke gluconeogenesis.
The problem here, as you might have guessed, is the means by which gluconeogenesis is invoked. While it can be stimulated by glucagon, growth hormone, adrenaline, and cortisol, chronic activation tends to prefer cortisol. This happens because of consistent and increasingly more severe drops in blood sugar . The lower blood sugar goes, the greater the emergency stress response is generated. In the early stages, cortisol is mobilized to provoke gluconeogenesis but, over time, the HPA-axis becomes less efficient and asynchronous, leading to more regular release of adrenaline. Again, complications are less frequent in athletic people that engage in resistance training, but I have seen this problem even in that subset, especially those that overtrain, such as the CrossFit group.
Natural Treatment & Diy Tips
First off, as weve seen above, anyone looking to prevent slow down or reverse the onset of Alzheimers and dementia should focus on movement, exercise, calming the brain, and maintaining a proper microfloral balance in their body. Various studies researchers have found that:
- Those who practice meditation and yoga have less brain atrophy in the hippocampus, which shrinks in people with Alzheimers.
- Meditation helps protects our brain by increasing protective tissues.
- Meditation increases grey matter and cortical thickness, both of which slow the brains aging rate. Also, cortical thickness has been connected with decision-making and memory.
- Meditation helps seniors feel less isolated and lonely, both of which increase the risk of developing Alzheimers.
- Meditation reduces cortisol , which has been known to increase the risk of developing Alzheimers and other dementias.
A 2019 study published in the Neural Regeneration Research journal stresses the importance of functional food and says this about herbs, primarily Mediterranean herbs like mint:
- Consumption of fresh herbs can help boost memory and reduce sugar levels in the body.
- The use of herbs as a functional food could lead to significant improvements in health.
- Cognitive stimulation with medical food and medical herbs could delay the development of cognitive decline, and improve the quality of life of Alzheimers disease patients.
And, yes, essential oils can add an extra boost to this approach.
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Why It Is Important To Do This Review
Current guidelines issued by NICE in the UK recommend that aromatherapy may be considered to promote wellbeing in people with dementia . Despite such recommendations and an increase in popularity, the rationale for aromatherapy is based on limited scientific research, with the majority of evidence coming from studies at high risk of bias . Additionally, despite the implementation of regulatory processes such as the European Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products , the absence of a regulatory body to approve the manufacturing practice of unlicensed products such as essential oils makes it impossible to identify those that reach acceptable standards. Hence uncertainties about both efficacy and safety remain. This review aims to address these uncertainties by identifying and synthesising the best available evidence.
Mcts For Alzheimers: Stage Matters
The question now that should be on your mind is: just how does this evidence relate to dementia? The answer is not straightforward. On the one hand, Alzheimers is hallmarked by a progressive inability of neurons to utilize glucose due to amyloid-beta induced insulin resistance. The ketone -hydroxybutyrate, produced via MCT metabolism, is capable of protecting hippocampal neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity.53
Lest we jump to the conclusion that MCTs are automatically beneficial for Alzheimers sufferers, we need only look more deeply into the studies performed using them directly. It would appear that patients without the APOE 4 genotype are among the very few to benefit from this treatment, showing some improvements in short-term cognitive performance.54 Such improvements, however, were generally only seen in early stages of the disease. Further, studies on mice with dementia show only improved motor function without any cognitive enhancement at all. What, then is the verdict?55
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Does Coconut Oil Help Prevent Dementia
There have been some claims that coconut oil could be used as a treatment, or even a cure, for Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is currently not enough experimental evidence to back up these claims.The claim is based on the theory that the brain cells of people with Alzheimer’s disease are unable to use glucose to produce energy properly, and so the nerve cells ‘starve’.
Some believe coconut oil may act as an alternative energy source for the brain. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to know whether this is the case.
There’s More To Learn About Olive Oil
While the findings expand on the limited knowledge of olive oil’s health benefits, “more research is needed,” Larsson said.
That’s because there are still more questions. A more specific study comparing those who do and don’t consume olive oil could provide a scientific explanation for olive oil’s ability to reduce the risk of death. Also needed: an assessment of what kinds extra virgin olive oil or refined olive oil, for instance may provide health benefits.
In the meantime, those seeking to improve their lifestyle can include olive oil but should consider it in context.
“We need to pay attention to have an overall healthy dietary pattern that is full of plant-based food including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats such as olive oil or nuts, healthy moderate protein intake ,” Guasch-Ferré said..
Concurrently, you can decrease the risk of disease by cutting consumption of processed meat, other processed foods, sugary drinks and desserts. “Also, other lifestyle factors such as not smoking physical activity, play an important role,” she said.
Follow Mike Snider on Twitter: @mikesnider.
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Benefits Do Not Outweigh Risks
The issue with all of the benefits associated with MCT oil is that in order to achieve such results, a significant amount must be consumed. Though at least one study proved that consumption of up to 42g of MCT per day has not shown any significant side effects, this should not be interpreted as carte blanche for liberal and unrestrained use.2122 Nonetheless, we see MCTs cropping up in an almost endless array of foodstuffs ranging from protein powders to chocolate bars and, of course, coffee. Not a day goes by that I dont hear about at least one other person that has embraced the morning bulletproof coffee routine for cognitive sharpness, fat-burning, and weight loss.
Oils May Cut Alzheimer’s Risk
Eating a diet rich in omega-3 oils such as rapeseed, flaxseed and walnut oil could reduce the risk of suffering Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by 60%, according to a study of more than 8,000 people.
The study, published in the Journal of Neurology, also found that eating fruit and vegetables daily and fish at least once a week seems to protect against cognitive decline.
Omega-3 oils are thought to be beneficial because the outer membranes of nerve cells are largely made up of them.
Previous population studies have suggested that a diet rich in fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel and herring is beneficial in older people at risk of dementia, but not all studies have found the same beneficial effects.
The new research followed 8,085 people over 65 for at least four years. At the start of the study, in France, the researchers examined the participants – residents of Montpellier, Dijon and Bordeaux – for signs of dementia and asked them to fill in a questionnaire about their eating habits. The psychiatric examination was repeated every two years. By the end of the study 281 of the subjects had developed signs of dementia, including 183 cases of Alzheimer’s.
The team drew three main conclusions. First, omega-3 oils – which most of the participants got through salad dressing – were associated with a 60% drop in dementia risk. The team also found a 30% drop in dementia risk among regular fruit and vegetable eaters.
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Top 5 Alzheimers Natural Treatment Supplements
Along with diet, try these alzheimers remedies as part of your natural treatment protocol.
1. Fish Oil with DHA
The fish oil benefits include DHA, a fatty acid critical for brain function. High-quality fish oil also reduces inflammation.
2. Vitamin D3
Vitamin D deficiency could be a risk factor for Alzheimers. Research shows that ample levels of vitamin D can help prevent tangles and plaques from forming on the brain.
3. CoQ10
Levels of CoQ10 decrease as we age and some research has shown that supplementation may slow down the progress of Alzheimers disease.
4. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba helps improve brain circulation and memory and can be an effective Alzheimers natural treatment.
5. Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine improves brain cell communication and memory, and its shown to be beneficial for early-stage Alzheimers disease.
Bonus Remedy: Astaxanthin, a carotenoid antioxidant found in wild-caught salmon, can support brain health. Take 24 g 2x daily.
Capric Acid Is Responsible For Anti
One experiment demonstrated direct control of seizures by decanoic acid alone. It was able to single-handedly block seizure onset within only 30 minutes of application. In that same experiment, ketones were not capable of producing this effect.43
Also of note is the ability of decanoic acid to raise the seizure threshold in models of electroshock. As it turns out, it performs this feat by directly inhibiting glutamatergic AMPA receptors. This is a very important nuance for our consideration here, because AMPA receptors play a key role in the seizure pathology, and decanoic is capable of blocking seizure at only micromolar concentrations! Does this sound familiar? It should be clear that extremely small levels of MCTs have powerful effects on multiple systems.44
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How Does Coconut Oil Affect Cognitive Performance In Alzheimer Patients
Results: It was observed in patients who received coconut oil, that cognitive improvement after completion of the intervention, statistically significant improved in the orientation and language-construction areas.
What do cardiologists say about coconut oil?
Good for your skin, not good in your body. Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Kopecky says coconut oil is not good for your heart health, because it raises bad cholesterol.
What kind of coconut oil is best for memory?
For best results, experts suggest organic, cold-pressed, non-hydrogenated, virgin coconut oil and dont let the word oil frighten you.
A Personal Mct Experience
In conclusion, I would like to briefly share my own story about MCTs. Several years ago, I was also enamored by the countless, glowing studies that were being shared by certain biohackers that praise the benefits of dietary consumption of MCT oil. At the time, I was a few years past my 40th birthday and dealing with increasing body fat and a gradually elevating blood glucose. I saw a cyclical ketogenic diet that incorporates MCT oil, mostly caprylic acid, as a solution to these metabolic issues.
To make a long story short, I was not an incredibly healthy child. My father was 50 years old when I was born, and children of older parents are known to have certain immunological challenges as a result of the mutations that occur in sperm over time. This problem, of course, is compounded if the mother is also older, as female eggs also endure such mutagenic changes in DNA. That being said, I was often afflicted by bacterial and viral infections accompanied by very high fevers, sometimes up to 106 or more. I was given the most potent antibiotics available at the time.
Over the years, I gradually came to understand what kind of changes happen in the gut when both pathogenic and commensal microflora are eliminated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. That subject is beyond the scope of this article, but suffice it to say that chronic antibiotic use can and does lead to a further weakened immune system and heightened risk for gut barrier permeability.
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Should You Cook With Extra Virgin Olive Oil
When it comes to which fats to cook with, different oils react to heat in various ways. This comes down to the smoking point of the oil. The healthier the oil, the lower the smoking point meaning it will start to smoke and therefore become damaged at a lower heat.
- Good quality extra virgin olive oil has a low medium smoke point, so dont use it for cooking.
- Use it for light sautéing
- To dress salads
- And to drizzle over foods once theyre cooked
Stephanie Moore is a clinical nutritionist and one of Vogue UKs ‘The Fresh Faces of Wellbeing’.
Are There Side Effects Of Using Cbd For Dementia And Alzheimers
CBD oil compounds may interact with some drugs. They can inhibit cytochrome P450 from acting to metabolize certain medicines. So consult your doctor first. Some temporary side effects of CBD include dry mouth, appetite change, sleepiness, lightheadedness, etc. People with Parkinsons may face tremors as a result of high doses.
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Therapeutic Uses Of Mct
One would hope that these considerations regarding ammonia, MCTs, and sulfur containing foods would be enough evidence to support abstinence from overconsumption. Nonetheless, medium-chain triglycerides continue to enjoy frequent application in the domain of neurological disorders. Contrary to popular belief, the effects are not so much related to ketones but, rather to inhibition of the glutamate-binding AMPA receptors and increase in mitochondrial biogenesis .
Currently, the MCT ketogenic diet is being used worldwide to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in both children and adults.303132 Unfortunately, ambitious scientists are also proposing its use now for the treatment of diet-sensitive disorders such as Alzheimers disease, cancer, and diabetes.
How Many Types Of Dementia Disease Are There
Dementias are of a different kind. The problem occurs in people differently. Essential oils have a fantastic way to cure this problem. They are very much beneficial to health. Lets check out three of the important types of dementias below.
Essential Oils for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimers disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and imbalances mental functions. The brain cell connections and cell regenerations eventually get destroyed. Essential oils play a significant role in combating this disease. They help in bringing the memory back. You do not require to undertake heavy medications to get rid of this disease essential oils improve symptoms and balance the management strategies.
Essential Oils for Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia is a disease that is associated with abnormal deposits of proteins in the brain. The promise affects chemicals in the brain that lead to issues with thinking, proper movement, behavior, and mood swings. Essential oils help calm the mind and bring positive changes in the activity and behaviors of an individual. Essential oils are a very effective natural phenomenon that cures brain functions and lets all the movements work smoothly.
Essential Oils for Vascular Dementia
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Is Dementia The Same As Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimers is the most common form of dementia, so dementia is just a category that Alzheimers Disease belongs to. Yet, there are other forms of dementia besides Alzheimers.
Dementia can be categorized into four different forms of dementia: