Alzheimers Archives - Amazing Health Advances

New Study Uncovers the Alzheimer’s Gut Microbiome Connection

The AHA! Team — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:23:10 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Recent studies have uncovered a fascinating link between Alzheimer’s disease and a lower risk of developing certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. One new study in rodents has found that mice exhibiting Alzheimer’s-like symptoms were less likely to develop colorectal cancer, suggesting a protective effect of Alzheimer’s-related changes in the gut microbiome. The researchers observed that when these mice received a fecal transplant from healthy mice, their likelihood of developing colorectal cancer increased, indicating that the gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in this relationship. Specifically, the study identified the bacterial genus Prevotella as a key player, which seems to modulate inflammation and immune response. The researchers hypothesize that the “leaky gut” observed in Alzheimer’s disease allows microbial byproducts to circulate more easily, reducing inflammation in the gut and subsequently lowering cancer risk. This research provides experimental evidence supporting an inverse relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, which has been noted in previous epidemiological studies as well. Some human studies have found a lower risk of Alzheimer’s in patients with cancer and vice versa, although the underlying mechanisms were unclear until now. This discovery has opened doors to potential therapeutic approaches that target the gut microbiome to reduce the risk of both Alzheimer’s and colorectal cancer. While still in its early stages, the findings underscore the complex relationship between the brain, gut, and disease, offering hope for future treatments.a This study, along with earlier findings, highlights the importance of exploring gut-brain interactions when examining chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s. Building on the intriguing relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and cancer discussed in the article, it is becoming increasingly clear that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in both neurological health and cancer prevention. Recent studies, including the one from Hebei Medical University, suggest that the composition of gut bacteria may not only affect the development of Alzheimer’s but also provide a protective shield against certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer. This research opens the door to a broader understanding of how probiotics and prebiotics influence the gut, potentially preventing or reducing the risk of these diseases. Probiotics: The Powerhouses of Gut Health Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, are integral to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Certain strains of probiotics have been shown to have powerful health benefits beyond digestion, including their role in immune modulation and cognitive function. Lactobacillus acidophilus: Known for aiding digestion, particularly in breaking down lactose, this strain also produces substances that inhibit harmful bacteria, fostering a healthy gut environment. Bifidobacterium bifidum: This strain supports the digestion of complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, while also enhancing immune function and reducing inflammation. Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Effective in preventing gastrointestinal infections, this strain also offers benefits for the skin and mental health, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. Saccharomyces boulardii: A probiotic yeast, S. boulardii helps protect the gut from pathogenic infections, especially in those taking antibiotics, and promotes overall gut health. These strains help create a balanced gut microbiome, essential for overall health, including immune system support and possibly reducing inflammation that could lead to diseases like cancer. The Importance of Prebiotics While probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut, prebiotics serve as food for these probiotics, helping them thrive and multiply. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that foster the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. They are critical in maintaining a healthy gut, as they support the body’s natural ecosystem and help balance the microbiome. Why Prebiotics Matter: Promote Healthy Gut Flora: Prebiotics feed the probiotics, helping them maintain a healthy balance in the gut. This balance is crucial for digestion, immunity, and overall health. Support Immune Function: By fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help keep harmful pathogens at bay, ensuring a strong immune system. Improve Digestive Health: Prebiotics enhance digestion and reduce the risk of common issues like bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Enhance Mineral Absorption: Prebiotics improve the body’s ability to absorb important minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are essential for bone health and other bodily functions. Best Sources of Prebiotics Prebiotics are found naturally in many plant-based foods. Some excellent sources include: Chicory Root: One of the richest sources of inulin, chicory root is a powerful prebiotic that helps nourish gut bacteria. Garlic: High in fructooligosaccharides (FOS), garlic supports the growth of good bacteria and has natural antibacterial properties. Onions: Onions, like garlic, are rich in inulin and FOS, making them an excellent prebiotic. Asparagus: Asparagus is another vegetable high in inulin, providing an optimal environment for beneficial bacteria. Bananas: Rich in resistant starch, bananas promote healthy gut bacteria and aid digestion. Foods That Boost the Gut Microbiome Alongside probiotics and prebiotics, certain foods can enhance the overall health of the gut microbiome: Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi introduce beneficial bacteria directly into the gut. These probiotic-rich foods are essential for a balanced microbiome and improved digestion. Leafy Greens: Vegetables such as spinach and kale are excellent for gut health because they are rich in fiber and antioxidants that nourish gut bacteria. Bone Broth: Bone broth is packed with amino acids like glutamine, which supports gut lining health and reduces inflammation. Berries: Berries contain high levels of polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and promote a healthy gut by reducing inflammation. Conclusion The recent study linking Alzheimer’s disease to a reduced incidence of colorectal cancer brings to light the complex relationship between gut health, cognitive function, and disease prevention. Probiotics and prebiotics are critical to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which may help mitigate the risks of both cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Incorporating a diet rich in fermented foods, leafy greens, and prebiotic-rich vegetables can be a powerful step toward optimizing gut health and supporting overall well-being. This research emphasizes that by nurturing the gut, we are nurturing our whole body, potentially reducing the risks of life-threatening conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Neuroscience News Knowridge To read the original article click here.

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World’s Most Popular Diet Boosts Brain Power

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:36:52 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – A ketogenic diet can preserve your brain power and even reverse memory loss in old age, according to an exciting new study. The high-fat keto diet, which encourages your body to burn fat instead of carbs, is the world’s most popular meal plan. Users report shedding excess pounds quickly and getting a “second wind” with more energy. I’ve been recommending my fat-based, zero-carb “Primal Power Meal Plan” to patients for more than two decades. And while the impact of this diet on balanced blood sugar and weight loss is clear, there’s more to it… When you eat this way, you’ll immediately notice that your brain is firing on all cylinders. So, I wasn’t surprised to see studies that reveal what this diet can do for your memory. Memory Loss Reversed The latest study is a follow-up to a previous study that revealed the ketogenic diet can improve cognitive performance in older male mice. This time, the research team uncovered the specific mechanism that makes it possible. Scientists put 19 male mice aged between 20 and 23 months – which counts as “old age” for the animals – on either a cycled keto diet or a standard, control diet. Mice in the experimental group switched between a ketogenic diet and a standard diet every other week. Researchers measured metabolic changes for the first 12 weeks. For five weeks after that, the team examined differences in behavior. That’s when they found out what was really happening… Upon further testing, the scientists found that ketone bodies – which are produced by the liver when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose – boosted the connection between the synapses in the brain.1 This has incredible implications for your brain and memory. As you may know, synapses make up the space between nerve cells. This is how chemicals are passed along between neurotransmitters. A better connection between the synapses in your brain helps neurons send signals more effectively – increasing your capacity to recall old memories and enhance your ability to store new ones.2 An earlier study noted that ketone bodies “decrease oxidative stress, increase antioxidants, and scavenge free radicals.” These processes are essential for promoting the healing of the brain.3 The researchers say this is what restored cognitive function in the mice. And they have every reason to believe it would have the same effect on humans. Ketones can be used by most cells of the brain to make energy. When insulin resistance blocks glucose from brain cells, this energy source for the brain can help restore function. Your body produces ketones when you eat a diet high in fat and very low in carbs. Your body enters a state called “ketosis.” Because your body doesn’t have carbs to burn for energy, you burn ketones instead. And ketones burn clean. They make fewer waste products, keeping the stress off the damaged brain cells. Studies show a ketogenic diet can slow and even help reverse dementia symptoms. In a recent study, 23 people with mild cognitive impairment were put on a high- or low-carb ketogenic diet. After just six weeks, the low-carb group showed improved memory compared to the high-carb group.4 Ketogenic diets have also been linked to reduced risk of type-2 diabetes,5 Alzheimer’s,6 Parkinson’s disease,7 autism,8 multiple sclerosis,9 and certain cancers, especially brain cancer.10 As I mentioned, I’ve been recommending a high-fat, low-carb meal plan for many years. In fact, I have a catered keto-friendly lunch for my staff every other week. Unlike other diet fads that have come and gone, a ketogenic meal plan doesn’t ask you to give up much — some of your favorite foods may already be on the menu. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: Acuna-Catalan D, et al. “Ketogenic diet administration later in life improves memory by modifying the synaptic cortical proteome via the PKA signaling pathway in aging mice.” Cell Reports Med. 2024;5(6):101593. Kennedy M. “Synaptic signaling in learning and memory.” Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2016;8(2):a016824. Greco T, et al. “Ketogenic diet decreases oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial respiratory complex activity.” J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2016 Sep; 36(9): 1603–1613. Krikorian R, et al. “Dietary ketosis enhances memory in mild cognitive impairment.” Neurobiology Aging. 012;33(2):425.e19-425.e27. University of Michigan. “Liquid low-calorie or low-carb keto diet can reverse type 2 diabetes, research shows.” (https://news.umich.edu/liquid-low-calorie-or-low-carb-keto-diet-can-reverse-type-2-diabetes-research-shows.) Accessed on July 17, 2024 Dillmore A, et al. “Effects of a ketogenic and low-fat diet on the human metabolome, microbiome, and foodome in adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.” Alzheimers Dement. 2023 Nov;19(11):4805-4816. Grochowska K and Przeliorz P. “The effect of the ketogenic diet on the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases and its impact on improving cognitive functions.” Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2022 May-Aug; 12(2): 100–106. Evangeliou A, et al. “Application of a ketogenic diet in children with autistic behavior: pilot study.” J Child Neurol. 2003 Feb;18(2):113-8. Bock M, et al. “Ketogenic diet and prolonged fasting improve health-related quality of life and lipid profiles in multiple sclerosis – A randomized controlled trial.” 2015. Varshneya K, et al. “The efficacy of ketogenic diet and associated hypoglycemia as an adjuvant therapy for high-grade gliomas: a review of the literature.” Cureus. 2015 Feb 27;7(2):e251. To read the original article click here.

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Homocysteine Imbalance Connected to HIGHER Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

The AHA! Team — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:20:15 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, currently affects about 60-70% of the nearly 55 million people diagnosed worldwide – while heart disease and stroke continue to claim too many lives, every year. As a possible way to help solve this health crisis, scientists are learning that high homocysteine levels can contribute to these life-threatening diseases. For instance, a recent study found that elevated homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Homocysteine is an amino acid, and high levels in the body, often due to deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate, can lead to cognitive decline. Another study at Temple University highlighted the vital role of B-complex vitamins in controlling homocysteine. With vitamin B deficiencies currently widespread in the United States – and Alzheimer’s disease on the rise – the need for maintaining healthy levels of these essential nutrients has never been more apparent. How vitamin deficiencies and other factors contribute to Alzheimer’s disease In a recent review published in Disease-a-Month, researchers examined how vitamin deficiencies and other factors could be linked to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. They found that low levels of vitamin B12 and folate, along with elevated homocysteine levels, are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. These imbalances can contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, similar to what’s seen in other studies on dementia. The review also highlighted how oral bacteria, specifically those linked to dental infections like periodontitis, may play a role in Alzheimer’s. These bacteria can trigger inflammation in the nervous system, adding to the damage in the brain. Another key finding is that Alzheimer’s might be related to insulin resistance in the brain, sometimes referred to as “type 3 diabetes,” which disrupts glucose metabolism and worsens brain function. Diet-induced elevations in homocysteine damage the brain Researchers have also uncovered more about how tau tangles form. They found that elevated homocysteine levels trigger an increase in 5-lipoxygenase (5LO), a pro-inflammatory chemical responsible for the formation of tau tangles. The next step is to determine whether blocking the production of 5LO can prevent – or even reverse – the brain damage caused by high homocysteine, which had already been linked to amyloid beta plaques, another hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Until now, however, the connection between homocysteine and tau tangles has been unclear. The statistics on elevated homocysteine are alarming Homocysteine, classified as a non-protein amino acid, exists naturally in the human body. It is produced as a byproduct of the metabolism of the amino acid methionine. High homocysteine levels, known as hyperhomocysteinemia, can have a genetic component. But they can also be caused by stress, improper diet – such as eating too many processed foods – and B vitamins and folic acid deficiencies. In addition, although coffee has received high marks lately from researchers for its association with lowered risk of degenerative disease, some experts believe that coffee consumption raises homocysteine levels. Research has shown that high homocysteine levels disrupt fragile arterial linings, promote inflammation and oxidative stress, and reduce blood flow to the heart and brain. All of these destructive processes can “prime the pump” for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease – to such an extent that blood levels of homocysteine can accurately predict the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that high homocysteine is associated with a 42 percent increase in the risk of narrowing of the carotid arteries. In addition, people with elevated homocysteine who have had a heart attack are at a 30 percent higher risk of experiencing another adverse event – for example, a second heart attack, stroke, or even death. Finally, high homocysteine doubles the odds of developing dementia (as compared to people with normal levels). Your doctor can check your homocysteine levels with a simple blood test. Levels under 10 umol/L are considered desirable, with 7 umol/L to 8 umol/L considered optimal. How do I avoid vitamin B deficiencies and fight high homocysteine? Unfortunately, vitamin B deficiencies are common, particularly in elderly people. One study showed that 40 percent of heart disease patients aged 80 and over are deficient in vitamin B12. As vitamin B12 is found only in animal products, vegans and vegetarians may be at risk, too. You can boost your intake of B-complex vitamins by eating healthy amounts of organic spinach, wheat germ, beets, and avocados. Wild-caught salmon, 100% grass-fed beef, and organic dairy products are particularly rich in vitamin B12. However, supplementation with B-complex vitamins may be the best approach – especially if you have hyperhomocysteinemia. Naturally, you should consult your holistic doctor before starting a supplement routine. For lowering high homocysteine, natural health experts often recommend taking 25 to 100 mg of vitamin B2 a day – along with 100 to 200 mg a day of vitamin B6, 1,000 to 10,000 mcg a day of vitamin B9 (folate), and 300 to 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12, or methylcobalamin. These B-complex vitamins, which all work together to detoxify homocysteine, should be taken along with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA found in fish oil. One more bit of encouraging news: In one study, combining B vitamins and omega-3s reduced brain shrinkage by 40 percent! High levels of homocysteine can put you at risk for potentially life-threatening diseases. However, a safe, inexpensive B-complex vitamin routine can help you lower your levels. When preserving the health of your heart and brain, these “B” vitamins are the “A” team. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ALZ.org Medicalxpress.com Europepmc.org To read the original article click here.

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Discover The Alzheimer’s Treatment You Already Have

The AHA! Team — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:06:06 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – New research has revealed that the secret to defeating Alzheimer’s doesn’t come from Big Pharma’s drugs. Instead, it resides deep inside your own body. This will come as a shock to Big Pharma. After all, they’ve been lining their pockets for years pushing drugs that don’t work.1 In fact, tens of billions of dollars, including more than $3.7 billion last year alone, have been poured into Alzheimer’s research over the past decade – and it has all been pointless. Government agencies, tax-payer cash, and countless well-meaning charities have helped fund everything from unfounded genetic theories to all sorts of trial drugs, vaccines, cholinesterase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. None of them have brought us one step closer to finding a cure or stopping the unprecedented global explosion of this epidemic. But now, a team of Israeli scientists have made an astonishing breakthrough discovery. Team of Israeli scientists have made an astonishing breakthrough discovery Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have confirmed that the root of Alzheimer’s lies in your mitochondria, the tiny energy powerhouses found in each one of your cells.2 Piggybacking on the growing body of evidence that has linked mitochondrial dysfunction to Alzheimer’s, the Israeli researchers used mouse models to target a mitochondrial gatekeeper – a protein called VDAC1 – which controls how these little power packs function, as well as the life and death of the cell itself. The scientists found that lab mice that produced excess VDAC1 in their brain cells suffered mitochondrial and cell death, triggering an autoimmune response leading to neuroinflammation. This, in turn, led to the release of neurotoxins that resulted in the amyloid plagues and nerve tangles characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. But by targeting VDAC1 with a special molecule that binds to the protein, the researchers prevented the changes that led to mitochondrial dysfunction and Alzheimer’s. This is great news because it means you now have the knowledge and ability to prevent this dreadful disease from ever striking. And it helps explain my many successes in treating Alzheimer’s patients at the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine. I’ve been recommending natural therapies that target the mitochondria for years. Meanwhile, Big Pharma has been caught flat-footed. Despite the recommendations of the Israeli scientists, there are no current Alzheimer’s drug candidates that target mitochondria. But the good news is you don’t need Big Pharma or their expensive drugs to beat Alzheimer’s. Tap Into The Alzheimer’s Treatment Hiding Inside You Here are three powerful nutrients I recommend to my patients for keeping their mitochondria firing on all cylinders. The sooner you start taking them, the better. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC): This amino acid plays a crucial role in making energy in your cells. It transports fatty acids into your mitochondria, where they are burned for fuel. It also carries toxic waste out before it can do any damage. But, as you age, your carnitine levels drop. That’s why you need ALC. Your body converts L-carnitine to ALC. Studies show that when your mitochondria slow down, ALC can fire them up again. Studies also show that ALC reverses the malfunction in mitochondria as you age.3,4 The best source of L-carnitine is grass-fed red meat. But you can also supplement. I suggest taking at least 500 mg of ALC every day on an empty stomach. Look for a formula with only L-carnitine and not D, L-carnitine. D-carnitine is synthetic. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC): This is another amino acid that’s also a powerful antioxidant. NAC helps make glutathione, the body’s most powerful antioxidant. Glutathione is the main line of defense for mitochondria. It helps prevent and repair oxidative damage, thus protecting your mitochondria.5,6 Studies show that it also protects your telomeres from oxidative damage.7 So it throws a one-two anti-aging punch. I advise supplementing with 500 mg per day. Rhodiola Rosea: This tough little yellow flower is native to the arctic mountains of Eastern Siberia, and it’s a great herb for enhancing mitochondrial energy production. I’ve seen the power it has to energize my patients. In just a few months, they are visibly younger and stronger. And they tell me they feel that way, too. You can find rhodiola tea in health food stores. Or you can take it in capsule form. It’s also called golden root or roseroot. But make sure you get a formula with enough of the herb’s active compounds. Look for an extract standardized to contain at least 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside. That’s the same ratio found in the natural root. I recommend taking 250 mg daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, because rhodiola stimulates your brain. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Drake, J. “Dementia drugs may put some patients at risk, Queen’s study shows,” EurekAlert (www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/490531), 5/27/09E 2. Shoshan-Barmatz V, Nahon-Crystal E, Shteinfer-Kuzmine A, Gupta R. VDAC1, mitochondrial dysfunction, and Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmacol Res. 2018;131:87-101.S 3. Opalka, J, et al. “Age and sex dependency of carnitine concentrations in human serum and skeletal muscle.” Clinical Chemistry, 2001; 47: 12: 2150-2153. 4. Kidd PM. “Neurodegeneration from mitochondrial insufficiency: nutrients, stem cells, growth factors, and prospects for brain rebuilding using integrative management.” Altern Med Rev. 2005; 10(4):268-93 5. Montserrat Marí, Albert Morales, Anna Colell et al. “Mitochondrial Glutathione, a Key Survival Antioxidant.” Antioxid Redox Signal. 2009; 11(11): 2685–2700 6. 5. Kelly GS. “Clinical applications of N-acetylcysteine.” Altern Med Rev. 1998;3(2):114-27. 7. Ludlow A, et al. “Telomeres Shorten in Response to Oxidative Stress in Mouse Skeletal Muscle Fibers.” J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2014;69(7):821-30. To read the original article click here.

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New Study Uncovers the Alzheimer’s Gut Microbiome Connection

The AHA! Team — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:33:48 +0000

Recent studies have uncovered a fascinating link between Alzheimer’s disease and a lower risk of developing certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.

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How to Care for a Loved One with Dementia

The AHA! Team — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:37:37 +0000

University of Miami via Newswise – More than 11 million Americans are tasked with the responsibility of taking care of someone with cognitive decline. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD) for an aging loved one can be devastating for a family. In 2023, it was estimated that 6.7 million Americans of all ages had the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. More than 11 million people care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and about 80 percent of those patients are cared for in the home. Dr. Elizabeth Crocco is a geriatric psychiatrist and the medical director of the Memory Disorders Clinic Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Over the course of her career, she has seen thousands of patients and their families. She reports that for some families, the diagnosis of ADRD can be helpful because it ultimately can explain that the illness is not just due to normal aging. For others, a diagnosis can be scary. “It can be frightening because they know that it is irreversible and that it progresses,” she said. “The idea that the person will lose part of who they are, not just cognitively, but part of their essential personality, brings up a lot of feelings.” Cognitive impairment is the hallmark feature of ADRD, but these illnesses can also have behavioral changes. These include agitation, irritability, depression, and anxiety. It is important for care providers to learn how to handle these situations while also maintaining their own mental health, she said. In her clinic, Crocco and her team work with care providers so that they understand the condition and can better manage its symptoms. This includes how to communicate with the loved one. “The memory issue is not the only problem that is making one’s loved one suffer, and a family member can have a difficult time,” she said. “It is the psychiatric and behavioral symptoms that are often the most difficult to deal with: depression, anxiety, anger issues, agitation, along with resistance to care and help.” Medications, of course, can help, but effective and consistent caregiving is paramount in coping with a patient with ADRD. Crocco offered some helpful tips that can make taking care of an individual with ADRD easier: Establish a routine Consistency is key. Chaotic home situations are not kind to people with cognitive impairment. Traveling is a change of routine that can lead to more behavioral problems and confusion. If they resist a task, try not to force them to do it. Wait an hour or more as their attitude may change later. Keep calm Keeping calm and composed is important when dealing with a loved one with ADRD. Also, remember that your reality might not be theirs, and you need to be respectful. Crocco’s mother had dementia. She tells this story: “One time I was at my mother’s house, and I had left a piece of pizza on the stove. My mother began screaming and cursing because there was a piece of pizza on the stove, and it upset her. I took the pizza off the stove, washed the area down, and I said: ‘I am so sorry, Mom, that I upset you.’ She calmed down immediately.” Sundowning It can happen earlier than expected, in the late afternoon. During this time, for both biological and situational reasons, an ADRD individual may become more confused, disoriented, agitated, and paranoid, as well as anxious and fearful. It is important for loved ones to predict patterns to minimize problems behaviorally without always opting for medications. Therapeutic fibbing Cognitive decline often leaves the person with memories of the past. If a loved one has forgotten that someone is deceased, they may repeatedly ask about them. At times, it might be better to let them believe that they are still alive. “What is the alternative?” asked Crocco. “Letting them relive the death over and over again?” Often arguing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a losing proposition and only leads to agitation and discord. “You argue and you lose,” said Crocco. Use music and pets Often introducing preferred music from the loved ones’ era can assist in preventing behavioral problems and be very entertaining and enjoyable. Bringing in pets for ADRD individuals to interact with can also assist. It is well known that having animal or pet interactions can lower ones’ stress level as well as blood pressure, said Crocco. Seek help An adult day care center is a good alternative to help a care provider with the help of a loved one with ADRD, said Crocco. Besides providing social interaction and dementia care during the day, it also affords the caretaker time to work or rest, said Crocco. Learn more about the Memory Disorders Clinic at the University of Miami Health System. To read the original article click here.

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Promising New Drug Could Slow Progression of ALS

The AHA! Team — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 06:46:21 +0000

John Jeffay via Israel21c – A chance encounter with an inspiring ALS patient, prompted Alon Ben-Noon to set up NeuroSense Therapeutics, a startup developing a drug combo that aims to slow progression of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. It was a life-changing moment for Alon Ben-Noon when he first met Shay Rishoni. Rishoni, once a keen runner and cyclist, had been robbed of all movement by the devastating and degenerative disease ALS. It was 2016 and Rishoni was by then immobile, only able to communicate by staring at an eye-tracking computer screen. But that didn’t stop him working as CEO of Prize4Life, a nonprofit founded by other ALS patients to help find a treatment for the disease. Ben-Noon was profoundly moved by the meeting. “I looked at myself and I thought: You’re completely functioning, but you’re not doing half of what he’s doing. He’s completely paralyzed and he’s moving mountains.” Ben-Noon was already working in the pharmaceutical industry, as a consultant, but decided to change track and do everything he could to allow ALS patients to live longer and live better. And so NeuroSense Therapeutics was born. The pharmaceutical startup, based in Herzliya, central Israel, aims to slow the progress of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) as well as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are also neurodegenerative disorders. PrimeC ALS is a rare and incurable disease caused by the death of motor neurons, the nerve cells that send messages from the brain and spinal cord to our muscles and glands. ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) leads to complete paralysis, followed by death, usually with two to five years. Rishoni, married with two sons, was diagnosed when he was 45 and survived another seven years, which is longer than most. At the time, the only medication available was a drug called Riluzole, approved for use in 1995, which extended patients’ lives by around three months. Ben-Noon was determined to do better. He gathered a team of experts to identify molecules in existing drugs that could be combined to attack multiple targets associated with ALS. Previous attempts to treat the disease had focused on single targets. The team succeeded in addressing a number of distinct problems, including the degeneration of motor neurons. In clinical trials in Israel, Canada and Italy, the drug that NeuroSense developed has been shown to give ALS patients, on average, an extra 18 months. Patients experienced a 36% slower disease progression and a 43% better survival rate over 12 months compared to control subjects. The drug is named PrimeC – “prime” is English for “Rishoni” — and could be available for patients within three and a half years. The patented drug combines the antibiotic ciprofloxacin and the anti-inflammatory agent celecoxib, both already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for unrelated conditions. Fast progression ALS is a highly aggressive and complex disease that affects around one in 10,000 people. Initial symptoms are mild, such a weakness in a finger, or dragging a leg, but it can progress at an alarming rate. “Quality of life in terms of functionality is usually quite good at the beginning and then it declines as the disease progresses,” says Ben-Noon. “One day a patient can still eat by himself; the next day they’ll need assistance. One day a patient can walk independently and the next day they’ll have difficulties walking without a cane and soon they’ll need a wheelchair. “We understood quite quickly that we cannot reverse the disease, but we can stop it and make a meaningful change to people’s lives.” But he hopes to do even more. “Eventually, we will create a world where ALS is a non-fatal disease. Patients will live life to the full, happily, maybe with a very small dysfunction. That’s it, that’s the vision,” Ben-Noon says. Orphan drug designation NeuroSense has received orphan drug designation in the US and Europe, recognizing its potential to treat a rare condition (which means tax breaks and other benefits for the company) though it still needs to gain regulatory approval pending further clinical trials. The company, which went public on NASDAQ in December 2021, has so far attracted $30 million in funding and has a US office in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “We are only 16 employees but we work with dozens of consultants and vendors who are assisting us in advancing our programs,” says Ben-Noon. Dr. Vivian Drory, director of the ALS clinic at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, said that promising results from the company’s 12-month clinical study highlight the significant potential of PrimeC as a disease-modifying drug for ALS. “These findings underscore the importance of early intervention, which can lead to more substantial benefits, and provide valuable insights that will inform the design of the company’s Phase 3 study, increasing the likelihood of success,” she said. It’s often small companies, like NeuroSense, that pioneer new drugs, Ben-Noon notes. “Nowadays the ratio is about 60/40 — 60 for the small companies 40 for big pharma,” says Ben-Noon. “In many cases it starts in a very small company like ours and then a big pharma looks at the outcomes and decides to buy out the company and continue the development.” Looking back to his first meeting with Rishoni, back in 2016, does he feel he’s done what he set out to achieve? “Yes, absolutely,” he says. “We always keep in touch with Tami [Rishoni’s widow]. We talk, we meet and every time we reach a new milestone is very fulfilling.” “If I hadn’t bumped into Shay,” he reflects, “I probably would still be doing medical consulting work. But now I’m very proud to say we’re creating change in the world.” For more information, click here. To read the original article click here.

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Discover The Alzheimer’s Treatment You Already Have

The AHA! Team — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 06:23:28 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – New research has revealed that the secret to defeating Alzheimer’s doesn’t come from Big Pharma’s drugs. Instead, it resides deep inside your own body. This will come as a shock to Big Pharma. After all, they’ve been lining their pockets for years pushing drugs that don’t work.1 In fact, tens of billions of dollars, including more than $3.7 billion last year alone, have been poured into Alzheimer’s research over the past decade – and it has all been pointless. Tens of billions of dollars have been poured into Alzheimer’s research over the past decade Government agencies, tax-payer cash, and countless well-meaning charities have helped fund everything from unfounded genetic theories to all sorts of trial drugs, vaccines, cholinesterase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. None of them have brought us one step closer to finding a cure or stopping the unprecedented global explosion of this epidemic. But now, a team of Israeli scientists have made an astonishing breakthrough discovery. Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have confirmed that the root of Alzheimer’s lies in your mitochondria, the tiny energy powerhouses found in each one of your cells.2 Piggybacking on the growing body of evidence that has linked mitochondrial dysfunction to Alzheimer’s, the Israeli researchers used mouse models to target a mitochondrial gatekeeper – a protein called VDAC1 – which controls how these little power packs function, as well as the life and death of the cell itself. The scientists found that lab mice that produced excess VDAC1 in their brain cells suffered mitochondrial and cell death, triggering an autoimmune response leading to neuroinflammation. This, in turn, led to the release of neurotoxins that resulted in the amyloid plagues and nerve tangles characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. But by targeting VDAC1 with a special molecule that binds to the protein, the researchers prevented the changes that led to mitochondrial dysfunction and Alzheimer’s. This is great news because it means you now have the knowledge and ability to prevent this dreadful disease from ever striking. And it helps explain my many successes in treating Alzheimer’s patients at the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine. I’ve been recommending natural therapies that target the mitochondria for years. Meanwhile, Big Pharma has been caught flat-footed. Despite the recommendations of the Israeli scientists, there are no current Alzheimer’s drug candidates that target mitochondria. But the good news is you don’t need Big Pharma or their expensive drugs to beat Alzheimer’s. Tap Into The Alzheimer’s Treatment Hiding Inside You Here are three powerful nutrients I recommend to my patients for keeping their mitochondria firing on all cylinders. The sooner you start taking them, the better. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC): This amino acid plays a crucial role in making energy in your cells. It transports fatty acids into your mitochondria, where they are burned for fuel. It also carries toxic waste out before it can do any damage. But, as you age, your carnitine levels drop. That’s why you need ALC. Your body converts L-carnitine to ALC. Studies show that when your mitochondria slow down, ALC can fire them up again. Studies also show that ALC reverses the malfunction in mitochondria as you age.3,4 The best source of L-carnitine is grass-fed red meat. But you can also supplement. I suggest taking at least 500 mg of ALC every day on an empty stomach. Look for a formula with only L-carnitine and not D, L-carnitine. D-carnitine is synthetic. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC): This is another amino acid that’s also a powerful antioxidant. NAC helps make glutathione, the body’s most powerful antioxidant. Glutathione is the main line of defense for mitochondria. It helps prevent and repair oxidative damage, thus protecting your mitochondria.5,6 Studies show that it also protects your telomeres from oxidative damage.7 So it throws a one-two anti-aging punch. I advise supplementing with 500 mg per day. Rhodiola Rosea: This tough little yellow flower is native to the arctic mountains of Eastern Siberia, and it’s a great herb for enhancing mitochondrial energy production. I’ve seen the power it has to energize my patients. In just a few months, they are visibly younger and stronger. And they tell me they feel that way, too. You can find rhodiola tea in health food stores. Or you can take it in capsule form. It’s also called golden root or roseroot. But make sure you get a formula with enough of the herb’s active compounds. Look for an extract standardized to contain at least 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside. That’s the same ratio found in the natural root. I recommend taking 250 mg daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, because rhodiola stimulates your brain. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Drake, J. “Dementia drugs may put some patients at risk, Queen’s study shows,” EurekAlert (www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/490531), 5/27/09E 2. Shoshan-Barmatz V, Nahon-Crystal E, Shteinfer-Kuzmine A, Gupta R. VDAC1, mitochondrial dysfunction, and Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmacol Res. 2018;131:87-101.S 3. Opalka, J, et al. “Age and sex dependency of carnitine concentrations in human serum and skeletal muscle.” Clinical Chemistry, 2001; 47: 12: 2150-2153. 4. Kidd PM. “Neurodegeneration from mitochondrial insufficiency: nutrients, stem cells, growth factors, and prospects for brain rebuilding using integrative management.” Altern Med Rev. 2005; 10(4):268-93 5. Montserrat Marí, Albert Morales, Anna Colell et al. “Mitochondrial Glutathione, a Key Survival Antioxidant.” Antioxid Redox Signal. 2009; 11(11): 2685–2700 6. 5. Kelly GS. “Clinical applications of N-acetylcysteine.” Altern Med Rev. 1998;3(2):114-27. 7. Ludlow A, et al. “Telomeres Shorten in Response to Oxidative Stress in Mouse Skeletal Muscle Fibers.” J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2014;69(7):821-30. To read the original article click here.

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Breakthrough Study Combines Unorthodox Mental and Physical Games to Combat Alzheimer’s

The AHA! Team — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 03:10:04 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – A recent study led by Vanessa Lissek at Ruhr University Bochum has uncovered a promising new approach to preventing Alzheimer’s disease by combining physical and mental training. The study involved 39 people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition characterized by noticeable cognitive decline that is greater than expected for a person’s age but not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily life. This integrated approach reflects Dr. Don Colbert’s emphasis on holistic health, which involves stimulating both the mind and body to achieve overall well-being. Training Programs in the Study The study participants were split into two groups to test different training methods. SpeedCourt® Training: This system integrates physical movements with cognitive tasks. Participants had to move quickly between points on a court while responding to visual and audio cues. For instance, they might see a light or hear a sound and have to move to a specific spot in response. This simultaneous stimulation of physical and mental skills is designed to maximize cognitive engagement. Fitfor100 Program: This traditional program separated physical and mental exercises. Physical activities included walking and stretching, while cognitive tasks involved memory games and puzzles. Significant Findings The results of the study were impressive for both groups, but particularly notable for those in the SpeedCourt® training. Physical Improvements: Both groups showed significant improvements in physical abilities, including hand strength and balance. These physical gains are crucial because they help reduce the risk of falls and improve overall mobility, which is often compromised in individuals with cognitive impairments. Cognitive Benefits: The cognitive improvements were more pronounced in the SpeedCourt® group. Participants in this group demonstrated significant enhancements in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Remarkably, 15% of participants in the SpeedCourt® group were reclassified from MCI to non-MCI status based on their improved scores on the CERAD test (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease). Long-Term Effects: The positive effects persisted for at least three months after the training ended. This finding suggests that combined physical and mental training can have lasting benefits, potentially slowing the progression of cognitive decline. Dr. Colbert’s Perspective Dr. Don Colbert supports this holistic approach, emphasizing that combining mental and physical exercises can significantly enhance overall cognitive health. He suggests several practical steps to incorporate these findings into everyday life: Daily Physical Activities: Engage in exercises that challenge both the body and mind. Activities like dance classes, martial arts, or sports that require quick thinking and physical coordination can be particularly beneficial. Mental Stimulation: Incorporate cognitive tasks into physical routines. For instance, while walking, try to memorize a list of words or solve puzzles. This dual engagement can help maintain cognitive functions. Healthy Diet: Support physical and mental health with a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods. Dr. Colbert recommends foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and berries, which are known for their brain-boosting properties. Conclusion and Future Directions This study is a significant step forward in understanding how to combat Alzheimer’s disease. By showing that combined physical and mental training can improve cognitive functions and reclassify MCI patients as non-MCI, the research offers hope for new non-pharmacological interventions in dementia prevention. Future research should continue to explore the long-term effects of such interventions and investigate how different types of physical and cognitive activities can be optimized for maximum benefit. Researchers are hopeful that ongoing studies will further validate these findings and lead to more widespread adoption of these holistic training methods. To read the original article click here.

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