protection against Alzheimer's disease Archives - Amazing Health Advances

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.

The post Discover The Alzheimer’s Treatment You Already Have appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

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.

The post Discover The Alzheimer’s Treatment You Already Have appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

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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Saffron Improves Brain Function in MULTIPLE Ways, Studies Suggest

AHA Publisher — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 08:00:28 +0000

Stephanie Vick via NaturalHealth365 – Saffron is one of the world’s most exotic and expensive spices. Besides its culinary prowess, it is a powerful healer with a long history of use as a medicinal herb dating back to ancient times. Thankfully, modern science is finally catching up and realizing the therapeutic effects of saffron on memory and mood. Real Proof That Saffron Improves Memory One of the most exciting findings on saffron’s medicinal use comes from a couple of studies published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Psychopharmacology. These studies show that saffron can protect against Alzheimer’s disease. In these two studies, patients were given 30 milligrams of saffron each day. One study monitored patients for 16 weeks, while the other study monitored patients for 22 weeks. At the end of the two studies, study authors discovered that the patients who took the daily saffron (in both monitored groups) did better on cognitive memory tests than those who did not take it. How Does Saffron Work to Help the Brain Retain Information? Saffron is full of natural antioxidants. These antioxidants are known to offer some protective benefits against the amyloid plaques that form in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients. In addition, this spice also has gallic acid – which supports healthy immune function – which helps to keep those plaques from forming in the first place. And, finally, saffron contains pyrogallol, a natural compound that scientists have long known to have memory protective benefits. The evidence seems to point strongly to the fact that saffron, taken daily in moderate amounts, can protect against Alzheimer’s disease. It may even help improve memory, during the early stages of the disease, by keeping the formation of amyloid plaques to a minimum. A Safe Alternative to Toxic Antidepressant Medications Saffron has been used as a mood elevator since ancient Persian times. This is significant since conventional antidepressants are often given to Alzheimer’s patients, increasing the risk of unwanted side effects such as nausea, weight gain, insomnia, and anxiety. With Alzheimer’s disease already causing so many health problems, why would any rational healthcare professional want to give out dangerous drugs like Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac – three of the most popular drugs on the market? Because of the danger posed by these selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), many scientists are reasoning that the mood-boosting benefits of saffron would be helpful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, in July 2013, a study was done to test the mood-boosting properties of saffron. The same 30 milligrams a day was given to a group of clinical depressives for six weeks. At the end of the study, it was found that the mood of the test subjects improved as much or better than with traditional antidepressant drugs, and there were no side effects. Although the pharmaceutical industry may not be so happy about these results, it seems saffron has many benefits for the brain, and those benefits could lead to better memory function for those with Alzheimer’s disease. And, while it may not represent a ‘cure,’ it is definitely something that can offer hope for a better future and a healthier memory for those who take it. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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