Diet Supplement suggestions for Alzheimer's from Dr McCleary

[Ted Hutchinson]

I would like to draw readers attention to the book
The Brain Trust Program (http://www.amazon.com/Brain-Trust-Program-Scientifically-Three-Part/dp/0399533583) By Dr Larry McCleary. (http://www.drmccleary.com/)

There is an interview with Dr McCleary here (http://livinlavidalocarb.blogspot.com/2007/09/mccleary-ketone-bodies-produced-by-low.html)that gives a flavour of the book.

Certainly for the relatives of those with Alzheimer's diagnosis it may help them adopt an eating plan more likely to prevent them getting this condition. The sooner a start is made in reducing the number and level of unnecessary risk factors the more likely brain health will be maintained.

Even for those with the condition Dr McCleary there are changes that can be made to the diet that may slow the progress of the condition. Similarly ginger and turmeric (curcumin) decrease the formation of sticky deposits in the brain that are the hallmark of Alzheimer's.

I wasn't aware that people who drink a couple of cups of coffee daily have a lower incidence of Alzheimer's.

The book gives a weeks recipe plan for healthy brain food. This is based mainly on seafood, berries,Spinach and leafy greens, spices, eggs, avocados, nuts and seeds. He does not include potatoes, starchy veg, sugar/sweeteners trans fats, ordinary rice (he does mention wild rice) pasta. So the diet is basically a low carb diet that will encourage weight loss and the use of ketones as the main brain fuel to reduce dependence on glucose.(from sugar refined carbohydrates)

I can't give you an account of everything Dr McCleary has to say in his book about Alzheimer's but I'll just run through some of the supplements he suggests may be effective in slowing the progress.
I've listed his general supplements for brain health on my webpage. (http://swabymanor.googlepages.com/drmccleary'sbraintrustprogramsupplementl)

But specifically for Alzheimer's he mentions the following.

Acetyl L-Carnitine. (http://www.iherb.com/Search.aspx?c=1&st=l&kw=Acetyl+L-Carnitine.) here he says 1500-2000img have been used experimentally in Alzheimer's trials without serious side effects.

Co Q 10 (http://www.iherb.com/ProductsList.aspx?c=1&cid=1483) here he mentions that in mice experiments CoQ10 has to some extent protected their brains from damage. There are several research studies showing that used in conjunction with other interventions it may be helpful.

Huperzine A (http://www.iherb.com/Search.aspx?c=1&st=l&kw=huperzine+a) 75-100mcg /daily Research such as Neuroprotective effects of huperzine A: new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disease. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17056129) looks promising.

Magnesium 600mg taken at bedtime (this may need to be worked up to gradually) he suggests malate (http://www.iherb.com/ProductsList.aspx?c=1&cid=1830) or taurinate forms are best absorbed. he points out that one of the avenues for treatment is developing calcium channel blockers and magnesium does this naturally. Magnesium naturally improves memory and cognitive function so it is important not to have insufficient status.

As my main interest is Vitamin D3 I'd like to remind folk that the absorption of magnesium is dependent on Vitamin d status. So in order to absorb and control the use of both calcium and magnesium the body first has to have sufficient vitamin D3 and mostly (certainly in the UK) most adults have less than half the required amount. and older people are generally even lower in status. So correcting Vit d status is of paramount importance and generally 4000iu/daily (http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=7255860309350762561&at=0)will be required for older people.

There are of course other discount supplement providers in the USA. Apart from Iherb I have also used Vitacost, vitaminshoppe, vitaminlife without problems. UK readers should remember the £18 threshold for VAT and try to keep each order below that however they may be pleased to know that Iherb tend to understate the cost on the parcel customs declaration hence my selection of them as my regular choice. They also use post USPS rather than carriers and that also makes them cheaper, WAB666 will give those new to IHERB a $5 introductory discount.

I'm sure readers will appreciate this bare bones summary does not do the book justice but it should give you the idea that the book is practical and although based on science (and fully referenced) it is not difficult to read or understand or apply that knowledge.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Moderate consumption of Cabernet Sauvignon attenuates Abeta neuropathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. (http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/full/20/13/2313) Our study is the first to demonstrate a beneficial role of moderate red wine consumption in AD-type neuropathology and cognitive impairment. These data provide a strong impetus to ascertain the validity of the beneficial role of red wine and its polyphenol extracts in preclinical and clinical AD.

A High Fat, Low Carbohydrate Diet Improves Alzheimer's Disease In Mice (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/10/051017072307.htm) This article supports the idea that a low carb diet may be a good idea.

I've found that a fairly easy going low carb diet (http://blogg.passagen.se/dahlqvistannika/?anchor=my_lowcarb_dietary_programe_in) has allowed me to lose weight very easily and quickly and seems to improve the way my brain functions.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Natural Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease (http://www.stopagingnow.com/news/special_reports/3928/Natural-Ways-to-Prevent-Alzheimer-s-Disease)

Looks from this as though someone else considers the strategy I outlined previously has some sense to it.

I'm sorry I forgot to mention Green Tea earlier. It has numerous benefits and is certainly neuroprotective and there is work to show it helps in Alzheimer's.
I drink it as my main drink so tend not to think of it as a supplement. It really is very nice when you get used to it.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Alzheimer's Risk Tied to Diabetes in Middle Age (http://www.medpagetoday.com/Nephrology/Diabetes/tb/9068)

See also Low carb eating for Diabetes. (http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/low-carb-eating-for-diabetes.html)

[Ted Hutchinson]

Those who are interested in improving brain function or at least hoping to prevent or delay the onset of Alzhiemer's may like to listen to Dr McCleary talking about his book and explaining how the right diet, supplements, exercise and brain training can help.

There is an hour long program you can find here (http://www.drmccleary.com/press_High_Desert_Forum.html)
and a shorter item at the end of this program (http://www.lcmedia.com/mind530.htm) if you don't find the first two items interesting the Dr McCleary section is right at the end so dragging the cursor at the bottom of the screen to 45minutes into the program will pick up the section dealing with his book The Brain Trust program.

[Ted Hutchinson]

METABOLIC SYNDROME AND THE ROLE OF DIETARY LIFESTYLES IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18466323)Since Alzheimer's disease (AD) has no cure or preventive treatment, an urgent need exists to find a means of preventing, delaying the onset, or reversing the course of the disease. Clinical and epidemiological evidence suggests that lifestyle factors, especially nutrition, may be crucial in controlling AD. Unhealthy lifestyle choices lead to an increasing incidence of obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension - components of the metabolic syndrome. These disorders can also be linked to AD. Recent research supports the hypothesis that calorie intake, among other nongenetic factors, can influence the risk of clinical dementia. In animal studies, high calorie intake in the form of saturated fat promoted AD-type amyloidosis, while calorie restriction via reduced carbohydrate intake prevented it. Pending further study, it is prudent to recommend to those at risk for AD - e.g., with a family history or features of metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, insulin insensitivity, etc. - to avoid foods and beverages with added sugars; to eat whole, unrefined foods with natural fats, especially fish, nuts and seeds, olives and olive oil; and to minimize foods that disrupt insulin and blood sugar balance.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Natural Supplements to Ward Off Alzheimer’s (Aging on the Brain: The Neurodegenerative Battle) (http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/natural-supplements-alzheimers-disease.html)
This is a useful indepth summary of much of the research I have previously linked to in this forum.
It repeats much of the stuff Dr McCleary has suggested and makes some additional evidence based suggestions.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Higher Serum Vitamin D(3) Levels Are Associated with Better Cognitive Test Performance in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18503256) Recent studies suggest that vitamin D metabolites may be important for preserving cognitive function via specific neuroprotective effects.

In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) levels and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test scores of 225 older outpatients who were diagnosed as having probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition to the 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) levels, we analyzed the serum vitamin B(1), B(6) and B(12) levels.
Results: An association was found between MMSE test scores and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) levels, with a beta-coefficient of 0.05 (p = 0.01). Vitamin-D-sufficient patients had significantly higher MMSE scores as compared to vitamin-D-insufficient ones. No association was found with the other serum vitamin levels.
Conclusions: These data support the idea that a relationship exists between vitamin D status and cognition in patients with probable AD.

This isn't the first study to come up with this finding See this also. (http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000776347.cfm?x=b11,0,w)

[Ted Hutchinson]

Dr Samuel Henderson, Scientific Founder of Accera and Executive Director, Research (http://www.accerapharma.com/), has authored a new paper published in The Journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics entitled "Ketone Bodies as a Therapeutic for Alzheimer's Disease".
Download Article Ketone bodies and Alzheimer Disease (http://delivery.sheridan.com/downloads/mobile/ELS_140727_CP.exe)

Doctor says Coconut oil lessened Alzheimer's effects on her husband (http://www.tampabay.com/news/aging/article879333.ece)

[Ted Hutchinson]

Vitamin B3 Reduces Alzheimer's Symptoms (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081104180926.htm)

If you are going for the Supplement form Vitamin B3 Niacin is best absorbed from the Niacinamide.

If you are looking to improve food sources then then fish, liver and chicken look fairly good sources (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=83#foodsources)

Do also consider what Dr Davis has to say about Vitamin B3 (http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Niacin) to be sure you don't waste your money on ineffective forms.

If you haven't ordered from Iherb before WAB666 will save you $5 discount.

I should perhaps remind readers that B3 is water soluble, unlike d3 that is fat soluble. Because it's water soluble it gets flushed out in your urine this is why it needs to be in the diet daily in sufficient quantity or taken as a supplement preferably in a slo or timed released form.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Mitochondria Could Be Target For Therapeutic Strategy For Alzheimer's Disease Patients (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081105180805.htm)

[Ted Hutchinson]

Association between Vitamin D and Alzheimer's (http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/tjem/212/3/275/_pdf) This is a full text medical science paper that is worth reading as it explains in detail some of the roles of Vitamin d in the brain

Clearly supplementing with effective amounts of Vitamin d be of greatest benefit for preventing the condition but there is no reason why even those with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's should not have Vit d insufficiency corrected.
a 25(OH)D test is cheap enough and effective strength D3 (http://www.thevitaminservice.com/product_detail.asp?id=1009173) is even cheaper.

Reminded of this today as someone who I suggested D3 to some while ago whose parent has Alzheimer's contacted me to update me on the fact that the Dr have been somewhat puzzled by the fact that he appears to be in remission. Could, of course, be coincidence but up to 10,000iu is safe and around 100iu per KG is usually sufficient for those who don't get much sunshine.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Dietary supplementation with resveratrol reduces plaque pathology in a transgenic model of Alzheimer's disease (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T0B-4TW6HK3-2) Interesting study showing that resversatrol may actually reduce brain plaques in Alzheimer's.

Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, peanuts, soy beans, and pomegranates, possesses a wide range of biological effects. Since resveratrol's properties seem ideal for treating neurodegenerative diseases, its ability to diminish amyloid plaques was tested. Mice were fed clinically feasible dosages of resveratrol for forty-five days. Neither resveratrol nor its conjugated metabolites were detectable in brain. Nevertheless, resveratrol diminished plaque formation in a region specific manner. The largest reductions in the percent area occupied by plaques were observed in medial cortex (−48%), striatum (−89%) and hypothalamus (−90%). The changes occurred without detectable activation of SIRT-1 or alterations in APP processing. However, brain glutathione declined 21% and brain cysteine increased 54%. The increased cysteine and decreased glutathione may be linked to the diminished plaque formation. This study supports the concept that onset of neurodegenerative disease may be delayed or mitigated with use of dietary chemo-preventive agents that protect against β-amyloid plaque formation and oxidative stress.

Both these were approved by consumerlabs.
Jarrow Formulas, Resveratrol Synergy, 60 Tablets (http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=7918&at=0)

Country Life, Resveratrol Plus, 60 Veggie Caps (http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=7394&at=0)

WAB666 gets new IHERB users a $5 discount.
UK readers need to remember that Customs charge VAT on orders worth more than £18. and worse still the Post Office charge £8 of collecting the £3.60ish charge So it's worth using a currency converter to check what the current exchange rate is.

[Ted Hutchinson]

How to cheat the undertaker! (http://www.drmccleary.com/default,month,2009-01.aspx) New blog by Dr McCleary.


Iherb MCT oil links (http://www.iherb.com/Search.aspx?kw=mct) for those lucky enough to live in the USA/Canada. Unfortunately the postage to the UK is prohibitive. More than doubles the price. If anyone finds a cheap UK source of MCT I'd be pleased to hear where.

I'm currently using Coconut Oil as it is a good source of MCT's. I've bought a 10kg container for £75 (coconoil) so that works out £3.75 per pot and as it's organic virgin oil it tastes OK as well. but it is solid and I'd really like a liquid form (coconut oil is solid at room temperature) to use on salads in the summer.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Quite a lot of interesting stuff in this paper.
I'll just drop in some comments about Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) that got mentioned in one of the early posts in this thread. ALC, is the acetyl ester of the amino acid carnitine, It's important for energy flow and storage in the brain and other tissues.

ALC drives fatty acids from cell cytoplasm into the mitochondria where they provide substrate for ATP generation via oxidative phosphorylation.

ALC, subjected to numerous double-blind trials for Alzheimer's has shown limited but measurable effectiveness. In a 2003 meta-analysis examined ALC showed significant benefit over placebo.

Daily intakes of ALC of 1.5-3.0g/daily conserve NGF receptor density in the aging rat brain, partially restoring a youthful receptor profile.

(split doses seem to be best ie 1g 3x daily not 3g in morning)

[URL=http://www.slideshare.net/TedHutchinson/acetyl-l-carnitine-presentation-presentation] Acetyl L Carnitine Presentation (]Alzheimer’s Disease, Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Age-Associated Memory Impairment: Current Understanding and Progress Toward Integrative Prevention[/url) This is what I was working on yesterday, surprising what a lot of work goes into 14 slides.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Lo-Carb and the Brain (http://www.drmccleary.com/2009/02/09/LoCarbAndTheBrain.aspx)
Do please follow the above link back to Dr McCleary's site. You may have to read it through a couple of times to understand the importance of what is being said.
Where he says
there are other ways to enhance brain insulin signaling, which include calorie and carbohydrate restriction.
consider
Vitamin D3 is positively associated with insulin sensitivity (http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/79/5/820) That means the higher your 25(OH)D status the better your insulin sensitivity is likely to be. How many old people do you know who have had their 25(OH)D checked and raised to above 50ng 125nmol/l with effective strength (5000~6000iu/daily) D3?

Low Carbohydrate Paleo based diet improves insulin senstitivity. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19209185)

20 g apple cider vinegar, improves insulin sensitivity (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14694010)

Omega 3's EPA and DHA improve insulin sensitivity. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18562792)

above-average serum magnesium intake associated with reduced diabetes risk in prospective epidemiology, and with greater insulin sensitivity (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15617878)

Vitamin K associated with improved insulin sensitivity (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18614743)

Cinnamon may help insulin sensitivity (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19159947)

Sauna's may help improve insulin sensitivity (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19203842)

Short duration high intensity activity may help improve insulin sensitivity (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=19175906)

Carbohydrate restriction is better than low fat diet for improving insulin sensitivity (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19082851)

[Ted Hutchinson]

Jimmy Moore Dr. Mary Newport On Coconut Oil As An Alzheimer’s Cure (Episode 240) (http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/dr-mary-newport-coconut-oil-alzheimers-cure-episode-240/)
Worth listening to.

If you haven't already listened to Dr Larry McCleary's interview on a similar theme (http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/neurologist-dr-larry-mccleary-healthy-brain-foods-type-iii-diabetes-episode-229/)

WHAT IF THERE WAS A CURE FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND NO ONE KNEW? (http://www.coconutketones.com/whatifcure.pdf)A Case Study by Dr. Mary Newport This is an article Dr Newport wrote about her husbands experience last July 08 but it's interesting to hear her views in the Jimmy Moore interview, now March 09.

[craig20]

Very interesting.

I saw something about this on the web the other day.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Dr Newport's website (http://www.coconutketones.com/)

From that page this link to video of action of ketone bodies in the brain is worth watching for the explanation (http://www.accerapharma.com/) You don't have to rush out to buy the product, you can get MCT oil and coconut oil that also encourage the brain to use ketone bodies to substitute for glucose. Remember human breast milk is the best source of MCT for the developing brain so it is possible ensuring a source of MCTs may help damaged brains.

[joy]

welcome craig20

[craig20]

Thanks

Here is some more information I found on resveritrol (http://myresveritrol.com/).

[Ted Hutchinson]

Thanks

Here is some more information I found on resveritrol (http://myresveritrol.com/).You'll find these links have more science on the potential use of resveratrol in alzheimer's (http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=resveratrol%20alzheimer's&oe=utf-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=ws)

[Ted Hutchinson]

1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D<formula>_{3}</formula> Interacts with Curcuminoids to Stimulate Amyloid-beta Clearance by Macrophages of Alzheimer's Disease Patients. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19433889)1,25D3 is a promising hormone for AD immunoprophylaxis because in Type I macrophages combined treatment with 1,25D3 and curcuminoids has additive effects, and in Type II macrophages 1,25D3 treatment is effective alone. Human macrophages are a new paradigm for testing immune therapies for AD.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Dietary supplementation with resveratrol reduces plaque pathology in a transgenic model of Alzheimer's disease (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19041676) Interesting study showing that resversatrol may actually reduce brain plaques in Alzheimer's.

Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, peanuts, soy beans, and pomegranates, possesses a wide range of biological effects. Since resveratrol's properties seem ideal for treating neurodegenerative diseases, its ability to diminish amyloid plaques was tested. Mice were fed clinically feasible dosages of resveratrol for forty-five days. Neither resveratrol nor its conjugated metabolites were detectable in brain. Nevertheless, resveratrol diminished plaque formation in a region specific manner. The largest reductions in the percent area occupied by plaques were observed in medial cortex (−48%), striatum (−89%) and hypothalamus (−90%). The changes occurred without detectable activation of SIRT-1 or alterations in APP processing. However, brain *********** declined 21% and brain cysteine increased 54%. The increased cysteine and decreased *********** may be linked to the diminished plaque formation. This study supports the concept that onset of neurodegenerative disease may be delayed or mitigated with use of dietary chemo-preventive agents that protect against β-amyloid plaque formation and oxidative stress.

Both these were approved by consumerlabs.
Jarrow Formulas, Resveratrol Synergy, 60 Tablets (http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=7918&at=0)

Country Life, Resveratrol Plus, 60 Veggie Caps (http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=7394&at=0)

WAB666 gets new IHERB users a $5 discount.
UK readers need to remember that Customs charge VAT on orders worth more than £18. and worse still the Post Office charge £8 of collecting the £3.60ish charge So it's worth using a currency converter to check what the current exchange rate is.
I've repaired the link to this paper but am very puzzled why, "glut a thione" is a dirty word? Can anyone explain?

[Ted Hutchinson]

This study Dietary Enrichment with Medium Chain Triglycerides (AC-1203) Elevates Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Parietal Cortex of Aged Dogs (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19301124): Implications for Treating Age-Related Cognitive Decline. shows us that that adding MCTs (that are found in coconut oil) to the diet of dogs with “age-related cognitive decline” increased the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the parietal cortex of the brain. This is the part of the brain severely affected in Alzheimer’s disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, but they are not in coconut oil however coconut oil is a good source of MCT's and MCT oil is made from coconut oil.

They think the MCTs liberated omega-3s from fat stores already present in the body so they could then be used in the brain. MCT's because they are more readily broken down get your body more used to burning fat rather than glucose.

It could also be that Changing the oil in your diet changes the adverse impact some oils have on your omega 3 levels (http://omega-6-omega-3-balance.omegaoptimize.com/2009/05/22/high-omega6-diet-lowers-epa-while-low-omega6-diet-protects-omega3-status.aspx?ref=rss)

It looks likeThose oils highest in omega 6 (http://omega-6-omega-3-balance.omegaoptimize.com/2009/01/11/omega6-fat-in-foods-oils-free-widget.aspx)are best avoided so that's another good reason for using coconut oil instead.

Stephan Whole Health Source (http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2009/05/eicosanoids-fatty-liver-and-insulin.html)has written a lot about omega 6 and the omega 3 ratio, and it's relatively easy to understand his explanation of what can be a complicated story.

Because Coconut Oil is not patentable there is absolutely no money to be made in promoting it's use. (hence the need to patent ketone agents)

In the UK, "Ethnic" type grocers serving the Asian Community sell coconut oil for around £2 a pot. If you go to the high street health food shops you can pay £12 for the same size pot albeit the health food version is "Organic" and may have a more coconutty flavour. (this may/may not be an advantage if you want to use it in cookery)

However, if you search online you should be able to find suppliers who offer BULK BUY containers 10 litres for £75 delivered in the UK. Jimmy Moore in the USA also buys his CO in bulk. The stuff I buy works out about £3.50 a pot (delivered) and it's organic, cold pressed and very tasty. I'd also buy the Indian grocers CO as well but we live in an area where there aren't any Indian/Pakistan grocers so I have to wait till I'm in Nottingham or Leicester.

Most people with Alzheimer's will die from infection.

Coconut oil is antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. It attacks and kills viruses that have a lipid (fatty) coating, such as herpes, HIV, hepatitis C, the flu, and mononucleosis. It kills the bacteria that cause pneumonia, sore throats, dental cavities, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, food poisoning and many, many more bacterial infections. It kills the fungus/yeast infections that cause candida, ringworm, athletes foot, thrush, jock itch, diaper rash and more.

I'm happy to produce the science papers that back each of those claims but I realise the bombarding the site with links may be hard work for the mods and make the brains of readers suffer from undue fatigue.

But we can also consider whether CO MAY be useful in prevention?

It seems sense to me, as you have the choice about whether to choose Coconut oil or an Omega 6 vegetable oil that is likely to cause inflammation, to choose the oil that is most likely to help the brain/body deal inflammation and infection is common sense. This isn't new information. We've known since 1999 That Coconut Oil and Fish Oil diminish production of proinflammatory cytokines. (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=10233721)
This indicates these fatty acids might be useful therapies in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
If it turns out that APP and Aβ are damage response proteins produced in response to low grade inflammation, then the key to prevention will be a diet/supplement/lifestyle that keeps inflammation at bay. Hence my interest in Coconut oil, fish oil (omega 3) and Vitamin D3. All good anti inflammatory agents known to work in the brain.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Hypometabolism as a therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=19090989)

This is a full text paper explaining the use of ketones to help those with Alzheimer's.

[Ted Hutchinson]

Hyper about tau (http://www.drmccleary.com/2009/05/31/HyperAboutTau.aspx)New blog from Dr McCleary.

[tic chick]

hey ted!

your information is always interesting.

for those of us who already have loved ones that have alzheimer's disease, a cure or stoppage of the disease process is probably not a possibility.

so, we go on, taking care of our own families while dealing with the emotional and time burdens of caring for parents who have to be taken care of on a daily basis while they still have early dementia, but are too stubborn to admit they might need nursing care in the future or are in denial that they have anything other than normal aging memory problems. we shop for them, take them to doctor's appointments, clean their apartments, take care of all the "mistakes" they make with their checking accounts, credit cards and hustlers who prey on them through the mail or through phone calls to give money to causes they have targeted as "senior citizen issues".

somehow, we have to get them to sign power-of-attorney papers and medical power-of-attorney papers under the guise that these directives "might be needed" in the future, all the time knowing the future is now.

then somehow, we put our parents in nursing homes, tell them little lies so as not to upset them further about their situation. soon come the phone calls from them at night, because that's when they are awake. phone calls where they cry, beg us to get them out of there, tell us that they are scared, tell us that somebody is trying to harm them and the nurses are in on it and that they have to find a place to hide because the "bad person" knows where their room is.

at some point in the future, this abates and all we have to deal with is watching a parent that doesn't know who we are, sleeps most of the time and eventually curls up into a fetal position to passively await whatever will come. and then we grieve again, but differently, when they die.


I'm happy to produce the science papers that back each of those claims but I realise the bombarding the site with links may be hard work for the mods and make the brains of readers suffer from undue fatigue.


and that is why i think your quote about the brains of readers suffering from undue fatigue was an unkind jab at somebody i care for and maybe even other members of this forum, mostly women, who care for loved ones in nursing homes.

perhaps you can tell us your own experiences of dealing with a loved one with alzheimer's disease. maybe then we will understand your crusade to give us information on possible areas of interest for the treatment of this terrifying disease.

thank you for sharing,
jeannie

[Ted Hutchinson]

Vitamin D, Curcumin May Help Clear Amyloid Plaques Found In Alzheimer's Disease (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715131558.htm)
Interesting new article on the possible benefits of combining the beneficial effects of both Vitamin d and Turmeric.


In response to tic chick while I accept that curing or stopping progression of Alzheimer's may not be a possibility for many with a current diagnosis it seems to me sensible to be as informed and as up to date with current research as is possible.
Although this paper
Dietary Carbohydrates and Dental-Systemic Diseases (http://jdr.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/88/6/490) does not mention Alzheimer's specifically, it does set out the chain of actions that is behind the increase in chronic systemic non communicable diseases like diabetes heart disease and dementia. I think it helps to have a grasp of where our current health policies and practices are leading to an increase rather than decrease in chronic conditions. Once we understand those factors likely to cause an increase in incidence or speed progression we are in a better position to take effective action to reduce risk or perhaps slow progression.

Once you have read VITAMIN D for Chronic Pain Syndromes (http://pain-topics.org/clinical_concepts/vitamind.php) you can see why having a 25(OH)D test and raising status to 50ng 125nmol/l will reduce the pain being experienced you are in a position to improve the quality of life as much as possible.
Similarly when you understand The Role of Vitamin D in the Mental Health of Older Adults (http://www.springerlink.com/content/g735r77159xq3550/) you will appreciate the importance of D3 for cognitive function.

While we expect the chap who fixes our computer to be aware of the most recent developments in PC technology we somehow accept that our health professionals are for ever churning out information that was out of date when they qualified 20yrs ago.

It is only by having informed carer's that people with Alzheimer's will get their vitamin d status checked and raised to 50ng the level that ensures least pain and highest levels of cognitive function.

Much the same applies to the rest of the information I provide. The only way we will see improvements in the quality of care is when those caring for people with Alzheimer's understand the science underlying the condition and are then better able to modify diet/supplements/exercise etc to achieve the best possible outcome given the circumstances.

[Jo6]

You sure do know how to get in those low blows. 24/7? think you could do just 1 day with a patient? Nah, I don't think so.

We sure do reap what we sow, so if I were you I would go easy on what I sowed. My MIL is dying! Should I be reading up on how to take care of an Alzheimer's patient? I don't think I could take on more than 1 at a time.

I asking you, please let up on this stuff . There is nothing wrong with knowledge, but I am not sure where you are coming from. I understand what your words are saying, but maybe you can find a more suitable forum to work with?
I am asking you, please. Julia

[Ted Hutchinson]

There is nothing wrong with knowledge, but I am not sure where you are coming from. I understand what your words are saying, but maybe you can find a more suitable forum to work with?
I am asking you, please. JuliaYou can take, the information I provide, or leave it as you may.
No one forces anyone to read the information I provide links to.

I find it interesting to see where the research is going and where a there is a NO RISK and LOW COST intervention then it's helpful that those who are at the sharp end should be informed about it.

You aren't going to get this information from "official" health sources as they get their information mainly from big pharma and it is almost all geared to the latest most expensive medications.

There has to be a counterbalance to the high tech inputs that cost a fortune.

If you are not interested in considering these factors then DON'T read my posts. Use the site's USER CP menu. Find where is says ignore/buddy list and then put my name in the ignore category and you won't even see my posts.

The major improvements to the care of Alzheimer's, because of the projected increase in number over the next few years, has to come from AFFORDABLE changes to diet/lifestyle and therefore educating those most concerned as to what the best bet approaches are, is fundamental to optimizing care.

While you personally may not be interested in recent research, it is in my opinion very wrong of you to attempt to prevent others from having access to this information.

[Jo6]

It isn't that I am not interested in new information, but at the moment I'm trying my best to deal with a LO that cannot move, cannot talk. I do know where all the triangles, USER CP menue are. Much of what you post you have posted over and over.

I am not trying to prevent anybody from reading on their own, whatever they chose to do, I'm not stopping anybody.

There are certain things that are very helpful to those that want help.When you are placed into a caregiver role, write me, I would be interested to know how you get along trying to be every thing to every body.

In the meantime, I will post when I think I can help those that need the help. On the other side of that coin I appreciate the kindness and love that we all
try to encourage each and everybody that stops by this Forum. It is a comfort to me to have so many trying to help me thru this, just as when it is my turn, I'll be here for the LO that is to come.

Julia

[Ted Hutchinson]

Spring Hill couple's Alzheimer's fight tries boost in brain superfuel (http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/research/article1024137.ece) the video here is worth watching.

[Ted Hutchinson]

OMEGA-3 FATTYACID DEFICIT IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE (http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/1552-5260/PIIS1552526009007481.pdf)Our data indicate that a dysfunction in the liver’s ability to metabolize omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to themolecular and functional changes observed in Alzheimer's Disease brain.

These results offer new insights into the DHA deficit underlying AD and open new opportunities to explore the implication of liver dysfunctions in AD

increased omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, fish oil) consumption decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease

The levels of DHA were decreased in the brain of AD patients as compared with values in healthy controls.

DHA depletion was generalized to all brain regions analyzed, including frontal cortex, temporal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum.

Brain levels of DHA correlated with global cognition and other key neuropsychological hallmarks of AD. this means the lower the DHA level the worse the brain function. Although it's neurons that make our brains work for every neurone there are 10 astrocytes. Omega 3's (dha in particular) makes astrocytes bigger and better able to communicate with neurones. It's astrocytes that are ketogenic, this means they like to burn fat medium chain triglycerides are the ideal brain fuel, that's why you find it in human breast milk to enable brain development in babies.

I'm not sure that their conclusion that finding high levels of ALA in liver but low levels of DHA in brain is indicative of a failure of liver metabolism. The conversion of ALA to DHA is totally pathetic in normal people. It really is minimal if any at all.
The main problem with DHA is it's an omega 3 and high levels of omega 6 displace omega 3.
USA diet is 20<>1 omega 6<>omega 3 so the omega 6 wins and the omega 3 gets lost.
2g of omega 3 daily will help swing the balance but the long tern solution is to Avoid trans fat. It's found in margarine, shortening, refined soy and canola oils, many deep fried foods and processed foods in general. (http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2009/10/heart-attack-risk-reduction-low-hanging.html)
Avoid industrial vegetable oils and other sources of excess omega-6. Eating pastured or omega-3 eggs, rather than conventional eggs, can help reduce dietary AA as well.
Ensure a regular intake of omega-3 fats from seafood,

[Ted Hutchinson]

Update on Dr Mary Newports story (http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/research/article1024137.ece)