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Americans and the incidence is expected to triple over the next 40 years. Nutritional balancing
programs based on hair mineral analysis can be helpful in preventing and even improving the
symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Identifying Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the death and disappearance of brain cells and the
appearance of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Also present are a feature identified as senile
plaques containing amyloid tissue.
Symptoms usually begin with short-term memory loss, and at times other mental disorders
including depression, anxiety, delusions, odd behaviors and hallucinations. Progression may be
slow over a 10 year or more period of time.
Alzheimer's disease may be confused with Parkinson's disease, advanced MS, vascular
dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, brain tumors, depression, hypothyroidism, alcoholism, liver
toxicity, drug reactions, B12 deficiency or other nutrient deficiencies. Some individuals may have
several of these conditions. It is important to consider these possible causes of the symptoms of
Alzheimer's disease.
Causes of Alzheimer's
While no single cause has been identified, nutritional aspects are very important. Here are
some of the major findings related to nutrition:
Aluminum and mercury. The brains of those with Alzheimer's accumulate more aluminum
than normal brains. Aluminum is neurotoxic and may replace vital minerals such as magnesium in
key enzyme binding sites.
The amount of aluminum in the environment and food supply has increased dramatically due
to the widespread use of anti-perspirants, anti-acids, aluminum cans and aluminum added to salt
and drinking water. Mineral analysis often reveals excessive aluminum in a large percentage of
the population.
Drinking fluoridated water increases the absorption of aluminum. Levels of greater than 1
ppm of fluoride have only been added to water supplies in the past 50 years. Today, fluoride is
not only found in many water supplies. Foods which are processed with water, fruit juices and
other prepared foods also often contain high levels of fluoride. Digestive dysfunctions such as
leaky gut syndrome and others may enhance the absorption of aluminum.
Mercury and other heavy metals are also neurotoxic and may play a role. Mercury is
widespread in the environment due to the use of amalgam dental fillings and environmental
contamination of fish and some water supplies. These metals accumulate in the brain and interfere
with normal brain metabolism.
Folic Acid, Lycopene and a Positive Self-image. In the book, Aging with Grace, 600
Franciscan nuns were involved in a long-term study of Alzheimer's disease. Those with low levels
of folic acid and lycopene had a higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Folic acid is often
deficient in the diet and current regulations prevent significant supplementation of folic acid in
vitamin supplements. Lycopene is an anti-oxidant. The study also found those with a better
self-image had less Alzheimer's disease.
L-Carnitine. This amino acid is required for mitochondrial transport of long-chain fatty
acids. It is naturally found in animal proteins and can be made in the body from lysine and
methionine. Vitamin C, niacin, B6 and iron are also required for its synthesis. A recent trial with 2
grams of acetyl-L-carnitine showed evidence of slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Anti-oxidants. Studies have shown that Alzheimer's patients have significantly lower levels
of vitamin E, lycopene and B-carotene than controls. Low levels of anti-oxidant nutrients may
contribute to nervous system damage.
Copper and Zinc. In June, 2001, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital reported
that copper buildup in the brain may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Excessive copper can
damage protein structures by affecting disulfide bonds and perhaps by acting as an anti-oxidant.
Zinc deficiency may contribute to copper excess. Studies also show that zinc can inhibit
amyloid-induced production of neuronal filaments. Zinc deficiency is widespread in the
population due to depleted soils and refined food diets. Copper excess and zinc deficiency are
common on mineral analyses.
Vitamin B12. B12 deficiency is common in Alzheimer's patients and can cause similar
symptoms. Serum B12 is not always a reliable guide.
Energy production. Mutated mitochondrial DNA is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Enhancing mitochondrial function and cellular energy production through nutritional balancing may
be helpful for some Alzheimer's patients. Nutrients that enhance energy production include
B-complex vitamins, coenzyme Q10, NADH and vital minerals.
Essential Fatty Acids. It is theorized that essential fatty acid deficiency may play a role by
affecting cell membrane permeability and prostaglandin synthesis in the brain.
Estrogen. Adequate estrogen appears to protect women from Alzheimer's disease. Women
can take estrogen supplements, or better yet, improve their adrenal gland activity to produce
adequate estrogen.
Botanicals. A number of herbs have shown promise in helping circulation, blood vessel
integrity and energy production in the brain. Among the most common are ginkgo biloba, Gotu
kola, Salvia officinalis, Melissa officinalis, periwinkle and others.
Oxygen Therapy. Oxygen deficiency in the brain may contribute to cell death. Deep
breathing, exercise and therapy with oxygen such as EWOT (Exercise With Oxygen Therapy)
may be helpful.
The Stress Connection
Prolonged, excessive levels of cortisone and other stress hormones have been shown to
cause brain cell death. Excess cortisol production may be indicated on a hair analysis by a fast
oxidation rate, or more commonly, a low ratio of sodium to potassium. Any of the nutritional
deficiencies and toxic metal excesses discussed above also place extra stress on the body.
Nutritional Balancing and Alzheimer's
We do not find one particular mineral imbalance in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Many
have elevated toxic metals, low energy patterns and vital mineral deficiencies.
Nutritional balancing programs help reduce stress by balancing the oxidation rate, improving
the adequacy of the diet, reducing toxic metal levels and replenishing vital minerals, vitamins and
other nutrients.
Adding botanicals such as ginkgo biloba and other methods such as oxygen therapy can
further refine and enhance a nutritional balancing program.
References
1) Khosh, F., "Naturopathic Approaches to Alzheimer's Disease", Townsend Letter, July
2001, #216.
2) Bush, A. et al, Neuron, June 21, 2001. (reported in the Wall Street Journal, June 21, 2001.)
3) Snowden, D. "Aging with Grace. What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Living Longer,
Healthier and More Meaningful Lives", Bantam Doubleday.
Copyright © 2001
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
