Alzheimer’s Disease Remedies That Boost Brain Power

As the population grows increasingly older, the number of persons with Alzheimer’s is increasing rapidly. Genetic testing for susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease raises the same ethical questions, as does genetic testing for cancer risks. Scientists are looking for Alzheimer’s susceptibility genes. If and when such genes are found and genetic tests become available, people may be able to determine with virtual certainty whether or not they are destined to have Alzheimer’s disease. With no cure in sight, knowing that one is doomed to lose mental function eventually may be more than many people can handle, even with counseling.

To date, several major groups of Alzheimer’s drugs have been investigated. Many of the drug interactions in research have attempted to correct the deficiencies in the brain’s cholinergic system. Since the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is deficient in the Alzheimer’s brain and these deficiencies have been associated with Alzheimer’s-related impairments, it has been thought that finding ways to increase this chemical messenger might hold promise in treating the disease.

Although an intensive effort is under way to find drugs that will prevent or slow the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, no available drugs are very effective. Here are most widely recommended alternative treatments for Alzheimer’s that boost brain power:

Ginkgo biloba is an extract from the leaves of the tree by the same name. It’s believed to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it protects your cells from damage and regulates neurotransmitter function. It’s also said to increase circulation. The European medical community currently uses this herbal for a number of neurological conditions. The Chinese have used it for centuries. A few studies have found ginkgo biloba to be mildly effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, but more research is needed to understand how or why. But placebo-controlled, double-blind studies in both the U.S. and Europe indicate that an extract of the herb Ginkgo biloba is effective in stabilizing and, in some cases, reversing the symptoms of dementia.

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbs used in Europe to alleviate cognitive disorders of various kinds. Recently it has been approved in Germany for the treatment of dementia. Although the mechanism of action of ginkgo biloba extract is not well understood, it does act as an antioxidant and can scavenge free radicals that destroy cells. The herb contains many compounds that probably act to protect cell membranes and neurotransmitter functions. This is an excellent example of an herb being much better than a single Alzheimer’s drug. This herbal has few known side effects, although one could be serious. Ginkgo biloba reduces the ability of blood to clot, which could lead to hemorrhaging if you take aspirin or other anticoagulants.

Huperzine A is an extract from moss. It has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Research has shown it to be just as potent as several prescription medicines that are also acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Like other herbals, huperzine A is unregulated, so you can’t be sure just how strong a dose you’re getting. Do not take this herbal if you’re taking a prescription drug containing donepezil, rivastigmine, or tacrine.

Lecithin is a naturally occurring dietary substance found in many foods, including egg yolks, meat, fish, and soybean products. The dosages of lecithin used in treating Alzheimer’s disease, however, are much higher than those obtainable through a healthy diet. Lecithin increases the availability of acetylcholine; it also raises the body’s blood choline level and maintains that level. It has been shown to produce small improvements in some patients.

The most important finding is that lecithin could be capable of slowing deterioration in a few patients. This may mean that long-term lecithin therapy can be used to slow down Alzheimer’s progress. Supporting this theory is the finding that patients who discontinued use of lecithin showed more rapid deterioration. However, this very limited evidence must be replicated in other studies. No compelling evidence suggests that it alone can produce significant or consistent Alzheimer’s improvement, though it may prove an effective supplement to other drug therapies. Lecithin therapy has shown some very modest improvements in some Alzheimer’s patients some of the time. Lecithin remains a promising direction for future research.

In addition to ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, and lecithin, the following natural supplements have shown promise in boosting brain power in Alzheimer’s patients:

Coenzyme Q-10 an antioxidant that generates cell energy.

Phosphatidyl – improves cognitive function.

DHA – Fish oil supplement of essential fatty acids.

Glyconutrients – improves memory.

Nattokinase – Improves circulation in arteries and blood vessels.

Acety-L-carnitine – Improves memory.

Avoid products containing mercury and aluminum, which have been shown to increase the occurrence of Alzheimer’s. Reduce exposing yourself to mercury and aluminum by reading the labels on the following products that may contain high levels:
.
�Cookware
�Antacids
�Anti-diarrhea medicines
�Buffered aspirin
�Cans (acidic fruit juices, beer, and soft drinks); opt for bottles.
�Deodorants
�Douches
�Food additives (from cake mixes to pickling salts to cheese on your burger)
�Shampoos

References

Gatz, M., Lowe, B., Berg, S., Mortimer, J., & Pedersen, N. (1994). Dementia: Not just a search for the gene. The Gerontologist, 34, 251-255.

Kindermann, S. S., & Brown, G. G. (1997). Depression and memory in the elderly: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 19, 625-642.

Warren, T. (1991). Beating Alzheimer’s. New York, U.S.A: Avery Publishing Group.