Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neuro-degenerative disease characterized in the brain by abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibers composed of misplaced proteins. Age is the most important risk factor for AD; the number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. Symptoms of AD include memory loss, language deterioration, impaired ability to mentally manipulate visual information, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings. Eventually AD destroys cognition, personality, and the ability to function. The early symptoms of AD, which include forgetfulness and loss of concentration, are often missed because they resemble natural signs of aging.
Alzheimer's disease itself cannot be prevented, but there are steps people can take in order to reduce memory loss and dementia when it comes to the development of the disease. Also, some scientists speculate that even though it cannot be completely prevented, there are some things people can do in order to reduce their risk of developing the disease. There are many different medications and vitamin supplements that can be used to relieve and manage some of the symptoms of AD. Also, other medications may help control behavioral symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. AD is a progressive disease, but its course can vary from 5 to 20 years. The most common cause of death in AD patients is infection.
Research has shown that vitamins C and E do help to reduce the risk of memory impairment as people age by about 30 percent. The vitamins have also been shown to reduce the chance of developing the disease by approximately 70 percent. A study published in the Archives of Neurology showed that people who ate Omega 3 rich fish such as salmon once a week or more had a substantially lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. In fact, the seven-year study of 815 nursing home residents found those who reported eating fish at least once a week had a 60 percent lower risk of Alzheimer's compared to those who rarely or never ate fish. If the mercury content in the fish you are eating is a concern or if you are just not eating enough Omega 3 rich fish, you may want to consider adding Omega 3 fatty acids to your diet. When taking vitamins it is important to consult your doctor, as vitamins can carry risks, too.
Another study suggests that high homocysteine levels are linked with mental declines associated with Alzheimer's disease in elderly people. High levels of a substance in the blood called homocysteine tops the list of potentially new risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and now dementia. Elevated levels of homocysteine is an indication of inadequate folate and vitamin B-12 in the diet. High homocysteine levels can be treated very easily with vitamins, including folate, niacin, and B-12. Though nutritional deficiencies can be the cause, some medications like the seizure drug Dilantin can elevate homocysteine levels in the blood. Kidney disease, alcohol use, and too little physical activity can also elevate homocysteine.
Not everyone with Alzheimer's Disease has the same symptoms. You can use the information on the vitamins listed in the above paragraphs to discuss with your doctor. He or she will be able to help you determin what is best for you. Remember not to add to your medications or stop taking any without first consulting your physician. Certain vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements can react adversely with medications you may already be taking.
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The United States accounts for 25 percent of the cases, yet we only represent about 4.5 percent of the world's population. Within the U.S., 75 percent of the cases occur in Caucasian people. The first case of AD was documented in 1906.
The medical documentation indicates that the disease is still a mystery. Yet there have been several factors that show correlation with the disease that should not be overlooked.
One factor that seems to be most universally accepted in a higher level of aluminum found in people with AD. The main sources of aluminum can be found in drinking water, foods, medications, antacids, antiperspirants, aluminum cookware, aluminum foil, and aluminum cans.
You can check with your municipal water office to obtain a report analyzing the contents of your water. The World Health Organization has recommended the amount of aluminum present in drinking water to be below 200 micrograms per liter.
Replace your cookware with stainless steel or cast iron, Pyrex or glass.
Do not let foods, especially acidic foods, come in contact with aluminum foil. The food will leach the aluminum from the foil. Food and soda in aluminum cans will do the same thing.
Avoid antiperspirants containing aluminum. Read labels on medications, ask your pharmacist or doctor if they contain aluminum and if so, is there an alternative medication.
Avoid antacids. Focus on ways to prevent heartburn by drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day. Take digestive enzymes with your meals, chew your food slowly and thoroughly, practice proper food combining (don't eat proteins and starches in the same meal).
Controlling the future intake of heavy metals is one preventive measure. Ridding your body of metals that are already in your body is recommended, too. You can do a heavy metal detoxification cleanse that will remove the metal toxicity from your body.
Another factor that may contribute to AD is a higher level of mercury caused by amalgam fillings in the teeth. Consider replacing them or when they do need to be replaced, consider an alternative material.
Vitamin deficiencies have also been implicated in the development of AD.
A vitamin B-12 deficiency can actually show similar symptoms as AD and may actually progress to AD eventually. It is estimated that 40 percent of elderly Americans suffers from a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Other vitamin deficiencies that have been linked to AD are vitamins A, E, and beta-carotene.
Could the key to preventing or decreasing the chances of developing AD be as simple as removing heavy metals from our body and taking a good nutritional supplement? It certainly seems like an easy preventive measure to consider in order to avoid a disease that has such an enormous impact on our family both emotionally and financially.
Both Steven Godlewski & Deborah Hoeve are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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