About Alzheimers

Alzheimers -- the most prevalent form of dementia -- is a devastating progressive condition characterized by plaque-like buildup in the brain, and encompasses the deterioration of a range of mental functions: memory impairment, disorientation, difficulty in learning, loss of clear speech, changes in personality, and even troubles in performing routine tasks. Women are afflicted at higher rates than men, but this is most likely not due to inherent physiological differences, but the fact that women generally outlive men by several years.

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimers disease, and the precise cause of the disease also remains elusive. However, it is believed certain degenerative characteristics may be influencing factors, as most of these have been identified in patients with Alzheimers: significant destruction of brain nerve cells, low levels of important brain chemicals, and diminished blood flow to and in the brain.

Acetylcholine, a particularly crucial neurotransmitter in the brain, whose main role is acting as the messenger for memory, has shown to be severely depleted in those afflicted with Alzheimers.

Like in many other diseases, some people may also be more predisposed to Alzheimers due to hereditary factors. Having high cholesterol and high blood pressure, moreover, are also believed to be likely causal factors.

Although Alzheimers cannot be cured, there is hope for slowing its progression, or treating symptoms that may one day lead to it, especially if caught in the early stages.

1. Taking in fresh air helps improve mental clarity. Try to incorporate daily breathing exercises, or taking brisk walks outdoors. Some research has shown that those who do not exercise regularly between the ages of 20 and 60 have an almost four times greater chance of developing Alzheimers than those who do.

2. Use it or lose it: other research has shown actively using your mind keeps it sharper. Do crosswords or perform other mentally demanding games as a habit. Dr. Gary Small, a neuroscientist and author of "The Memory Bible: An Innovative Strategy for Keeping Your Brain Young" argues it is never too early to start training your memory by performing "mental aerobics."

3. Consume plenty of citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains, all of which are rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Many experts believe free radical damage, which antioxidants neutralize, contribute to the development of Alzheimers.

There are various prescription drugs on the market for Alzheimers, and a vaccine is also currently under development. On the other hand, many people have turned to natural alternatives in the form of supplements for symptoms associated with Alzheimers. If you're considering either, it's important to first consult with your physician for side effects and possible interactions.

The following nutritional supplements are the most promising for boosting cognitive function, and maintaining the health of the brain.

Protocol:

1. Gingko biloba -- many controlled studies have shown this herb can improve memory and increase blood supply to the brain due to its anti-coagulant (blood thinning) properties. Gingko is also a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals -- highly reactive chemical substances that can damage cellular material, leading to premature aging and disease. Some experts believe such free radical damage is a contributing factor to Alzheimers.

Purchase gingko that is standardized to 24/6 -- which equates to 24% flavonoids and 6% terpenes, the combination with the most active ingredients and potency. The active ingredients are responsible for the herb's therapeutic benefits.

2. DMAE -- is a nutrient that manufactures acetylcholine, the crucial memory neurotransmitter that is so severely depleted in those with Alzheimers. The presence of Vitamin B5 is needed for DMAE to carry out this production.

3. Vitamins C and E -- two powerful antioxidants that work synergistically, and have proven to have positive effects on cognitive function in a recent study conducted at Harvard Medical School. The study strongly suggests that the two must be combined for significant efficacy.

4. Alpha Lipoic Acid -- studies have shown this nutrient recycles both Vitamins C and E in the body and, therefore, keeps the levels of these two important vitamins high. It is a unique antioxidant in its own right as well.

5. Tumeric -- a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Its therapeutic properties are attributed to curcumin, which is the extract of the tumeric root. A recent clinical study at UCLA performed on rats showed that curcumin may slow the progression of Alzheimers by reducing the accumulation of amyloid protein "plaques." Indeed, the build up of these "plaques" is what characterizes Alzheimers disease. In countries where curcumin is consumed in high amounts, such as India, Alzheimers disease is much less prevalent.

6. B vitamin complex -- People with Alzheimers have been shown to usually have low levels of these important vitamins. Vitamins B5, B6 and B12 are especially vital nutrients: B5 helps DMAE produce acetylcholine, and B6 and B12 both enhance healthy brain cell communication.

7. Phosphatidyl choline -- studies in rats have shown that this nutrient may help enhance memory. Further validation is still needed on human patients, however. Phosphatidyl choline is broken down into choline in the body, and choline, in turn, is a central component of the crucial brain chemical acetylcholine, mentioned above.

8. Ginger Root -- Research has revealed that people who regularly take anti-inflammatory therapies appear less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Ginger root is a powerful anti-inflammatory nutrient that harbors a broad range of health benefits.

Xtend-Life Natural Products produces a product called Total Balance, that contains all of the nutrients discussed on this page.

Although we here at Nutritional-Supplement-Info do not suffer from Alzheimers, we have personally been taking Xtend-Life's Total Balance for several years now as our foundational health product.

Please note that Total Balance (as any natural supplement) does not present a cure for Alzheimers, because there is no cure currently. However, many Naturopathic Doctors and other experts believe the ingredients we've discussed above may help those exhibiting the early stage symptoms of Alzheimers.