I see patients usually in the mid 60’s with gradually declining cognitive function, unable to function and do the day to day activities as well. Family notices this for many years happening gradually until it gets to a point to come seek help, usually triggered by some minor incidents like getting lost in familiar places, leaving the stove on or hot water on etc.,

Dementia is a very difficult problem for the patient and the family and the modern treatment so far is short of frustrating. Current medications at the most can slow the progression. Alzheimer the most common cause of dementia is a neuro degenerative process that starts decades before patient exhibits any symptoms, although exact cause is not known its clear the underlying pathology is a combination of inflammation and oxidative stress resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and toxin protein accumulation in the brain. Oddly current pharma research is focused on finding a way to reduce the protein aggregates. Many studies have shown that these protein aggregates are seen in various neurodegenerative diseases and they actually don’t cause the disease. Its like blaming the wrinkle for the aging skin!

Our best bet is doing proactive things that can reduce the causes of the disease and promote a healthy brain.

Let’s look at risk factors :

Advancing age

Family history of Alzheimer’s disease

Carrying the ApoE4 genetic variant.

Vascular risk factors (e.g., diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome)

History of head trauma

High homo cysteine levels

Life style factors like bad diet, high stress, poor sleep habits, lack of exercise .

. Nutrient deficiencies

Truncal obesity (i.e., high waist-to-hip ratio)

As you can see there are risk factors beyond your control like genetic variants but there are others that can be reduced by simple measures such as: healthy diet, exercise, sleep and stress management. As simple as these may sound, it’s important to implement a plan as early as possible without waiting for signs of dementia.

Things to do:

Eat nutrient dense low toxic foods,by avoiding highly processed industrial foods, pro inflammatory vegetable oils, sugar, HFCS, GMO foods etc.and implement an anti inflammatory diet. Including safe starches, healthy sources of protein, fats rich in omega 3, various vegetables for micro nutrients and fiber, bone broth, probiotic rich foods, clean water, herbal/ green tea.

Exercise: Being physically active throughout the day along with 3 to 4 times a week of higher intensity activity and weight bearing exercises for about 20 mins to 30 minutes. If you have a desk job make sure you move at least every 20 minutes.

Sleep: Good sleep hygiene routine and schedule 7-9 hours of sleep with a short afternoon nap if possible.

Relaxation routine including breathing exercises, meditation and simple stretches at the end of the day.

In addition correcting the nutrient deficiencies, treating underlying infections, detox protocols, addressing adrenal and hormonal imbalances done under proper medical supervision can have a significant impact in patient health.

Dr. Jagadeesan (M.D)

wakeneurology.com