HEALTH
Despite the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease
among older people, it is not necessarily a natural
consequence of aging. The memory loss that characterizes Alzheimer’s disease is associated with a
well known formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Top researcher and
California neurologist Dr. Dale Bredesen, director
of UCLA’s Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research,
believes that an intensive program of hormone replacement, diet, proper sleep, key supplements,
strategic fasting and stress reduction can reduce
and even reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Bredesen
has developed a program that functional medicine
specialists, including Dr. Nunley, are using to look
at a person’s genetics, nutrition and lifestyle and
to create a plan for helping them to delay and even
eliminate the chances of them developing Alzheimer’s.
While scientists don’t yet know precisely what triggers damage to the nerve cells, they know that the
changes that typify Alzheimer’s occur first in the
cerebral cortex, which is the seat of learning. That’s
why the first sign of the disease is usually the inability to remember newly learned information. As
damage spreads to other parts of the brain, other
symptoms appear and the disease becomes progressively more severe.
“While risk factors for Alzheimer’s include those
that cannot be changed - age, family history, and
genetics - there is increasing evidence that there
are factors that are under our control and things
An exercise regimen should
include aerobic exercise
and strength training as
well as balance exercises
to reduce the risk of falls,
particularly to guard
against head trauma,
which is a risk factor for
developing Alzheimer’s and
other dementias.
21 | New Consciousness Review
While scientists don’t
yet know precisely what
triggers damage to the
nerve cells, they know that
the changes that typify
Alzheimer’s occur first in
the cerebral cortex, which
is the seat of learning.
we can do to mitigate risk or delay the onset of
symptoms,” says Dr. Nunley. “We can modify our
behavior and lead a ‘brain-healthy’ lifestyle that
will help keep our brains healthier longer.”
Dr. Nunley identifies important factors in maintaining brain and body fitness:
R
egular exercise can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and slow its progression in
those who have begun to develop symptoms.
Exercise increases blood and oxygen flow to the
brain and stimulates the brain to maintain existing network connections and develop new
ones. An exercise regimen should include aerobic exercise and strength training as well as balance exercises to reduce the risk of falls, particularly to guard against head trauma, which is a
risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s and other
dementias.
A
healthy diet - high in vegetables, brightly colored fruits, healthy fats, and low in added sugar - can help maintain cognitive health. Some
studies have found benefits in specific nutrients such as the omega-3 fatty acid in salmon
and sardines; the anti-oxidants and vitamins in
green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli; and substances that remove
toxins from the brain, found in ginger, soy products, blueberries and other dark berries. Foods
to avoid include soda and packaged, refined,
and processed foods, especially those high in
refined carbohydrates and sweeteners like sugar, high fructose corn syrup, which cause inflammation in the brain and elsewhere.