Dr. Rodier's Research Perspectives: Alzheimer's
In this Issue:
Meow $P1,
Dr. Rodier's "Research Perspectives"
Thoughts from a leading integrative
physician and medical
insider
_____________________________
Featured Article
for Discussion
“Toward prevention of Alzheimer’s disease: potential nutraceutical strategies for suppressing the production of amyloid beta
peptides”
Medical Hypotheses 2006; 67, Issue 4:682-697
_____________________________
If we live to age 85, our chances of getting “All-timer’s” disease are about
50%. I don’t know about you, but that worries me. I don’t want to end up losing
my mind, at least no more than I occasionally do already.
What can we do to reduce our chances of developing this disease? Many ask if
drugs really help with dementia. I’m afraid that recent research is cause for
pessimism. Sorry.
According to a 2006 article, “Role
of cholinesterase inhibitors in dementia care needs rethinking” in
the British Medical Journal, three authors, all psychiatrists, conclude
that for dementia:
“…the only currently licensed medicines for a cruel illness have turned
out to be of marginal benefit—from statistical, clinical, and public health
viewpoints.”
However, according to my featured article, "Toward
prevention of Alzheimer's disease," we
need to “change our oil,” and I don’t mean at the Jiffy Lube.
Eighty percent of our brains are made up of fats, or phospholipids (I know,
it seems that we all know people whose brains are fully 100% fat). Anyway,
we can support “regeneration” of our brains with good dietary oils, particularly docosahexaenoic acid, or
DHA,
an omega 3 fatty acid.
But it’s not a matter of just adding “good” oils. We need to quit eating
the bad ones, namely trans-hydrogenated fats, and we also need to reduce our intake of saturated fats dramatically.
Researchers are now beginning to understand that so-called “degenerative” diseases -- like
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s -- are not entirely due to degenerative problems but
are due also to a failure of the brain to “regenerate.”
The notion that our brain is cast in stone and can only degenerate with age
is an old paradigm. We need to think “regeneration” -- with nutrition being key
to success.
In addition to DHA, my featured article mentions: policosanol, beta carotene,
hops extracts, minerals (low salt, high potassium), folate, flavonol-rich cocoa,
chromium picolinate, cinnamon extracts, vitamin D, genistein, and sesamin.
Of the many nutrients mentioned, the most essential in my opinion, are DHA
and vitamin D.
Our Health Co-op’s
Multi-Vites,
Sam’s Advanced Antioxidant Plus D, and
new Liquid Calcium
all have Vitamin D3, a form of D which is getting plenty of good press in
medical journals.
Given the research, I would like to see everyone getting at least 1000 IU of supplemental Vitamin
D3 each day, since most people I test are critically low in vitamin D.
By the way, vitamin D is not formed in your skin if you merely sit by a
window. You must be outside to benefit from solar production of vitamin D in
your skin (ideally as naked as possible, which I don’t recommend if you have
touchy neighbors or if it’s cold outside)!
Finally, my featured article does leave out a couple of very important things
for brain
health.
1. The article neglects to address the damaging effects of insulin on our
brains (there is a small mention of chromium picolinate and cinnamon
extracts as “aids for insulin sensitivity,” but that’s hardly enough). Overwhelming evidence
("Insulin Effects Weigh Heavy on the Brain" Friedrich J. of American
Medical Association 2006; 296: 1717-1718.) indicates that sweets basically “caramelize” your
noodle. If you want to protect your brain, you need to get serious about
getting off refined sugars!
2. While the article makes passing note of the value of exercise in
preventing or slowing Alzheimer’s, the authors neglected to include the
importance of learning something new (and doing so often), like learning to
play a musical instrument, speak a new language, compete in a complex game,
etc. If you haven’t learned something new recently, take it on as a New
Year’s challenge!
In summary: Keep your brain nourished. Keep your insulin in check. And, keep
your brain active!
Dr. Rodier practices integrative medicine at
the Pioneer Health Clinic just outside Salt Lake City, UT. He's an adjunct
professor for the University of Utah's School of Medicine.
Dr. Rodier offers nutritional consultations via phone. Please inquire for
details. To contact Dr. Rodier, write to
hugo@ourhealthcoop.com, or for more information, visit his web site at:
www.hugorodier.com.
You can read more from Dr. Rodier in his
blog:
Braindroppings: Cutting-edge musings on health & healing
Health in the News
Meanwhile, the humans keep making noises about "2007 is gonna be a good
year." Makes my tail twitch. Based on what? According to whom?
Totally unscientific. Pfffsst. This kat? I'm just happy
knowing today is good. Hope yours is too! ^..^
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op
4188 Westroads Drive,
Unit 123
Riviera Beach, FL 33407
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