The purpose of this page is to acummulate what we have found to be important steps in understanding and living with Alzheimer's.

Possible New Help for Alzheimer's - Valproic acid (valproate) has been determined to give possible improvements in Alzheimer's Patients. Check with your Doctor!!! This is a drug.

Mind Boosting Secrets is an excellant book written by Ray Sahelian, MD. Most supplements available to help with ARCD (Age-Related Cognitive Decline)and Alzheimer's are well described in this book along with plans on how to use supplements.

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia, a term used to describe a group of brain disorders that cause memory loss and a decline in mental function over time. In fact, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of primary dementia — which is dementia caused by changes in the brain that are not the result of another condition, such as a stroke.

There are other forms of dementia not related to Alzheimer’s disease, such as vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontal lobe dementia. Vascular dementia is different from Alzheimer’s disease in that it is often caused by strokes or other vascular events. Although the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are often confused with the changes that take place in normal aging, it’s important to remember that Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging.

Alzheimer’s disease currently affects about 4.5 million men and women in the United States, a number that is expected to rise to 16 million by the year 2050. Worldwide the number is estimated to be 27.7 million The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease increases with age, and it is very rare among people younger than 60. It affects up to 50 percent of people older than 85, and the risk increases with age. For example, for every 5-year increase over the age of 65, the percentage of people with Alzheimer’s disease doubles.

Mini-Mental State Exam

This is a standardized test to determine a persons cognitive ability. Is used by medical personnel to evalute progress or deterioration over time.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a test that produces very clear pictures, or images, of the human body without using X-rays. Instead, MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce these images. MRI is beneficial in ruling out other causes of dementia, such as tumors or strokes. It also may help to show the structural and functional changes in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a medical technique that measures brain function by analyzing the electrical activity generated by the brain. This activity is measured through special electrodes applied to the scalp. EEG can be used repeatedly in adults and children with virtually no risks and is helpful in diagnosing brain disorders. EEG is often used to study various brain processes, such as perception, memory, language, and emotion, and is most helpful in identifying disorders which can mimic Alzheimer's disease.

Carotid Doppler Tests

The carotid arteries are the large blood vessels in either side of the neck that supply blood to the head and brain. The Carotid Doppler Tests are Ultrasound measurements used to insure that a proper blood supply is available to the Brain to eliminate this as a probable cause for Dementia.

CAT Scan

This was the last test which we were told to have by our current Family Doctor. Does not appear to detect Alzeimer's but could possibly detect other problems which could possibly be treated.

PET

What is PET- From The Radiology Information resource for Patients

FDG-PET

PET is an evolving technology relative to its importance relative to Alzheimr's. FDG is the earliest

Charles Heston Speaks Out
A Tabulated Summary of the FDG PET Literature
CMS covering costs for FDG-PET Sept 15, 2004

PET Scan PIB

PIB was discovered in Pittsburg and seems to have a better possibility of being useful for Alzheimer's Detection or Elimination

Alzheimer's Org
November 15,2005
November 16 2005 Washington University, St. Louis
January 22, 2004 Reveiw in ScienceDaily

Hypothyroidism

As you can see below many of the symtoms of low thyroid output can be similar to dementia.

Primary hypothyroidism occurs when disease of the thyroid gland prevents it from producing adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and from nonspecific to very specific. In general, all metabolic processes slow down. Patients are often fatigued, and may also have depression, decreased intellectual function, and, rarely, overt psychosis. Patients frequently complain of cold intolerance, dry skin, and constipation. The heart rate is often slowed, as is the relaxation phase of deep tendon reflexes. There may be high cholesterol, mild anemia, and high serum enzymes, including CPK. The T4 and Free T4 is low and the TSH is always high (usually greater than 20 mU/L) . T3 may be normal.

Many of the lifestyle changes conducive to Anti-aging and general good health are also applicable to Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Some examples are:

No or little salt in your diet - this also will greatly improve blood pressure readings.

Good nutrition with concentration on having many kinds of fruits, seeds (Most natural/organic Nuts, Peanuts, Sprouts), flourless bread, fresh vegetables and practically no processed foods, sugar, or flour.

Our Breakfast usually consists of blueberries, alphalfa or brocollie sprouts, oat bran, and a mixture of nuts, pumkin seeds, sunflower seeds and honey all mixed together. I usually add one Tablespoon of Bee Pollen modules. Bee Pollen must be gradually introduced into your diet or it may have a laxative affect. I began with 1/2 teaspoon and increased it by the same amount every 2 or 3 days until I reached a heaping Tablespoon.

I usually have a couple of cloves of raw garlic along with a banana and a glass of cranberry or grape juice as soon as I get up and have the nut mixture a little later.

Have main meal (meat, vegetables, potatoes (lots of sweet potatoes))at noon.

Our evening meal consists of a salad usually with blueberries, sprouts, and 4 or 5 raw vegatables.

Our noon and evening meals are usually ended with either half of an apple or orange and a few nuts from the shell.

At least 1 hour of fresh air and exersize a day - this is a goal but not always reached.

A few years ago I would have thought a diet like this was crazy and impossible to enjoy. Now I am amazed at how good food tastes in its more natural state without all of the added, salt, pepper, and other additives. We often enhance the taste with garlic, ginger,curry, cumin, Herbs de Provence,and other herb based seasonings. The natural ingredients of many dishes, such as, garlic, onions, and raw pepper also improve the taste.

Apple Cider Vinegar - 1 Tablespoon of ACV in one cup of water (or Green Tea). We also add oneTablespoon of Honey

This "tonic" is useful in keeping your stomach at the proper pH level.

Benefits derived from ACV.

1. The correct acidic (pH) level of the stomach is necessary to completely allow the body to use the nutrients in your food.

2. Supplements, such as Vitamin B12, cannot be properly assimulated with out the correct pH level.

3. The symtoms of heartburn will be relieved when the stomach has a consistantly correct pH level.

4. The pH levels of most living cells is 7 which is in the middle of the possible 0 to 14 range. The blood in our bodies is maintained at 7.4 pH. The stomach is much more acidic. The pH level of the stomach may go as low as 1 and in the 3 to 4 range when foods enter the stomach.

5. Heartburn can occur when the stomach's acidic level is not correct. The incorrect acidic level can cause the acid stomach fluids to enter and burn the esophogus.