Alzheimer's Disease - What You Need to Know.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

What Causes Alzheimer's Disease? Although Alzheimer's disease  is often associated with getting older, it;s not a normal part of the aging process. Rather, it's a medical condition that disrupts brain function by destroying vital nerve cells. Alzheimer's disease  develops very slowly , resulting in a gradual loss of motor skills and a general decline in intellectual ability. The disease targets the centers int he brain that control memory, thought and language. It causes changes in mood and judgment and reasoning. The massive brain-cell death associated with Alzheimer's disease is permanent, and there is no known cure at this time.
Alzheimer's disease causes abnormal clumps or placques and tangled bundles of fibres to develop in the brain. A buildup in the brain of a protein called beta amyloid has been associated with the disease

Symptoms. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include changes in intellectual abilities. Those with the disease

• gradually become unable to learn new things and make decisions
• forgot how to do simple, familiar tasks
• have trouble remembering  names, appointments, daily routines
• have difficulty understanding what has been said
• have difficulty communicating, forget simple words
• lose track of time and place, become lost and disoriented easily
• may remember past events more clearly than current events
• are no longer interested in normal activities; demonstrate no initiative

       The  disease also affects mood. Those with Alzheimer's disease:

• have less expression; may eventually have little or no reaction to people  or surroundings
• are more withdrawn 
• have difficulty controlling mood and emotions
• may worry excessively  over small things
• may become suspicious or easily angered

       Changes in behaviour  and physical functioning may include:

• pacing, agitation, wandering and restlessness
• repetitive actions
• physical outbursts
• swearing, arguing and aggressiveness
• loss of bowel and bladder 
• loss of mobility

Managing Alzheimer's Disease Through Natural Supplement

Fish and Fish Oil (Omega-3). The  brain is especially rich in DHA (docosahexanoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid that is plentiful in oily fish. DHA contributes to the fluidity of brain cell membranes, allowing nutrients to pass in and out. DHA is also used to produce eicosanoids, powerful compounds that regulate the blood, hormones and immune system and have inflammatory effects. Research has revealed that Alzheimer's disease often have lower levels of DHA in the brain and bloodstreams. What's more, studies have shown that DHA-rich diets help limit brain cell damage caused by beta amyloid peptides. Free radical molecules can damage DHA in cell membranes, so its important to constantly supply the body with these fatty acids.

In a study of 174 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease receiving conventional drug treatment, researcher's found that a daily supplementation of 1.7 grams of DHA and 0.6 grams EPA improved cognition scores in patients with very mild Alzheimer's. Studies have also suggested that an optimal balance of Omega-3 and omega-6 fats can help improve mood, cooperation, appetite, sleep and short-term memory in people with Alzheimer's disease

 To help prevent Alzheimer's disease, it's also important to increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and fish oil and limit your intake of cholesterol-raising saturated fat. Studies reveled that  a diet high in saturated animal fat increased the risk of Alzheimer's disease, whereas consuming polyunsaturated and monosaturated fats reduced it. Experts advice a daily intake of at least 500 milligrams of DHA and EPA combined to help prevent heart disease. Keep in mind the same factors that increase the risk for heart disease-high cholesterol, high blood pressure  and poorly controlled diabetes - are also linked to a greater likelihood of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.  If you dont like fish, take a fish oil capsule that provides 500 milligrams of DHA and EPA combined once or twice daily.

Vitamin B12 and Folate. Studies consistently find that low levels of these two  B vitamins are associated with Alzheimer's disease. An adequate intake of vitamin B12 and folate helps prevent blood levels of an amino acid called homocysteine from rising; a high homocysteine level is thought to damage artery walls and increase the risk of Alzheimer's and other forms of  dementia. Vitamin B12 is also crucial for maintaining healthy nerves.Adults over the age of 50 are advised to get their vitamin B12 from supplement or fortified foods, since these are well absorbed by the body. In addition to choosing foods rich in vitamin B, take multivitamins and mineral pills. Most formulas will supply anywhere from 25 to 100 microgram of B12 and 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid.

Vitamin D and Calcium.  Patients with Alzheimer's disease have lower bone mas and are at increased risk for falls and hip fractures. The fact that most patients are deprived of sunlight and do not get adequate vitamin D in their diets puts them at a high risk for vitamin D deficiency. Elderly patients require 1500 milligrams of calcium (the amount found in 4 to 5 cups of milk) and 1000 IU of vitamin D each day. Supplements  are recommended to help prevent bone loss caused by poor dietary intakes of vitamin D and calcium.