Face
it, you can't avoid free radicals; and here's why you must
try to minimize their daily attack on your body. The cell
mutations that free radicals cause to your DNA will snowball
dangerously over time. In fact, cancer is the result of
mutated cells taking charge and proliferating out of control.
Most dysfunction of the cardiovascular system, the heart,
pancreas, kidneys, immune system, and energy cycle can now
be traced to free radical damage.
DNA mutations are literally passed through chromosomes to
children.
One of the most appalling issues is that of passing on mutated
DNA and genetic weakness to your offspring. Your mutated
cellular DNA genetic code is part of the chromosomes you
provide to a new child, and will pass to that child the
cumulative effect of those genetic modifications. Over the
years these mutations are creating more and more problems.
Some common
aging problems include age spots, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's
and other diseases related to memory loss.
Age
Spots
Ours
is a culture with little appreciation for spots. None of
us wants a spot on our shirt, a spot on our reputation,
or spots on our body.
But spots often come as a part of aging, especially on our
hands or faces; and in general all have the same reaction:
We want a spot remover!
Age spots or liver spots, are flat or slightly raised brown,
yellow or red spots that can occur anywhere on the body
but usually appearing on the face, neck, and hands. In general
these spots are not a physical problem, although they are
cosmetically ugly; but they can be a sign of serious skin
cell free radical damage. These spots are caused by the
buildup of waste products called lipofuscin accumulation
(a byproduct of free radical damage in the skin cells).
Age spots can be avoided with regular exercise and a healthy
diet as well as limited exposure to the sun.
Osteoporosis
Facts and Statistics
The
body is constantly at work breaking down and rebuilding
the bones. Specialized bone cells called osteoblasts pull
calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from the blood to build
bone mass. Even with a healthy diet and regular exercise,
at approximately 30 years the body will begin to lose more
bone than it forms. Usually there are not any obvious symptoms
of osteoporosis until a fracture occurs or a vertebrae collapse
causing a loss of height and a hump in the back (dowager's
hump).
Osteoporosis affects more than 20 million people in the
U.S. and causes 1.5 million fractures each year. Two hundred
and fifty thousand of those 1.5 million fractures are hip
fractures and for 300,000 people (20% of fractures) it leads
to death. Of the 1.2 million that do not die, 600,000 (40%
of the fractures) will require long term nursing care because
of complications.
Osteoporosis is four times more common in women than in
men, and the most common form of the disease is postmenopausal
osteoporosis. Fortunately, osteoporosis is completely preventable
and curable with the proper nutrition and exercise.
Yes, you did read that right; it said "completely preventable
and curable." For years it has been thought that loss
of bone density and osteoporosis is an uncontrollable, inevitable,
and irreversible part of getting old. This statistic has
been based on an aging population that has done very little
to stop osteoporosis from affecting them.
Welcome to the new era of health alternatives. A time where
the medical myths of yesteryear are being completely overturned.
A time when people are defying the statistical averages
by taking charge of their own health. Yes, aging will affect
your bone density, but brittle shallow bones are not inevitable,
uncontrollable, nor irreversible.
Alzheimer's
Facts and Statistics
We've
all had times when we can't remember where we put our keys
or when an appointment was supposed to be. These occasional
memory lapses are a normal part of being human. So when
should you worry about signs of Alzheimer's disease? A simple
example is: If you forgot where you put your glasses there
is no great cause for concern ... but if you've forgotten
you wear glasses you have significant reason to worry about
your memory problem.
A more extensive list of Alzheimer's Symptoms is as follows:
a chronic, progressively worsening problem accompanied by
disorientation, problems with judgment, concentration, language
and mathematical skills, physical coordination, and sleeplessness,
the repetition of the same ideas or movements, the tendency
to wander off and get lost, "sunsetting" or restlessness
and wandering off in the late afternoon and night, dramatic
personality changes, and eventually the loss of the ability
to perform basic self-care functions.
Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that already affects
millions of Americans and that is expected to affect millions
more as the number of people over 50 continues to increase.
Alzheimer's disease is the fourth leading cause of death
among the elderly in developed nations.
After heart disease, cancer, and stroke, Alzheimer's is
the fourth leading cause of death among the elderly in developed
nations. Alzheimer's is most common in people over the age
of 65 and affects 11% of those over 65 and 25-50% of those
over the age of 85. Although this disease is one of the
most common types of dementia among the elderly, it is difficult
to diagnose since Alzheimer's-like symptoms are common to
many other diseases (AIDS, brain cancer, Parkinson's disease,
deficiencies of vitamin E, magnesium, and
B vitamins, etc.). Generally, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's
disease is only 85 to 90% accurate, since the only definite
diagnoses comes from an after-death biopsy of the diseased
brain.
Those most at risk for Alzheimer's are the elderly. With
advancing age, their risk of developing the disease increases
to an alarming 47% by the age of 85. Family history also
plays a role with 54% of those at the age of 80 and over
developing Alzheimer's if both parents had the disease.
Alzheimer's Disease has increased 10-fold in this century
and is sometimes referred to as "the disease of the
20th century," and it is projected to reach epidemic
proportions.
Alzheimer's Diseases
What
causes Alzheimer's? Why has it increased 10-fold in this
century? Like many degenerative diseases, the cause has
not been and maybe never will be isolated to just one or
two factors. However, scientific research indicates that
Alzheimer's occurs when nerve cells in several key areas
of the brain are damaged or destroyed. These changes disrupt
the normal flow of information between the body and the
brain resulting in a steady decline in mental function.
This mental destruction is most likely caused by the formation
of the neurofibrillary tangles (knots) and senile plaques
(clumps) that are commonly found in the diseased brain during
an after-death biopsy. It is interesting to note that these
plaques and knots only form in the areas of the brain that
control memory and the retention of learned information.
What causes
this damage? Current research can be summarized into the following
areas:
Genetic
Factors
Several genetic factors have been identified that play a
role with genes that are associated with Alzheimer's disease
(AD).
Amyloid precursor protein on chromosome 21. This is a genetic
factor also associated with Down's syndrome; and explains
the association between Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's
disease.
Presenilin genes on chromosomes 14 and 1. Although rare,
these are associated with AD symptoms occurring before the
age of 50.
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene on chromosome 19. This is most
interesting because it is both negative and positive. The
e4-type is linked to significantly higher risk for AD; the
e2-type is linked to significant protection from AD symptoms.
Although it is evident that genetics does play a role in
susceptibility, someone with questionable genetics should
not consider AD an inevitable event. Powerful environmental
factors (which are obviously more controllable) can play
a great role to protect against genetic weakness. By minimizing
exposure to toxins like aluminum, silicon, neurotoxins (drugs
that affect the brain and nervous system), and by maintaining
high levels of antioxidants, genetic weakness could be nullified.
Toxic Exposure
One of the main toxic elements associated with Alzheimer's
disease is aluminum. Brain cells get tangled and die off;
a study has shown that aluminum is a cofactor in the formation
of these neurofibrillary tangles. As people get older, their
body's ability to detoxify harmful toxins like aluminum
decreases, and so concentrations of toxins remain and build
up to unhealthy levels. This logically explains why Alzheimer's
disease usually occurs in relation to age increases. Also
explained is the fact that those with Alzheimer's disease
show higher levels of aluminum.
In a study of dialysis patients, they took 13 patients with
a positive level of aluminum in their body and compared
them to 13 patients with low amounts of aluminum. The whole
group was subjected to two memory tests and the results
were conclusive. Those with higher levels of aluminum had
a moderate to considerable disturbance of mental function.
[Frolich L, Reiderer, P. Free radical mechanisms in dementia
for the Alzheimer's type and the potential for antioxidative
treatment. Drug Research 1995; 45. Pgs. 443-446.]
With the association of aluminum to Alzheimer's disease,
the main concern is where this toxic aluminum is coming
from. Many of the elderly have digestive difficulties and
use antacids. While antacids may seem to help with their
digestive condition, antacids are loaded with unhealthy
"aluminum." A much better digestive aid would
be to take a digestive enzyme supplement like Enzyme
Plus.
Aluminum exposure also comes from deodorants; pots, pans,
and silverware; food wrapped with aluminum foil; and non-dairy
creamer, baking powder, and many brands of table salt. Minimal
exposure to these items is crucial in keeping aluminum levels
low.
The most alarming aluminum-containing substance is drinking
water! Yes, horrifying but true. It is well documented that
aluminum is added in the treatment process of over 50 percent
of the water supplies in the United States.
Daniel Perl, M.D., director of the neuropathology division
at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City says
that if the water is purified properly no problems should
occur. "But the question is, how much of it is done
properly? I'm reluctant to guess," he says. Obviously,
those who want to control their health process should not
leave water purification a matter of "guesswork."
Nutritional
Disorders
Vitamin E | Vitamin
B12 | Thiamin | Zinc
| Acetyl L-carnitine
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is believed to be a vitamin breakthrough in the
treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Although the actual research
we present here was done regarding the effect Vitamin E
has on Stroke Victims (where a stroke has caused damage
to brain cells); this stroke research crosses over and has
application in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
During a stroke, damaged brain cells release a neurotransmitter
called glutamic acid. This glutamic acid causes a chain
reaction that destroys more brain cells, releasing even
more dangerous glutamic acid. David Schubert, Ph.D., professor
of neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
in San Diego indicates that in their studies exposing brain
cells to vitamin E in a laboratory seems to shield the cells
from the effects of a stroke. He states "Vitamin E
actually has a protective effect on brain cells, limiting
the number killed by glutamic acid."
In another study, Dr. Schubert's laboratory showed that
bathing brain cells in vitamin E protects them from a toxic
protein found in amyloid plaques. Just as soaking a peeled
apple in lemon juice prevents oxidation from turning it
brown, antioxidants such as vitamin E protect brain cells
by neutralizing free radicals.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is also a key link to Alzheimer's disease. Impaired
mental function, which sometimes mimics Alzheimer's Disease
in elderly people, is caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency exists in up to 42% of persons aged
65 and over. In fact, as people age, levels of vitamin B12
decrease. It is important to detect B12 deficiency early
because it is easy to resolve; but if left untreated it
can lead to impaired neurological and cognitive function
that may not ever be reversed. [Y. Yao, G Lu-Yao, D. N.
Mesches et al. "Decline of serum cobalamin levels with
increasing age among geriatric outpatients." Archives
of Family Medicine 1994; 3: pgs. 918-922.]
Vitamin B12 supplementation was shown to reverse impaired
mental function in a study where 61% of cases with low levels
of vitamin B12 had a complete recovery. It was thought that
the 39% that did not respond had probably had long-term
low levels of vitamin B12. [E. B. Healton et al. "Neurologic
Aspects of Cobalamin Deficiency." Medicine 70
(1991): pgs. 229-245.]
This correlation is also true of people with Alzheimer's
disease. If Alzheimer's disease patients supplement with
vitamin B12 there could be a complete reversal, but people
who have had this disease for longer than 6 months will
probably only have minimal improvement.
Thiamin
Thiamin takes on a different role in the treatment of Alzheimer's
disease. While Vitamin E helps protect the brain from various
acids and plaques, thiamin concentrates on improving the
memory. Thiamin has a RDA of 1.5 mg and most people fail
to consume this daily allowance, especially the elderly
who need it the most. Thiamin is by no means a miracle pill,
but it is a step in the right direction, and in research
has been shown to slow or even stop the memory decline process.
The following will tell you how!
Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter that helps
the nerve impulses that carry thoughts to leap across the
gaps between brain nerve cells. This acetylcholine is made
more available with thiamin supplementation.
Numerous studies have shown the positive effects of Thiamin
in Alzheimer's patients. In one study, 18 Alzheimer's patients
were treated for five months with mega doses of thiamin
ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 mgs a day. The results were
not overwhelmingly impressive, but a little improvement
in an Alzheimer's patient means a lot. Most of the patients
just maintained the same level of memory, but this is incredible
considering the disease gets worse every six months. According
to Dr. Meador, head of the Section of Behavioral Neurology
at the Medical College of Georgia, "In particular,
on the bedside exam you can expect a three-point drop almost
every four to six months. We didn't see that in these people."
[K. J. Meador, M. E. Nichols, P. Franke et al. Evidence
for a central cholinergic effect of high dose Thiamin. Annals
of Neurology 1993; 34: pgs. 724-726.]
Zinc
Zinc is important for maintaining high mental capacity and
a key factor in the enzymes used for DNA replication, repair,
and transcription. It is believed that dementia could be
the result of long-term effects of malfunctioning DNA-handling
enzymes. This makes zinc deficiency a serious problem, and
since zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutrient
deficiencies in the elderly the problem is even more serious.
To test the benefits of zinc supplementation in Alzheimer's
patients, 10 patients were given 27 mg of zinc per day.
An amazing 80% showed improvement and one patient was labeled
"unbelievable" by both medical staff and family.
[J. Constantinidis. "Treatment of Alzheimer's disease
by zinc compounds." Drug Development Research 1992;
27: pgs. 1-14.]
Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) has been shown to benefit Alzheimer's
disease patients by acting similar to acetylcholine and
as a powerful antioxidant within the brain cells to stabilize
cell membranes and improve energy production. The results
of studies using ALC are outstanding, and the studies have
been well controlled and extremely thorough, which gives
a high level of confidence for across-the-board successful
results using ALC.[J.W. Pettegrew et al. Clinical and neurochemical
effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiological
Aging 1995; 16: pgs. 1-4.]
One study with 130 patients measured fourteen different
areas (assessment scales, cognitive function tests, memory
tests, physician evaluations) over a 12-month period. The
group taking ALC ranked better in all fourteen areas in
comparison to the placebo group. [A. Spagnoli et al. "Long-term
aectyl-L-carnitine Treatment in Alzheimer's Disease."
Neurology, 41-1991. pgs. 1726-1732.]
In another group study, 1,500 mg of ALC daily resulted in
significant improvement in mental function, particularly
in memory and in constructional thinking. [C. Cipolli and
G. Chiari. "Effects of L-acetylcarnitine on Mental
Deterioration in the Aged: Initial Results." Clinical
Ter. 132. 1990. pgs 479-510.]
The only drawback to ALC supplementation is the cost. Out
of all the potential nutrient options for Alzheimer's alternative
nutrition therapy; ALC is the most expensive item that can
be incorporated.
Free
Radical Damage
Chemically unstable molecules known as free radicals are
produced simultaneously when the body burns oxygen to produce
energy. Free radicals cause damage to brain cells by taking
electrons from the body's healthy molecules to balance themselves.
The body can usually handle a small amount of free radicals,
but when the number of free radicals becomes excessive,
then the danger sets in. A large amount of free radicals
leads to even more free radicals, and this excessive free
radical formation damages cells and tissues. When this oxidative
damage affects your brain the effect sneaks up slowly, and
ever so quietly steals away a person's memory and personality,
eventually eroding his ability to even take care of himself.
Numerous studies have been conducted to test the role antioxidants
have in the development of heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's
disease, and other diseases linked to excessive oxidation.
In one study, Parkinson's disease patients were given doses
of vitamin A and C for seven years. Eventually all the patients
needed some drug treatment, but the antioxidant nutrients
slowed the progression of the disease considerably. [Fahn
S. A pilot trial of high-dose alpha-tocopherol and ascorbate
in early Parkinson's disease. Annals of Neurology 1992;
32: S128-132.]
Because of these results, scientists decided to try antioxidant
nutrients on Alzheimer's disease patients, but there has
been only one trial study published so far. In this study,
patients with moderately severe Alzheimer's disease were
given the monoamine oxidase inhibitor selegiline, vitamin
E, a combination of selegiline and vitamin E, or a placebo.
Of the four groups, those who were given vitamin E clearly
showed the most positive results. Compared to the 39 percent
placebo patients who had to be institutionalized, the vitamin
E group only had 26 percent.
Related Links
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center - http://www.alzheimers.org/
This site is a service of the National Institute on Aging
(NIA).
Just because you're getting older doesn't mean that you
have to accept memory loss as inevitable. Multiple scientific
research studies report that proper nutrition and active
stimulation are keys to maintaining a sharp and active memory
over your entire lifespan. The brain needs nutrient rich
blood to function properly and to create the neurotransmitters
that are essential in making sure that your body and mind
function and communicate well with each other. Besides nutrition,
it is important to combat free radical damage in the body,
as free radicals can cause enormous damage to the memory
cells.
