Why Alzheimer’s disease scares us? (Part 4)

This article is the last of the three previous articles on Alzheimer’s, a disease that is alarming many, lest they develop it, especially if a close relative is afflicted by it. I address the below few lines to my readers who are concerned.
Professor Etienne-Emile Baulieu of l’Institut Baulieu of Paris for research on Alzheimer’s disease recently asserted during a presentation of his latest research paper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia that family history of the disorder and the genetic factor account only for five percent of the risk of developing the condition. This is not an assumption; the recent findings are supported by scientific research.
According to University of California Los Angeles director of UCLA Center on Aging, Doctor Gary Small, “The idea that Alzheimer’s is entirely genetic and unpreventable is perhaps the greatest misconception about the disease.” Like other chronic disorders, heart disease, diabetes and cancer, Alzheimer’s takes years to develop “Influenced by lifestyle factors including cholesterol, blood pressure, obesity, depression, education, nutrition, sleep and mental, physical and social activity.”
Health imbalances and unhealthy lifestyles habits are major contributors to the disorder. Today, I am going to continue discussing some of the major factors that can prevent or trigger this disease or any other chronic disease. I am emphasizing this aspect, because lifestyles are determinants to good or bad health conditions.
The good news is Alzheimer’s disease is preventable like any other disorder: Obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even cancer. While some metabolic disorders can be reversible at their early stages, Alzheimer’s is not, because protein tau (or amyloid) releases a sticky substance in the brain that damages neurons. However with healthy lifestyles practices, it can be contained. Here is some advice from Jean Carper’s book: “100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer’s.”
• Healthy lifestyles, which encourage the development of new brain cells, include mental stimulation like learning languages, acquiring new skills, socializing, college education, playing cards and games on and regular physical activities, balanced nutrition (fruits, berries, grapes, vegetables, greens and their juices, fish, nuts and herbal drinks). Such habits should include a balance of omega fats and olive oil, stress control and good sleep. Apples due to their acetyl-choline content are important to brain cells according to Thomas Shea, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts.
• Caffeine or polyphenols in coffee and tea, in moderation, can increase mental acuity and reduce the action of protein amyloid in the brain according to researcher Gary Arendash of University of South Florida. Avoid too much caffeine when pregnant or with hypertension and acid reflux. Too much caffeine consumption is not good for the heart or vascular system. Herbal drinks are rich in antioxidants, too.
• Dental hygiene prevents gum disease, bacteria and inflammation, which can reach the brain through the blood circulation. Studies showed that dental flossing could reduce cognitive decline and heart problems. Proper oral hygiene is necessary to prevent disease.
• Surfing on the Internet activates the brain. According to UCLA researcher Gary Small, brain MRIs have demonstrated mental stimulation in older people who use the Internet frequently.
• Adequate vitamin D3 (800-2000 IU) intake decreases the risk of developing the disease according to a study done in the University of Exeter, England. It also reduces other health complications.
• Drinking sweetened sodas, unfiltered water and alcohol as well as smoking increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Avoid saturated and trans fats found in fatty fried foods and pre-prepared bakery goods, processed meat, chemicals, taste enhancers and additives. Prevent childhood head injuries by wearing helmets; head blows increase Alzheimer’s later in age according to Columbia University findings.
• Prayer, meditation and yoga control stress and improve blood flow and cognitive functioning and reduce brain shrinkage according to Andrew Newberg of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
• Repeated infections and antibiotic taking, obesity, inflammation, diabetes and low immunity (cold sores, shingles) increase the odds of triggering the sticky protein that spreads and destroys brain cells.
According to Dr. Daniel Amen’s book, Change Your Brain Change Your Body, “Turmeric … contains a chemical that has shown to decrease the plaques in the brain thought to be responsible for Alzheimer’s disease.” “Cinnamon has been shown to enhance memory and focus and may aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.” Herbs and spices like saffron and sage have good effect on depression and memory.
Dr. Amen’s personal experience, MRIs and other studies have been shown that diet colas, artificial sweeteners (aspartame and saccharine) and taste enhancers (monosodium glutamate, MSG) affect the brain negatively by fogging and dulling the brain and creating mental confusion. A friend of mine recently made a good comment: “MSG is the bad cook’s helper!” He hit the nail on the head! In China, MSG is not added to Chinese cuisine; it is only used in Western Chinese cooking. It is also found in Maggi and Knorr cubes of concentrated stock and in Indomie noodle sauce. So, please make sure you read labels for artificial sugars and additives and trans fats before you buy packaged foods and bakery. They are sometimes hidden under other names, acronyms and numbers (E with numbers). You will be surprised to also find them included in pharmaceutical drugs and vitamins.
According to Dr. Amen, “Exercise encourages the growth of new brain cells.” Along with mental and social interaction, neurons inter-wire and consolidate learning. Other studies point to the importance of mental, physical and social activities to delays the onset of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline.
Finally, this is an important piece of advice for the caregiver and family of Alzheimer’s patients. Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is a tough and challenging task especially when it involves a loved one. Here are some helpful guidelines. If you are dealing with aggressive behavior, physical violence, or changes in mood, you should try to find the reason that triggers the emotions or actions. Review the incidents that result in such violent reaction. Try to see the emotion behind the name-calling. Assume a pleasant demeanor and a gentle manner and find the attitude that calms and makes the patient respond. Speak softly and with patience and understanding. Try to soothe the anxiety and fears with reassurance. Gentle loving touch is very pacifying. Ways to distract and soothe the patient is through light touch and massage, soft music, a calming prayer, or gentle activity and exercise. Inability to remember and mental disorientation make the patient untrusting toward those around. Do not feel disheartened or discouraged; direct the patient to a different interest calmly and without arguments through distraction. The task at hand can be challenging, energy depleting, testing and depressing, but patience and good treatment are the only ways to deal with such sad and unfortunate situations. It is important to treat the Alzheimer’s patient with a lot of affection, gentleness, love, care, attention, persuasion and patience. I can still remember how a friend of mine used to fall on the floor, acting a comic piece that made her stricken mother laugh with running tears. It is a very demanding task, but mercy is a rewarding deed.
I have tried to include most of the information I have come across. The four articles contain compounded data collected from different sources. But before I end, I would like to emphasize the important role of healthy lifestyle practices on brain and body healthy. It is within your power to change the course of your health. Start today, you will benefit tomorrow!
N.B.: Individuals with medical conditions or on medication should consult their physicians when they decide to introduce anything new in their diet even if it is natural.
Previous Health Solutions articles are located at: www.arabnews.com