General advice on disease prevention and a healthy lifestyle can be found in the library article "General Advice - for healthy as well as for ill ones" in the VitaHealth section under Focus Articles. You can also test your health by taking our "Health Check".
Contrary to patients suffering from other types of dementia, the Alzheimer patient does not benefit from trips to the fun fair or ergotherapy. They need shielding, peace, and recognizable sorroundings for as long as possible, since they are easily overwhelmed and frightened by the impressions of daily life.
When dealing with severe degeneratory diseases like Alzheimer's the key-word is prevention, as the Alzheimer patient is very difficult to help therapeutically even from the early stages of the disease. Although still uncertain, it seems likely that disease progression can be delayed and pausated, if not fully avoided, in spite of a genetic disposition.
With regards to the prevention of Alzheimer's - as with most other diseases - the main focus should be on a healthy lifestyle and diet plus daily exercise. It is essential to follow a healthy diet and make sure to eat fresh fruit and lots of vegetables and a broad daily supplement of vitamins and minerals. Make sure not to be deficient in essential fatty acids. Broad beans are also recommended because of their high content of both lechitine and choline.
Drink tea instead of coffee as tea counteracts various enzymes breaking down important neurotransmitters in the brain. Green tea has a far better and longer effect than black tea.
Amalgam removal
Avoid exposure to heavy metals. It is always a good idea to get a check up on your amalgam fillings since they can leek mercury into the blood stream if they are not in good shape. This condition requires dental treatment and detoxification. If you have amalgam fillings in your teeth, you are recommended to have them replaced with fillings of plastic.
Earlier investigations have suggested that smoking could stimulate the brain cells in a manner that was prophylactic to Alzheimer's disease development. The current knowledge on the field actually suggests the opposite; that smokers have an increased susceptibility to Alzheimer development.
Optimum doses of vitamins and minerals are recommended for Alzheimer patients. This should be administered by professional therapists. Reflexology and acupuncture may have beneficial effects with regards to detoxification, brain function, thyroid function, and in the treatment of acute symptoms like panic attacks, insomnia, and a confused state of mind.
Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood is lowered by increasing the consumption of especially the vitamins B6, -B9, and -B12.
Recommended dietary supplements
- Phosphatidyl choline: Concentrated lecithine with a high content of phosphatidyl choline, or pure concentrated phosphatidyl choline.
- Lipoic acid: Binds toxic heavy metals and protects the brain from free radicals.
Beneficial herbs:
- Ginkgo biloba: To a certain degree, ginkgo biloba extract seems to be able to compensate for the brain of Alzheimer patients not being able to produce adequate amounts of the important enzyme acetylcholine esterase. This enzyme administers the phosphatidyl choline metabolism of the brain which, among other things, is important to the memory.
- Turmeric, Curcuma longa: Contains the substance curcumin; an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It is said to be able to prevent the cerebral amyloid formation of plaque in Alzheimer's patients.
- Green tea: Can also be taken in the form of capsules if you cannot manage to drink at least 5 cups a day.
Homeopathic remedies:
- Organic preparations for stimulation of the thyroid gland.
Recommended treatments
Acupuncture:
Stimulation of neural glands and the thyroid gland. Treatment of panic attacks, insomnia, and confusion.
Other types of reflexology, laser therapy etc:
The temporary relief is often substantial, but is only effective in combination with a diet and physical care (basic plan + extra nutrients).
