Alzheimer's Disease

This slowly progressive brain disorder - marked by increasing memory loss and disorientation - is a heart-wrenching experience for patents and caregivers. Early treatment may help to slow down or temporarily reverse the course of this devastating illness.

What it is  Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative brain disorder, impairs memory and mental functioning. The onset is typically very slow. Initially, Alzheimer's sufferers have short-term memory loss and difficulty in making decisions; they may forget how to perform simple tasks. Advanced stages bring loss of memory and speech, loss of bladder and bowel control, and changes in temperament, such as excessive hostility or withdrawal. Alzheimer's disease affects about 6% people over the age 65, and 20% of those over 85.

What causes it  Experts still aren't sure what causes Alzheimer's disease. They do know that it's marked by a major loss of nerve cell in the brain, particularly in areas controlling memory and thinking. The disease is also characterized by reducing levels of brain chemicals important memory. Decreased blood flow in the brain or  a series of small strokes may contribute to memory loss as well. A family history of the disease can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Other possible causes can include serious head injury, cardiovascular disease and slow-acting viruses. Recent studies indicate that aluminum (for example, from cookware) is unlikely to cause Alzheimer's, but it is still advisable to avoid aluminum where possible.

SYMPTOMS

• Memory loss, including inability to recall recent events and difficulty in finding appropriate words or solving basic problems.
• Disorientation, including getting lost in a familiar place - such as a home or neighborhood.
• Personality changes , marked by agitation, anxiety, combativeness, indifference to other, social withdrawal or poor judgment.
• Language impairment, such as rambling speech, long pauses and thought repetition.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

• If you or a loved one experiences serious disorientation or a change in behavior - get a full medical checkup, including an assessment or dementia.
• Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your  doctor before taking supplements.

Supplement recommendations
SUPPLEMENT	DOSAGE	COMMENTS
Ginko biloba	2000 mg twice a day (as dried leaf in capsule or tablet form).	Standardized to contain at least 24% flavone glycosides.
Antioxidants	2000 mg vitamin C, 500 IU vitamin E and mixed carotenoids providing 25,000 IU vitamin A activity a day.	These may be sold in a single supplement. Take with food.
Coenzyme Q10	20-30 mg 3 times a day with food.	Capsules may be more effective than tablets.
Vitamin B complex	1 pill, plus extra 50 mg vitamin B6, a day with food.	Choose a B-complex with 150 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid and 100 mg all other B vitamins.
Evening primrose oil	1000 mg 3 times a day with food.	Can substitute starflower oil.
Gotu kola	200 mg extract or 400-500 mg crude herb 3 times a day	Extract standardized to contain 10% asiaticosides. May reduce fatigue and depression and stimulate central nervous system.
Siberian ginseng	100-300 mg 3 times a day.	Standardized to contain at least 0.8% eleutherosides.

How supplements can help  Although there's no cure for Alzheimer's, scientists continue to make strides in treating the symptoms. Supplements may help to restore mental functioning during the earlier stages of the disease, and may even delay the onset of advanced symptoms. Begin taking supplements as soon as possible; take them individually or together. It may be at least eight weeks before you notice any results. The supplements can also be used with prescription drugs, such as tacrine or donepezil, but always check with your doctor first.

Controlled trials have demonstrated that the herb ginkgo biloba, which increases the brain's blood supply, may improve memory in some people. It may have antioxidant properties as well, playing a key role in maintaining healthy nerve cells. Other antioxidants that may be beneficial include vitamin C, vitamin E, mixed carotenoids and coenzyme Q12. These are often combined in convenient and economical commercial preparations.

In addition, be sure to get enough B vitamins - low levels have been associated with Alzheimer's. Include vitamin B complex, as well as extra vitamin B6. Also worth trying are evening primrose oil and the herbs gotu kola and Siberian ginseng; all may improve memory by improving the transmission of nerve impulses. Two other nutrients may help by boosting memory-enhancing brain chemicals: the amino-acid-like substances acetyl L-carnitine (500 mg three times a day) or phosphatidylserine (100 mg three times a day). See which one works best for you.


What else you can do

• Exercise. Even a short daily walk may improve mental abilities.
• Keep your mind active by reading or performing memory exercises.
• Stay relaxed to improve memory and concentration.

Source - The Healing Power of Vitamins Minerals and Herbs (Readers Digest)