Resveratrol May Help to Prevent and Even Treat Alzheimer’s Disease

Incidence of Alzheimer’s disease cases continue to explode at an unprecedented rate as processed food diets, overweight and obesity become the norm for middle and senior aged adults in the US and most western societies. By the year 2050, it’s projected that 13.2 million adults will suffer from this degenerative disease that ranks as the sixth leading cause of death, with many suffering early signs of the condition at earlier ages. Any natural compound that can be shown to prevent or even treat Alzheimer’s disease would be a potent therapeutic tool.

Resveratrol Confirm the Benefits of Resveratrol to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center's Memory Disorders Program have embarked on a mission to demonstrate that resveratrol can affect memory deterioration and daily functioning in people with mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Resveratrol is a natural compound found in red grapes, red grape juice, red wine, chocolate, tomatoes and peanuts. In prior studies, the polyphenol has been shown to help prevent diabetes, act as a natural cancer fighter, ward off cardiovascular disease, and prevent memory loss.

As the risk of many chronic conditions increase with aging, resveratrol exhibits unique characteristics as it has been shown to impede telomere shortening and extend natural cell life and activity. Resveratrol has also been shown to improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, two mechanisms known to speed the aging process.

Supplement with Resveratrol Daily to Lower the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Dementia

Researchers will examine the direct impact of pure resveratrol supplementation on neural aging and amyloid protein clearance. Recent research has suggested that Alzheimer’s disease may result from insulin resistance specifically in the brain, and as resveratrol is known to cross the blood-brain barrier, the compound may prevent faulty insulin signaling that promotes the degenerative condition.

This is the largest and most extensive study of its kind developed to validate the brain health benefits of resveratrol. Researchers will recruit participants from 26 U.S. academic institutions that are affiliated with the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study around the country. This study is unique because it is designed to demonstrate the impact of a natural compound and not a patentable pharmaceutical drug.

Resveratrol is supplied in small amounts from dietary sources including red grapes, red wine, chocolate and tomatoes. Nutrition experts recommend supplementing with a pure extract (20 to 500 mg per day) for optimal protection against Alzheimer’s disease and a myriad of chronic conditions.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Dietary Sources Lower Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

Omega-3 fats from foods including fish, chicken, nuts and seeds are preferentially sequestered after consumption and used for critical functions to maintain optimal brain metabolism and function. These long-chain fats are used to form the highly permeable cell wall membrane of nerve cells, as electrical and chemical transmissions through this barrier are limited when sufficient omega-3 fats are unavailable from blood circulation.

Researchers from the Columbia University Medical Center in New York have published the result of their work demonstrating the close relationship between Omega-3 fats, blood saturation levels of amyloid proteins and risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in the prestigious journal, Neurology. The study confirms that lower blood levels of a protein related to Alzheimer's disease (amyloid-beta plaque) can protect against memory problems, mild cognitive decline and progression to Alzheimer’s disease in many cases.

Increased Omega-3 Fats from Diet Reduces Beta-Amyloid Levels in the Blood up to Thirty Percent

The lead study author, Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas noted “While it's not easy to measure the level of beta-amyloid deposits in the brain in this type of study, it is relatively easy to measure the levels of beta-amyloid in the blood, which to a certain degree, relates to the level in the brain.” The brain normally generates amyloid proteins as a metabolic byproduct that are broken down and cleared in the youthful, healthy brain. The study suggests that Omega-3 fats from dietary sources can aid this process, though the scientists did not specifically note this conclusion.

Researchers looked at 1,219 people that were over the age of 65 and free of dementia. The participants provided information regarding their diet for an average of 1.2 years before their blood was tested for beta-amyloid. The scientists specifically monitored ten nutrients including saturated fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mono-unsaturated fatty acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D.

Consume Several Servings of Walnuts, Fish and Seeds Daily to Lowers Dementia Risk

The study determined that higher levels of omega-3 fats consumed by eating fish, chicken, nuts and seeds directly correlated to lower blood beta-amyloid levels. Researchers found that consuming one gram of omega-3 per day (equal to approximately half a fillet of salmon per week) was associated with 20 to 30 percent lower blood beta-amyloid levels. Researchers found that most people do not eat enough omega-3 enriched foods to adequately raise blood levels of the essential fat.

Dr. Scarmeas concluded “The more omega-3s one eats, the less the beta amyloid levels are… we were able to relate something that we eat with a very specific mechanism in the body that is very strongly related to Alzheimer’s.” This study did not account for intake of the pre-formed omega-3 fats supplied through fish oil supplements, known to dramatically boost blood saturation of the long-chain fats. Nutrition experts suggest several servings of fish, chicken, nuts and seeds each week (or supplementing with 1,200 to 2,400 mg EPA/DHA daily) to significantly lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Regular Exercise and Active Lifestyle Lower Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

Scientific studies have previously demonstrated that many lifestyle factors as well as diet can have a major impact on genetic expression that either promotes of inhibits the development of Alzheimer’s dementia. Recent studies have demonstrated that insulin signaling and resistance in the brain result in the formation of amyloid protein tangles that are a hallmark of disease progression.

A new study by neurological researchers from Rush University Medical Center that will be published in the online journal of Neurology demonstrates that daily physical activity may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, even in people over the age of 80. Integrating a healthy diet including foods known to suppress sharp insulin and glucose spikes along with sensible supplementation (curcumin, resveratrol, grape seed extract and omega-3 fatty acids) and regular physical activity may be sufficient to halt Alzheimer’s progression as we age.

All Types of Physical Activity Found to Dramatically Lower Alzheimer’s Disease Risk

Lead author of the study, Dr. Aron S. Buchman noted “The results of our study indicate that all physical activities including exercise as well as other activities such as cooking, washing the dishes, and cleaning are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.” The study reinforced the concept of remaining physically active each day to ward off this devastating form of dementia.

Strenuous exercise is not essential and may hold potential health risks for the aging population. The key is to avoid becoming confined to a chair: keeping the muscles and brain active can dramatically alter brain chemistry and metabolism to prevent Alzheimer’s.

Lack of Physical Activity Nearly Triples the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

To determine daily physical activity levels, researchers asked 716 older individuals without dementia and an average age of 82 to wear a device called an actigraph, a device attached to the wrist that monitors activity levels, for a period of ten days. Additionally, participants were given annual cognitive tests during this ongoing study to measure memory and thinking abilities. All types of physical activity from structured exercise sessions to common everyday tasks were recorded for analysis.

Over a three and a half year follow up period, 71 participants developed Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers determined that those individuals in the bottom ten percent of daily physical activity were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease compared to those in the top ten percent. Further, the scientists found that those in the top ten percent as rated by physical intensity were nearly three times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s dementia, as compared to the lowest intensity group.

Dr. Buchman concluded “Our study shows that physical activity, which is an easily modifiable risk factor, is associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.” This study adds to the mounting evidence that Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented by adopting a lifestyle of healthy eating, stress-reduction, minimized exposure to pesticides and toxins and engaging in daily physical activity.

Vitamin D and Curcumin Synergistically Clear Brain Tangles to Prevent Alzheimer’s Dementia

New diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease cases continue to mount at an unprecedented rate, threatening both the lives of those suffering from this dreaded illness and the health care system itself, as billions are spent to care for the millions suffering from this lifestyle-mediated disease. New hope is now offered by scientists from the University of California publishing in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, as they have identified the specific intracellular mechanism regulated by vitamin D3 that may help the body clear the brain of amyloid beta.

There has been scant evidence in the past to show that vitamin D and the curry-derived compound, curcumin help to prevent Alzheimer’s dementia. Researchers now provide solid research-based science to explain the precise pathway used by these two natural substances to help stimulate the immune system to activate key genes involved in clearing the amyloid-beta protein.

Vitamin D3 and Curcumin Works Together to Clear Deadly Brain Plaques

Chief study author, Dr. Milan Fiala noted “This new study helped clarify the key mechanisms involved, which will help us better understand the usefulness of vitamin D3 and curcumin as possible therapies for Alzheimer's disease.” Prior research has suggested a synergistic effect between the two compounds and clearance of deadly protein tangles, but no action pathway has ever been postulated until now.

To test their hypothesis, scientists took blood samples from a group of currently diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease patients and a control group of healthy volunteers. They then isolated the immune-stimulating component of the white blood cells called macrophages. These special cells are known to target and eliminate amyloid fibrils and other waste products that accumulate in the brain before they manifest into detectable disease conditions.

Researchers then incubated some of the extracted immune cells for a 24 hour period in a solution containing the active form of vitamin D3 (1a, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3). Other cells were exposed to a standardized curcumin extract. Past studies have shown that there are two types of macrophages, Type I and Type II that independently perform different functions, yet must work together to effectively remove amyloid protein in the brain.

Supplement with Vitamin D Daily to Attain Optimal Blood Saturation Levels

The scientists found that Type I macrophage activity is greatly enhanced with optimal saturation of vitamin D3, and Type II immune cells are supported by the presence of curcumin. Researchers found that the action of both Type I and II macrophages are greatly enhanced by the synergistic application of vitamin D3 and curcumin together. Dr. Fiala concluded “Our findings demonstrate that active forms of vitamin D3 (and curcumin) may be an important regulator of immune activities of macrophages in helping to clear amyloid plaques.”

Proof positive now exists to support maintaining optimal blood saturation levels (50 to 70 ng/mL) of vitamin D as measured using the simple and inexpensive 25(OH)D test. Most people will need to supplement with 5,000 to 7,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day or rely on sun exposure to obtain ideal levels. Adding curcumin to your regular diet using natural curry-enriched foods or supplementing (300 to 500 mg per day standardized to 95% total curcuminoids) will provide a synergistic effect shown to help clear brain tangles and prevent Alzheimer’s dementia.

Study Explains How Lifestyle Factors and Mindset Increase Dementia Risk

Loss of cognitive function, most commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease instills feelings of fear and insecurity more than any other chronic condition, including a cancer diagnosis. Researchers publishing in the journal Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that people who rate their health as poor or fair appear to be significantly more likely to develop dementia later in life. Is there really a mind-link association between how we feel about our overall health and initiation of this dreaded disease?

Researchers point to the fact that many chronic illnesses such as heart disease and dementia develop over the course of 20 or 30 years and our perceptions may actually influence how these conditions progress. A positive spirit and happy outlook on life may just help you avoid a host of deadly diseases, including dementia.

Seniors Effectively Able to Predict Risk of Dementia Later in Life

People may possess a much more powerful diagnostic tool than the plethora of diagnostic tests, dyes and pharmaceuticals used by most allopathic physicians and diagnosticians. Dr. Christophe Tzourio, director of Neuroepidemiology at the University of Bordeaux in France explained “Having people rate their own health may be a simple tool for doctors to determine a person's risk of dementia, especially for people with no symptoms or memory problems”. His research results show that health and disease can be assessed more effectively by an individual from within, as opposed to managing a set of medical results and tests.

A research study was designed with 8,169 people, aged 65 years or older who were followed for a period of seven years. During the study each participant was asked to rate their own health, and 618 people developed dementia. The risk of dementia was 70 percent higher in people who rated their health as poor and 34 percent higher in people who rated their health as fair compared to those who rated their health as good.

Leading an Active Life with Many Friends and Family Members Lowers Dementia Risk

The study also found a higher correlation between ones health assessment and developing dementia for those individuals who did not have any memory problems or other issues with thinking skills. Those with no visible signs of cognitive decline were nearly twice as likely to develop dementia as those who rated their health as good. Researchers found that having a large social network along with plenty of social activities are associated with a decreased risk of dementia.

Dr. Tzourio concluded "… it's possible that rating one's health as poor might be associated with behaviors that limit social interaction and in turn accelerate the dementia process." A wealth of scientific research studies have found that lifestyle factors including close bonds with family, friends and social groups are important to lowering dementia risk in the elderly population.