Alzheimer's disease

Definition: a disease of progressive loss of memory and function with age

Cause: the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown. Certain brain chemicals may be involved, but the presence of amyloid plaques (clumps of protein outside of nerve cells) and tangles (twisted proteins inside of cells) is a hallmark of the disease. There is progressive death and malfunction of nerve cells. Research shows that a history of head trauma increases the risk of developing the disorder, as well as family history of the disease and heart disease. One model involves the role of the mitochondria, the part of the cells that create the energy of the cells, in the development of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions. As they start to die, depending on the area affected, different neurological disorders begin.

Signs and symptoms:

Signs include memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation, problems with mental tasks, misplacing objects, poor or decreased judgment, and mood and personality changes.

Treatment:

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, several drugs have been used to slow the progression of the disease, including Aricept. If there is an underlying disease process such as heart disease, that also needs to be addressed. Cognitive activities such as reading and brain-building activities seem to help protect the brain.

Alternative treatments include the use of N-acetyl-L-carnitine, fish oils, vitamins E and C, the B vitamins, and antioxidants. Some studies have tied the development of the plaques in the brain with problems of glucose regulation, so a low glycemic index diet may be very important. The herb gingko is also helpful.

Reference:

Nutr Rev 2003 Feb;61(2):69-73.