September 21 was "World Alzheimer''s Day." I didn''t hear anything
about it in the press, but it''s just as well. What
would celebration
accomplish? Awareness? Walk-athons, and more money pumped into the same
type of research that''s been done for years that hasn''t produced
anything?
In honor of the day, a press release, "Neutraceuticals offer hope on
World Alzheimer''s Day" suggested it''s worth reflecting on the potential
of research into food and dietary ingredients to stave off the disease.
Could this be good news?
Research into dietary
supplements to prevent Alzheimer ''s disease has
been going on for a long time with some very
promising results. But
that''s where it ends: "Promising results." Research that produces truly
promising results usually dies for lack of funding and lack of support
by advocacy organizations.
It is of interest that the supplements and food mentioned in the press
release as of possible benefit - vitamin E and the Mediterranean Diet
are nothing new. What is also of interest in the release is there is no
mention of the most promising of all supplements - the anti-oxidants
alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, acetyl-l-carnitine, and others.
There is very encouraging research that indicates these anti-oxidants,
taken well before cognitive decline begins can be brain savers.
Dr. Julian Whitaker discusses the Alzheimer''s situation in his
September 2007 "Health and Healing" newsletter and he doesn''t paint a
pretty picture. According to Whitaker, nearly 1 in 8 of those over 65
and nearly half of those over 85 already have Alzheimer''s. By mid
century, up to 16 million people will be afflicted. That''s more than
the total population of New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago combined.
Now while you still have your cognitive health is the time to take
steps to save your brain. There are supplements you can take, if taken
in adequate amounts that may save you and your family a lot of grief
down the road. Dr. Whitaker suggests a daily supplement regimen:
DHA, 50 mg (3-4 fish oil capsules); Curcumin, 900-1,800 mg; Natural
vitamin E,800-1,600 IU; Vitamin C,3,000 mg; Natural beta-carotene,
15,000-20,000 IU; N-acetyl cysteine NAC), 500-1,500 mg; Alpha lipoic
acid (ALA), 200-400 mg; CoQ10, 200-400 mg; Acetyl l carnitine (ALC),
1,000-2,000 mg; Phosphatidylcholine, 250 mg; Phosphatidylserine, 100
mg; and a good multivitamin and mineral supplement.
For many, if not most people, the above list of anti-oxidants is
forbidding. "I can''t swallow that much" and "I can''t afford it" are
common objections. If we can eat a mouthful of food, we can swallow a
handful of supplements a couple at a time. If we have enough money to
spend on trinkets and entertainment, perhaps reorganization of spending
priorities is in order.
You can fall prey to conflicting reports about the safety and
usefulness of supplements or you can educate yourself and do what you
have to do to maintain your cognitive ability. If you don''t take care
of yourself, who will?