Argh! Where are my glasses? I put them down. . . what to do? And when?

As the daughter of an Alzheimer’s patient, this inability to take everyday objects, like my glasses and car keys, drives me absolutely crazy! Absent-mindedness has always plagued me.Now, it keeps me anxious and guessing. Is this an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease? I could end up like my father, crippled by this disease? I decided to worry about and act to stop it!

I searched the latest literature to see what techniques (no prescriptions, thank you!) Can prevent or the onset of Alzheimer’s disease to slow down. Here are some of the things I found.

Nutrition Counts!

Vitamin E

Diets rich in vitamin E and essential oils may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. A study recently published in the Archives of Neurology (2002) found that participants aged 65-102, who ate fish at least once a week showed 36% less decline in cognitive functioning than three years of study +. Similar results were found in the Rotterdam Study, a study followed more than 9000 participants. These researchers found that participants who ate fish usually only one third as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as those who ate fish least often. These studies provide compelling reasons to at least one meal of fish to add to your diet each week.

What other foods should you take? Olive oil is a particularly valuable source of vitamin E and other antioxidants. I prefer the extra virgin variety of olive oil for the milder taste. With a dash of fresh lime juice, olive oil makes a pleasant dressing. And I have found that the more I use it, the more I like it.

B vitamins

B vitamins, particularly folic acid and vitamin B-12, help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and a host of other diseases such as heart disease and stroke. A study by the National Institute on Aging found that mice fed a diet rich in folic acid were able to damage the DNA of nerve cells in the hippocampus (an area needed for memory and learning) to repair. Foods rich in B vitamins whole grains, yeast, meat, skim milk, lentils and leafy vegetables.

Can not I just take a pill?

B vitamins may not be readily absorbable from pills. Certainly, the pills are better than nothing, but for good absorption by the body, vitamin B shots may be preferable. Vitamin E and fish oil capsules are readily absorbed, so they should help. Contact your doctor or a nutritionist for correct dosages.

Soy milk replaced

Soy may have protective properties and is a good source of B vitamins. I’ve known for years that ice cream gives me a stomachache. The problem is that I have an ice cream junkie, a dairy products junkie, for that matter am. I’ve never met one I did not like old cheddar cheese. So I was very surprised that I actually based on soy milk and ice rather their dairy counterparts. I have not tried soy-based cheese yet. If you have, or if you’ve tried other soy substitutes, let me know what you think.

A caution: genetically-modified soya beans are often used in soy-based products. Without labeling, such as that Western European countries require all genetically modified food, it is difficult to ensure that genetically modified beans are excluded from the products you eat. I get mine at the health food store for a little extra protection. Although I can not say whether the product contains some genetically-altered soy, the fact that it is organic assures me that it is free of pesticide residues.

What about NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)?

One of the prevailing theories is that inflammation causes or encourages Alzheimer’s disease. This theory has led to the suggestion that a daily dose of NSAIDs (Ibuprofen and similar products) can prevent the disease. However, researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center (8th International Conference on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, July 25, 2002) found no significant benefits from NSAIDS compared to a placebo.

What to avoid

Smoking

A brand new study, also reported in Stockholm (July 23, 2002) during the 8th International Conference on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, showed that people who lack the gene that predisposes people to Alzheimer’s disease, smoking is significantly related the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease.Another reason to quit smoking now!

Mercury

Even small amounts of mercury can make the neurofibrillary tangles (abnormal tau proteins) occur in Alzheimer’s and related diseases according to research conducted at the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine. So I’ll avoid silver / mercury fillings.My mercury-filled thermometer now resides in the bin. The newer digital thermometers are easier, faster and safer to use.

Other benefits of a nutritious diet

A nutritious diet, combined with a healthy lifestyle can prevent or alleviate many diseases associated with aging. With a growing U.S. population now over 65 + (17 million + according to the latest U.S. Census), seniors with serious medical problems may soon require more care than we as a nation has to offer. We must do all we can to the problems associated with aging to eliminate. Then the golden years can truly gold.