Sussex Exclusive Magazine Issue 6 2023

HEALTH
HEALTH
• Heavy metal toxicity and other
environmental toxins
• Chronic stress
• Sleep issues
• Sedentary lifestyle
Sussex
Health:
What is
Alzheimer’s
Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease, the most
common form of dementia,
is a progressive disorder
characterized by:
• widespread loss of neurons (nerve cells)
• beta-amyloid deposits in the cerebral
blood vessels
• development of plaques and
• abnormal accumulations of a protein
called tau within the neuron, known as
neurofibrillary tangles
These changes occur in the association
area of the cerebral cortex, the middle
and temporal lobes and an area called
the hippocampus. They are accompanied
by decreased concentrations of the
chemical messenger (neurotransmitter)
acetylcholine. The build-up of plaque and
tau tangles might be the body’s protective
response to chronic inflammation,
although the research behind this idea is
still developing.
Signs & symptoms
• Trouble remembering things; at first,
only short-term memory may be
affected
• Eventually, long-term memory is also
impaired
• Mood or personality changes
• Trouble completing ordinary tasks
• Difficulty expressing thoughts and
disorientation
• Unusual behaviour
Risk factors include:
• Advanced age
• Genetic predisposition and family
member history
• Chronic diseases associated with
vascular injury
• Inflammatory-inducing diet
• Hormone imbalances
• Head injury
• Dysbiotic gut microbiome
• Gum disease
Dietary modification
It remains controversial as to whether
aluminium deposits in the brain can
cause Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminium has
been seen in amyloid plaques but there
remains no solid evidence of a causal link.
Nonetheless, it seems prudent for healthy
people to take steps to minimize exposure to
this unnecessary and potentially toxic metal.
It is unlikely, however, that avoidance of
aluminium exposure after the diagnosis of
Alzheimer’s disease could significantly affect
the course of the disease.
One of the greatest risk factors for
Alzheimer’s disease is obesity. People with
a high BMI and the tendency to store fat
around their waistline are 3.5 times more
likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
disease. One of the biggest culprits for
this link may be the consumption of sugar
which ultimately predisposes the body to
a state of chronic inflammation.
A diet high in healthy fats, whole grains,
fish, lean proteins, nuts, fruits and
vegetables has been shown to combat
obesity, diabetes, and improve cognitive
function. Berries, leafy greens like spinach
and kale, as well as cruciferous vegetables
like broccoli and brussels sprouts are an
excellent source of antioxidants.
Lifestyle modification
Keeping active outside of one’s work,
both physically and mentally, during
midlife may help prevent Alzheimer’s
disease. People with higher levels of nonoccupational
activities, such as playing a
musical instrument, gardening, physical
exercise, or even playing board games, are
less likely to develop Alzheimer’s later in
life, according to repeated studies.
Exposure to sunlight in the morning
and a healthy, regular sleep pattern
may protect against the development of
Alzheimer’s, and slow its progress once
established.
Nutritional supplement treatment
options
Acetyl-L-carnitine – clinical trials have
found that supplementing with acetyl-
L-carnitine delays the progression of
Alzheimer’s disease, improves memory,
and enhances overall performance in
some people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Antioxidants – antioxidant supplements
(vitamin C or vitamin E) have been
linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s.
Research also shows that higher blood
levels of vitamin E correlate with better
brain functioning in middle-aged and
older adults.
Vitamin B1 is involved in nerve
transmission in the parts of the brain
that deteriorate in Alzheimer’s disease.
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