Hildreth: No magic pill to beat Alzheimer’s

Today, we are taking the big and concerning jump from a functional altered brain dysfunction to organic brain damage and the clinical changes between the two.

One simple and possibly concerning difference between the two is: In most cases the brain dysfunction that may be reversible and we call functional in cause is usually apparent to the patient. They may laugh about it, wonder what is happening to them. The patient with brain dysfunction from organic and possible permanent brain damages changes will not be aware of his dysfunctional actions and if brought to his attention will blame it onto others if possible.

In this case it can cause a disagreement and dissension between the patient and the loved one, resulting in agitation or apathy, depression, anxiety, and/or irritability on the part of the patient and a stressful situation on the part of the caregiver.

Alzheimer’s disease, of which we are referring to when we express the cause as organic, is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. This can be sad because pursuing some of the possible tissue stressors and deficiencies that cause the functional state prior to organic tissue destruction could reverse the clinical mental dysfunction or could at least slow the destructive progress down.

Alzheimer’s is the fourth leading cause of death in developing nations following heart disease, cancer and strokes. Sad, but true, making an effort to change the slow insidious destructive pattern falls into an area that conventional medical physicians are not used to treating.

There is no magic pill or injection that will correct the problem. Nutritional and lifestyle habits that may reflect back to 10-20 years prior play a role.

Change from possibly a controlling job situation to full retirement, a move from a setting that goes back to childhood to a foreign, warmer climate, loss of loved ones, particularly children that do not have any contact anymore, are all stressors that can set the stage for increasing oxidative damage to a fragile aging brain.

A loss or a perceived loss of close family ties that are not replaced by a new deep cherished love connection can play a huge role.

Many cases, particularly men, will not admit to this loss. Daily golf or card games with the boys (or the girls) will not make up for this loss.

To make up for these changes you must create a setting that requires your presence. You must give of yourself and establish a need that no else can fill but you.

It is the old story; if you don’t use it, you lose it. I am not sure that it makes a difference how you apply it as long as you apply it in a way that is meaningful for you and someone else.

Without getting into much depth, I cannot help but think of the difference in some of my family and their outcome. My father and his father were identical in appearance and personality. They both expressed a rigid old English slender build and personality to match. In both cases as they aged they became more rigid and set in their ways with no leeway.

My father did not know any of his kids the last 10 years of his life. My mother’s father and descendents were all happy-go-lucky, roly-poly Germans. They loved everybody and everybody loved them, but my father and grandfather who thought they were worthless. Most of them, including my mom, died with a smile on their face.

Diet should be as natural and varied as possible. Exercise must include movement of all body parts. I wrote an article on the pluses of a small rebounder or health bounce as I referred to it in the first part of December. It is simple, convenient, and not traumatic, and can be done while watching television or visiting. It may be worth pursuing.

The brain requires lots of oxygen and glucose along with direct balance of nutrients and supplements.

As I mentioned in my Feb. 4 column, the brain is made up of fatty acids that can oxidize readily. Free radical damage, particularly into fatty acids, is a significant cause of biological aging.

As the fat cells oxidize (or die of spoilage) beta-amyloid senile plaques form throughout the brain tissue causing more inflammation, further brain tissue damage and brain dysfunction. It appears that these senile plaques can be observed on an MRI of the brain tissue. Homocysteine and C-reactive protein blood studies display increasing free radical oxidative damage throughout the body including the brain.

It is common for all of us as we age to become deficient in B12 and folic acid which can play a big role in neurological changes throughout the body.

Life Extension expressed the fact that Alzheimer’s disease is increasing at an alarming rate along with the aging of our population.

There is much discussion about the cause of Alzheimer’s disease and many consider that it may not be caused by a single agent, which is no doubt true.

There are many diverse medical theories including biochemistry of acetylcholine and neurotransmitters, inflammation, oxidative stress and homocysteine buildup within the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Each patient must be evaluated on his or her own merits.

It appears obvious that regularly engaging in mental activity is necessary for preservation of brain function. That means not only in taking in by reading or watching television, but also giving out and sharing with others.

Keep the cerebral blood flowing and use the oxygen and nutrients that the blood is carrying. Stay mentally alive until we meet again. Take care and thank you.

Contact Dr. DeWall J. Hildreth at 625-1101 or cnhcgv@yahooo.com Dr. Hildreth specializes in hormone balancing and musculoskeletal degeneration. He practices with Continental Natural Health Clinic, 210 W. Continentall Road, Suite 130. His column appears biweekly.