Alzheimer’s Risk Factors and Prevention

Article By: Dr. Howard Peiper

Many people born between 1942 and 1964 or “baby boomers” are beginning to worry about Alzheimer’s disease. Millions are already caring for their parents and watching them fade away, and they realize they may be next in line. Although there is currently no cure, scientists believe there are ways to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by continually “exercising” and feeding the right nutrients to our brains. Some research suggests that shoring up mental reserves as we age may protect against the onslaught of Alzheimer’s. This approach may also delay onset of the disease or possibly help retain cognitive function if it does strike.

Risk Factors:

*Cardiovascular Disease: Risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, may increase one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. High blood pressure may damage blood vessels in the brain, disrupting regions that are important in decision-making, memory and verbal skills. High cholesterol may inhibit the ability of the blood to clear protein from the brain.

* Type 2 Diabetes: In Type 2 diabetes insulin does not work effectively to convert blood sugar into energy. This inefficiency results in production of higher levels of insulin and blood sugar which may harm the brain and contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s.

* Oxidative Damage: Free radicals are unstable molecules that sometimes result from chemical reactions within cells. These molecules seek stability by attacking other molecules, which can harm cells and tissue and may contribute to the neuronal brain cell damage caused by Alzheimer’s.

* Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural, but sometimes harmful, healing bodily function in which immune cells rid themselves of dead cell and otter waste products. As protein plaques develop, inflammation results, this process can be damaging and be part of the cause of Alzheimer’s.

Exercise:

Exercise is an important activity to add to a healthy lifestyle. Some studies conducted on those with mild cognitive impairment indicated that aerobic exercise may improve cognitive agility. In one study, researchers looked at the relationship between physical activity and one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The results showed that the risk of Alzheimer’s disease was 36 to 42 percent lower in those who exercised for at least 15 minutes 3 or more times a week than those who exercised fewer than 3 times a week.

Diet:

A number of preliminary studies suggest that how we eat may raise or lower our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Eating a diet that is low in sugar (starchy foods convert to sugar) and trans fats can (switching from vegetable oils to extra virgin oil) reduce the incidence of many chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

Taking Cellular PSP, an all natural whole food product, daily, can actually reduce the amount of beta-amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In fact a study was conducted at Emory Univ. proving that taking Cellular PSP daily, actually regenerated and rejuvenated the nerve endings. Results of this study demonstrated the cellular mechanism of Cellular PSP on cognitive function and an intervention in Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Howard Peiper,N.D., nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, has written several best-selling books on nutrition and natural health, including “Polysaccharides and Polypeptides, Natural’s Healing Miracle”.