JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2001

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE DESCRIPTION Inescapable nervous degeneration characterised by a reduction in the number of nerve cells and by cerebral atrophy. It is the most frequent type of dementia and is responsible for 75% of all dementia cases in persons over 65 years of age. Alzheimer’s disease strictly affects the brain. This neuro-degenerative disease progressively and irreversibly leads to memory loss (amnesia) and to cognitive function loss (aphasia: speech difficulties, apraxia: incapability to make appropriate movements, agnosia: incapability to recognise objects or their use). Causes: The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are still unknown even though numerous theories have been made, ranging from a chronic infection to the toxic effect of aluminium (a metal). This metal has been found in large quantities in the brains of subjects suffering from the disease, and it acts like a poison. Either the disease causes its build-up or the build-up cause the disease. There is however, a marked reduction in acetylcholine and other brain chemical substances in the subjects. As well, heredity would apparently account for 15% of all cases. A dominant transmission from an affected parent to its children seems to be the hereditary model applying here. Children with one affected parent have 50% higher risks of developing the disease than no affected parent. And it is the apolipoprotein E gene which is implied. This gene affects a protein linked to the transport of cholesterol and to neural repair. Signs and symptoms: Characteristics vary with each patient but there are three main phases. First, patients notice an increasing loss of memory. They may start to write reminder notes to help themselves remember or may ask the help of their family circle. This memory problem makes them anxious and depressed, but often, the symptoms are unnoticed. This memory loss leads to a more severe memory loss, particularly related to recent events. It is identified as the second phase of the disease. Patients are able to remember old events such as their youth or adolescence, but are unable to remember yesterday’s visitors or what was on the television. They start to lose the sense of time and orientation, unable to find their way in familiar spaces. They have more difficulty concentrating and counting. Dysphasia then appears, an incapacity to find the right word. Anxiety increases, mood swings are unpredictable and personality changes may appear. Finally, patients become severely disoriented and confused. It is the third stage of the disease. Sometimes, they present psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoid deliriums. These symptoms worsened by disorientation and memory loss, are often more prevalent at night. Signs of nervous degeneration such as the reappearance of archaic reflexes (new-born involuntary reflexes) and urinary and faecal incontinence begin to appear. These patients become increasingly demanding and unpleasant, becoming occasionally violent and antisocial. On the other hand, others may become docile and dependant. They neglect their personal hygiene and may roam for hours with no precise goal in mind. Treatment: Tranquillisers often help their behaviour and favour sleep. Avoid the following since they contain aluminium: Medication: most antacids, antidiarhea medication, douches and haemorrhoid preparations. Deodorants and make-up: aluminium is the active ingredient. Aluminium cookware: acid foods such as tomatoes absorb the aluminium in the pot. Recommended herbs: Ginkgo Biloba # 196 B. & N.C.-W #725 M.L.-W. #832 (cell regeneration) O.C.M. #837 B.-W #716 Nutrition: Foods recommended: foods rich in vitamin B complex, particularly vitamin B12 which maintains the protective shield around the nerves and which produces the chemicals needed by the nerves for communication (found in dry yeast, liver, oysters, herring, fish, eggs). Zinc is very important for brain and nerve cells repair (fruits, vegetables, legumes and oysters). Increase the phosphorus intake since a deficiency may cause nightmares and hallucinations (red meats, poultry, liver, yoghurt, fish and whole grain cereals). Foods to avoid: foods containing aluminium such as dry, grated parmesan in an aluminium can, baking soda, canned pop, cake mixes, frozen pie crusts, pancake mixes, marinated vegetables. Table salt may contain aluminium (for dryness in humidity). Tobacco: Research indicates that smokers have four times the risk of developing the disease than non-smokers. Prescribed medication: Tranquillisers: to reduce anxiety Benzodiazepines: Most often used for mental and physical relaxation (reduces brain activity). Others: Diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, triazolam. Side effects: Diurnal drowsiness, vertigo, memory loss. Benzodiazepines may also cause balance problems and slow reflexes. Bibliography: Encyclopédie médicale de la famille, Pure Herbs products guide, Les aliments remèdes des médecins, Compendium des produits et spécialités pharmaceutiques.