Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that manifests as a progressive deterioration of memory and mental function, a state of mind commonly referred to as dementia.
In most people, 20% of brain cells die over a lifetime. By the age of 70 most peoples brain have shrunk by 10%.With this, often comes a gradual loss of memory. However , declining mental function is not inevitable. Though this may come as a surprise to many , you can build new brain cells at any age. Research clearly shows that healthy, well educated, elderly people can show no decline in mental functions right up to death.
Not everyone over fifty with memory problems has Alzheimer’s disease. Diagnosis is difficult because the evidence lies in the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. Genetic factors play a major role, with several genes being linked to AD. However, although genes probably play a significant role in determining who is going to develop AD, like most chronic degenerative diseases, environmental factors also play a significant role. Traumatic injury to the head, chronic exposure to Aluminium and/or silicon, exposure to toxins from environmental sources, and free – radical damage have all been implicated as causative factors.
Aluminium has been found in plaques in the brains of AD sufferers. While plenty of studies have shown this increased accumulation of Aluminium, what isn’t clear is whether this is a cause on consequence of the disease. Aluminium is known to accumulate with age and, in any event, it is the best to limit exposure. This means avoiding Aluminium fats and pans, not cooking foods on Aluminium foil, not using tooth past in Aluminium tubes or Antiacids with added Aluminium. To a certain extend zinc protects against Aluminium and other metal toxity so ensuring a good zinc intake is helpful.
Perhaps more important is the brain toxin homocysteine, produced within the body from protein – if you are deficient in vitamins B6, B12 or folic acid. For the point of view of prevention the simplest way to eradicate this risk is to supplement a high potency multivitaminhttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44460/Sona-MultiPlus-Complete-Multivitamin-%26-Minerals-30-Capsules/.
There is considerable evidence that oxidative damage from free – radicals, plays a major role in the development and progression of AD. Therefore taking antioxidants will help protect the brain against toxic substances and free – radicals which can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
Eat a diet high in antioxidants, nutrients, lots of fruit and vegetable, also eat seeds and nuts to ensure high levels of antioxidants. A good multivitamin http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44460/Sona-MultiPlus-Complete-Multivitamin-%26-Minerals-30-Capsules/ will also help. Ensure an optimal intake of brains fats ( the brain is mostly made up of these essential fatty acids ) especially Omega 3 fats from Fish and Flax seeds or fish oils and Phospholipids by taking a teaspoon of Fish Oil each dayhttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/45087/Eskimo-Brainsharp-Liquid-210ml/ .
Zinc defiency is one of the most common nutrients defiencies in the elderly and has been linked with the development of AD. Seeds and nuts are good sources of zinc esp http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11335/Solgar-Zinc-Citrate-30mg---100-Capsules/. Pumpkin seeds. Eat a handful each day.
Whether age – related memory loss nor AD are inevitable. What more the steps you need to take to prevent them are the same as those needed to maximise your memory and neutral alertness. So, whether you are 50 or 60 years old the time to act is now.