Do This If You Have Alzheimer’s In The Family
Dementia is considered an expected part of old age, with mild occurrences like your grandmother forgetting where she placed her glasses every morning or mistaking you for her next-door neighbor. But, when these bouts of forgetfulness occur earlier in age or end up with individuals losing their sense of self completely, it can be debilitating to both the individual and the family involved. This is the case of people with Alzheimer’s disease which can develop in 50s and 60s (always think genetic predisposition when it presents early!) but commonly presents itself around the age of 70.
As with most modern investigation, research into Alzheimer’s has been directed towards genetics and the ApoE gene in particular has been linked to progression of the disorder. The ApoE gene has different allele variants composed in the DNA of different people that produce various effects, both positive and negative. The presence of the E-2 allele is associated with decreased risk for Alzheimer’s and the E-3 allele seems to lend some protection against death of brain cells. But the presence of the Ε-4 variant in an individual’s DNA is what poses the greatest genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
All the associated symptoms of Alzheimer’s are found in ApoE E-4 carriers such as increases in brain cell death, amyloid beta deposition, and neurofibrillary tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as decreases in neurogenesis, glucose metabolism and vascular function which is seen in regular aging but is accelerated in E-4 carriers. Bluntly put; if you have one copy of the E-4 gene, you have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. If you have both copies, your risk increases to 10 times of the general population.
BUT - there are things you can (and should!) do.
If there is any history in the family of dementia, consider getting a 23&me genetic test. This will show if you have the ApoE-4, and how many copies. Some people are of the opinion that it is “better to not know”. I could NOT disagree more. You need to know so you can take steps to slow its progression!
If you have ANY copies of the gene, consider getting on the Bredesen protocol as soon as you can. To date, this program has come closest to reversing the symptoms, if started in time. Now brace yourself because this is a very labor intensive, expensive and time consuming endeavor. But what else are you going to do? Your quality of life, and how much time you can spend in good health with your loved ones, is at stake.
I have been trained in the protocol, although I do not practice it actively I am certainly happy to discuss it all with you upon your next appointment.
My Cognitive Decline/Synaptic Support/Brain Health supplement recommendations based on the Bredesen Protocol:
Ashwaganda 60 Capsules 2 Bottles - Take 1x a day
ONE Omega 60 Capsules 2 Bottles - take 1x a day do not use if you are taking a blood thinner (such as Warfarin)
Bacopa Monnieri 180 Capsules 1 Bottle- Take 1x a day
CogniPhos 120 Capsules 2 Bottles - take 2x a day
Curcumin 60 Capsules 4 Bottles- Take 3x a day
Liposomal Glutathione 60 Softgels 2 Bottles - Take 1x a day
CogniMag 120 Capsules 1 Bottle - Take 1x a day NAC (n-acetyl-l-cysteine) 600mg 180 Capsule 1 Bottle - take 2x a day
Ultra B complex w/PQQ 60 Capsules 2 Bottles - Take 1x a day
Homocysteine Factors 180 caps 1 Bottle - take 1x a day ONE Multivitamin 120 Capsules 1 Bottle - take 1x a day
