Nutritional Therapy to Reduce Alzheimer's Risk

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and a huge and growing health problem as we all get older. The number of Alzheimer's victims has doubled in just the last 25 years and is expected to double again in the next 20 years. Because there is currently no cure for this fatal disease, it is critical for anyone over 40 to take steps to lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's.

There is growing scientific evidence that inflammation and oxidative stress can cause beta-amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles, both key abnormalities found in the brains of Alzheimer's victims. Inflammation generates large quantities of free radicals that cause beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles to form.

Medical researchers believe, as a result of hundreds of confirming studies, that Alzheimer's begins as an inflammatory condition which causes damage to normal healthy brain cells. This is one reason why anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are so widely used to treat patients diagnosed with the disease

Rather than wait until being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, you can begin a simple nutritional therapy plan to help reduce inflammation, oxidative stress and their damaging effects on your body and brain. It's easy to do, affordable - especially considering the cost of doing nothing - and may prevent you from becoming another Alzheimer's victim. Here are some of the most promising nutritional supplements you can take to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress:

Acetyl-L-Carnitine, or ALC, helps lower oxidative stress by boosting cellular energy metabolism. This helps protect neurons in the brain from the harmful effects of beta-amyloid. It is most effective when combined with lipoid acid, which is why many supplement suppliers combine the two.

Ashwaganda. This traditional medical plant has been in use for thousands of years, and can help preserve brain health. Medical researchers have found Ashwaganda can halt and repair brain damage caused by beta-amyloid.

Blueberry. This potent antioxidant ranks near the top of the antioxidant scale. Studies have shown blueberries can improve memory and help restore brain cells.

Curcumin. A 2005 study found curcumin was more effective than NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxin in preventing the formation of amyloid plaques. It is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can reduce oxidative damage and prevent damage to neuronal synapses.

Grape seed. Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant - 50 times more effective than fighting free radicals than vitamin C - and blocks the formation of beta-amyloid plaques.

Omega-3. Fish oil contains two potent Omega-3 oils, DHA and EPA. Because DHA is a large part of the total fatty acid content of our brains, a deficiency can lead to cognitive decline. In one study, those with low levels of DHA were 67% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.

PS. An extract of lecithin, phosphatidylserine (PS) supports production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, helps brain cells produce energy and supports healthy brain cell membranes.

Vitamin C & E. Both are well-known antioxidants. In studies, combining the two was effective in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's, and slowed the mental decline of those who have Alzheimer's.

If you memory isn't as sharp as it used to be, now is the time to give your brain a nutritional tune-up. Don't wait until it's too late.