Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
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Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. DON’T BE FOOLED BY OZEMPIC, TURN TO NATURE FOR WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 656 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the …
Written by: Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]†
In our last blog we discussed dementia. Today we will be talking about Alzheimer’s disease. As I stated last time Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the many causes of dementia. In this blog we will review what is Alzheimer’s disease? Exactly how does it affect the brain? Be prepared to refer to my blog on anatomy if you need to. Since this is such an important topic, I WILL be breaking it down into two parts with the next blog concentrating on known risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s as well as how is it diagnosed and what you can do to mitigate the risks. Lastly in our next blog we will review what you can do to help with symptom management. †
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease. (1) What this literally means is that there is both structural and functional damage to the neurons. This neuron damage eventually leads to the neuron or cell death. This leads to structural changes we can actually see in the brain. (2) Please see the attached picture! (3)
Now if you want to bring up the anatomy blog now would be a great time! If you remember it that is fantastic! Well as I said then, the information presented there would be relevant now. Alzheimer’s as I’ve stated leads to the loss of neurons. This occurs in the cerebral cortex. It also occurs in the temporal lobe, the parietal lobe and the frontal cortex. AD affects each of these parts of the brain and thus has symptoms that occur due to the dysfunction of these parts of the brain. (4) I know you might be thinking what about the amyloid plaque? Isn’t that something I’ve heard of that is related to how AD affects the brain? This is an important topic however since its presence is more of a risk factor for developing the disease, I’ll talk about it more when I get into those details. †
BRAIN HEALTH & MEMORY, PART 2: BRAIN ANATOMY>>READ NOW!
Everyone knows that AD affects memory. The signs and symptoms of the disease typically worsen as the disease progresses; hence it is broken into 3 stages. These are the early/mild, moderate and late/severe stages. The disease starts by affecting the short-term memory. In practicality this means that there is trouble remembering things you just learned or even just trouble in recalling new information. As the disease progresses long term memory begins to become affected as well. Early signs of the disease can also include problems with activities of daily living. These can include problems with attention, planning, flexibility and abstract thinking. Having difficulty with semantic memory can also start to occur. In these first or early stage, there is the beginning of apathy and depression. (5) While in most people with AD the early-stage memory changes and difficulty learning is what leads you to going to the doctor for help and eventually a “diagnosis” in a small percentage where there are other more prominent symptoms. These include language difficulties and problems with executive functions, perception and execution of movement. (6) The way that AD affect language includes a decrease in vocabulary as well as a decrease in word fluency. While certain movement coordination and planning difficulties may be present, they are usually not severe at this stage. (5) As I’ve previously mentioned in the early-stage, short-term memory is affected first with older memories and implicit memory (this is the body’s memory of how to do things such as use a fork) are not affected until the disease progresses. † (7)
As the disease progresses to moderate, the symptoms become more severe. For example, speech becomes more difficult due to the problems with vocabulary. Reading as well as writing skills also deteriorate as the disease progresses. Due to the decrease in coordination, the risk of falling also increases over time. It is during this stage that long term memory begins to become impaired. It is at this time that the individuals may fail to recognize close relatives. Behavioral and psychiatric changes also start to occur at this stage. These include wandering, irritability, emotional lability and aggression. (8) AD is associated with a phenomenon known as sun-downing, which is basically where symptoms become worse as the natural sunlight begins to decline. (9). Approximately 30% of people with AD experience delusional symptoms. Lastly in this stage, incontinence can start to develop. † (9)
The last stage is also known as the final stage. In this stage an individual can no longer perform activities of daily living and thus must rely on a care giver. Language is reduced to very simple phrases or even simple words. In time verbal language is entirely lost. Although aggression may still occur more commonly, apathy is seen at this stage. At this point muscles have deteriorated to the point where an individual is bed ridden and unable to feed themselves. Usually, death occurs due to an outside source such as bed sores. † (10)
In summary, in those that are over 65 or have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease it is important to watch out for any changes in memory, behavior, mood and even their ability to communicate. If you notice any changes or “just don’t feel right” it is important to get help. †
DEMENTIA, INVITE HEALTH BLOG>>READ NOW!
In our next blog we review risk factors/ tests as well as any natural treatments that have been studied and found to help with mitigating these risks and the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. †
REFERENCES
Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. ANTIAGING BENEFITS OF TAURINE, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 655 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care …
Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. UC-II FOR YOUR ARTHRITIC DOG, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 654 Hosted by Jerry Hickey, PH *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care …
Written by: Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]†
Dementia is a complex issue that concerns many people. Dementia is a complex topic because not only is it considered by many to be a neurocognitive disorder on its own, but it is also a part of many other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease. In this blog I will review what is dementia? What are the signs and symptoms of dementia? What are the risk factors? What can you do if anything to help with the symptoms? And perhaps most importantly is there anything we can do to reduce the risk factors especially for those with a family history of dementia? †
Dementia is typically defined as a disorder that manifests as a set of related symptoms. In basic terms dementia is described as an acquired brain disorder where there is a decline in cognitive function. (1) There are a number of disorders that are associated with dementia. The most common disorder associated with dementia is Alzheimer disease. (2) Other disorders that are associated with dementia include Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, vascular disease, frontotemporal lobar dementia, and Lewy body disease and prion disorders. † (3)
Dementia can also occur when there are certain underlying conditions as I reviewed in my prior blogs. These include endocrine disorders as well as certain nutritional deficiencies. For more information on disorders that can mimic dementia please see my prior blogs. †
To start with Dementia as we know affects memory. However, in addition to affecting memory it can also affect behaviors. Dementia can lead to aggression, agitation, restlessness as well as sexual dis-inhibition. Dementia can also cause what is considered to be inappropriate behavior such as public outbursts of anger. In addition to behavioral changes dementia can also lead to psychological symptoms such as depression, apathy, anxiety, hallucinations and delusions. Over time language, attention and our problem-solving abilities also decline. Perception and orientation also decline over time. (4) Those with dementia are also more like to suffer incontinence (both urinary and fecal). (5) To sum things up – dementia affects our memory, attention, reasoning, communication and perception. Signs to look out for can include forgetting names and people and places. Using the wrong word for an object and having trouble completing tasks are also things to be on the lookout for especially in those with a family history. † (6)
Dementia is usually broken down into 4 stages. These stages include pre-dementia, early, middle and late stage. These stages are based on the severity of the functional and cognitive impairment. Using tests such as the mini mental state exam can help determine which stage of dementia is present. † (7)
What are the risk factors for dementia? The presence of any of the aforementioned conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, nutritional deficiencies and alcoholism are all risk factors. (8) Additionally high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, diabetes, lack of activity are all risk factors. (9) Traumatic brain injuries also increase the risk of dementia. (10) Other more socioeconomic risk factors include conditions such as lower levels of education, depression, low social interactions, loneliness and having a neurotic personality. (11) Studies have also found that having vision and hearing impairments increase the risk of dementia. Frailty may also increase the risk of dementia. † (12)
New research has found a link between oral bacteria and the risk of developing dementia. (13) Herpes simplex virus has also been confirmed to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease and therefore dementia. † (14)
As I’ve said before certain deficiencies are a huge risk factor for developing dementia. Additionally, if there is gluten sensitivity then gluten is also a risk factor. (15) Newer studies have also found that symbiosis and increased gut permeability are also risk factors for dementia. In other words, digestive concerns such as leaky gut, inflammatory bowel diseases and an overgrowth of bad bacteria are all risk factors for dementia. (16) Last but not least family history is also a risk factor for developing signs of dementia. † (17)
ICYMI:THE BRAIN: BLOOD TESTS & MORE, PART 1>>READ NOW!
While no studies have as yet found a cure for dementia there are certain nutrients that studies find that are helpful for our brain and memory.†
LIFESTYLE CHANGES & NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
While Invite has an extensive line of supplements I have chosen the ones that in my clinical experience are the most helpful. In our next blog we will talk about Alzheimer disease! †
ICYMI:KEEPING THE BRAIN CLEAN WITH RESVERATROL, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 645>>LISTEN NOW!
REFERENCES
