Article Surfing Archive

Of the many problems that may inflict us as we age, losing our memory and mental function is perhaps the most frightening. Alzheimer's disease is a condition in which the neurons in the brain degenerate. The brain literally shrinks. As the cells fall apart, the memories they stored are lost. The ability to control many body functions, including the bladder and bowels, disappears. Seen under a microscope, the neurons of a brain affected by Alzheimer's reveal telltale tangles and scars. The cause of Alzheimer's disease may involve a chronic deficiency of antioxidants and vitamins such as B12 and folic acid. Head injury may be a factor as well. Many experts also suspect aluminium could be a culprit, because the nerve tangles of Alzheimer's victims contain excessive levels of this toxic metal. There is no cure, but it may be possible to take natural steps to prevent Alzheimer's from occurring or at least to slow down its progression. Studies have found that many elderly people have deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. Whether these deficiencies cause Alzheimer's is not known, but here are some substances you can consider that show considerable promise.

1. Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is the major phospholipid in the brain, where it plays a major role in determining the integrity and fluidity of cell membranes. Normally the brain can manufacture sufficient levels of phosphatidylserine, but if there is a deficiency of methyl donors such as SAM-e, folic acid, and vitamin B12 or essential fatty acids, the brain may not be able to make sufficient phosphatidylserine. Phosphatidylserine has shown very good results in the treatment of depression and/or impaired mental function in the elderly. The typical dosage is 100 mg three times daily.

2. L-acetylcarnitine

Carnitine is a vitamin- like compound that helps your cells make energy. Carnitine attached to an acetyl molecule becomes L-acetylcarnitine, which looks and acts a lot like acetylcholine. Researchers have found that L-acetylcarnitine delays the progression of Alzheimer's disease and helps elderly patients who have depression or impaired memory. The typical dosage is 500 mg three times daily.

3. Ginkgo Biloba Extract

This ancient herb is showing great benefit in the treatment of senility, including Alzheimer*s. It increases the functional capacity of the brain by improving blood flow. It also appears to enhance neurotransmitter activity by normalizing acetylcholine receptors in the hippocampus, the brain area most affected by the disease. Ginkgo is not a cure, but it may slow or delay mental deterioration during the early stages, allowing the patient to live a normal life for as long as possible. Improvement may take three to six months to appear.

4. Huperzine

The symptoms of Alzheimer's appear to result from reduced levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In the brain, acetylcholine is broken down by an enzyme. A compound from club moss known as huperzine A appears to slow down the action of the enzyme and thus may help preserve the supply of acetylcholine and improve memory in Alzheimer's disease without causing side effects. Preliminary studies in China are extremely impressive. The typical dosage is 200 mg twice daily.