Hello, this is Dr Dennis again. It’s so lovely to “see” you here. For those who visited this website for the first time, there are two previous series on everything about Dementia before this. Can I invite you to check those out if you haven’t done so, as it will make more sense?
Today, I will start to reveal the many causes that could be contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s (the most common type of brain degenerative condition that leads to Dementia). Alzheimer’s is certainly not caused by one or two factors but by multiple factors acting in concert. I must acknowledge once again Dr Dale Bredesen, MD, who has devoted many decades of his working career in this area of research. His research was not adopted favourably because it wasn’t conducted in the “normal, scientific way”. First thing first,
The Sub-types of Alzheimer's Disease
This subtype is caused by chronic infection and irritation of the brain environment. Amyloid is there to protect it.
This subtype is caused by a deficiency of the basic materials, such as low Vitamin D to keep neurons alive! The protective mechanism kicks in, and Amyloid is tasked to “down-size”.
This subtype is caused by chronic and often unrecognised common toxins in our environment and a low ratio of some essential minerals.
This subtype is the combination of 1 & 2. The goal is to restore the deficient vitamins & minerals and to reduce inflammation.
This subtype is caused by many well-known vascular risk factors.
So, we will treat this like type 1: reduce inflammation, restore insulin sensitivity, avoid statins as the current recommendation, and beware of antiplatelets like Aspirin and anticoagulants like Warfarin, as the blood vessels are “fragile and leaky.”
This subtype is often under-recognised, and no one knew how to manage. Treat this type like type 2; replace & restore. Consider EWOT (exercise with Oxygen therapy).
What is this going to do with the chief operator, the factory and the manufacturing scenario?
Well, the chief operator is our neuron’s built-in mechanism, which when senses there are either external factors that are unfavourable to the factory(brain environment) or confronted with the lack of raw material(like hormonal deficiencies) needed to make new products(neurons) or maintain the integrity of the factory(brain environment), the chief operator will send out distress signals to downsize and also to ensure the survival of the basic functionality of the factory in the expense of making new neurons. The distress signals are the Amyloid and Tau protein. Fascinating, to say the least! In summary, excessive Amyloid and Tau protein is merely a warning sign. Hence, desperate time calls for desperate measures.
What is the main take-home message?
Friends, armed with this knowledge, we can start to analyse and assess each case with the hope that there will be an individualised management plan. Not to treat all subtypes with the same medication, Cholinesterase inhibitors. A word of caution: Some people will have a mix of a few subtypes, and genetics will impact the treatment success (which will open a whole can of “scary and slimy worms”). I hope I have aroused your curiosity and softened your perception of this disease. I hope you will join me on my next blog.
Please call my PA, Melissa, on 0422 678 660, leave a message, or email info@mind4lifecoaching.com.au, and we will respond to you if you have any questions.