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 series on everything about Dementia before this. Can I invite you to check those out if you haven’t done so, as they will make more sense?
Today’s topic is a “sweet” one! Yes, indeed, this type of Alzheimer’s is due to persistently elevated sugar levels in our body. Sugar is attached to many molecules in our blood. Hence, it will induce a chronic inflammatory response, and the constantly elevated insulin (because of high sugar) level will lead to resistance at the cellular level. So, if brain cells cannot use sugar, they will die (a simplistic view)!
This diagram shows insulin unlocks the glucose channel for the cells to use as a key in- gradient to produce energy. With high insulin levels, it produce a resistant state. Without alternative Ingredient, the cells will die
Genetic Influence
IRS 1 (Insulin Related Substrate 1) gene is associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia (1)(2). Neuronal cells depend on glucose to survive, and they may contract or die in the absence of glucose despite the abundance of glucose “outside the cells”.
“Insulin is part of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I is the main peptide of this system, and its deficiency is associated with pre-and postnatal growth deficiency, reduced brain development, and sensorineural deafness, in addition to a predisposition for high glucose levels in the later periods of life” (4).
The Potential Solutions
The Key
- Restore insulin sensitivity through exercise, cutting down on carbs, sleep, stress management, etc. Insulin has a role in proteostasis, influencing clearance of the amyloid β peptide and phosphorylation of tau, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
- DESS approach (D= Diet E = Exercise S = Stress management and S = Sleep).
Diet – The critical dietary approach is fasting to induce Ketones (Ketones provide alternative fuel for neurons without glucose or in the presence of insulin resistance). This diet is heavily plant-based, seasonal, non-starchy vegetables, combined with adequate protein and generous amounts of healthy fats to help you create ketones to fuel your brain.
Exercise – 30 minutes per day. Strength training improves Insulin sensitivity.
Stress management – mindfulness program, meditation.
Sleep – recommended seven hours of sleep per day & sleep apnea must be treated.
- Magnesium and zinc are essential in healing Insulin resistance.
- Some protein restriction (>0.8g/kg body weight) may be implemented. Dietary fat is from nuts, seeds, avocado, and EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil).
What is the main take-home message?
- This precision medicine approach targets the root cause, the “Glycotoxic” basis in this subtype, which causes Amyloid to accumulate to downgrade and downsize the neuronal mass.
- Ironically, we need more fat but healthy fat to provide ketones as we avoid all sugar at the start of the process to induce ketosis.
- Once the Insulin resistance is healed, a gentle re-introduction of some food as a “treat” is allowed according to the Brain Food Pyramid (BFP). See next page: NO SUGAR!
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.
References
- Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) gene variation modifies insulin resistance response to weight-loss diets in a two-year randomised trial – PMC
- IRS1 gene variants, dysglycemia metabolic changes and type-2 diabetes risk – PubMed
- Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease: Successful Pilot Project – IOS Press
[Supplements include zinc, biotin (B7, which helps break down food such as carbohydrates and vitamins to provide energy), cinnamon, and alpha-lipoic acid (an antioxidant)].