Alzheimer`s Disease:

a progressive mental disorder characterized by compromised cognition. Cognitive functions include memory, judgement, abstract thinking, and problem solving ability. It is estimated that 60% – 80% of demented people have AD. The occurrence of the disease increases with age: 2% at age 65 years old and then doubles every 5 years.

People with AD may complain of memory problems, poor judgement, poor abstract thinking, depressed moods, confusion, and inability to manage basic tasks.

Potential risk factors are:

1. Aging.
2. Head trauma.
3. Genetic and family history.
4. Gender: females more than males.
5. Cardiovascular diseases (for example, high blood pressure).
6. Low function thyroid.
7. Diabetes.
8. Down syndrome.
9. Toxicity with aluminium and mercury.
10. Stroke.
11. Nutritional deficiencies (particularly vitamins B12 and B9).
12. Free radicals.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Processed foods.
2. Fried foods.
3. Foods high in trans-fat.
4. Additives and preservatives.
5. Foods cooked in aluminum pans.
6. Foods stored in aluminum containers.
7. Alcohol.

Recommended Foods:

1. Drink plenty of water: 2 liters a day.
2. Whole grains.
3. Beans.
4. Fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. Fruits high in bioflavonoids: berries.
6. Red grapes.
7. Rhubarb. It contains phytochemicals that slow down the progression of the disease.
8. Foods high in Omega-3: fish, flaxseeds, chia, hemp seeds, and walnuts.
9. Spices: turmeric and sumac. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant and improves cognition, and sumac is very high in antioxidants that fight free radicals.
10. Coconut and Coconut oil. They contain MCTs (medium – chain triglycerides), which slow down the progression of the disease. For more information about MCTs, see “MCTs” under the section of “Sports – Performance Enhancers”.

Recommended Supplements:

1. Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 1 – 3 grams a day (if you are taking ginkgo biloba, you should take low dose of omega-3, maximum 1-1.5 grams a day).
2. Curcumin: 400 – 800 mg a day. This product is a powerful antioxidant and can improve cognition and neurologic function.
3. L – Carnitine: 2000 – 3000 mg a day. This amino acid may improve cognition and slow down the progression of the disease.
4. Huperzine A: 200 – 400 mcg a day.
5. Vinpocetine: 20 – 40 mg a day. It improves blood circulation of the brain. For a better absorption, it should be taken with meals.
6. Ginkgo Biloba: 120 – 240 mg a day. It may improve blood circulation of the brain and mental alertness.
7. Vitamin B12: 1000 mcg a day.
8. Vitamin E: 400 – 800 IU. It may slow down progression of the disease.
9. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day. It is a phytonutrient with strong antioxidant activity and also can improve microcirculation.
10. Grape Seed Extract: 50 -100 mg a day.
11. Phosphatidylserine: 300 mg a day.
12. Multivitamin: A high potency product.

Miscellaneous Suggestions:

1. Liver and colon detoxification and cleansing, unless there is a contraindication for that.
2. Exercise.