This degenerative disease, characterized by mental deterioration, was originally identified in 1907 by a German neurologist. It interferes with a person's ability to function socially and at work. Some of the symptoms characteristic of Alzheimer's disease are memory loss, severe mood swings, personality changes, disorientation of space and time, and an inability to concentrate or communicate. If not treated, death will usually occur within five years.
Alzheimer's is not limited to the elderly. Pre-senile dementia may strike when an individual is in his forties. Dementia is usually diagnosed after eliminating other potential causes. There are currently no laboratory tests that can confirm Alzheimer's disease.
Nevertheless, suspected causes include hardening of the arteries, loss of brain tissue from a series of strokes or fluid accumulation, drug reactions, syphilis, tumors, and hypothyroidism. Research has also revealed a strong correlation between Alzheimer's disease, excessive amounts of aluminum, mercury, and silicon in the brain, and dietary deficiencies such as zinc and vitamin B12.
A hair analysis can be used as a screen for heavy metals such as aluminum. A 24-hour urine collection after the administration of a chelating agent, such as EDTA (esp. combined with the amino acid glycine) is more definitive and can provide more accurate information as the patient's body burden level of aluminum.
Royal Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment
1. Avoid drinking tap water since this may be contaminated by aluminum. Drink distilled or reverse osmosis water instead. In addition, the following may also increase your risk of aluminum exposure: aluminum cookware, aluminum cans, antacids, and certain food additives, douches, and shampoos.
2. Normalizing thyroid function is important (See “Hypothyroidism”.) This can be evaluated by measuring the basal body temperature. This is done by placing a thermometer under the arm for 10 minutes on two consecutive mornings before arising from bed. For menstruating women, this should be done in the early part of the cycle. The average temperature should be greater than 97.8 degrees. If not, you may be subclinically hypothyroid--even if blood tests are normal. Blood tests usually measure only inactive thyroid levels.
3. As the body ages, and degenerative diseases increase, hormone levels decrease. (See “Stress.) Have your doctor check your DHEA, testosterone, and estrogen levels. Keeping hormone levels as near mid-range as possible helps to keep the body functioning at its optimum. Natural hormone supplements from plants are available.
4. Consider an evaluation for free radical damage from environmental pollutants such as lead, aluminum, cadmium, and mercury. If elevated, heavy metal detoxification therapy is indicated (See Chelation Therapy”.)
5. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, E, C, and Bioflavonoids are known as "free radical scavengers" and help to neutralize damage from environmental pollutants such as aluminum. B-Complex and multi-minerals are also needed for adequate brain function. Vitamin B12 can be taken by subcutaneous injections 1cc 1-3 X weekly. Including fiber in your diet, such as psyllium husk or oat bran, can reduce the effects of chemicals and allergies on this disease.
6. Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement that has the reputation of increasing circulation and oxygenation of the brain and improving memory loss. This can be taken as an herbal capsule, herb tea, or homeopathic tincture.
7. Supplements known to be of benefit include Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, B-Vitamins (especially choline and inositol), Chromium, essential fatty acids (such as cold-pressed flax seed oil), Lecithin, Garlic and proteolytic enzymes.
8. Herbs such as cayenne, ginkgo, and hawthorn have all been found to be helpful in improving circulation.
9. Ginkgo may also prove to be useful in a low homeopathic potency (1X, 2X, or 3X) taken at frequent intervals (4-6X) throughout the day. Other useful homeopathics for this condition include Baryta Carbonica and Alumina. Baryta Carbonica is often indicated in old age (especially when memory loss has occurred). Alumina has a characteristic confusion of identity and constipation if often present. Both of these are slow in action and, to start, should be taken once daily in a 30X potency for one month. Each month thereafter, the potency should be gradually increased (e.g., 30C, 60C, 100C, 200C, etc.). Once improvement has been noted, the dosage can be decreased from once daily to 2-3 X weekly. If symptoms worsen, the homeopathic should be discontinued. In such cases, the patient will gradually improve once the homeopathic is no longer being taken. A coffee antidote may be prepared for quicker resolution of symptom aggravation. NOTE: This is done by placing one tsp from a cup of coffee--made from coffee grounds—In 8 ounces of water. Shake the solution 100 times. Sip at intervals (every 5-15 minutes) shaking the solution another 20 times each sip. Stop when feeling a change for the better).
10. Gentle skin detoxification through a medical spa with steam sauna, infrared sauna, and/or contrast shower.
To learn more about healing and health optimizing therapies, go to www.NewHopeMedical.org or call NEW HOPE MEDICAL CENTER at (702) 476-0000 (direct line) or toll free (866) HEAL-NOW!