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Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia
“Brain health is becoming more important to the average person as the number of people with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is rising significantly…”
What do Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and chemo brain all have in common? They each are the cancer survivor’s worst nightmare. At least they all are my worst nightmare.
So when I developed the side effect called chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction (chemo brain) following my aggressive conventional cancer therapies I worried that this side effect would pre-dispose me to developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
I was born in late 1959 so I don’t yet think I’m in the prime years for developing Alzheimer’s disease yet. I must say however, that years of study about my chemo brain therapies have caused a problem for me.
I believe that all forms of cognitive dysfunction, all forms of demential are a function of brain health. Or I should say that therapies should focus on maintaining brain health. Which means evidence-based non-toxic brain health therapies such as:
- moderate exercise
- brain games
- clean nutrition
- nutritional supplementation shown to enhance brain health
etc. etc. Every time I read an article about some sort of Alzheimer’s drug, all I can think of is about evidence-based non-toxic brain health therapies. It’s not rocket science!!!
After years of practicing what the above preaches, my chemo brain is pretty much healed. I say “pretty much” only because the toxic therapies that cause my brain damage was back in the nineties. As of the writing of this post, I am in my mid sixties. I do experience mild forms of dementia so I can’t say that my brain works at peak performance 24/7.
And here’s a dirty little secret. Many of the therapies that I practice such as exercise, nutrition, and even certain supplements… are cited to be anti-aging. After high-dose chemotherapy and radiation aged me, my current non-toxic therapies are making me younger? Only time will tell on this last issue… we’ll see.
Are you a cancer survivor? Do you work about brain health, cognitive dysfunction, brain health, Alzheimer’s Disease, etc, etc?
Scroll down the page, post a question or a comment. I will reply to you ASAP.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
For the sake of the organization of PeopleBeatingCancer in general, I have divided topic clusters into brain health, dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc. The posts below focus on Alzheimer’s disease.
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s? Brain Supplements, Brain Training
- Alzheimer’s Disease – Non-Toxic Therapies
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Alzheimer’s, Dementia
- Alzheimer’s in your future? Maybe Not…
- C-B-D, Inflammation and Alzheimer’s
- Alzheimer’s, Cognitive Function, Mind-Body Therapy
- Exercise- Non-Medical Intervention for Alzheimer’s
- Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s, Depression, etc
The effects of twenty-one nutrients and phytonutrients on cognitive function: A narrative review
“Brain health is becoming more important to the average person as the number of people with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is rising significantly. The current Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacotherapeutics for dementia neither cure nor halt cognitive decline; they just delay the worsening cognitive impairment…
Ninety-six articles were summarized in this narrative review. In total 21 categories of nutrients and phytonutrients were included, i.e., α-lipoic acid, Bacopa monnieri, B vitamins, cholinergic precursors, vitamin D, vitamin E, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, lion’s mane mushroom, N-acetyl cysteine, omega-3 fatty acids, aloe polysaccharides, Rhodiola rosea, rosemary, saffron, tart cherries, turmeric, wild yam, Withania somnifera, xanthines, and zinc.
Particular noteworthy effects on cognition included memory, recollection, attention, intelligence, vocabulary, recognition, response inhibition, arousal, performance enhancement, planning, creative thinking, reaction time, vigilance, task switching, orientation to time, place, and person, reading, writing, comprehension, accuracy, learning, information processing speed, executive function, mental flexibility, daily functioning, decrease in mental fatigue, and freedom from distractibility. Some nutrients and phytonutrients also improved mood and contentedness and reduced anxiety and the need for caregiving…”
Mechanisms of Melatonin in Alleviating Alzheimer’s Disease
“In this review, we discuss and evaluate the neuroprotective functions of melatonin in AD pathogenesis, including its role in the classical hypotheses in cellular and animal models and clinical interventions in AD patients, and suggest that with early detection, melatonin treatment is qualified to be an anti-AD therapy…”
Efficacy of curcumin for age-associated cognitive decline: a narrative review of preclinical and clinical studies
“Results from preclinical studies consistently demonstrate curcumin and its analogues to be efficacious for various aspects of cognitive impairment and processes that contribute to age-associated cognitive impairment…”
The #1 Best Smoothie to Slow Aging, Say Dietitians
“According to our medical expert board members Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT, and Lyssie Lakatos, RDK, CDN, CFT, the best smoothie to combat aging is a wild blueberry chai protein smoothie.
Jam-packed with nutrients, this beverage covers several bases when it comes to looking and feeling younger. Read on to discover the benefits of each ingredient. And for more anti-aging tips, check out The 5 Best Lifestyle Habits That Will Keep You Feeling Young, Science Says…
Blueberries
There’s a reason why these little blue gems have been popularized as a “superfruit.” Blueberries are revered for their potent antioxidant content, and wild blueberries take things up a notch. Despite being small, they have twice as many antioxidants and 33% more healthy anthocyanins (a type of flavonoid) than ordinary blueberries
“All this antioxidant power is a big deal when it comes to keeping the skin youthful, since antioxidants mop up free radicals that damage and age the skin,” the Nutrition Twins say.
These antioxidants are known to help decrease inflammation, which, in turn, prevents some of the cellular damage that naturally comes with age…
Protein
Protein is crucial for collagen production, which helps keep the skin supple, elastic, and youthful. The Nutrition Twins’ go-to ingredient for this smoothie is pea protein powder, but this can also be substituted with chickpeas. Pulses like pea protein and chickpeas are also great sources of plant-based protein and fiber, so they help keep you full, which can ultimately aid in weight loss…
Spices
Spices are celebrated for their plethora of health benefits, and this chai spice blend is chock-full of them. Cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom not only elevate the smoothie’s flavor, but they also contain powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and protect cells against diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and cancer…
Ready to whip up this delicious and healthy anti-aging concoction? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2/3 cup frozen wild blueberries
- 1/2 small banana
- 1 scoop (20 grams) plain pea protein powder (or a flavor like vanilla)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 pinch of ground cardamom
- 3 ice cubes