A recent study conducted
by the Buck Institute and UCLA succeeded in reversing memory loss associated
with Alzheimer’s for the very first time. Alzheimer’s is the most common form
of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms
of this disease progressively worsens over time and is the sixth leading cause
of death in the U.S. Early intervention is improving and can help maintain
quality of life for a short period of time; however, there is no cure. But
things are looking up! With the new study, there may be hope for individuals who
are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s earlier.
The study included
optimizing Vitamin D levels, using DHA supplements, optimizing gut health, and
strategic fasting to stabilize insulin levels. For instance, one subject
eliminated simple carbohydrates and processed foods from his diet, took
probiotics, exercised, and slept close to 8 hours every night. As a result, he
found vast improvements in his memory and cognitive ability. The researchers focused
on a comprehensive treatment plan. In other words, they targeted multiple factors
(about 36 potential deficiencies) instead of the traditional route of focusing
on one. At the end of their study, they found that 9 out of 10 participants, who
were in various stages of dementia, noticed that their cognition had improved
or returned to normal. This is only the first study to have successful results,
so of course, more research is needed to verify and improve treatment options. This
is a great step towards helping individuals with Alzheimer’s maintain and/or
improve their quality of life.
References:
"Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia." Alzheimer's Association, https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp
"Memory Loss Associated with Alzheimer's Reversed for First Time." The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Buck Institute, http://www.buckinstitute.org/buck-news/Memory-loss-associated-with-Alzheimers-reversed
Smith,Stephanie. "We May Be Able to Reverse Early Alzheimer's Disease." CNN, Cable News Network, 8 Dec. 2014, http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/08/health/alzheimers-reversal/index.html.
Thanks Sandra, this is such a great topic to discuss. With Alzheimer's dementia being the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, it is a disease that should be getting a lot of attention, time and resources committed to resolving it. Studies such as this are vital in creating foundations and building upon each other to finding a treatment. This study seems valuable, however I find myself questioning how much of their experiment had to do with actually affecting Alzheimer's patents specifically as opposed to the general public. By this, I mean that a good night of sleep, eating well, taking probiotics, and exercising should make any person (with or without AD) feel better and have better mentation. I would like to see if they scanned participants' brains for before/after or if they had a control group maybe to compare this experiment to.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic Sandra! As someone who has lived/is living with a dementia sufferer this was a very interesting read! I'm curious about the applicability of this study to the general population though. My grandmother is a woman with impeccable health, at 83 the only medication she takes is for her memory and low blood pressure. She eats an excellent diet and gets plenty of sleep and exercise. Despite this, her memory has been decreasing in front of me for two years now. Can overall health really contribute to the recovery of memories or abilities? I've read some interesting articles about how music can bring back memories, but patients only get fleeting moments of clarity. I'm curious as to the length of time these patients retained their memories? In addition, cognitive abilities and memories are different- my grandmother remembers how to make an egg with the pan in front of her, but will hesitate if you ask her to write down the procedure. Were these differences identified in the study? I agree with Rikki as well, brain scans before and after would be fascinating.
ReplyDelete