Research Shows Most Dementia Is Preventable and Treatable

Dementia is a devastating but largely preventable condition unnecessarily affecting upwards of 10,000,000 Americans, with about 5 million having Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Research shows that at autopsy, the majority of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s never had it. They had other, sometimes treatable (but missed), causes of their dementia. A rapidly growing body of research is showing that most dementia cases are preventable. Easily. Without medication.

My top 7 Tips, Organized Using the Mnemonic DEMENTIA

1. DRUGS. Ask the doctor to get people off unneeded drugs. Anticholinergic (AC) Meds (benadryl, tricyclic antidepressants, incontinence meds) are especially prone to trigger dementia-like symptoms. 

2. EMOTIONS, such as depression, anxiety and sleep. Natural remedies can be especially helpful here, without the worsening often caused by medications. 

3. METABOLIC. This means addressing high blood pressure, diabetes, and hormonal disorders. Much of this can be done naturally.

4. EARS and eyes. Have vision and eye exams to optimize function. Research suggests that 32% of dementia can be prevented simply by supplying hearing aids. The key is that hearing loss is picked up on testing, even when the person is not aware of it. Increasing the presence of strong scents (e.g., coffee and cinnamon or a scented oil vaporizer in the bedroom) may help maintain brain health as well. Meanwhile, vision impairment is linked to 19% of dementia cases.

5. NUTRITION. Optimize key areas of nutrition. Begin with good common sense and a whole food diet, low in gluten:

1. Optimize folate, B12 and B Vitamins. Take a high potency multivitamin (such as Fatigued to Fantastic™ Energy Revitalization Drink Mix) containing the 5 MTHF form of folate, at least 250 µg of vitamin B12, and 25 to 50 mg of most of the B vitamins. Ignore the RDAs, which I consider "Ridiculous Dietary Allowances." These three nutrients have been shown to be more powerful than any medication for preventing dementia.
2. If problematic Alzheimer’s already exists, explore ketogenic diets, coconut oil, etc. I would read the book Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure? The Story of Ketones by Mary T. Newport, M.D.
3. Early research suggests that a special form of a supplement called PEA at least 300 mg twice a day (consider 1200 mg twice a day) can be very helpful for brain regeneration. Including dementias. But it takes three months to start seeing the benefit, and it is important to use a high absorption form. After three months of use, PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide; see PEA Healthy Inflammation Response) also dramatically decreases most forms of chronic pain. Sadly, ™ chronic pain, which is treatable, has been shown to dramatically increase dementia risk. My book From Fatigued to Fantastic discusses how to effectively treat most kinds of pain naturally.

6. TUMORS and other brain issues. Dementia prevention is a very good reason to get a CT scan or Head MRI.

7. INFECTIONS & ANEMIA and other overt medical problems. Dementia means it’s time to get a thorough checkup from both a neurologist and your holistic physician (visit The Institute for Functional Medicine® to find one). Gingivitis and poor dental hygiene is associated with a marked increase in Alzheimer’s as well, with good oral health associated with a 22% lower risk of having dementia, and 44% lower risk of dying from it.

Begin Here

1. Start with a good multivitamin with high levels of folate, B12, magnesium, and other nutrients.
2. Get a hearing and vision exam. Optimize elevated blood sugars with Berberine and Hintonia (see Sucontral® D). If needed, increase potassium intake to lower high blood pressure (e.g., tomato or V-8 juice, avocados, bananas).
3. Brush your teeth and use dental floss. Get your teeth cleaned at the dentist at least yearly.
4. Take a PEA supplement at least 600 mg daily. It typically takes three months to work.

With these commonsense research proven tips, one can often prevent, and sometimes even reverse, dementia!

As always, you should consult a personal healthcare practitioner whenever beginning a new health regimen. The Institute for Functional Medicine® is a great resource to help you find one.

Preventing Hospital Induced Delirium and Dementia

1. Keep pictures of the patient, their spouse, children, grandchildren and even pets all over the hospital room, so the staff sees them as a human being, as opposed to just "the gallbladder in room 14."
2. Keep comforting and familiar items from home in their hospital room, like their slippers, mugs, etc.
3. Ask for extended visiting hours so a family member can be there 24 hours daily. Otherwise, if the family member gets confused in the middle of the night, hospital staff may tie them down and put them on antipsychotic medications. This can be nipped in the bud by having a family member present during the night.
4. Bring their glasses and hearing aids.