The list of the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s is courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association has a weekly e-newsletter of tips and the latest information on advances in Alzheimer’s care and research, go to (www.alz.org/) to subscribe.
More information on AD will be included in upcoming issues of Total Health Online.
Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom
of Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Alzheimer’s
is a brain disease that causes a slow decline
in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There
are 10 warning signs and symptoms. Every individual may experience
one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you
notice any of them, please see a doctor.
As an integrative/holistic psychiatrist, I have been following genetic aspects of mental illness for some time. One of my favorite sources of information here is William Walsh PhD, an internationally recognized expert in the field of nutritional medicine. He shows how you can indeed change your mental genes—and in simple cases, in the comfort of your own home! I met this brilliant and charming man many years ago at a conference when he presented his research on violence, autism, and schizophrenia, carrying forward the ground-breaking work of pioneer Dr. Carl Pfeiffer.
As par for the course my life takes, I’ve
often had to be the recipient of a symptom
or condition to truly understand its
causes, effects and solutions — providing
me with a deeper understanding of
what my patients’ experience. Unfortunately,
this investigative report came
about because I recently experienced a
very troubling visual disturbance and dull
headache over one eye and immediately
panicked thinking it was a detached retina
again — one of the most debilitating conditions
I’ve been through!
Brain Nutrition Support
Written by Dallas Clouatre, PhD
Brain function plays a major role in how much
energy we have , how we handle stress, whether
our immune system is up to par, and, in general,
how much zest we have for life. Concentration, memory and
mood — whether we are fifteen and struggling with math or
sixty-five and looking forward to an active retirement, these
matter. Nutrients which support brain health should be a part
of any supplementation program.
Physical illness is not an isolated incidence that is separate from one’s mental and emotional states. In fact, thoughts and attitudes trigger physiological conditions. For example, when we have a fearful thought, this thought instantly releases “fear” chemicals to specific locations in our bodies. As a result, we experience rushes of panic in our faces or chests. Similarly, when we have hopeful thoughts, chemicals are released that produce the experience of optimism, which might be felt in our hearts expanding with sensations of joy.
Report from the Cutting-Edge of Medicine
Alzheimer's disease slowly robs a person of their mind, memory, and personality. As the dreaded illness inches on the patient no longer recognizes his or her family, loved ones, or himself. According to recent reports, it is our most feared disease, even more so than cancer.
PS (PhosphatidylSerine, pronounced fos-fa-tie-dil-ser-een) is a nutrient that supports many brain functions, and many of our most important life processes. PS has a sophisticated molecular structure in the vital lipid class. Biochemically PS is a phospholipid (fos-fo-lip-id), not technically a fat but working closely with “good fats”—essential fatty acids.
Advancements in Alzheimer’s Disease - An Antidote in An Era of Soaring Health Care Spending
Ronald Klatz, MD, DO
In February, the U.S. government forecast that the nation’s health care spending will consume an expanding share of the U.S. economy during the next decade. Officials predict health care to cost $4.3 trillion by 2017 and account for 19.5 percent of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2007, U.S. health care spending stood at $2.2 trillion, and that spending will rise by 6.7 percent annually for the next ten years. One of the contributing factors to the surge in health care spending is the aging Baby Boomer population. In the U.S. men and women born between 1946 and 1964 are turning 60 at the rate of 330 per hour. They are also now cashing in on Medicare health benefits, and by 2017 Medicare payouts will climb to $884 billion—more than one-fifth of all national health care spending, and nearly double the programs spending in 2007.
You know their face, but recalling their name puts a serious strain on your memory banks. And then there’s that embarrassing moment when you realize you not only forgot the reason for the phone call but also the person you were calling! And what about that embarrassing pause while you grapple for a word that has suddenly vanished from your mind. Are you getting concerned that those senior moments are creeping into your life more often?
The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are BIG news in nutritional medicine. And for the best reasons. First, they directly save lives by protecting against heart attack, including the lethal arrhythmias. They’re safe to take long-term, they’re affordable, and their anti-inflammatory properties ensure protection for all our organs. The scientific evidence is now incontrovertible (read awesome) that DHA/EPA are essential for good health and long life.
Brain Health