Scientists and researchers have made great strides in determining the causes of Alzheimer's.  It begins with a breakdown of the brain cells ability to produce energy (in the form of ATP from the mitochondria). Without energy, the brain cell can no longer survive and begins to die off.  This effect is magnified as the pattern continues to occur in multiple brain cells over the course of decades and in specific regions of the brain. The result is a loss of function which brings the diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

As the health and longevity of the mitochondria is vital, anything harmful should be avoided.  This includes stress, toxic chemicals, heavy metals, excessive alcohol consumption, drugs, smoking, and a high-calorie processed food diet. 

The good news is that a healthier lifestyle CAN help to protect the mitochondria and your brain health.  A high quality diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, fewer calories, healthy fats, and supplementing your diet with a multi-vitamin, Vitamins B & D and EPA/DHA are all important. 

In addition to following a healthy diet, maintaining proper circulation in the body are equally necessary to ensure proper nerve function and brain health.  A routine exercise program along with an ongoing Chiropractic treatment plan and regular massage therapy care have been proven to positively affect the mind-body connection with Alzheimer's.

New criteria, guidelines for Alzheimer's diagnosis 

Alzheimers Association 

A slow starvation of the brain over time is one of the major triggers of the biochemistry that causes some forms of Alzheimer's, according to a new study. 

Robert Vassar of Northwestern University recently found that when the brain doesn't get enough glucose, a process is launched that ultimately produces the sticky clumps of protein that appear to be a cause of Alzheimer's. The brain can become deprived of adequate nutrients when its blood flow becomes restricted. 

Subluxations (significant structural misalignments) in the cervical spine create a decrease in joint mobility leading to degeneration of the Cervical spine, which in turn effects the associated tissues.  Over time this degenerative process will cause interference of nerve function and cervical blood flow, thus affecting the required nutrient-rich arterial blood flow to the brain.  Chiropractic care addresses these subluxations and can improve cognitive function by increasing circulation to the brain which would in turn, increase Glucose to the brain tissue as well. 

An Interesting Correlation:  Alzheimer's and Chiropractic Care

Alzheimer's Disease:  Can Chiropractic Make A Difference

For more information on how Chiropractic can benefit your mind as well as your body, please ask Dr. Heidi.

Aluminum is very toxic to the nervous system; high toxic levels may cause our nerves to become over excited leading to tremors and life threatening convulsions, and is thought to be implicated in Alzheimer's Disease.

How does aluminum consumption affect us?  Scientific research shows that amyloid plaques form within the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. These amyloid plaques have been found to be very highly concentrated with aluminum deposits, so it has been theorized that aluminum consumption may have a significant role in the progression of this disease.

How are we exposed to environmental aluminum? One of the biggest contributors of aluminum consumption may be alum,which is found in pancake batter and bleached flour as well as other pastries and bread products that use a baking powder that contains alum.  Aluminum cookware and aluminum cans, the latter of which can leach the aluminum into the liquid, particularly if this liquid is an acid like soft drinks that are high in phosphoric acid. Some antacids also contain high levels of this metal. Aluminum is also found in body deodorants and is absorbed through the skin.

Mercola:  Aluminum and Prevention of Alzheimer's

Study:  Aluminum involvement in the progression of Alzheimer's

Study:  Selective accumulation of aluminum in the cerebral arteries in Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers are actively looking to Coconut Oil and it's positive effects for Alzheimer's patients. The human brain uses glucose for fuel. Most of the time our brains rely on glucose from carbohydrates, but if that isn't available - because we haven't eaten anything for a while or because we're eating almost no carbohydrates - then our brain cells can switch to using the energy from our fat stores. This energy comes in the form of small molecules called ketones.

Coconut oil may help by boosting the brain's energy supply as it is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). When the human body metabolizes MCTs, it creates ketone Beta-hydroxybutyrate. This ketone helps to protect the neurons in the brain and provide energy to cells (much like glucose). The ketones found in coconut oil provide a fuel to the brain that is thought to be very beneficial to those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's.  

How to get the benefits of coconut oil into your diet?  

* Take 4 teaspoons per day.

 Where to buy?  Whole Foods, Trader Joes & most health food stores

More information:

How Coconut Oil May Rescue The Brain From Alzheimer's Disease

ABC News

Daily Mail UK

Coconut Oil:  Research on Alzheimer's

• 1- 19-ounce can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained & rinsed
• 2 - 6-ounce cans water-packed chunk light tuna, drained and flaked 
• 1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 4 teaspoons capers, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 8 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 8 cups mixed salad greens