Here is a first stab at an Alzheimer's combination therapy cocktail in an attempt to consolidate some of the thoughts discussed elsewhere on the forums and bring more clarity to the matter for those who don't have the time to read through all the research data. Please share your thoughts and let's work on refining the cocktail as our knowledge of AD progresses.

Here is my initial AD cocktail recommendation based on a relatively modest budget. I have also ranked the substances below in terms of what I currently see as their impact on AD disease modification. If you are on a limited budget, I would start at the top and work your way down. I have also provided a brief description of what each one does.

1. Galantamine
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, facilitates memory functions, appears to modulate both beta amyloid plaques and cytokine proteins.

2. Alpha GPC
Precursor of acetylcholine, increases human growth hormone secretion to build new cells, crosses the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) better than any other choline source.

3. Spirulina
Enhances the immune system, exceptional protein source, modulates cytokine and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) proteins that contribute to AD pathogenesis, source of B vitamins and omega fatty acids DHA and EPA.

4. Ashwagandha
Boosts immune system functioning especially in regards to the brain, facilitates nervous system rejuvenation, prevents stress-related mental decline.

5. Fish Oil
Exceptional source of omega fatty acids that help fuel the brain.

6. Circumin
Helps immune cells clear out amyloid-beta plaque build-up.

7. Resveratrol
Reduces inflammation, attacks cancer cells, and aids in neuroprotection.

8. Piracetam
Increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, and helps to slow decay of brain cells.

9. High quality multi-vitamin rich in B vitamins
Critical to the formation of red blood cells, assists in overall brain development and nutrition.

10. Cinnamon
May help with Tau tangles, modulates glucose.

11. Blueberry Extract
Exceptional antioxidant, high anthocyanin content, vitamins C and E.

12. Ginkgo Biloba
Increases cerebral circulation and brain cell oxidation.

13. Green Tea Extract
Excellent antioxidant with L-theanine.

14. Uridine
Building block of RNA and DNA, contributes to the production of phosphatidylcholine

15. Aspirin
Anti-inflammatory, increases cerebral circulation, and manages pain.

16. Acetyl-l-carnitine
Reverses damage to mitochondria associated with aging and has neuroprotective properties.

And please do not forget a healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts and seeds (such as walnuts), and clean water.

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Cerebral,
All I can say is WOW!! Thanks for the info.

Peace and Hope,

Cerebral,

This new thread is wonderful. What a great start for newcomers. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.
Billsrunning and Swarfmaker:
Your thoughts please. Maybe we can have our own clinical trial on supplements!

Jeanne

It was brought to my attention that we may want to add cat's claw (uncaria tomentosa) to the cocktail for its ability to assist the immune system, reduce inflammation, and help with beta-amyloid plaques.

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Two questions. Anyone using Cat's Claw yet?

Any source for uridine or even orotic acid other than some "orotate"?

I like the idea of attacking the disease from many angles.

My father used Samento -- TOA free Cat's Claw for three monts with good resilts.

About uridine:

CDP-choline (cytidine 5'diphosphocholine) is the solution.

But Alpha-GPC is superior.

Best regards

Does the body convert CDP-choline to uridine?

No, its the other way around. Uridine is converted to CDP choline, but as Lucho said (which I agree with) Alpha GPC is a superior acetylcholine precursor. Hence, uridine may be redundant on the cocktail list and could be removed because of the Alpha GPC. However, uridine does appear to help with DNA synthesis which may warrant its use in addition to Alpha GPC.

synapse@cerebralhealth.com

Dear swarfmaker,

Here is a link with product with uridine.

http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/Item00921/Cognitex-with-Neuroprotection-Complex.html

You can read about CDP-choline, and Alpha GPC too:
http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=0&page_id=4005&query=GPC&hiword=GPC%20
http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=0&page_id=5875&query=GPC&hiword=GPC%20
http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=0&page_id=8012&query=GPC&hiword=GPC%20
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2002/sep2002_cover_gpc_02.html
http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=0&page_id=4906&query=CDP&hiword=CDP%20

About Alz:

http://www.lef.org/protocols/neurological/alzheimers_disease_02.htm

I think that cerebral is right:
"uridine may be redundant on the cocktail list and could be removed because of the Alpha GPC"

Every component of the coctail should be explaned. There is enough information on the Internet. If you find something interesting you may send us the link.

Best regards:
lucho

As I've said before, I'm all for whatever works, whether that's Enbrel, supplements, methylene blue, or licking the butts of South American tree toads (I made that last one up).

Thank you folks for providing this information. They are clues and leads, and yes, it is OUR responsibility to research them further.

Again I must say that I really appreciate the, "we're gonna take matters into our own hands and do something" attitude of the people on this forum, instead of a bunch of people just holding hands and commiserating about how horrible the disease is, and how the doctors don't have any answers. OK, commiserating can help ease the anxiety and depression, but doing something-- trying some of these things listed here and elsewhere-- doing IS helping.

Bravo Swarfmaker! I couldn't agree more. As I've stated in the past, this forum may come up with the perfect AD cocktail that will not only reverse but possibly wipe AD off the face of the planet! (Toad butts included)

"By the way, I am not against pharmaceuticals in general. Sometimes they cost too much or are just plain unobtainable, but if something works, I don't care if it comes from a lab or a plant or a shellfish, or a cow."

Last time they were coming from shellfish and cows. Now, South American tree toad butts. Swarfmaker- you crack me up, but I couldn't agree with you more. If it works and safe to use, who really cares where the remedies come from. However, I do tend to lean towards more naturally derived medicines due to their tolerability and long-term use. Most of the one's we are looking at have been studied extensively as well. Who knows though, licking tree toad butts could hold the cure! I hope to God we don't destroy the rainforests and our other major natural resources where there are likely to be so many more medicines that we can use for AD and other medical conditions.

synapse@cerebralhealth.com

Hey Dudes and Dudetts,

I'm a poor, poor, everyday individual with AD. What do you think about adding Huperzine A to the cocktail? I just ordered a one year supply of the stuff.

Ttom

Huperzine A is a good supplement to add to the AD Cocktail. Do not add Huperzine A if you take Galantamine. Galantamine is the generic name for Razadyne. Check with your doctor if you are unsure. There are several threads on this forum that address supplements that will
help you greatly in choosing the correct ones for AD. Please don't hesitate to ask questions. Good luck to you Ttom.

Hey guys- You are all great! Probably the most supportive group of people that could ever be assembled. I can't be certian of your backgrounds but it is obvious that you have all spent a lot of time researching and trying to help either your loved one, your self or humanity as a whole. I had a 30year career as a Mechanical Engineer and was required to fix m,any mechanisms around the world but I can't fix me. I'm lost and trying to understand this issue that has became prominent in my life.

I try to be a good Christin and leave it in the Lord's hands but it is also clear that he gave me a mind to help myself. Somehow it seems the mind is gone but I'm still trying to stay in the game.

I need common language and understandable rebuttal. What is understandable to you all is gibberish to me. At this point I don't think it is possible that I become more intelligent in this area.

Thanx for all of the information. I will try to just read and not be proactive for myself.

All of these supplements, and medications for that matter, play their different roles.

I think the easiest thing to start with is the cinnamon capsules. I repeat, START WITH. People have been reporting good results. See the thread, "Cinnamon really Helps!!!!" Target and Walmart for example, sell bottles of 500mg cassia cinnamon capsules. A bottle of 200 will cost only about $8. I would take 2 of them (totaling 1000mg) once a day for a week and see how I felt. I would do this tomorrow. Then, I would start looking into all these other supplements. Some are not as easy to get.

If I didn't have any bad side effects, then I might think about increasing to 1000mg, twice per day. I've even read where some people take 1000mg three times per day! But, there are other chemicals in whole cinnamon that may cause unwanted side effects, so it is not a good idea to take massive quantities of the stuff. Personally, I wouldn't take more than 1000mg two times per day for the long term, and three times per day for short periods.

After starting the cinnamon, I would look into the other supplements, what they are thought to do for you, their availability, and how much they cost. They address other aspects of the disease. Cinnamon is thought to target the tau protein problem, glucose metabolism, or maybe something else that has not been identified yet. What I do know is that those who have tried it for Alzheimer's disease have been pleased with the results. (If anyone reading this has tried it, and hasn't been happy with the results, please let us know how much and how often you were taking it.)

Let us know what you decide to try, and how it is working for you. This will help us figure out what works and what doesn't.

Tom--The quote by Aeschylus: “God loves to help him who strives to help himself” is one that I firmly believe in.

I am not scientifically or medically trained...so...I started Charlie out on a couple of supplements that my doctor and his doctor had suggested long before AD entered the scene (Fish Oil-Omega 3 and a Super B Complex). Next I added Cinnamon for his A/D and take it myself to help keep my blood-sugar under control (I’m supposedly at risk for becoming diabetic). I liked the results and have since added Tumeric. Was about ready to add Huperzine A...but...held off because of the Dimebon clinical trial. (Think it would have disqualified him.) After reading the posting of Joanne C Muller, Melatonin seems to have potential for things other than inducing sleep and will probably add it after the clinical trial and before Huperzine A).

If you want to pursue supplements...My advice is to be careful and start out small. Do some reading...Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about side effects and interactions...Buy a months supply of one... See how things go and either discontinue or add another to it. (If you have a partner...Ask them to honestly share their observations.)

I was looking over that list at the beginning of the tread. Are all of these things available as supplements? For instance, the first one, galantamine, is that a supplement?

I believe Hupezine A and Galantamine fit the description of supplements:

A dietary supplement is a product that contains one or more dietary ingredients (including vitamins; minerals; herbs or other botanicals; amino acids; IMO

So, are they available? Anyone know where to get galantamine and how much it costs?

Swarfmaker, go to iherb.com and search on galantamine. Also, Memeron contains galantamine.

Another new study published this month on Galantamine from the Journal of Psychopharmacology (Sept, 2008). Link to journal: http://jop.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/761

Here is the abstract:

Galantamine treatment in Alzheimer's disease with cerebrovascular disease: responder analyses from a randomized, controlled trial

(GAL-INT-6).Erkinjuntti T, Gauthier S, Bullock R, Kurz A, Hammond G, Schwalen S, Zhu Y, Brashear R.
Memory Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

Alzheimer's disease combined with cerebrovascular disease (AD with CVD) is associated with progressive decline, with CVD impacting AD onset and severity of progression. Subjects with confirmed diagnosis of AD with CVD were treated with galantamine during a six-month, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (N = 285). Responder analyses were performed for cognitive, behavioural and functional outcome measures. Galantamine treatment resulted in significantly greater cognitive and functional improvements compared with placebo at six months, and a significantly higher percentage of treatment responders. The proportion of responders demonstrating improved or maintained cognition on the 11-item AD assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog/11) was 60.5% for galantamine versus 46.0% for placebo (P = 0.013). The proportion of patients responding by at least four-points on the ADAS-cog/11 was significantly greater for the galantamine group compared with placebo (33.6% versus 17.2%; P = 0.003). Seventy-five percent of galantamine-treated subjects improved or remained stable as assessed by CIBIC-plus compared with 53.6% on placebo (P = 0.0006). Significantly higher responder rates were observed with galantamine for behaviour (64.9% versus 56.6%; P = 0.024), and numerically favourable responder rates were seen with galantamine for activities of daily living. Treatment-emergent adverse events were generally related with the gastrointestinal system (nausea 20% versus 10%; vomiting 12% versus 5%; galantamine and placebo groups, respectively). Three deaths occurred during double-blind treatment: 2 of 188 subjects receiving galantamine, and 1 of 97 subjects receiving placebo. These findings are consistent with a broad range of cognitive, functional and behavioural benefits with galantamine across the spectrum of AD and AD with CVD.

PMID: 18308781 [PubMed - in process]

synapse@cerebralhealth.com

Has anyone used or have information on idebenone? It is a variant of CoQ10. Thanks

Idebenone promotes Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), is an analog of Coenzyme Q with similar antioxidant properties, and is often used as a cognitive enhancer. Unfortunately, however, it has showed limited efficacy for AD.

Here is a fairly recent study:

1: Neurology. 2003 Dec 9;61(11):1498-502.

Idebenone treatment fails to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.

Thal LJ, Grundman M, Berg J, Ernstrom K, Margolin R, Pfeiffer E, Weiner MF, Zamrini E, Thomas RG.

Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla 92093-0624, USA. lthal@ucsd.edu

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of idebenone on the rate of decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: A 1-year, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted. Subjects were over age 50 with a diagnosis of probable AD and had Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores between 12 and 25. Subjects were treated with idebenone 120, 240, or 360 mg tid, each of which was compared with placebo. Primary outcome measures were the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subcomponent (ADAS-Cog) and a Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC). Secondary outcome measures included measurements of activities of daily living, the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale, and the MMSE. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty-six subjects were enrolled and randomized to the four groups. Except for a slight difference in age, there were no differences in patient characteristics at baseline. For the primary outcome measures, there were no significant overall differences between the treatment groups in the prespecified four-group design. In an exploratory two-group analysis comparing all three treated groups combined with placebo, drug-treated patients performed better on the ADAS-Cog in both the intent-to-treat (ITT) and completers analyses. There were no differences in the CGIC scores for the ITT or completers analyses in either the four-group or the two-group analyses. There were no overall differences on any of the secondary outcome measures in any of the analyses. CONCLUSION: Idebenone failed to slow cognitive decline in AD that was of sufficient magnitude to be clinically significant.
PMID: 14663031 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

synapse@cerebralhealth.com

Cerebral: I note on your "cocktail list" a recommendation of 250-500 mg aspirin. Several of the other items are part of the extensive list of supplements I give my husband every day although in our house which is only 50 ft. from two high voltage powerlines, the B vitamins make Bud worse re memory, confusion and more.

Bud has been on one low dose -- 81 mg aspirin for many years. Based on your list, I am now thinking about increasing his aspirin dosage.

Bud has been having some sleep problems over the past couple of weeks and I have had to adjust his melatonin plus working to determine the safest, most effective amount of Benadryl (he has constant sniffling and doesn't like to be reminded to blow his nose). He responded to 1/2 child's, chewable Benadryl but then another night, I ended up giving him the whole tablet plus additional melatonin.

The past few nights, I have gone back to cutting an adult Benadryl caplet in half and giving him two Ibuprofen but am worried about adverse effects on his liver. His liver enzymes straightened out since discontinuing his statin (Lipitor). Most who have read my posts know he is now said to not have Alzheimers afterall. Based on information from Dr. Duane Graveline ( www.spacedoc.net ) and reducing night/bed electric field exposure by moving his electric clock radio off his nightstand and starting him on melatonin, Bud, unlike many, actually has improved in three parts of his Executive Function. While he occasionally presents with some delusional activity, this is now happening in conjunction with disrupted sleep as opposed to what used to occur even in the daytime.

There is "no question" about the need to reduce inflammation for Alzheimers' patients.

The veterinarian explained to me when she prescribed antiobiotics for my guinea pigs (they developed pre-Leukemic blood changes during the time their cage was against electric meter location in our back bedroom), that even tho they did not have "infection," the antibiotics apparently have "anti-inflammatory benefits."

We know close, chronic, prolonged -- especially "bedtime exposures," not only greatly lower one's ability to produce melatonin but also that "inflammation" is a major factor.

I give Bud other supplements that are also helpful when dealing with inflammation including turmeric, Omega 3 fish oil and many more.

Your information plus knowing about occasional reports of antibiotics as possible treatment for Alzheimers causes me to think a visit to the Immunologist might be a good idea for additional help re Bud.

The Immunologist kept our grandsons "prophylactic antibiotics" (low dose, limited spectrum antibiotics) for years after they were dx'd w/rare, pre-Leukemic immune deficiencies. Autistic-type, ADD/ADHD-type symptoms in one grandson that were later identified as Tourettes have gradually improved over the years. Both grandsons also slept in bedrooms opposite electric meters.

Whether ADD, ADHD, autism-spectrum disorders, or said to be "Alzheimers" (I think most are really "Reactive Dementia"), the importance of reducing inflammation can not be emphasized enough.

There are a couple of items on your list that I will take another look at -- I have a closet full of stuff I have started and stopped after observing "negative changes" but, like you, I keep working on "fine-tuning" the "most effective cocktail."

I apologize that I have not had time to review all of the posts and you or someone else may have mentioned aspirin and/or antibiiotics since your initial post.

I am thinking right now of substituting the two Ibuprofen before bed with one of the 81 mg coated aspirin, combined with 1/2 adult Benadryl and his usual melatonin. Have been giving six of the 3 mg. melatonin capsules w/no B-6 but the past few days, I have increased to 7 of the 3 mg. capsules of melatonin. Still "sniffling," still uses Nasacort nasal spray in morning and occasional sprays of Ocean but, we both have slept great for the past couple of nights!

Thinking a bit more about potential benefits of antibiotics. The Immunologist knows the low level electric fields are linked to our grandsons rare immune deficiencies (and improvement after moving their beds). Even with all of my 18 years' research, until I read your list mentioning the higher dose of aspirin, I have seldom given "serious thought" to asking for prophylactic antibiotics for him.

Anyway, thanks for your detailed list! Take care - Joanne

Cerebral- Thanks for the info on idebenone. I had not seen that later study-only earlier ones. Also have my mom on a similar cocktail and am going to add Samento. She is also taking Cognisure. I can't say I've seen any improvement and in fact she continues to decline but I have no idea if the decline would be more pronounced without the "cocktail" so will continue. Thanks for your many helpful posts.

Joanne,

My sense is that AD may be an immune system disorder and that inflammation can and often does result. However, I see inflammation as only a small part of the bigger overall problem. The AD brain appears to go into systematic shut-down mode and neuronal cell death becomes pervasive.

While I worked with a neurosurgeon in high school in Minneapolis (perhaps part of the reason why this area intrigues me so much), we dealt with patients with brain tumors and back disc problems. With brain tumors, you can just go into the brain and surgically remove them. The procedure was relatively simple (in concept at least). Unfortunately with AD, the situation is much more complex as it effects various regions and structures of the brain simultaneously. We have inflammation problems, immune system issues, deterioration of brain structures, amyloid beta plaque buildup, tau tangles, acetycholine and neurotransmitter deficiences, electrical communication breakdown between neurons, and genetic factors that all play a role in AD pathogenesis.

As I have mentioned elsewhere, my personal feeling is that the next generation of AD treatments will need to address the genetic nature of the disease. We have to somehow re-program the cells. There is quite a bit we can do chemically, but I feel we need to alter the shut-down codes to be really effective. Until then, we need to attack AD on all the fronts I mentioned earlier, and the AD cocktail (or some version thereof) is one of our best hopes to approach AD in its full complexity. A single approach targeting only one dimension of the disease will likely be limited in its efficacy. The only exception to this would be if you truly identified the root cause of the disease and subdued or eliminated that cause. And I presently think that cause may be genetically configured.

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my mother's daughter,

You may want to talk to lucho about samento. His dad has dementia and he has had good results. Lucho is a really nice guy and very knowledgeable about supplements. I spoke to him on the phone this past weekend and really enjoy our conversations. He lives in Bulgaria and I can probably get you into contact with him if you like. He is open to sharing his experiences and discussing various supplements and ways of combating AD. He checks these fora fairly regularly and is available via Skype since he is overseas.

synapse@cerebralhealth.com

"Again I must say that I really appreciate the, "we're gonna take matters into our own hands and do something" attitude of the people on this forum, instead of a bunch of people just holding hands and commiserating about how horrible the disease is, and how the doctors don't have any answers. OK, commiserating can help ease the anxiety and depression, but doing something-- trying some of these things listed here and elsewhere-- doing IS helpiAgain I must say that I really appreciate the, "we're gonna take matters into our own hands and do something" attitude of the people on this forum, instead of a bunch of people just holding hands and commiserating about how horrible the disease is, and how the doctors don't have any answers. OK, commiserating can help ease the anxiety and depression, but doing something-- trying some of these things listed here and elsewhere-- doing IS helping."

The proactiveness is great. But is it really necessary to low-blow those whose LOs would never be able to swallow this cocktail.

I was looking for alternative approaches. What a downer.

Back to the whiner's group...>

Just for the record, such a cocktail that we are attempting elucidate would not be "swallowed" every day. I am not meaning to suggest that someone take 16 supplements at once every single day. That is a bit absurd, but I can see how it could be misconstrued that way.

However, the supplements listed above can be integrated into daily living to assist with brain health and help combat some of the deleterious effects of the disease. Some could be taken on a daily basis while others could be integrated into the weekly diet. For example, you could take 1,000 mg of Cinnamon one day and then take a break for the rest of the week. Or you could take fish oil 3 times a week or just eat more fish. The same goes for blueberry extract. You can just eat more blueberries throughout the week- or at least some.

I have suggested dosages to consider as a general guideline. I would not recommend taking more than any one substance in excess of the levels listed during any one day. Perhaps that needs to be clarified.

The "cocktail approach" is not meant to advocate taking a million pills at once. Rather, moderation with any substance is the preferable way. If anything, I hope we can simply become more aware of daily diets and their influence on overall brain health. Beyond that, there are certain foods, herbs, supplements, and even pharmaceuticals that can be of assistance in combating AD, but going overboard is not the intention here.

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Here is a good article that may be of interest for those seeking a diet for AD.

Antiinflammatory Foods
Can the Foods You Eat Make a Difference in Chronic Pain?
By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Updated: September 24, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

You may be familiar with the antiinflammatory medications, but have you heard of antiinflammatory foods? The foods you eat really do have an affect on how you feel.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is defined as a localized reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection. Symptoms of inflammation include pain, swelling, red coloration to the area, and sometimes loss of movement or function. We commonly think of inflammation as the painful component of arthritis. Inflammation is also a component of chronic diseases such as heart disease and strokes.

Medical Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

Common medical antiinflammatory treatments include rest, light exercise, weight maintenance, stretching, and medications designed to reduce the inflammation and control the pain. These medications include Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), steroid medications, and perhaps ultimately joint replacement surgery. The NSAIDs are widely used as the initial form of therapy.

For the most part NSAIDs are tolerated fairly well, although they can irritate the stomach and lead to ulcers. In some instances, long term use can lead to kidney problems.

Avoid Pro-Inflammatory Foods

Pro-inflammatory foods will increase inflammation, increase your pain from the inflammation and may also raise your risk for chronic disease. Loading up on junk foods, high-fat meats, sugar and fast foods will increase inflammation in your body. This is partially due to the unhealthy fats used in preparing and processing these foods, especially trans fats and saturated fats. Processed meats such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages contain chemicals such as nitrites that are associated with increased inflammation and chronic disease.

Saturated fats are also found in meats, dairy products and eggs. While all of these foods are important source of minerals and vitamins, you don't need the extra saturated fat. These foods also also contain fatty acids called arachidonic acid. While some arachidonic acid is essential for your health, too much arachidonic acid in the diet may make your inflammation worse. Be sure to choose low fat milk and cheese and lean cuts of meat, which will not promote inflammation.

Diets high in sugar have also been associated with inflammation, obesity and chronic disease such as diabetes. Eliminate high sugar foods such as sodas, soft drinks, pastries, presweetened cereals and candy.

Another possible source of irritation comes from the nightshade family of plants1. Whole fruits and vegetables are important to eat for their vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants, however some vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant may actually make pain from inflammation worse. These vegetables are part of the nightshade family of plants and contain a chemical alkaloid called solanine. Solanine can trigger pain in some people. While there isn't any formal research findings that back the claim about nightshade plants, you can avoid them for a few weeks to see if your pain and symptoms of inflammation improve.

Anti-inflammatory foods like fresh fruits are an important part of an anti-inflammatory diet.

Adding foods that reduce inflammation will improve how you feel and help to decrease your risk for chronic diseases.

Here are some suggestions.

Fats and Oils

The right types of fats in your diet will impact pain and inflammation in a positive way. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are very powerful antiinflammatory agents. They are found in cold water oily fish, walnuts, flax seeds, canola oil and pumpkin seeds. Adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements from flax oil or fish oil may also help reduce inflammation, just be sure to speak with a doctor or nutritionist before taking larger, therapeutic doses of any supplement, or follow label instructions.

Olive oil is another type of oil that will reduce inflammation. In fact, olive oil has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and will help to reduce pain. Other healthy oils include rice bran oil, grape seed oil, and walnut oil.

Protein

Your body needs protein to build healthy body tissues. Good protein sources include lean poultry, fish and seafood, nuts, legumes and seeds. Red meats may trigger inflammation, so cut back on fatty red meats. When you do eat red meat, choose lean cuts of bison, venison and other game meats, or the lowest-fat cuts of beef, preferably grass-fed beef.
Soybeans, tofu, and soy milk are three great sources of soy proteins that may help to reduce your pain and inflammation.

Carbohydrates and Fiber

Most of your carbohydrates should come from whole grains, vegetables and fruits. The bread, cereal and pasta in your diet should be mostly be 100% whole grain products. Whole grains are excellent sources of fiber, and a high fiber diet will reduce your inflammation.

Choose green leafy vegetables, green and brightly colored vegetables and lots of fresh whole fruits. You should eat at least five and preferably more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Green vegetables and whole fruits are also important as sources of dietary fiber.

Berries are also a great food choice, especially blueberries and strawberries which are packed with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and anti-oxidants. The pigments in brightly colored fruits, vegetables and berries contain many phytochemicals that have antiinflammatory properties. One example is quercetin, which is found in apple and red onion skins and has strong antiinflammatory properties.

Healthy Beverages

Your body needs water in the form of foods and beverages every day. The simplest and maybe best form of water is fresh drinking water. Other good fluid sources include 100% fruit juices, herbal teas, vegetable juices and low fat milk. About 20% of the water you need every day will come from the foods you eat.

Antiinflammatory Diet Tips

Over all, when you are choosing antiinflammatory foods to help reduce your inflammation and pain, choose fresh foods instead of heavily processed foods. Here are some tips:
Breakfast could be oatmeal served with fresh berries and walnuts, with a cup of soy milk.

Snack on whole fruits, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables throughout the day instead of cookies and candy.

Eat more fish and less fatty red meat.

Stay away from deep fried foods and bake or stir fry your meals instead.

Choose green, orange, and yellow vegetables for your side dishes.

Drink plenty of water, fresh 100% fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas and green tea.

Sources:

Watkins BA, Hannon K, Ferruzzi M, Li Y. "Dietary PUFA and flavonoids as deterrents for environmental pollutants." J Nutr Biochem. 2007 Mar;18(3):196-205.

Hodgson JM, Ward NC, Burke V, Beilin LJ, Puddey IB. "Increased lean red meat intake does not elevate markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in humans." J Nutr. 2007 Feb;137(2):363-7.

Lopez-Garcia E, Schulze MB, Fung TT, Meigs JB, Rifai N, Manson JE, Hu FB. "Major dietary patterns are related to plasma concentrations of markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction." Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Oct;80(4):1029-35.

Farooqui AA, Horrocks LA, Farooqui T. "Modulation of inflammation in brain: a matter of fat." J Neurochem. 2007 Jan 25.

Panush RS, Veloso ML, Weiss S, Bielory L. "Mechanisms in adverse reactions to food. The joints and muscles." Allergy. 1995;50(20 Suppl):74-7.

Huang SM, Wu CH, Yen GC. "Effects of flavonoids on the expression of the pro-inflammatory response in human monocytes induced by ligation of the receptor for AGEs." Mol Nutr Food Res. 2006 Dec;50(12):1129-39.

Covas MI. "Olive oil and the cardiovascular system." Pharmacol Res. 2007 Jan 30.

Suter PM. "Positive effect of dietary soy in ESRD patients with systemic inflammation--correlation between blood levels of the soy isoflavones and the acute-phase reactants." Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2006 Aug;21(8):2239-46.

Fanti P, Asmis R, Stephenson TJ, Sawaya BP, Franke AA. "Positive effect of dietary soy in ESRD patients with systemic inflammation--correlation between blood levels of the soy isoflavones and the acute-phase reactants." Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2006 Aug;21(8):2239-46.

synapse@cerebralhealth.com

I was perusing the University of Oxford's website this morning and found this article on their homepage:

Vitamin B12 may protect brain in old age

09 Sep 08

Brain scans of those with high B12 levels (right) and those with low B12 levels (left). The blue colour shows where the brain tissue has shrunk, the red where it has expanded.

Vitamin B12, a nutrient found in meat, fish and milk, may protect against brain volume loss in older people, according to a University of Oxford study.

For the study, 107 people between the ages of 61 and 87 underwent brain scans, memory testing and physical exams. The researchers from the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA) also collected blood samples to check vitamin B12 levels. Brain scans and memory tests were also performed again five years later.

The study, published in the journal Neurology, found that people who had higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less likely to experience brain shrinkage compared with those who had lower levels of the vitamin in their blood. None of the people in the study had vitamin B12 deficiency.

‘Many factors that affect brain health are thought to be out of our control, but this study suggests that simply adjusting our diets to consume more vitamin B12 through eating meat, fish, fortified cereals or milk may be something we can easily adjust to prevent brain shrinkage and so perhaps save our memory,’ says Anna Vogiatzoglou of the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at Oxford University.

Anna Vogiatzoglou, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at Oxford University ‘Research shows that vitamin B12 deficiency is a public health problem, especially among the elderly, so more vitamin B12 intake could help reverse this problem. Without carrying out a clinical trial, we acknowledge that it is still not known whether B12 supplementation would actually make a difference in elderly persons at risk for brain shrinkage.’

‘Previous research on the vitamin has had mixed results and few studies have been done specifically with brain scans in elderly populations. We tested for vitamin B12 levels in a unique, more accurate way by looking at two certain markers for it in the blood,’ adds Ms Vogiatzoglou.

Ms Vogiatzoglou says the study did not look at whether taking vitamin B12 supplements would have the same effect on memory.

The study was supported by the UK Alzheimer’s Research Trust, the Medical Research Council, the Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust, the Norwegian Foundation for Health and Rehabilitation through the Norwegian Health Association, Axis-Shield plc and the Johan Throne Holst Foundation for Nutrition Research.

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Hi Cerebral,

Maybe you know the answer: What causes chronic extreme tiredness in AD patients and what can we do to remedy this, if anything?

My DH takes B12 daily and all the B vitamins, yet he is extremely tired most of the day. He consumes a very healthy diet and I'm at a loss about the tiredness and lack of energy.

Jeanne

Jeanne,

Reduced energy levels in AD patients may be a result of the interference of amyloid beta plaques in mitochondrial functioning. You may want to try Coenzyme Q as a way to improve mitochondrial functioning and boost energy.

Here are a few research studies on Coenzyme Q for you to consider:

1: J Alzheimers Dis. 2008 Jun;14(2):225-34.

Evaluation of coenzyme Q as an antioxidant strategy for Alzheimer's disease.

Wadsworth TL, Bishop JA, Pappu AS, Woltjer RL, Quinn JF.
Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. wadswort@ohsu.edu

Increasing evidence suggests that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with oxidative damage that is caused in part by mitochondrial dysfunction. Here we investigated the feasibility of modifying Alzheimer pathology with the mitochondrial antioxidant coenzyme Q (CoQ). Exogenous CoQ protected MC65 neuroblastoma cells from amyloid-beta protein precursor C-terminal fragment (APP CTF)-induced neurotoxicity in a concentration dependent manner, with concentrations of 6.25 microM and higher providing near complete protection. Dietary supplementation with CoQ at a dose of 10 g/kg diet to C65/Bl6 mice for one month significantly suppressed brain protein carbonyl levels, which are markers of oxidative damage. Treatment for one month with 2 g lovastatin/kg diet, which interferes with CoQ synthesis, resulted in a significant lowering of brain CoQ10 levels. Mitochondrial energetics (brain ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential) were unaffected by either CoQ or lovastatin treatment. Our results suggest that oral CoQ may be a viable antioxidant strategy for neurodegenerative disease. Our data supports a trial of CoQ in an animal model of AD in order to determine whether a clinical trial is warranted.

1: J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2008 May;67(5):428-34.

Coenzyme q induces tau aggregation, tau filaments, and Hirano bodies.

Santa-Mara I, Santpere G, MacDonald MJ, Gomez de Barreda E, Hernandez F, Moreno FJ, Ferrer I, Avila J.
Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Tau aggregation is a common feature of tauopathies such as Alzheimer disease (AD). In AD, tau assembles into fibrillar polymers; it may also be present in other aberrant aggregates, including Hirano bodies. The mechanisms leading to tau polymerization in vivo are not understood. In this study, we found that coenzyme Q (ubiquinone) facilitates tau aggregation after binding to tau molecules at the region of the tau molecule involved in self-assembly. Consequently, after tau-tau interactions, this region is masked in fibrillar tau polymers. Further in vitro studies showed that ubiquinone facilitates the interaction of tau protein with actin to form structures that are morphologically similar to Hirano bodies. Finally, studies in AD brains show that Hirano bodies react with an antibody raised against ubiquinone, indicating that ubiquinone is a component of Hirano bodies. Taken together, the in vitro models and findings in AD suggest that in the presence of ubiquinone, Hirano bodies may result from the interaction of actin and other proteins, including tau.

1: Mitochondrion. 2007 Sep;7(5):297-310. Epub 2007 Jun 13.

Mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction and energy deficiency in Alzheimer's disease.

Atamna H, Frey WH 2nd.
Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, CA 94609-1673, USA. hatamna@chori.org

Several studies have demonstrated aberrations in the Electron Transport Complexes (ETC) and Krebs (TCA) cycle in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. Optimal activity of these key metabolic pathways depends on several redox active centers and metabolites including heme, coenzyme Q, iron-sulfur, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. Disturbed heme metabolism leads to increased aberrations in the ETC (loss of complex IV), dimerization of APP, free radical production, markers of oxidative damage, and ultimately cell death all of which represent key cytopathologies in AD. The mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD is controversial. The observations that Abeta is found both in the cells and in the mitochondria and that Abeta binds with heme may provide clues to this mechanism. Mitochondrial Abeta may interfere with key metabolites or metabolic pathways in a manner that overwhelms the mitochondrial mechanisms of repair. Identifying the molecular mechanism for how Abeta interferes with mitochondria and that explains the established key cytopathologies in AD may also suggest molecular targets for therapeutic interventions. Below we review recent studies describing the possible role of Abeta in altered energy production through heme metabolism. We further discuss how protecting mitochondria could confer resistance to oxidative and environmental insults. Therapies targeted at protecting mitochondria may improve the clinical outcome of AD patients.

And here is a statement from Life Extension:

Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is attracting significant attention in the treatment of a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown that levels of CoQ10 are altered in Alzheimer’s disease (Dhanasekaran M et al 2005), and that brain energy levels are dramatically reduced in dementia-related diseases. CoQ10 has been suggested as part of a comprehensive, integrative approach (along with vitamins B, E, and K, and lipoic acid) to improve mitochondrial function in Alzheimer’s disease (Kidd PM 2005). In one animal study, CoQ10 counteracted mitochondrial deficiencies in rats that had been treated with beta-amyloid (Moreira PI et al 2005). It has also been shown to destabilize amyloid plaques in laboratory studies (Ono K et al 2005).

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Cerebral said: [quote]Just for the record, such a cocktail that we are attempting elucidate would not be "swallowed" every day. I am not meaning to suggest that someone take 16 supplements at once every single day. That is a bit absurd[/quote]

The list of supplements my husband takes, posted to a related topic about supplements in this forum, does indeed constitute a daily regimen. I sort them once a week into three of the largest size seven-compartment pill holders, one set per meal; and I dump each meal's worth out into a little dish for him right after we eat. This way, each day he gets the same daily amount (divided in two or three doses, if the capsule size allows). Why do you think this is absurd? If 100 mg/day of X is deemed the appropriate level, why would I limit his intake to 100 mg once a week, or every three days? Maybe I'm missing something here, but it seems to me a steady, moderate intake would be more supportive than a now-and-then hit.

We do skip a day once every two weeks or so, usually when I don't have time to reload.

--C

SunHiker,

Perhaps my language was a bit strong. "Absurd" is a bit overkill. I reacted defensively to one of the other forum members who couldn't see how their LO could take up to 16 supplements a day. Some of the supplements listed above could be covered by daily dietary intake. Others do need to be taken regularly to be effective and I like your idea of spreading the doses throughout the day. Yet, I know realistically that not everyone sticks to the daily regimen as much as they should. I am a perfect example of this. I personally take brain nutritional supplements but sometimes I slack. And other times I go by feel. For example, I created a brain nutritional supplement that I personally like quite a bit. I try to take it regularly with fish oil. Sometimes I take it alone and other times I might take it with a cognitive enhancer (another range of products I work on). I also try to get as many nutrients from food as I possibly can and have really taken a close look at my diet. If I feel my diet is sufficient that day, I may ease off on the supplements. On the other hand, if my diet has been weak, I will add extra supplements. Unfortunately, its virtually impossible to get many of the items listed above through diet alone. In those cases, supplementation is necessary.

I think we might be better off clarifying some kind of "Alzheimer's Lifestyle" here because so many factors need to be taken into consideration. For example, we could identify what would be the optimal breakfast options for AD, the types of supplements they would take during the day and how often, forms of light exercise, mental engagement activities, etc. I feel that if we neglect any one area of "life in the real world" of an AD sufferer, then the treatment will be less than optimally effective.

What you are doing, SunHiker, is closer to the ideal and I hope you will continue sharing your experiences on these forums. Unfortunately, not everyone is so regimented and organized or even open to the idea.

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SunHiker, Cerebral,

I do exactly what SunHiker does, split the supplements and RX's into three packets, to be taken daily. It's still a lot of pills to swallow, so for breakfast, I open the first packet of supplements, add them to a fat free plain yogurt, honey and fresh fruit smoothie. I use the small see thru pill packets, set out three for the day. Should we leave, they can be taken along with no problem.

The packets are inexpensive and can be reused. It's a good system and works for us. I take juicy juice for outings. I fill two weeks worth of packets...It does take time. We also skip
an entire day occasionally, sans RX's of course. Before I started this system, I wondered, did I or didn't I give him this or that? Now it's easy and saves time in the long run. If you are lucky enough to have some free time, another caregiver just grabs a packet. My family likes that. Anyway, you all probably have a better system, but just wanted to share mine.

Jeanne

Jeanne, I like your idea of take-along packets. The rare times we go out to eat, either we skip the supplements for that meal or, if we're coming straight home, I give them to my husband then. So far he has been amazingly cooperative about taking them, provided I put them right in front of him with a glass of water.

I also like the idea of opening capsules to mix with yogurt, but what a lot of work that must be! I'd really like to see a genuine "cocktail" formulated as a liquid. As we get older, swallowing becomes more difficult, and I have to watch the size of pills both for myself and my husband. Neither of us can safely swallow large tablets any more. Once my husband had a piece of one stuck in his trachea for a week before he finally coughed it up. So we stick to capsules and softgels as much as possible. The latter would be a real bear to open and mix with anything; I tried that once, and it was a mess.

--C

SunHiker,

We had the same problem with large tablets. I purchased a pill splitter at the pharmacy at Market Steet, along with the pill pouches/packets. It works like a charm. You can split, split some more even the tinest tablet. It is one of my best purchases, next to the Magic Bullet for the smoothies. I was wondering if the Magic Bullet would accomodate the full capsules and pulverize them. I haven't tried that yet, but it's a very powerful little gadget.

I always keep a sup packet in my purse, just in case the opportunity to dine out arises. It's so much easier to take the supplements while in a restaurant after a nice meal, waiting for check to arrive!

Yes, wouldn't it be great if there was a liquid AD cocktail we could use! Maybe Cerebral could concoct one for the us!


Jeanne

Great, Cerebral! I wish I knew enough to figure out what's most important to include in a liquid cocktail. I have an appt to take my DH to a naturopath next week, someone with experience in geriatrics. Maybe she'll have some suggestions.

About vitamin B12: my DH has been taking 5,000 mcg sublingual methylcobalamin daily for more than a year, and his blood level of B12 is nice and high.

About CoQ10: my DH has been taking 100 mg daily for several years. I wonder if that's enough? Hard to compare with mouse dosage. He does seem to tire easily, and he has slowed down a lot.

Of course he is also taking a boatload of other supplements meant to support cognitive functioning. The results of his yearly re-evaluation at the Stanford/VA Alzheimer's Research Center showed that his measurable level of dementia has remained the same. But I have noticed increased frequency, depth, and duration of disorientation, especially in the last few weeks.

--C

I have an idea for an alternative to a liquid. A liquid would mean that the person could taste it, so a means for covering up the taste would be required. What about encapsulating things in tiny balls of neutral tasting gelatin, or whatever would work, so that the "cocktail" would then resemble tapioca pudding? The "medicine", supplement, or vitamin could then be eaten. This would be especially useful for trying to get things down people who can still swallow, but have lost the concept of swallowing pills. It would also be useful for healthy people who just aren't good at swallowing pills, or have a sensitive gag reflex.

SunHiker,

Would you be willing to share the list of supplements your DH is currently taking?

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swarfmaker,

Your idea about an edible cocktail sounds interesting. I hope to think more about some of the details involved.

I was also approached by a couple of neurologists while at ICAD who wanted to develop some kind of brain health drink and put together a neuro-clinic of some kind where people could get scanning work done to track progress.

Yet, I am finding that beyond professional neurologists and researchers, there are some extremely knowledgeable people here on these forums and elsewhere who have personal experience with AD and various supplement regimens that can really help refine a final AD cocktail formula.

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Cerebral asked "Would you be willing to share the list of supplements your DH is currently taking?"

I did just that, on 22 August, under the topic "Supplements to Combat Dementia" in this same forum:

http://tinyurl.com/3fgs3w

I just noticed in a catalog that Edimi has a tincture the catalog calls "a cocktail for your brain", developed by Dr. Michael Tick, supposedly for his aunt who had Alzheimer's. The Edimi Web site leaves something to be desired, since the crucial link doesn't work, at least for me. Maybe somebody with a different browser can get through and find out what's in this tincture:

http://www.edimi.com/

Looks like it's a collection of herbs.

--C

Hmmm...how about a transdermal cocktail? At least for some, this might be even easier to administer than a liquid or apple sauce. According to Dr. Mark A. Sircus:

"Traditional methods of administering medicine such as tablets or capsules get watered down and become much less effective due to stomach acids and digestive enzymes, before they eventually get into the bloodstream. Bypassing the stomach and liver means a much greater percentage of the active ingredient goes straight into the bloodstream where it's needed. In many cases, transdermal methods are used to help avoid potential side effects such as stomach upset or drowsiness. The full potential for transdermal medicine has not been explored by modern medicine though it has been practiced for thousands of years in hot springs around the world."

http://www.naturalnews.com/024142.html

--C

Hmmmm...

"Eating veggies shrinks the brain"
The Times of India, 14 Sep 2008

" MELBOURNE: Scientists have discovered that going veggie could be bad for your brain-with those on a meat-free diet six times more likely to suffer brain shrinkage.

Vegans and vegetarians are the most likely to be deficient because the best sources of the vitamin are meat, particularly liver, milk and fish. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause anaemia and inflammation of the nervous system. Yeast extracts are one of the few vegetarian foods which provide good levels of the vitamin."

Also:
"Researchers found that the hippocampus-the part of the brain that stores memories - was 10% smaller in beer drinkers than those who stuck to wine."

"And being overweight or obese is linked to brain loss, Swedish researchers discovered."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/HealthSci/Eating_veggies_shrinks_the_brain/articleshow/3480629.cms

swarfmaker,

Unfortunately, a purely vegetarian diet may pose some issues in terms of brain health. Vegetarians really need to keep a close eye on their protein and omega fatty acid consumption to prevent memory loss and other kinds of cognitive impairments. They also need lots of vitamins to help fuel the brain on a regular basis. If they could just add fish to their diets, it would probably help tremendously.

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Here's the results from Gilbert's (my DH) first visit to a local naturopath. She recommended I should:

(1) Double his fish oil supplement from 1,000 mg DHA and 400 mg EPA per day to 2,000 mg DHA and 800 mg EPA.

(2) Give him the following supplements only every other day, or 3 times per week (you were on the right track about that, Cerebral): ginkgo biloba, niacin, inositol, IP6, TMG, Melissa, melatonin, and DMAE.

She scheduled him for the following tests:

* Heavy metals (challenged with DMSA)
* Organic acids to see how his body systems are working
* RBC elements for nutritional analysis.

We'll know more in October when the test results come back, and Gilbert has his follow-up appt. I was sufficiently impressed to ask for a consultation for myself, also, since I am showing signs of stress and endocrine imbalance. More tests!

--C

Very Interesting thread indeed.
I haven't visited the forums for some time and see I've missed a lot.
The reason I came back was because a friend of mine is involved with a "Chocolate" remedy and I wanted to see if there was anything on here about it.
(For info look here:
http://mydrchocolate.soundconcepts.com/ )

Frankly it sounds too "fadish" to me.

Anyway I like the information put together here by cerebral and others. Thank you for all the effort.
In relation to the idea of a liquid coctail does anyone have a preference for a base? I mean 1000 mg of cinnimon in a glass of water probably isn't a good start.
I'm thinking of changing our daily vitamin over from a pill to a liquid like ensure. Would this be a good starting point?

James

Thanks for your comments James. a liquid AD cocktail. There seems to be quite a demand.

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