20 Ways to Beat Alzheimer’s Disease

In Brain Health | by Dr. Jockers | Comments { 0 } | Affiliate Disclosure

20 Ways to Beat Alzheimer’s Disease

One of the fastest growing diseases in the industrial world is Alzheimer’s
disease (AD). This is characterized by massive degeneration of the brain that
causes disruptions in memory, cognition, personality that finally culminates
with brain death.
Approximately, 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is
expected to go up to 15 million by the year 2050 (1). Take action now to
prevent and reverse Alzheimer’s disease with natural strategies.
Alzheimer’s disease cripples the individuals’ brain to the point where they
cannot form new memories. They are a danger to themselves because they
are entirely unable to take care of even the most basic needs. Most
individuals survive for 5-10 years with AD.

The Alzheimer’s Burden:

Alzheimer’s disease cripples the individuals’ brain to the point where they
cannot form new memories. They are a danger to themselves because they
are entirely unable to take care of even the most basic needs. Most
individuals survive for 5-10 years with AD.

These individuals need constant care-giving which creates a massive

economic burden on the family. New reports show there are more than 15
million Americans providing care for someone with AD. This is a
tremendous financial, physical and emotional burden to help care for a loved
one with AD.

The average caregiver taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s encounters

over $50,000 in out of pocket expenses each year (1, 2).
The Neuro Degenerative Process:
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are characterized by massive neuronal loss
in the temperal lobe hippocampus region of the brain (3, 4). The
hippocampus is the major region where we process and create short term
memory. This causes problems with short term memory, behavioral
changes, depression and irritability, balance problems and disorientation.
AD is also associated with damage to the Amygdala and limbic regions of
the brain. These areas are responsible for our response to fear, our emotions
and behavior. This is why AD patients struggle with irritability, anxiety,
mood disorders and depression (5).
AD diagnosis is made by observing neuron loss of medium and large sized
pyramidal cells and the presence of intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles
(NFTs) and extracellular deposits of amyloid filaments that are surrounded by
altered neuritic processes and glia cells. These NFT’s with amyloid are
called senile plaques and they are found in greater abundance in the
hippocampus, amygdala and other limbic regions (6).

Poor Blood Sugar Signaling

Research has shown that Alzheimer’s disease development and progression is
highly influenced by lifestyle factors. A recent study published in the Journal
of Alzheimer’s Disease confirmed earlier reports that AD is characterized by
chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in the brain. Researchers have
titled this pathophysiological pattern type-3 diabetes (7, 8, 9).
These researchers found that as blood sugar signaling patterns are disrupted it
leads to elevated blood sugar and the formation of Advanced Glycolytic End
Products (AGE’s). The AGEs destroy cell membrane function and damage
insulin receptor activity creating a vicious cycle of elevated blood sugar and
inflammatory stress. AGEs cause massive destruction throughout the body
and have an affinity for neurological tissue (10, 11).
Blood Brain Barrier and Alzheimer’s:
The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a tight network of blood vessels that is
designed to only allow small nutrients to pass into the brain. The BBB is a
mechanism the body uses to protect the brain from oxidative stress, infectious
microbes and chronic inflammation.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s have alterations in the BBB where they have
increased permeability which therefore allows greater stress on the brain (12).
This happens through 3 major mechanisms
1) Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar causes a partial starvation of the brain
tissue and the body responds by opening up the BBB to allow for more
nutrients to cross. This also allows for more toxins and oxidative stress to
effect brain tissue (13).
2) Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar causes more oxidative stress that
damages the endothelial lining of the BBB, weakening this protective shield
and making it more permeable to larger compounds. This causes increased
stress on the brain tissue and leads to insulin resistance in the brain.
Increased insulin levels are associated with the neurofibrillary tangles and
amyloid plaque found in Alzheimer’s disease (14, 15).
3) Magnesium Deficiency: Blood sugar imbalances deplete magnesium and
many B vitamin stores in the body. Magnesium plays a key role in the
capillary tone of the endothelial membrane. Magnesium deficiency weakens
the endothelial lining and makes it more permeable to heavy metals such as
aluminum which is classically found in Alzheimer’s disease (16, 17, 18).
The MicroBiome and Alzheimer’s
There has been a tremendous amount of research linking the gut microbiome
and neurological health. Research has indicated that low levels of healthy
lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are linked with increased brain excitability
and neurological inflammation (19, 20).
These microbes help to break down the excititory neurotransmitter glutamate
into the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Low levels of GABA production
are associated with anxiety, seizures, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s
(21, 22).
Additionally, it has been shown that some microbes secrete amyloid as a
byproduct of their metabolism. This endotoxin is linked to the pathogenesis
of Alzheimer’s disease. It is thought that high levels of amyloid producing
bacteria are a significant factor in the development of Alzheimer’s (23, 24).
Aluminum and Alzheimer’s:
Aluminum is found in high amounts within the neurofibrillary tangles of
Alzheimer’s disease patients. How does it get in there? Through a
combination of blood sugar dysregulation, gut dysbiosis and chronic
inflammation and environmental aluminum exposure.
Aluminum is used in the processing of many different industrial products.
We are exposed to aluminum in vaccines, deoderants, medications, canned
foods and tap water. Aluminum has an affinity for brain tissue due to 2 major
mechanisms (25, 26, 27)
1) Slow Absorption and Uptake Rates: Because aluminum is absorbed by
the body slowly and the uptake into the brain is progressive, many scientists
believe it is a safe additive in food and drinking water treatment.
2) Aluminum’s Ionic Size: This particle is similar to iron in size and uses
iron-evolved mechanisms to enter the highly active, iron-dependent cells
responsible for memory processing. Aluminum accumulates in these iron-
dependent cells and dysregulates the iron homeostasis which causes brain
hypoxia and neuronal cell death.
AD is a human form of chronic aluminum neurotoxicity. The causality
analysis demonstrates that chronic aluminum intake causes AD.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction:
Every cell of the body has mitochondria within it that produce energy for the
cell. The mitochondria are the battery packs of the cell and they are
extremely important. High levels of oxidative stress wear down the
mitochondria and cause a dysfunctional state. Studies have found that
individuals with Alzheimer’s disease have an advanced state of mitochondrial
dysfunction (28, 29).
Individuals suffering from AD are evidenced to have massive cell death of
the hippocampus and amygdala regions of the brain (30). Research has
shown that this is initiated by a profound glutathione (GSH) decrease and a
mitochondrial dysfunction.
Glutathione Depletion and Nrf2:
In AD, the cells are under so much stress that there main protective shield
(GSH) gets worn down and oxidative stress damages the mitochondria and
the DNA leading to cell death. Poor blood sugar control and high
environmental toxinexposure are known to deplete glutathione levels and
impair mitochondrial function (31).
A key pathway that maintains cellular glutathione levels and the ability of the
cell to adapt to stress is called Keap1-Nrf2. When this pathway breaks down
it causes increased levels of oxidative stress within the cell that leads to the
glutathione depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction (32).
This pathway must be addressed in order to prevent or reverse AD symptoms
(33).
Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition:
An anti-inflammatory nutrition plan that is low in carbohydrate and rich in
healthy fats and anti-oxidants is critical to preventing and treating
Alzheimer’s disease. The brain is primarily water, fat and cholesterol. These
are all key building blocks for promoting healthy brain function and
rebuilding a damaged brain.
The proper nutrition plan to beat AD is rich in phytonutrient dense
vegetables, healthy fat and clean protein sources. Healthy fat sources such as
coconut, avocados, olive oil & sprouted nuts and seeds must take a central
role in the diet to promote healthy brain function.
Healthy Proteins & Anti-Oxidants:
Healthy proteins include wild-caught fish, grass-fed red meat and organic
chicken, turkey and eggs. Grass-fed beef is loaded with long-chain omega 3
fatty acids, saturated fat, cholesterol, vitamin B12, and conjugated linoleic
acid which are all necessary for healthy neurological function.

Additionally, grass-fed beef contains carnosine, wild salmon contains

astaxanthin and organic pasture-fed eggs have retinol, lutein & zeaxanthin.
These fat-soluble anti-oxidants protect the brain and neurological tissue from
AGEs and other damaging free radicals. Superfood herbs like turmeric,
cinnamon, cloves, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ginger, basil, etc. should be
used as much as possible.
Critical Nutrients for Brain Health:
Regular exercise and sun exposure are extremely critical factors to boost
oxygenation, anti-aging hormones and vitamin D3 levels. Vitamin D3
supplementation of 10,000 IU daily is often needed. High quality multi-
vitamins, magnesium, extra B complex vitamins, zinc & selenium as well as
probiotics and purified omega 3 fatty acids should be used as well.
Individuals at risk for AD have sleep challenges throughout their lives and
have reduced melatonin signaling systems in their brain. Establishing regular
sleep cycles by going to bed early and getting a full 8 hours of sleep each
night is essential. Adding in certain teas such as valerian root, chamomile
and passionflower can be especially helpful.

Additionally, you can use lavendar, chamomile and peppermint essential oils
to relax the nervous system, oxygenate the body and induce deeper sleep.
Healthy melatonin levels help the brain to clean up damaged cells
(autophagy) including the NFT’s that are characteristic of AD.

Good sleep and optimal melatonin secretions also positively influence healthy
genetic expression, circadian rhythms that improve anti-aging characteristics
and human growth hormone levels which boost immunity, reduce
inflammation and build lean body tissue and a healthy physique.

Stimulating NeuroGenesis:
One of the biggest breakthroughs in neuroscience over the last 20 years has
been the discovery of neurogenesis. This refers to the ability of the brain to
generate new healthier and stronger cells and synaptic junctions. The brain
can literally re-wire itself. In the case of AD, the brain is breaking down
faster than it can rebuild which is called neurodegeneration.
In order to grow stronger and healthier neuronal cells the neurons secrete a
compound called Brain derived neurotrophic growth factor (BDNF).
BDNF encourages the growth and differentiation of new neurons and
synapses. In the brain, it is most active in the hippocampus and cortex and is
vital to learning, memory and higher thinking (34).
Key ways to simulate BDNF include regular exercise, novel movement
patterns such as using your non-dominant hand for activities, doing cross-
crawl style movements, aromatherapy, learning new concepts, listening to
classical music, social interaction and laughing.

Action Steps to Beat Alzheimer’s:

Here are the best action steps to get started with on your journey to prevent
and/or beat Alzheimer’s disease. You should always consult with your
physician before stopping or changing medications or taking on new health
strategies.

Additionally, you should be working with a functional health practitioner to

help guide you through these strategies. This is not an exhaustive list and
there are other natural therapeutic strategies that I and functional health
practitioners will utilize to help individuals with Alzheimer’s.
1) Change Your Diet: Follow an Anti-Inflammatory nutrition plan here and
avoid exposure to aluminum cans by choosing fresh or frozen organic food as
much as possible.
2) Reduce Stress: Find ways to reduce stressful activities and enjoy more
peace and calm. Learn to thrive under stress by reading this article here
3) Improve Your Sleep: Sleeping a high quality 8-9 hours each night is key
to healing and improving brain function. Follow the steps in this article to
improve your sleep.
4) Power Up Your Nrf2 Pathway: This is the key genetic anti-oxidant
pathway. Adding in clinical dosages of resveratrol, curcumin, sulfuraphane
and Green tea (ECGC) can be extraordinarily beneficial. I use Nrf2
Power here to improve this pathway. I always get my chronic hypertensive
patients on Nrf2 Power.
5) Include Magnesium & B Vitamin Rich Foods: Magnesium helps to
improve blood sugar signaling patterns and protects the blood-brain barrier.
The best magnesium and B vitamin rich foods include dark green leafy
veggies, grass-fed dairy, raw cacao and pumpkin seeds. You can also
do Epsom salt baths to boost your magnesium levels.
6) Focus on Deep Breathing: Improving your posture, seeing a high quality
chiropractor and optimizing your breathing patterns is highly recommended.
Follow these tips here to improve your breathing patterns.
7) Use Anti-Oxidant Rich Herbs: Add turmeric, ginger, oregano, garlic,
basil, thyme and rosemary to as many dishes as possible and drink organic
herbal teas on a regular basis.
8) Ground Your Body: In our society we are surrounded by toxic
electromagnetic frequency’s (EMF’s). These EMF’s increase stress within
our body and alter neurotransmitter function. By going outside daily and
walking barefoot on grass, dirt or sand you absorb natural EMF’s from the
ground that balance your electrical rhythms. Follow the steps in this
article here.
9) Supplement With Omega 3’s: Omega 3 fatty acids and in particular the
long chain variety EPA and DHA are critical for stabilizing blood sugar,
improving neurogenesis and neurotransmitter production (35, 36). Consume
grass-fed meat, grass-fed butter, wild-caught fish and spirulina to get it in
your diet.
It is also advisable to supplement with 2-5 grams daily of EPA/DHA along
with 200 mg of GLA. Clinically, I use ProEFA to boost up omega 3’s.
10) Improve Your Mitochondria: The mitochondria are the energy
powerhouses of every cell. When someone has a neurodegenerative disorder
it is a clinical sign that they have disfunctional activity going on in the
mitochondria.
Support your mitochondria with clinical doses of CoQ10, L-carnitine, N-
acetyl cysteine and Lipoic acid. The supplement I use with my
neurodegenerative clients is Brain Supercharge which has the clinically
effective dosages of each of these key nutrients and more.
11) Juice Your Veggies: Juicing is one of the best ways to get high quality
anti-oxidants and powerful phytonutrients into your system. Here is
my article on Best Juicing strategies.
12) Intermittent Fasting: Going 16 hours between dinner and breakfast is
one of the best ways to improve mitochondrial production. Your body
improves energy efficiency by increasing and strengthening the mitochondria
during periods of fasting. Consume your meals in an 8 hour window such as
11am – 7pm. Read this article for more info on fasting.
13) Optimize Your Vitamin D: Low vitamin D3 is associated with
neurological inflammation and neurodegenerative conditions (37). Be sure to
increase your vitamin D through good amounts of regular sun exposure
and/or taking a high quality vitamin D3/K2 supplement.
14) Get a Home Water Filtration System: Very important to avoid the
chloride, fluoride, pesticides, heavy metals – aluminum, etc. that are found in
tap water. Use a good whole home water filtration system as discussed in this
article here
15) Do Brain Based Exercises: Various brain based exercises can be
performed daily to help boost Brain Derived Neurotropic Growth Factors
(BDNF) that improve the health and stability of the brain. Watch my video
on these here
16) Make Learning Your Hobby: Continual and life long learning is one
of the best ways to improve BDNF levels. Studying new subjects, reading
books, learning languages, playing new instruments and doing crossword
puzzles are extremely healthy for the brain.
17) Use Essential Oils: The anti-oxidant content and aromatherapy benefits
of essential oils help to reduce inflammation in the brain and stimulate
BDNF. Some of my favorites include lavendar, peppermint, chamomile and
sweet orange among others.
Put a drop on your hands and mix together and then cover your nose and
inhale the healing vapors. This will stimulate your brain and increase blood
flow to your cranium.

18) Improve Your Gut Motility: Improving bowel movement frequency

and consistency is a key detoxification concept. Consuming an anti-
inflammatory diet with good fiber sources such as chia seed and flax seed,
using bone broths, fermented foods and probiotics will improve bowel
motility.
19) Low Intensity Movement: A sedentary lifestyle reduces cerebrospinal
fluid flow and can lead to increased oxidative stress in the brain. Throughout
the day, get a lot of low-intensity movement such as walking, light cycling,
playing, etc. Regular movement will help reduce inflammation and boost the
development of new neurons in the brain.
20) Use an Advanced Brain Support Pack: This is designed to get you the
key nutrients that are we have already discussed that are necessary for
optimal brain function and cognitive processing. These nutrients help the
brain to produce the right amount of neurotransmitters and other
neurochemicals.
Additionally, these key nutrients have a powerful effect at reducing the
inflammatory fires that destroy our brain tissue.

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Sources For This Article Include:
1. 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Link Here

2. Alzheimer.net – Alzheimer’s Research Spending vs. Annual Care Costs Link Here

3. Selkoe DJ, Lansbury PJ Jr. Alzheimer’s Disease Is the Most Common Neurodegenerative Disorder. In: Siegel

GJ, Agranoff BW, Albers RW, et al., editors. Basic Neurochemistry: Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects. 6th

edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven; 1999. Link Here

4. Sabuncu MR, Desikan RS, Sepulcre J, Yeo BT, Liu H, Schmansky NJ, Reuter M, Weiner MW, Buckner RL,

Sperling RA, Fischl B; Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. The dynamics of cortical and hippocampal

atrophy in Alzheimer disease. Arch Neurol. 2011 Aug;68(8):1040-8. PMID: 21825241

5. Brion JP. Neurofibrillary tangles and Alzheimer’s disease. Eur Neurol. 1998 Oct;40(3):130-40. PMID: 9748670