Those are two words that aren\u2019t usually associated \u2013 Alzheimer\u2019s and hope.\u00a0 The possibility of (or even worse, the diagnosis of) Alzheimer\u2019s strikes fear in one\u2019s heart, and in the hearts of those to whom we are connected.\u00a0 Modern medicine has not succeeded in finding a cure or a way to prevent the decline in brain function, so why is there any reason to hope?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dale Bredesen, M.D., has changed the paradigm!\u00a0 In his 2017 book, \u201cThe End of Alzheimer\u2019s:\u00a0 The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline\u201d, he states: \u201cAlzheimer\u2019s disease can be prevented, and in many cases its associated cognitive decline can be reversed<\/strong>.\u201d\u00a0 That gives me the shivers!\u00a0 He includes stories of many of his patients who have succeeded in doing exactly that.\u00a0 Hope! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Bredesen is a practicing neurologist who has been researching dementia for decades.\u00a0 The premise of his work is that Alzheimer\u2019s has many different potential causes (36, as of the time of book publication), which is why just one drug will not be the answer.\u00a0 The key is to identify the unique biochemical, genetic and metabolic factors affecting a particular person and address each one.\u00a0 He calls this the ReCODE protocol (Reversing COgnitive DEcline), and his book is a very thorough map through the evaluation and treatment process for each factor.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step is evaluation to identify abnormalities and vulnerabilities, because you can\u2019t fix problems you don\u2019t know about.\u00a0 It is so much easier and more effective to find problems before<\/strong> they cause symptoms.\u00a0 Take diabetes, for example:\u00a0 insulin function can be abnormal for years before finally failing enough to cause the symptoms of excessive thirst and excessive urination.\u00a0 And we can prevent insulin abnormalities from ever getting bad enough to result in diabetes \u2013 with diet, lifestyle, supplements, exercise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a table of the tests Dr. Bredesen includes in the ReCODE protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another recommendation he makes is to start screening for abnormalities on everyone 45 years or older<\/strong>!\u00a0 My parents are both gone now (and both of them had signs of cognitive decline in their latter years), but many of my friends are concerned about their aging parents and their cognition.\u00a0 Some may not want to even do some basic brain function testing because of worry that the results might point out some problems.\u00a0 Don\u2019t wait!\u00a0 Do it as a family!\u00a0 Consider an assessment of brain function as a routine screening test like a colonoscopy or a mammogram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the simplest cognitive tests is the free Montreal Cognitive Assessment (although this is easier to do with 2 people; I found it cumbersome to do alone on myself).\u00a0 The test is on one sheet, and the instructions are on another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of these tests are not part of an annual physical exam, so you must be proactive in asking your doctor to order them.\u00a0 There are also some lab companies that allow you to order your own lab work, such as anylabtestnow.com, Life Extension Lab, and Direct Patient Labs.\u00a0 On their websites, each company will have instructions on drawing site locations and test kits.\u00a0 Also included in the book are optimal ranges for each test, which are not the same as the \u201cnormal\u201d reference ranges printed on the lab report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another issue is insurance coverage for these tests.\u00a0 Insurance companies may have a preferred lab, or an in-network lab.\u00a0 Because of the contracts between insurers and labs, test costs may differ for different insurers, even at the same lab.\u00a0 Also, costs you may incur will vary, depending on your particular insurance plan and deductible.\u00a0 However, the value gained by avoiding lost years of productivity and the cost of assistance or nursing care will make this evaluation one of the most valuable investments in your future that you can choose to make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The entire testing panel may be overwhelming, but you can always break it down into smaller chunks.\u00a0 Testing and addressing even a few of the factors on Dr. Bredesen\u2019s list can help brain function.\u00a0 For those who want to discuss this with their doctors, the references for the ReCODE protocol are below.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a new year \u2013 and it comes with the opportunity to invest in your future by investing in your brain.\u00a0 Don\u2019t wait!\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n To your health,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patty Powers, MD<\/p>\n\n\n\nApoE<\/td> Glutathione<\/td> HLA-DR \/ DQ<\/td><\/tr> Hs-CRP<\/td> RBC thiamine pyrophosphate<\/td> RBC magnesium<\/td><\/tr> homocysteine<\/td> Leaky gut, leaky blood-brain barrier, gluten sensitivity, autoantibodies<\/td> Selenium<\/td><\/tr> Vitamins B6, B12, and folate<\/td> Estradiol, progesterone<\/td> Potassium<\/td><\/tr> Vitamins C, D, E<\/td> Pregnenolone<\/td> Calcium<\/td><\/tr> Omega 6 : Omega 3 ratio<\/td> Cortisol, DHEAS <\/td> Sleep study<\/td><\/tr> Albumin : globulin ratio<\/td> Testosterone, free testosterone <\/td> Microbiomes: oral, gut, nasal<\/td><\/tr> Fasting insulin, glucose, hemoglobin A1C<\/td> Free T3, free T4, reverse T3, TSH (I’d include thyroid antibodies and ferritin)<\/td> Cognitive performance: CNS Vital Signs, Brain HQ, Dakim, Lumosity, Cogstate <\/td><\/tr> Body mass index <\/td> Mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium <\/td> Imaging: MRI with Volumetrics (NeuroQuant or Neuroreader) <\/td><\/tr> LDL-P or sdLDL or oxidized LDL <\/td> Copper : zinc ratio <\/td> <\/td><\/tr> Cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides <\/td> C4a, TGF-\u03b21, MSH <\/td> <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\n\n\n