Helping Your Patients Prevent Mental Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease as They Age
James Meschino DC, MS, ROHP
As we age a number of factors predispose us to a decline in memory capacity and the development of more severe forms of cognitive decline, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. One of these factors is the lifetime accumulation of free radical damage to brain cells induced by the brain’s high use of oxygen. The same way that oxygen in the air causes apples to rot or metal to rust, oxygen in the body damages our tissues in a similar fashion. The brain uses about 20% of the body’s oxygen supply at any given moment to help brain cells metabolize blood sugar into energy, which enables brain cells to keep functioning. But the side effect is a buildup of oxygen free radicals, which can damage brain cells and impair their function over time. Free radical events are a known factor in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline.
Of importance is the fact that some studies show that individuals who supplement with antioxidants (like vitamin C and vitamin E) have a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease as they age. Thus, it may be wise to ensure that your patients get 1,000mg of vitamin C and 400 IU of vitamin E per day from a high potency multiple vitamin. The high potency multiple vitamin and mineral should also contain a B-50 complex – as a number of B-vitamins are required to synthesize various brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), which are essential to alertness, concentration and cognition in general. For instance, the synthesis of dopamine, serotonin, melatonin, epinephrine and nor epinephrine -all important neurotransmitters- require B-vitamins as co-factors for their synthesis.
A second way in which we are predisposed to memory loss as we age is the decline in synthesis of the memory chemical (neurotransmitter) acetylcholine, which really kicks in after age 54. As we age the brain is less able to make this important memory chemical, setting us up for memory loss and many of the manifestations of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. There appears to be a decline in the production of the enzyme that combines acetyl coenzyme A with choline, known as acetyl transferase. As such, the brain makes less acetylcholine and memory fails. In some cases, it is thought that the brain has trouble getting its hands on sufficient amounts of choline in order to make acetylcholine. In any case the good news is that there are several natural agents that have been shown in clinical studies to help the aging brain boost its production of acetylcholine, thereby helping to combat age-related decline in memory
The most important natural agents include:
- CDP-Choline (cytidine 5-diphosphocholine or citidinediphosphocholine or citicholine)
- Phosphatidylserine
- Bocopa Monnieri
- Huperzine A
CDP-Choline is a normal component of the nerve cell membrane, which is important for transmission of nerve impulses from one nerve to the next. It is also vital to the formation of the memory chemical, acetylcholine. Unfortunately, the aging brain is less able to synthesize the CDP-Choline it requires. However, studies have shown that supplementation with CDP-Choline can re-constitute brain levels of CDP-Choline, boosting levels of several important brain neurotransmitters and improving nerve conduction ability. These results translate into enhanced mental acuity and improvement in a number of disorders involving memory loss and cognitive decline.
Note that supplementing with most other forms of choline have not been shown to be effective. Therefore, you cannot substitute lecithin or other forms of phosphatidylcholine in place of CDP-choline, as these forms don’t appear to cross the blood-brain barrier as readily, and in clinical trials they have not shown benefit.
Phosphatidylserine – like CDP-Choline, Phosphatidylserine is a natural component of the nerve cell membrane, and it too, is a victim of age-related decline in synthesis. Studies show that supplementation with phosphatidylserine can also elevate brain levels of acetylcholine, and has been shown to improve memory and cognition in clinical trials with afflicted individuals.
Bacopa Monnieri – the leaf of Bacopa, or water hyssop, has been used in the Indian medical system of Ayurveda since the 6th century A.D. to help improve mental performance. Its active ingredients (bacosides A and B) have been shown to enhance nerve transmission and are potent antioxidants, which have been shown to protect brain cells from free radicals and other toxic substances. Human studies indicate that Bacopa Monnieri can preserve memory function and has been used in the treatment of various conditions involving memory loss.
Huperzine A – this natural substance was initially discovered within a club moss that grows in Asia, which has been used traditionally to aid memory loss problems. Since being isolated, Huperzine A is now synthesized for use in natural health products and has shown a remarkable ability to support brain levels of acetylcholine (the memory chemical). It does so by partially inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (acetylcholinesterase), which results in higher acetylcholine brain levels. Its positive effects on memory and brain function have been shown in a number of human clinical trials.
You Should Consider Recommending A Brain Support Supplement To Patients 55 and Older
Alzheimer’s disease affects 6-8% of the population over 64 years of age and 47% of people who live to be 85 or older. Part of maintaining one’s quality of life requires putting nutrition and lifestyle practices in place that maintain a highly functional body and “mind”. Many wellness-striving individuals focus on preserving their bodies, and don’t realize that their brain is also responsive to wellness interventions. Due to the fact that the aging process is associated with decreased synthesis of the memory chemical acetylcholine, as well as important phospholipids (CDP-Choline, Phosphatidylserine), which are required for optimal nerve impulse transmission, I suggest that patients begin ingesting a supplement at age 55 that can help combat memory loss and other related problems. Key ingredients in a memory support supplement include CDP-Choline, Phosphatidylserine, Bacopa Monnieri and Huperzine A. All of these have been shown to be safe, effective natural ingredients, when taken at appropriate dosages, and unlike Ginkgo Biloba and Vinpocetine, do not increase risk for bleeding disorders. The only caveat is that these supplements cannot be used in conjunction with drugs commonly used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
One final note includes the fact that brain support nutrients of this type are best used in conjunction with an antioxidant/B-vitamin enriched Multiple Vitamin and Mineral Supplement as well as an Essential Fatty Acid supplement containing borage seed, flaxseed and fish oil. Nutrients from these supplements have also been shown to support brain function and discourage the development of age-related cognitive decline problems, including Alzheimer’s disease.
For more information on this or other related topics, visit Dr. Meschino’s website at: http://www.renaisante.com/
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