AboutMary Gordon Expertise Several years direct experience as caregiver for family member who died of end stage AD. Did lots of research and dealt with a lot of health care professionals and caregivers over the 7 years from diagnosis to the end. Used various care options from community based resources to increasing levels of institutional. Mother of three, two born during our loved one's decline, so I know what it is to be the ham in the sandwich, taking care of the older generation and the younger at the same time and trying to balance everyone`s needs. Ask me, I`ve probably been there, done that. We made lost of mistakes and learned everything the hard way - but you don`t have to! If I can`t answer your question, I`ll steer you to a place or person who can.
Experience Currently a program manager for a large utility company. My Alzheimers experience comes from having the illness in our family. Out of necessity, we did a lot of research in order to understand the disease, plan for what might come next, and make the right decisions to help and support our loved one. Please note, I am a Canadian living in Toronto, and therefore am not the best person to ask about US regulations and insurance rules!
Expert: Mary Gordon Date: 5/23/2004 Subject: alzheimers and nutrition
Question I am looking for a diet that perhaps could keep AD from getting worse. What are the connections between diet and AD?
Answer Last bit, hope this works
High potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement.
Omega 3 Fatty Acides. Dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids and weekly consumption of fish may reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease.
Vitamin E. In a prospective study, dietary vitamin E intake was associated with areduced risk of AD.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C intake has been shown to decrease risk of AD
DHEA. DHEA administration may result in modest improvements in cognition and behaviour.
Taurine. In animal models supplementation increase acetylcholine levels in brain tissue.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC). Effictive in improving cognitive performance in patients suffering from Alzheimer's dementia.
Phosphatidylserine (PS). Low loevls of phsphatidylserine in the brain are associated with impaired mental function and epression in the elderly. Suyuplementation with PS consistently benefits memory, learning, concentration, word choice, and the capacity to cope with stress.
Inositol may produce positive CNS effects in the treatment of AD.
Thiamine has been shown to potentiate and mimic the effects of acetylcholine in the brain. High dose thiamine supplementation improves mental function in Alzheimer's disease and age related mental function impairement.
Vitamin B12. Serum vitamin B12 levles are significantly low and vitamin B12 deficiency is significantly common in Alzheimer's disease patients. Supplementation of B12 and/or folic acid may result in complete reversal in some patients with documented low B12 levels, but generally there is little improvement in patients who have had dementia symptoms for greater than 6 months.
Zinc. Zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the elderly and has been suggested to be a major factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Zinc supplementation has good benefits in Alzheimer's disease - although be careful with this one, since too much zinc has been associated with higher risks of Alzheimer's.
Coenzyme Q10. Improves mitochondrial energy production.
