According to the Alzheimer's Organization, Alzheimer's disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. A recent study shows that by following a specific therapeutic program, the progression of early to moderate stage cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, can be reversed.1 While the study was small, only 10 participants, the outcome was strong. 9 out of 10 participants who followed several parts of the program reversed their symptoms and were leading a better quality of life. The one participant who did not show benefit, had advanced stages of congnitive disorder.
The Program
The program is tailored to the individual needs for different nutrients based on certain lab values. The therapeutic program includes:
Eating a diet high in fish, fruits and vegetables while eliminating processed foods and simple carbohydrates
Fasting for 3 hours between dinner, and bedtime and 12 hours between dinner and breakfast
Exercising2 30 – 60 minutes a day, 4 - 6 times per week
Sleeping 8 hours a night
Reducing stress with yoga, meditation or music
Taking a probiotic to improve GI health
Balancing hormones
Taking supplements3 like Vitamin D and fish oil
The Eating Plan
It sounds pretty simple, but we all know that making changes to your diet can be difficult. Be sure to enlist a family member or friend who can also benefit to make the transition easier.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Eat more fish (wild caught)
Eliminate processed foods
Eliminate simple carbohydrates
Eat less meat
Include medium chain fatty acids like coconut oil4
Eat more fermeneted foods to provide probitoics naturally
What is Fasting all about?
Fasting allows the body time to rest and heal, but we are not talking about fasting for days on end here. Simply eat dinner 3 hours before bedtime and then do not eat breakfast until 12 hours after dinner (this way you are getting 8 hours of sleep). Eating a meal too close to bedtime causes the body to work overtime in order to digest the meal. A great time to give the body a break in order to rest and heal is while you sleep!
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by many factors. By address these factors early, you may reduce your risk of Alzheimer's or other chronic diseases. Eating healthy and exercising is not just for losing weight anymore. If you have questions on how diet and lifestyle may help you, contact me at info@bonvivantwellness.com.
References:
1 Bredesen, D. (2014, September). Reversal of cognitive decline: A novel therapeutic program. AGING, 6(9), 707-717.
2 Arcoverde, C., Deslandes, A., Moraes, H., et al (2014, March). Treadmill training as an augmentation treatment for Alzheimer's disease: a pilot randomized controlled study. Arq Neuropsiquiatr, 72(3), 190-6.
3 Shea, T. B., & Remington, R. (2015, January). Nutritional supplementation for Alzheimer's disease? Current Opinion in Psychiatry
4 Henderson ST, Vogel JL, Barr LJ, et al. (2009) Study of the ketogenic agent AC-1202 in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Nutrition & Metabolism (Lond).6(31). doi:10.1186/1743-7075-6-31
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