The Dreaded Disease of Aging = Alzheimer's

What Is Alzheimer's?

We all suffer some decline in mental functions as we grow older. After age 60, most of us find it harder to remember names, appointments, etc. This kind of forgetfulness differs greatly from what happens with dementia. People with dementia lose the ability to recognize familiar faces. They may ask the same question repeatedly during a five-minute conversation. Ultimately, they become unable to stand or even swallow. Two out of three cases of dementia are caused by Alzheimer’s. The risk of developing Alzheimer's rises with age. Roughly 8% of people over age 65 have it, as do nearly 30% of those over age 85.

What Causes Alzheimer's?

Many people seem to believe that exposure to aluminum or zinc raises one's risk for Alzheimer's. To date, no dietary factors have been identified as causative. So far, only three factors have been identified in most cases.

• Head injury. There's now compelling evidence that sustaining a concussion or another head injury raises the risk for Alzheimer's later on. Concussions seem to be a real cause. Always wear a helmet when playing football, biking or horseback riding and use your seat belt in cars.

• Heredity. Some unlucky people carry a gene that all but guarantees they'll develop Alzheimer's. More commonly, people carry genes that predispose them to the disease. Since we lack effective strategies for preventing Alzheimer's, finding out that you have a predisposition does not help you avoid it.

• Education. Some studies have found that well-educated people are less likely to get Alzheimer's disease. But other studies have shown no such link.

Can Alzheimer's Be Prevented?

Unfortunately there’s still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the fatal neurological disorder that affects four million Americans. But new medications offer partial relief from Alzheimer’s symptoms and each year we are learning more about how to prevent the disease some strategies look very promising.

• Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to be very beneficial. The physical decline associated with aging is caused by the falling levels of estrogen, testosterone, human growth hormone (hGH) and other key hormones. Via hormone therapy, it's possible to raise these hormones to their youthful levels. In some studies, post-menopausal women who took estrogen experienced a 10% to 50% reduction in their risk for Alzheimer’s. Women should take this into account when considering hormone replacement therapy.

• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) boosts the sex drive and strengthens bones, in men and women alike. But TRT is suspected of raising the risk for prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.

• Human growth hormone therapy can smooth wrinkles, strengthen a weak libido and reverse a low muscle-to-fat ratio. Unfortunately, hGH has been implicated as a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.

• Melatonin therapy has been shown to extend the life span of mice by up to 25%. Melatonin lowers LDL cholesterol levels and shows promise as a treatment for diabetes, cataracts and Alzheimer's disease.

• DHEA therapy boosts immune function and seems to fight cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Other promising treatments include vtamin supplements. High dosages of vitamin E—2,000 international units (IU) per day—have been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Those who are starting to notice suspicious symptoms should ask a doctor about beginning vitamin F therapy.

So far, only two medications have received FDA approval for the treatment of Alzheimer's-tacrine (Cognex) and donepezil (Aricept). These cholinesterase inhibitors improve cognitive ability and memory by boosting levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Unfortunately, the benefits are short-lived. After a year of treatment, the drugs can start to lose their effectiveness.

• Psychotropic drugs. Because of the brain damage caused by the disease, one-quarter of Alzheimer’s patients become depressed, one-third experience hallucinations and/or delusions and 15% experience extreme anxiety. Antidepressants, antipsychotics and antianxiety drugs cannot reverse Alzheimer’s disease. But they can be extremely effective at controlling the emotional problems that go along with it.