July 2022 Newsletter | New Studies
My mission is to be the first woman in 4 generations to not develop Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). On my journey of discovering ways to mitigate my risk, I pass this information on to you in this Brain-Body-Health (BBH) Newsletter.
“I would rather have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned.”
—Richard Feynman
HOW TO NOT GET ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
My mission to be the first woman in my family NOT to develop Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in 4 generations, has led me on an important journey often leaving me with more questions than answers. Since learning of my risks of AD, one of the central questions has been: what practices are best to ensure we keep our brains healthy as possible.
Using the acronym SLEDSS, as a guide is a beginning.
Sleep- 7-8 hours/night, uninterrupted
Learning- brain training and biometrics
Exercise- aerobic and strength training
Diet- precision based on your biomarkers, genomics, and weight
Socialization/Stress management(SR)- support and SR techniques
This is a brand new study supporting lifestyle changes that impact cognitive health by reversing cognitive impairment. Most studies are based on single treatment modalities, such as a drug or therapeutic procedure, which may be unrelated to the main drivers of the neurodegenerative process, ie. root cause. Twenty-five patients (age 45-75) with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores
of 19 or higher, were evaluated for markers of inflammation, chronic infection, dysbiosis, insulin resistance, vascular disease, nocturnal hypoxemia, hormone insufficiency, nutrient deficiency, toxin exposure, and other biochemical parameters associated with cognitive decline. Patients were treated for nine months with a personalized, precision medicine protocol that corrected and optimized biomarkers. Cognition was assessed at t = 0, 3, 6, and 9 months. Results: All outcome measures revealed statistically significant improvement in MoCA scores, CNS Vital Signs, MRI volumetrics.
This is not the first multimodal/multidomain study. The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) trial was the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) showing that it is possible to prevent cognitive decline using a multidomain lifestyle intervention among older at-risk individuals. Exciting news that this same multimodal study is going global addressing multiple dementia risk factors as a strategy to protect brain health, promote overall health and functioning, and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and new chronic diseases.
One more word to the naysayers that cognitive impairment cannot be reversed. Here is a systematic review of the nun study made famous by David Snowden’s book entitled, “Aging with Grace”. Fresh out of medical school, this was the first book I read on the topic of Alzheimer's Disease. This study revisits the original findings showing one-third of the nuns reversed cognitive impairment to normal cognition.
LESSONS FROM SCIENCE
Scientists have identified eight key lifestyle risk factors that may cause as many as a third of all dementia cases. The top three: mid-life obesity, physical inactivity, and low education.
A small skin sample is used to accurately identify Alzheimer’s, even at the beginning stages, and distinguish it from other forms of dementia. Early and definitive diagnoses enable healthcare providers to create care plans earlier, and allow patients an opportunity to better prepare for the future.
Lecanumab - My brother is participating in this study for the next years. He follows our mother and cousin who have helped to further research by devoting their time and trial of this monoclonal antibody treatment.
Turn up the beat! Groovy rhythm improves cognitive performance in groove enjoyers
LESSONS FROM LIFE
My husband, Jim, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Touched by grief and the unexpected gratitude it can bring forth, we have welcomed the lessons that prostate cancer brings as we navigate this health care challenge. Like Alzheimer’s Disease prostate cancer specialists are using precision medicine and multimodal therapy strategies. Therapies we are exploring are; 1) Weekly prostate cancer support group for men and their partners; 2) Genomic counseling and testing; 3) Nutritional counseling; 4) Physical Therapy. In the future, this multimodal treatment being used in oncology is what we would like to see more of with neurodegenerative diseases. The reason is that many factors play a role in the development of these diseases, their diagnoses, and treatments. This is according to the ProstateCancer Foundation
MEN: Make sure you check your PSA. While the general guidelines recommend starting at age 55, you may need PSA screening between the ages of 40 and 54 if you: Have at least one first-degree relative (such as your father or brother) who has had prostate cancer. Have at least two extended family members who have had prostate cancer.
To our optimized health!
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“If you want to go FAST, go alone. If you want to go FAR, go together."
- African proverb