480 Alzheimer’s [16 July 2018]

Bear with me for one more article from William J. Walsh’s book Nutrient Power – Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain. Walsh devotes Chapter 9 to Alzheimer’s disease.

Walsh first describes the discovery of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and outlines the four stages from Early Warning Signs to Advanced AD, and explains the two main types – Familial and Late-Onset. He comments on the role of genetics and epigenetics – certain gene mutations significantly increase the risk, but not to 100%.

Walsh then discusses risk factors including age (more than 90% of cases are diagnosed after age 70); head injuries (have you seen the movie “Concussion”?); education (higher education lowers the risk); mental and physical activity (both lower the risk); alcohol use (a glass or two of wine lowers the risk, excess use increases it); toxic metal exposure (particularly mercury), and deficiencies of zinc and certain vitamins.

Walsh then outlines the various causation theories for Alzheimer’s: low acetylcholine activity; amyloid plaque formation; tau protein tangles; inflammation; oxidative stress; and metal metabolism imbalances. As with depression, schizophrenia and autism, Walsh favors the nutrient imbalance theory.

In a 2003 study of metal concentrations in brain tissue, Walsh found very high copper/zinc ratios in AD brains but not in the controls. Australian research showed that excess copper increases beta amyloid plaque formation. The two enzymes that manage copper – metallothionein (MT) and Cu/Zn SOD – are both depleted in AD brains. In addition to regulating copper levels, MT helps keep toxic metals out of the brain and acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the brain from free radical damage. MT’s functions require the cofactors glutathione, selenium and zinc.

Walsh has patented a protocol for promoting metallothionein production in Autism and Alzheimer’s. The formulation includes 22 biochemical factors known to enhance the production and function of metallothionein. About 70 of the first 100 AD patients he has put on the program reported improvements in memory and stabilization of progression for several years. This is more than any other treatment for AD can claim, however the protocol is still considered unproven until larger controlled studies can be done.

Here is a short YouTube interview with Dr. Walsh on the topic of Alzheimer's and nutrition.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.