470 Nutritional Support for the Elderly [7 May 2018]

In a recent webinar Dr. Philip Rouchotas ND of the Bolton Naturopathic Clinic in Ontario, shared his nutritional protocol for his elderly patients, especially those with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, MS, and Parkinson’s, and those with mild cognitive impairment or traumatic brain injury. He believes most people over 60, and everyone over 70, will experience rapid and significant benefits from this program.

The base of the program is the Mediterranean Diet (more on this another week) along with physical exercise (aerobic and resistance) and mental exercise (chess, bridge, video games).

Step 1 deals with nutritional deficiencies which are “epidemic” among North American seniors for three main reasons: loss of appetite (they eat less); change in appetite (they prefer saltier, fattier, less nutrient-dense foods); and digestive impairment (they absorb fewer nutrients). Step 1 supplements:
• A good multivitamin with trace minerals and activated B’s
• Whey protein (30g) – prevents muscle loss; halves number of viral infections (colds)
• Creatine (2.5g) – prevents muscle loss (even while in a cast); with Parkinson’s slows requirement for increasing dopamine dose
• Fish Oil (1000-2000mg total EPA + DHA) – a 2:1 ratio works best

After a few months on Step 1 the elderly should have regained some strength and be ready to add a few more products from Step 2 to further improve their health:
• CoQ10 (100mg x2) – improves mitochondrial function, increases energy for muscle and brain function
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine (2g) – cofactor in mitochondria, necessary for burning fat for energy; doubles survival time in ALS patients
• Melatonin (as needed up to 20mg) – nerve cell antioxidant, benefits elderly even if sleep is not an issue
• Ginkgo biloba (120-240mg) – use if meds allow (blood thinners are a contraindication); improves cerebrovascular function (blood flow to the brain)
• Lion’s Mane (1g x2) – prevents cognitive impairment due to amyloid beta plaque; improves brain function in Mild Cognitive Impairment

I appreciate that Dr. Rouchotas’ protocols are backed with multiple human (not just animal) placebo-controlled studies so we can be confident in their safety and effectiveness. I plan to write more about some of these products in future articles.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner. Find this article on my website for links to sources and further reading.

331 Traumatic Brain Injury [10 Aug 2015]

Brain trauma, including concussions, can lead to long term, often permanent, changes in mental and emotional health. Anything that can help the brain to heal more quickly and completely could significantly improve the outcome. I have previously written about two supplements that aid in brain healing and recently learned of two more.

Omega 3 EFAs, particularly DHA, are essential for brain development and healing. Supplementation with high doses of fish oil is likely responsible for two remarkable recoveries I wrote about in December 2012 [#194]. Several high DHA fish oil supplements are available in Canada.

More recently in February 2015 [#305] I wrote about PQQ, a cellular antioxidant that can increase mitochondrial production. This is very important in protecting brain and nerve tissue from oxidative damage by free radicals following a brain or spinal cord injury. PQQ has recently become available as a supplement in Canada.

Creatine, a popular sports supplement, is also used in the treatment of brain injury. Much of the damage to brain tissue occurs after the trauma due to free radical oxidative damage and lack of oxygen. Creatine supports mitochondrial ATP production, increasing energy available for healing and preventing further damage.

I have just learned about another nutrient that is showing promise for concussion and other brain injuries. Brains normally depend on glucose for energy. Unfortunately glucose metabolism is significantly impaired in the brain following an injury, starving it of energy and slowing the healing process. Ketones are the only known alternative to glucose for brain metabolism. I have previously shown how ketones can cross the blood-brain barrier and provide an alternative energy source for the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s [#153 February 2012]. Ketones are now proving beneficial following a concussion or more serious brain injuries [alphahealth.ca; Prins, 2008; White & Vankatesh, 2011].

Ketones can be produced with a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (under medical supervision), administered parentally by IV, or provided through certain ketone-producing foods. Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) found in coconut oil are converted in the liver to ketones. Adding MCT oil, or a special blend designed for the purpose, as soon as possible after an injury will provide needed energy for brain repair, and could reduce long term disabilities.

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