[ExI] Alzheimer

[BillK]

On Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 11:18 AM, J. Stanton  wrote:
<snip>
> Takeaway: more dietary cholesterol, more DHA, less n-6 seed oils, more
> saturated fat (with emphasis on coconut oil), less carbs.
>
>


So the paleo diet cures Alzheimer's as well now!  Really???!!!

You are really straining your credibility by quoting from these fringe
paleo support sites.

If I wanted to know about Alzheimer's I wouldn't go to fringe sites.
You will find sites supporting every kooky cure in the world if you
search hard enough.

How about going to something like this instead:
<http://www.alz.org/index.asp>

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading, global voluntary health
organization in Alzheimer care and support, and the largest private,
nonprofit funder of Alzheimer research.

See:
<http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_causes_risk_factors.asp>

Quote:
Scientists have identified factors that increase the risk of
Alzheimer’s. The most important risk factors—age, family history and
heredity—can't be changed, but emerging evidence suggests there may be
other factors we can influence.

Age

The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is advancing age. Most
individuals with the disease are age 65 or older. The likelihood of
developing Alzheimer’s doubles about every five years after age 65.
After age 85, the risk reaches nearly 50 percent. One of the greatest
mysteries of Alzheimer's disease is why risk rises so dramatically as
we grow older.

Family history

Another strong risk factor is family history. Those who have a parent,
brother, sister or child with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop
the disease. The risk increases if more than one family member has the
illness. When diseases tend to run in families, either heredity
(genetics) or environmental factors, or both, may play a role.


What you can do now: Factors you may be able to influence

Most experts believe that the majority of Alzheimer's disease occurs
as a result of complex interactions among genes and other risk
factors. Age, family history and heredity are all risk factors we
can’t change. Now, research is beginning to reveal clues about other
risk factors we may be able to influence through general lifestyle and
wellness choices and effective management of other health conditions.

Head trauma: There may be a strong link between serious head injury
and future risk of Alzheimer’s, especially when trauma occurs
repeatedly or involves loss of consciousness. Protect your brain by
buckling your seat belt, wearing your helmet when participating in
sports, and “fall-proofing” your home.

Heart-head connection: Growing evidence links brain health to heart
health. Your brain is nourished by one of your body’s richest networks
of blood vessels. Every heartbeat pumps about 20 to 25 percent of your
blood to your head, where brain cells use at least 20 percent of the
food and oxygen your blood carries.

The risk of developing Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia appears to be
increased by many conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels.
These include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and
high cholesterol. Work with your doctor to monitor your heart health
and treat any problems that arise.

General healthy aging:

Other lines of evidence suggest that strategies for overall healthy
aging may help keep your brain as well as your body fit. These
strategies may even offer some protection against developing
Alzheimer’s or related disorders. Try to keep your weight within
recommended guidelines, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol, stay
socially connected, and exercise both your body and mind.
------------------


BillK