What if Alzheimer's is preventable?

"Anyone with a brain is at risk of Alzheimer’s disease."  
--Dr Dale Bredesen

Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-biggest cause of death in the U.S., continues to increase alarmingly, with 303 patients dying each day.  Despite billions of dollars spent on research over decades, its root cause is still unknown.  The reason for the pharmaceutical failures is that they fail to address the root cause of Alzheimer’s.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By the year 2050, this number is project to rise to NEARLY 14 MILLION. In 2019 it is estimated that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will cost the nation $290 billion. And by 2050, these figures could rise as high as $1.1 trillion. These figures obviously don’t reflect the cost to the patients and their families and friends.
 
But, what if all of this was preventable?
 
A Brand New Old Theory 
Many researchers are focused on 'the germ theory' behind the cause of Alzheimers Disease .    Even early 20th century Czech physician Oskar Fischer—who, along with his German contemporary Dr Alois Alzheimer, was integral in first describing the condition—noted a possible connection between the newly identified dementia and tuberculosis.
 
It appears that amyloid, one of the key pathological substrates in this disease, is acting as an antimicrobial peptide protecting the brain against the onslaught of germs. But the onslaught on the brain also comes from far more than just germs and the damage probably begins decades before clinical symptoms appear. Chronic inflammation from poor diet, lack of essential brain nutrients, sleep deprivation, stress, environmental toxins and chemicals also play a role in cognitive decline.
 
Hope for Treatment and Prevention.
Although there is no effective pharmacological treatment for Alzheimers disease, the Bredesen Protocol® has shown to have remarkably hopeful results in countless patients. This unique approach developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen MD addresses all facets and possible causes of Alzheimer's disease that include lifestyle, medication and nutrition. Dr. Bredesen looks to reverse the cognitive loss experienced by those with Alzheimer's through a personalized plan that encompasses diet, lifestyle, and in some cases, appropriate medications.
 
As a certified neurologist trained to practice the Bredesen Protocol, I believe that beginning around at age 50, we all should follow the tenets of the approach for potential prevention of this dreaded disease. If we can better identify the causes, we really can achieve a world without Alzheimer’s.  

In health,
Dr. Suzy Gazda