Category - ALZ Survivor Stories

abbreviation for Alzheimer’s Disease

a type of dementia and a progressive disease of the brain that slowly causes impairment in memory and cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease happens when the brain tries to protect itself from three metabolic and toxic threats: 1 - Inflammation (from infection, diet or other causes) 2 - Decline and shortage of supportive nutrients, hormones and other brain-supporting molecules 3 - Toxic substances such as metals or biotoxins (poisons produced by microbes such as molds) The protective response causes APP (Amyloid Precursor Protein, the long molecule that protrudes from neurons) to be cut into four fragments, including amyloid-beta, that downsize the neural network and eventually destroy synapses and neurons. When the APP molecule is cut into those four pieces, it is not cut into the two pieces that nourish and maintain synapses. Alzheimer's disease is a state of the brain in which there is an imbalance between the reorganization of synapses that have outlived their usefulness (and which the brain can stand to lose - healthy destruction) and the maintenance or creation of existing and new synapses (which the brain needs to sustain old memories and form new ones, as well as perform other cognitive functions). That imbalance  comes from too many  of the synapse- and neuron-destroying quartet  of molecules snipped from APP and too few  of the synapse- and neuron-sustaining duo  of molecules snipped from APP.

abbreviation for apolipoprotein E, a gene variant (allele) which is a protein that carries lipids – i.e. fats. Carrying one ApoE4 (inherited from one parent) increases your lifetime risk of Alzheimer’s to 30 percent. Carrying two copies (from both parents) increases it to 50 to 90 percent. That compares to a risk of only about 9 percent in those who carry zero copies of this allele.

abbreviation for Amyloid Precursor Protein, the long molecule that protrudes from neurons

metabolic and genetic testing that identifies cognitive decline or what may be putting you at risk for it

umbrella term for a group of symptoms (a syndrome) without a definitive diagnosis. Dementia is a group of symptoms that affect mental cognitive tasks such as memory and reasoning. (Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia.)

an early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and uncommon form of dementia that typically affects those under the age of 65

a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease

carrying 1 copy of the ApoE4 genetic variant

carrying 2 copies of the ApoE4 genetic variant

healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies.

anti-Alzheimer’s diet to include at least 12 hours of fasting, with the first 3 hours of that fast starting after dinner. It is largely plant based, but flexible as it does allow for small amounts of meat or fish.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

an abbreviation for medium chain triglyceride (a saturated fat) which is found in coconut oil.  Alzheimer's impairs the brain's ability to use sugar.  An MCT ketogenic diet offers an alternative energy source:  ketones.  This allows brain cells to survive better, blocking a receptor in the brain that causes memory loss.

Subjective Cognitive Impairment – a precursor to MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment)

treatment program developed by Dr. Dale E. Bredesen to prevent and reverse cognitive decline (also known as The ReCODE Protocol^TM)