RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH

As we pause to recognize November as Alzheimer's Awareness Month, researchers continue to make progress in solving the mystery of this debilitating, heartbreaking and fatal illness that currently affects more than 5 million people. While most sufferers are elderly, it is not widely known that Alzheimer's can strike victims as young as 30.

In the most recent findings, metals have finally been linked to Alzheimer's disease, as has long been suspected in the scientific research community. It now appears likely that brain amyloids (fibrous protein bundles) found in Alzheimer's patients are linked to copper and zinc ions in the brain.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PRESERVE BRAIN FUNCTION?

According to researchers at Emory University, some, but not all, amyloids are toxic to neurons. In 2005, the discovery that these amyloids could be detected in eye examinations led to the development of a test to diagnose Alzheimer's, followed in 2006 by development of a brain scan that can also detect the disease. Both tests are considered critical developments, since previously Alzheimer's could only be postulated, provable only after death, by autopsy.

Although treatments are available, some patients respond to treatments and some do not. The search for a cure continues.

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol), is believed to retard the accumulation of Lipofuscin, as well as other contaminants. Lipofuscin age pigment may be a precursor to the amyloid formations found in Alzheimer's and other neural disease patients, and is thought to block the flow of vital nutrients within cells. This threat to healthy neurons and open pathways within the brain/central nervous system is associated with a decrease in the brain's delivery of Dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter.

Ginkgo Biloba has been used as a medicinal for thousands of years throughout the world. It is very effective as an enhancement to brain function, specifically with regard to memory. Memorin+ combines anti-oxidants Ginkgo Biloba and Zinc to combat the harmful effects of oxidation within the neural cells.

Forgetfulness, memory loss and increased difficulty with cognitive skills often associated with aging can be delayed and lessened by ensuring that essential nutrients are delivered to the brain and that the neural pathways remain open via homeopathic medicinals, vitamins and amino acids such as those contained in the Memorin formula.

Non-western medicine has always maintained that the health of the body is dependent on the health of the body as a whole; in other words, one part of the human body cannot be considered healthy when another part of the body is diseased. Research now associates cardiovascular problems with a host of other non-cardiovascular illnesses, of which Alzheimer's is one.

Since the brain is dependent on the heart's ability to deliver blood to it, then not surprisingly cardiovascular disease, stroke, and high blood pressure can all be factors associated with the development of Alzheimer's and other diseases of the brain. Toward that end, cardiovascular health can be maintained with homeopathic medicinals to detoxify the cardiovascular system. Lastly, although this old mantra has become clich-it bears repeating that good health practices throughout life will lessen the odds of poor health in old age. Alzheimer's is no exception. The Alzheimer's Association recommendation is to refrain from smoking, maintain a healthy weight and to exercise regularly.