Alzheimer's and the future

[imoldernu]

Having a vested interest in the subject, I'd like to begin a thread that delves little deeper into this increasingly important part of our lives... either as a sufferer or a caregiver.

To begin, understanding the rate of occurrence and the statistics surrounding the way our lives are affected, is a major factor in having a productive discussion. Not pleasant.... but delving into the facts is a necessity, considering the part this may play in planning ones' retirement.

This brief run into the numbers should be a background framework of the scope of the subject.

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures

 

[ER Eddie]

There are some interesting inroads being made into the causes and prevention of Alzheimers in the nutritional community. Amy Berger's work would be one example. She's basically arguing that Alzheimer's is another example of insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, and that it can be prevented or forestalled by low-carb approaches. She refers to it as Type 3 Diabetes. I haven't investigated it enough to know the science thoroughly, but I'll offer her name here for anyone who might be interested. She wrote a book called The Alzheimers Antidote and a number of interviews with or speeches by her can be found on Youtube. One example:

 

[daylatedollarshort]

The video below is on a plant based diet for Alzheimers prevention. There are eco-Atkins diets that are both plant based and low carb, which would cover both the low carb and plant based ideas. It seems like whether one chooses to consume animal products or not, eating a lot of plants, especially low starch ones, doesn't have much downside and quite a bit of potential upside -

 

[ER Eddie]

Actually, lots of plants have downsides, for instance anti-nutrients and toxins used as self-defense. Georgia Ede, MD, has done some really interesting work on this; search her on Youtube or her diagnosisdiet website, if you're interested in learning more. I don't want to derail the thread into a nutritional discussion, though, but want to keep it focused on Alzheimer's.

 

[daylatedollarshort]

Actually, lots of plants have downsides, for instance anti-nutrients and toxins used as self-defense. Georgia Ede, MD, has done some really interesting work on this; search her on Youtube or her diagnosisdiet website, if you're interested in learning more. I don't want to derail the thread into a nutritional discussion, though, but want to keep it focused on Alzheimer's.

I don't know who that is but if you look at the global web sites for most health non profits for disorders like cancer, Alzheimer's and heart disease, WHO, the USDA, CDC, the Mayo Clinic, and major universities like Stanford and Harvard, I don't see any recommending people eat less fruit and vegetables.

Most of the latest evidence based research points to nutrition being a big factor in Alzheimers -

"Our understanding of dietary influences on AD is in its infancy; however, a growing number of epidemiological studies indicate that there is a strong relationship between nutrition and AD. Whilst saturated fats and high serum cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of AD, consumption of long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (particularly DHA) and antioxidants such as vitamin E appear to lower risk. Persons should limit their intake of foods that are high in saturated and trans-unsaturated fats, such as red meats, butter, ice cream, and commercially baked products."

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3393525/

 

[ncbill]

going through as many journal articles at the med school library as I could understand 15+ years ago when mom was diagnosed it seemed to me dementias were caused by some sort of inflammatory response

so, a strict diet, like DASH maybe?

 

[Mdlerth]

Mens sana in corpore sano - NOT!

Both of my parents developed dementia, although it's not clear whether it was brought on by Alzheimer's or some other mechanism. At about the same time and rate, they also declined physically. I'm undecided as to whether this was a blessing or a curse.

My father died a week ago, nominally from pneumonia, but it really was just a case of all the components of an 88 year-old body wearing out. Considering how feeble and sick he had become, death was a mercy.

My wheelchair-bound mother was holding Dad's hand when he expired. Her own fogged mind notwithstanding, she understands that he's gone. I believe she has resolved to follow him, as she has now virtually stopped eating. The only thing that will ever end her unhappiness is the end of her life.

Their dementia resulted in them being separated from so much of what they loved - family, friends, church, music, sports, etc. - that if they had stayed healthy it would have only prolonged their suffering. Dad could neither hear nor speak these last few months, and Mom isn't far behind.

Maybe my thinking is still clouded from bereavement, but from my perspective, once the mind goes, the sooner the body gives out the better. Pax vobiscum.

 

[imoldernu]

While studies on a potential cure for Alzheimer's are an important part of what we may hope for, my own concern is for where we are, where we're headed, and how much thought we should be giving to what might affect our own lives.... maybe not in age 40, 50 or 60, but a little later on. (in my own case , age 75). If married, how it affects ones' marriage, and if single, what kind of care and expense to expect for the future.

Please believe me.... it's real... Yes... heart attack cancer or accident can shorten a life in short order, or instantly, but the odds are that Dementia will be long term, and more common, and probable. Understanding what can happen in terms of years is quite important. In my own case... stage 4, a relatively slow onset has allowed a certain degree of normalcy, but digging in to the details seems to have helped.

For those who may be interested, this WebMD site describes the stages in some detail.
https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-disease-stages#1

Know that contracting Alzheimer's is not like being hit by lightning. It may be relatively short, as in a few years, but more commonly it takes much longer. Being prepared... as a patient or a caregiver, can ease the stress, and allow for more measured dealing with the disease. It can also help in understanding the cases of friends or relatives who are already personally involved.

Medicine is going to have to change. Probably in ways that we cannot yet imagine. Barring an unseen breakthrough, projections for the next 10 through 30 years will change, not only medicine, but the world wide economy.

.... so... not like the question of a looming recession, but a more complicated future that involves a lot more than money.

Lest this may seem a little bit unreal, or a minor part of your larger plan, having direct contact with stage 6 or 7 sufferers is a sobering experience. Being able to cope and to explain to others more about this can ease ones way through the future.
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On a more personal basis, I would add an uncommon side effect that is not well or usually discussed. It involves the loss of the sense of smell, and sense of taste. Over the past year or so, I have lost the desire for tasty foods, and while not a serious problem, has led jeanie and I to do less "eating out"... and few home made elaborate meals. No big deal, but part of a loss of social contacts, and new situations.
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And one more thing... re: medication. Perhaps the fastest moving part of the medical profession is coming in the form of studies of the effects of prescription drugs. Not just on a per-drug basis, but on the interactions of commonly prescribed drugs for all manner of ills. Going to the drug interaction sites, has been a little scary for me, as I see initial studies that seem to indicate that alone or in combination, more and more probabilities that increasing amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, come from interactions.
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At another time... thoughts on preparing for the possibility of Alzheimer's or Dementia. Seeing symptoms and adjusting activities and lifestyle.

 

[HI Bill]

My mother had dementia, which was likely made worse by a concussion. My only recommendations that may help include:

1) Social interaction. So important.
2) Exercise. Super important.
3) Spending time outdoors.
4) Minimizing TV time.
5) Mental exercises.
6) Eating regular meals.
7) Drive and maintain independence as long as it is safe.
8) Have medical POAs and care plans in place for when they're needed.

At this time, I see the march towards the end as an unstoppable process. We may be able to slow it, but certainly not stop it. It is horrifyingly destructive, and sad. I really do hope researchers figure out a way to deal with this.

 

[robnplunder]

To begin, understanding the rate of occurrence <snip>

Perhaps, a blessing in disguise for future generation .... As we live longer, the market for Alzeihmer keeps getting bigger and there will be more researches that will lead to a breakthrough. It is too late for DM, and perhaps those who are posting on this thread. Meanwhile, the only thing we can do is to develop a set of healthy habits to stave off the big A.

 

[Bestwifeever]

My very good friend’s husband just died from Alzheimers after he lost the ability to swallow and developed pneumonia, never mind the loss of intellectual function. It’s a horrible disease.

Imoldernu, has your doctor diagnosed you with Alzheimers and a stage after testing? My friend’s DH underwent tons of testing so treatment could be planned.

 

[daylatedollarshort]

There have been some studies from UCLA showing Alzheimer's has been reversed in patients with customized, integrative approaches called MEND -

"Typically, each plan encompasses several key elements to reverse inflammation, insulin resistance and destruction of vital brain structures. They include:

• Optimizing sleep and getting at least eight hours of shut-eye every night.
• Fasting at least 12 hours a day; patients usually don’t eat anything after 7 p.m. until the next morning.
• Frequent yoga and meditation sessions to relieve stress.
• Aerobic exercise for 30 to 60 minutes, at least five times a week.
• Brain training exercises for 30 minutes, three times a week.
• Eating a mostly plant-based diet: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, lettuce).
• Cutting out high-mercury fish: tuna, shark and swordfish.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Eliminating gluten and sugars. Cutting out simple carbs (bread, pasta, rice, cookies, cakes, candy, sodas)"

 

[Independent]

While studies on a potential cure for Alzheimer's are an important part of what we may hope for, my own concern is for where we are, where we're headed, and how much thought we should be giving to what might affect our own lives.... maybe not in age 40, 50 or 60, but a little later on. (in my own case , age 75). If married, how it affects ones' marriage, and if single, what kind of care and expense to expect for the future.

Please believe me.... it's real...

Yep. I'll be 72 in two weeks. I'm not thinking about what kind of diet I can pursue over the next 20-30 years to push the Alzheimer's diagnosis further out, but how you live with it today.

My 77 year old sister fell in her apartment and broke two vertebrae in her neck a month ago. She's been in a nursing home in a neck brace since then. Can't look up, down, or sideways. Can't get out of a chair without an aide within arm's length. etc.

Her therapists soon picked up on some levels of confusion, forgetfulness, and irritability. How much of that is reaction to the physical restrictions and how much to early dementia? I'm hoping to get results on an MRI tonight or tomorrow that could rule out tumor or some injury from the fall. I don't know if I'd prefer a tumor or prefer no tumor.

People who think that lifestyle immunizes should meet her. She did not have a terrible diet, always walked vigourously for exercise, read voraciously, had a strong social network, and was a college professor who was still working in her late 60s.

She tells me that occaisionally someone says "Don't you remember, last week when we ....?" and she draws a complete blank. No amount of prompting will produce a memory.

imoldernu, I actually quoted you to her on this subject. You said that you were noticing the early signs, they were frustrating, but life was still good. You mentioned something about maybe posting the same thing twice.

(I embellished the story. I said, this poster said he might post the same thoughts twice, but "... I figure that's not so bad, the readers get two chances to appreciate my wisdom.")

What can we do? She bought long term care insurance many years ago, with a big enough benefit to pay 100% of NH costs, and a 5% increase rider, and a six year benefit period. She's not sitting in her chair worrying that she will be destitute after a few years in a nursing home. That's a positive right now.

She made sure that she had a will and both medical and financial powers of attorney. I know that she has a cemetary plot.

 

[robnplunder]

"Typically, each plan encompasses several key elements to reverse inflammation, insulin resistance and destruction of vital brain structures. They include:

• Optimizing sleep and getting at least eight hours of shut-eye every night.
• Fasting at least 12 hours a day; patients usually don’t eat anything after 7 p.m. until the next morning.
• Frequent yoga and meditation sessions to relieve stress.
• Aerobic exercise for 30 to 60 minutes, at least five times a week.
• Brain training exercises for 30 minutes, three times a week.
• Eating a mostly plant-based diet: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, lettuce).
• Cutting out high-mercury fish: tuna, shark and swordfish.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Eliminating gluten and sugars. Cutting out simple carbs (bread, pasta, rice, cookies, cakes, candy, sodas)"

... which are very hard to do for even for an healthy adult with clear mind. DM has the big A and I tried to change her bad habits early on. Unfortunately for everyone, DM was too stubborn and/or had no will power to do anything "hard." Her bad eating habits led to diabetes, obesity, high BP, ..., none of which helped her situation.

 

[Teacher Terry]

My friend with early Alzheimer’s caused by a ton of chemo. No way around it as all that chemo saved her life. Had a genius IQ and for years could only talk about the past but was happy, upbeat and a excellent driver. They lost most of their friends during this time except us. Both her and her husband were awesome people. My plan is to stop taking my heart and HBP medications because she suffered greatly the last 2 years and not a road I intend to travel. Best wishes Imol on your journey. Curious if ever diagnosed by a doctor?

 

[audreyh1]

There are some interesting inroads being made into the causes and prevention of Alzheimers in the nutritional community. Amy Berger's work would be one example. She's basically arguing that Alzheimer's is another example of insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, and that it can be prevented or forestalled by low-carb approaches. She refers to it as Type 3 Diabetes. I haven't investigated it enough to know the science thoroughly, but I'll offer her name here for anyone who might be interested. She wrote a book called The Alzheimers Antidote and a number of interviews with or speeches by her can be found on Youtube.

I’ve been hearing about this too. At the very least a low carb diet is a low inflammation diet.

 

[Moemg]

.

My father died a week ago, nominally from pneumonia, but it really was just a case of all the components of an 88 year-old body wearing out. Considering how feeble and sick he had become, death was a mercy.

My wheelchair-bound mother was holding Dad's hand when he expired. Her own fogged mind notwithstanding, she understands that he's gone. I believe she has resolved to follow him, as she has now virtually stopped eating. The only thing that will ever end her unhappiness is the end of her life.

I am so sorry for your troubles

 

[imoldernu]

Thank you all for sharing. Every one who has had some connection with a person with AZ or Dementia, has seen the effects, which can be complex. Certainly a reason to look at your personal future with more understanding, and with some kind of plan, should it happen to you or a loved one.

A few answers to questions asked. First.. diagnosis. My doctor has been aware of my own situation for more than three years, and knows that I will not undergo the series of tests to give it a name. To what advantage?

The second part of the diagnosis question can be answered to some extent by taking some of the reasoning and memory tests... online. The better ones are quite complete, with more than a few sample questions... usually with the suggestion that you send in your answers for a closer diagnosis. i do this a few times a year, to get an idea of how rapidly the disease has progressed.

As psych major in college, I took the I.Q. tests with good results... and followed up in my mid 70's, with an average of 145... standard deviation from 140 to 147. (Wechsler Bellevue). Taking a few of the free online tests
show 110... and I can tell just by realizing that simple questions are no longer simple. Most problems with questions dealing with abstract reasoning.

I'm quite sure that most people might feel this self-test is meaningless, but it tells me where I stand, and instinctively, to measure my own decision making. Jeanie pays the bills, so this is one major concern that I don't have to deal with.

I still drive, and feel confident about the safety factor, though when we go to places that I should know well, I often have to rely on my co-pilot for reassurance, ie. "You'll take a right at the next stop sign."

Currently, the biggest annoyance is how long it takes me to do simple projects. "Start with one job objective in mind, and end up doing two or three other, different things and forgetting where I started."

I think that if DW jeanie weren't here, I would still be able to handle living in our Villa, at least for a while, but the thought of going it alone, is frightening.

One more thing... small point, but frustrating. Writing here and on other forums is becoming more difficult and time consuming. Streaming thought writing used to be easy. Now, OMG... it takes forever to write on a subject without having to go back and try to make sense. A bad habit of using too many words haunts me.

So much for me, me, me... Am guessing that few here will read what I have written, but it's a bit of introspection helps keep me on track. Especially when I go back and read what I've written and too often not even recognizing my own posts. Funny... every once in a while I look back at my original "blog" just to remind myself of where I've been. sheesh... "did I write that?"
http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/sharing-23-years-of-frugal-retirement-62251.html

Enough for now. I hope to come back with a more detailed outline of my personal outlook for the future. Basically, our plans for what to do...in case.
There was a lot more to this planning than I had originally thought. Still a work in progress.

 

[Mdlerth]

I can never do anything without doing something else first

Currently, the biggest annoyance is how long it takes me to do simple projects. "Start with one job objective in mind, and end up doing two or three other, different things and forgetting where I started."

I have no predictions about how much longer you will be driving, posting or taking online tests, but don't read too much into the above "symptom". It's been the story of my life: start a project, then discover an obstacle which must be completed before proceeding with the initial project, then get stymied by obstacle #2 which prevents finishing obstacle #1, etc.

 

[imoldernu]

I have no predictions about how much longer you will be driving, posting or taking online tests, but don't read too much into the above "symptom". It's been the story of my life: start a project, then discover an obstacle which must be completed before proceeding with the initial project, then get stymied by obstacle #2 which prevents finishing obstacle #1, etc.

Just a quick look into a more extended list. Pretty much sums up the symptoms.

https://www.alz.org/national/documents/checklist_10signs.pdf

 

[ER Eddie]

I don't know who that is but if you look at the global web sites for most health non profits for disorders like cancer, Alzheimer's and heart disease, WHO, the USDA, CDC, the Mayo Clinic, and major universities like Stanford and Harvard, I don't see any recommending people eat less fruit and vegetables.

That's true. I'm just disagreeing with the common notion that plants have no downsides. The Plant Paradox also went into this.

Anyhow, don't want to derail. Back to Alzheimer's.

 

[ER Eddie]

Just a quick look into a more extended list. Pretty much sums up the symptoms.

https://www.alz.org/national/documents/checklist_10signs.pdf

That sounds pretty rough, man. I would have a hard time dealing with all that. It's hard for me to imagine. My grandmother went through it, but I wasn't around her for her last 10 years, so I'm not sure what it was like. My mom cared for her.

Anyhow, I wish you the best. It's got to be tough.

 

[daylatedollarshort]

Also wishing you the best Imoldernu. I find many simple and evidenced based ideas for improving memory and brain function on the nutritionfacts.org site, like eating more blueberries and rosemary. We've upped consumption of those at our house since we like them anyway and I don't know of any downsides.

 

[bigcmagor]

Jeanie pays the bills, so this is one major concern that I don't have to deal with.

And hopefully with Jeanie in control of the checkbook, she will keep you from buying a much larger house on a whim!

 

[WestUniversity]

On a more personal basis, I would add an uncommon side effect that is not well or usually discussed. It involves the loss of the sense of smell, and sense of taste.

Also add to that list the loss of the ability to read. DM was always an avid reader. That d@!n disease took that away from her too...