Anti-Alzheimer's Prescription

Father Peter on his radio program, Father Peter Live, featured on Thursday afternoon, 12-1 is making a reputation by having interesting, and informative guests. Today was by far the best, maybe because this subject was of interest to so many, and particularly me.

People who know me understand how Prevention of disease is pertinent to and has been the subject of my research for more than ten years.

Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, guest speaker today, acknowledged what we have all known for many years, and that is we are responsible for our body, mind and spirit. The three work together and to achieve wellness we must be in balance with all three.

I will not attempt to quote but summarize some of the things he said over radio 970AM today.

There is a relationship between our spirit and body. Being humble strengthens our spirit and mind. He focused on two important areas.

1. sleep
2. prayer and meditation

Breathing techniques light up your brain, turns on the hormone serotonin (calming) and dopamine (a neurotransmitter, anti-addictive, which stops cravings and keeps us in control. Lack of sleep depletes it. We must be sleeping deeply to create these essential substances.

He says we must pray, take care of stress, and exercise. Prayer gives us the ability to forgive. Having regrets and worrying kills you and ages you. Giving it to God is a decision. Concentrate on what you do have control of.

Adrenalin and cortisone are aging hormones, caused by stress.

Causes and risk Factors: sleeplessness, sedentary lifestyle, hopelessness, obesity.

Your risk factor of Alzheimer's can be reduced as much as 2600% by doing the right things.

Some of those things are to lose weight if you are a woman with a waist of 35 or greater, a man 40. Staying away from refined carbohydrates, white bleached flour, bread, pastry. Eating bread first makes you eat more and increases food cravings. Watching your weight is a must. Insulin resistant, pre-diabetics over 50 years old have a greater chance of developing dementia.

Some suggestions are to: eat Boca Berger's, dark chocolate, red wine, turmeric (lowers rate of Alzheimer's Disease causing Amyloid). Use supplements like 1,000 mg. fish oil, folic acid 400 mcg. If using statins, take coenzyme Q, 81 mgs. aspirin, and correct foods, (leaves, roots and fish), a harmonic diet.

Avoid vitamins with Copper. Drink green tea having antioxidants, (adding no milk). Exercise and pray.

People 60 and 70 wear out joints walking, and develop back problems, so it is suggested that they do strengthening exercises to release stress and to create new cells.

This neurologist has been in practice for 32 years and was calling from his California practice to share his thoughts with us. We also appreciate his book and web address. Please find it here.

So what is Beta-Amyloid that some people produce too much of? It is a protein, a sticky plaque, which accumulates in the brain, and this plaque triggers an inflammatory reaction from the brains immune system, which kills off innocent nerve cells. It's progression may be stopped.

Prevention:

• The importance of mental activity helps the brain to ward off Alzheimer's. This was the result of a 21-year study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY, made public in June 2003.
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer's by 79%, confirmed by tests at St. George's School of Medicine in London.

In 2002 residents of Utah found that aspirin and the drugs known as non steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killers, seemed to help protect the brain against Alzheimer's.

In short, use your brain or lost it.

For more information go to here.