One of the ways that we age is by the accumulation of free radical damage to our bodies. Face it, you can't avoid free radicals; and here's why you must try to minimize their daily attack on your body. The cell mutations that free radicals cause to your DNA will snowball dangerously over time. In fact, cancer is the result of mutated cells taking charge and proliferating out of control. Many of the causes of cancer are directly related to free radical damage, whether by chemical exposure or ionizing radiation exposure.

Most dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system, brain, pancreas, kidneys, immune system, and energy cycle can now be traced to free radical damage.

If the DNA mutations that can occur in our bodies, occur in what are called “germ cells” then these DNA mutations are literally passed through our chromosomes to our children. Fortunately, this does not happen often.

Some common aging problems include age spots, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's and other diseases related to memory loss.

Age Spots

Ours is a culture with little appreciation for spots. None of us wants a spot on our shirt, a spot on our reputation, or spots on our body.

But spots often come as a part of aging, especially on our hands or faces; and in general all have the same reaction: We want a spot remover!

Age spots or liver spots, are flat or slightly raised brown, yellow or red spots that can occur anywhere on the body but usually appearing on the face, neck, and hands. In general these spots are not a physical problem, although they are cosmetically ugly; but they can be a sign of serious skin cell free radical damage. These spots are caused by the buildup of waste products called lipofuscin accumulation (a byproduct of free radical damage in the skin cells). Age spots can be avoided with regular exercise and a healthy diet as well as limited exposure to the sun.

Osteoporosis Facts and Statistics
The body is constantly at work breaking down and rebuilding the bones. Specialized bone cells called osteoblasts pull calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from the blood to build bone mass. Even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, at approximately 30 years the body will begin to lose more bone than it forms. This is normally caused due to changes in our hormones. Most people know that osteoporosis occurs in women when they enter menopause but many do not know that men also can suffer with osteoporosis due to the loss of testosterone in “andropause.” We have seen in this practice the incidence of osteoporosis and its weaker sister, osteopenia, at an earlier age than menopause and andropause. Therefore, it behooves you to be checked for bone density even before you enter the “change of life”. Unfortunately, insurance does not reimburse for it until you reach middle age but here at ULMC, we do it yearly on our concierge patients. We think it is better to be proactive and find out the problems early rather than wait until it may be too late to fix the problem. Usually there are not any obvious symptoms of osteoporosis until a fracture occurs or a vertebrae collapse causing a loss of height and a hump in the back (dowager's hump).

Osteoporosis affects more than 20 million people in the and causes 1.5 million fractures each year. Two hundred and fifty thousand of those 1.5 million fractures are hip fractures and for 300,000 people (20% of fractures) it leads to death. Of the 1.2 million that do not die, 600,000 (40% of the fractures) will require long term nursing care because of complications.

Osteoporosis is four times more common in women than in men, and the most common form of the disease is postmenopausal osteoporosis. This is the “official” word but Dr. Work believes that that figure is incorrect. The reason is statistical sampling. If doctors follow the common guidelines, all women entering menopause are screened for osteoporosis with a DEXA scan and then this is repeated every two years. Men can be screened once they reach 60 years of age (per insurance reimbursement guidelines) but most are not checked at all until they break a bone. Then a doctor looks at the xray and is surprised to find that the patient has osteoporosis. So far fewer men are checked and only those with some finding, e.g., bone fracture, are given a DEXA scan. But all women (or at least a large majority) are screened so even those with osteoporosis who don’t break any bones in their remaining life are identified and counted. This is one of the few diseases where men are actually underrepresented and undercounted. Fortunately, osteoporosis is completely preventable and curable with the proper nutrition and exercise and maintaining of respective sex hormones at optimal and youthful levels.

Yes, you did read that right; it said "completely preventable and curable." For years it has been thought that loss of bone density and osteoporosis is an uncontrollable, inevitable, and irreversible part of getting old. This statistic has been based on an aging population that has done very little to stop osteoporosis from affecting them.

Welcome to the new era of health alternatives. A time where the medical myths of yesteryear are being completely overturned. A time when people are defying the statistical averages by taking charge of their own health. Yes, aging will affect your bone density, but brittle shallow bones are not inevitable, uncontrollable, nor irreversible.

Alzheimer's Facts and Statistics
We've all had times when we can't remember where we put our keys or when an appointment was supposed to be. These occasional memory lapses are a normal part of being human. So when should you worry about signs of Alzheimer's disease? A simple example is: If you forgot where you put your glasses there is no great cause for concern ... but if you've forgotten you wear glasses you have significant reason to worry about your memory problem.

A more extensive list of Alzheimer's Symptoms is as follows: a chronic, progressively worsening problem accompanied by disorientation, problems with judgment, concentration, language and mathematical skills, physical coordination, and sleeplessness, the repetition of the same ideas or movements, the tendency to wander off and get lost, "sunsetting" or restlessness and wandering off in the late afternoon and night, dramatic personality changes, and eventually the loss of the ability to perform basic self-care functions.

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that already affects millions of Americans and that is expected to affect millions more as the number of people over 50 continues to increase. The age of onset is also getting younger and younger. Now more people in the mid to late 50’s are being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia.

After heart disease, cancer, and stroke, Alzheimer's is the fourth leading cause of death among the elderly in developed nations. Alzheimer's is most common in people over the age of 65 and affects 11% of those over 65 and 25-50% of those over the age of 85. Although this disease is one of the most common types of dementia among the elderly, it is difficult to diagnose since Alzheimer's-like symptoms are common to many other diseases (AIDS, brain cancer, Parkinson's disease, deficiencies of vitamin E, magnesium, and B vitamins, etc.). Generally, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is only 85 to 90% accurate, since the only definite diagnoses come from an after-death biopsy of the diseased brain.

Those most at risk for Alzheimer's are the elderly. With advancing age, their risk of developing the disease increases to an alarming 47% by the age of 85. Family history also plays a role with 54% of those at the age of 80 and over developing Alzheimer's if both parents had the disease. Alzheimer's Disease has increased 10-fold in this century and is sometimes referred to as "the disease of the 20th century," and it is projected to reach epidemic proportions.

Alzheimer's Diseases
What causes Alzheimer's? Why has it increased 10-fold in this century? Like many degenerative diseases, the cause has not been and maybe never will be isolated to just one or two factors. However, scientific research indicates that Alzheimer's occurs when nerve cells in several key areas of the brain are damaged or destroyed. These changes disrupt the normal flow of information between the body and the brain resulting in a steady decline in mental function. This mental destruction is most likely caused by the formation of the neurofibrillary tangles (knots) and senile plaques (clumps) that are commonly found in the diseased brain during an after-death biopsy. It is interesting to note that these plaques and knots only form in the areas of the brain that control memory and the retention of learned information.

What causes this damage? Current research can be summarized into the following areas:

Genetic Factors
Several genetic factors have been identified that play a role with genes that are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Amyloid precursor protein on chromosome 21. This is a genetic factor also associated with Down's syndrome; and explains the association between Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

Presenilin genes on chromosomes 14 and 1. Although rare, these are associated with AD symptoms occurring before the age of 50.

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene on chromosome 19. This is most interesting because it is both negative and positive. The e4-type is linked to significantly higher risk for AD; the e2-type is linked to significant protection from AD symptoms.
Although it is evident that genetics does play a role in susceptibility, someone with questionable genetics should not consider AD an inevitable event. Powerful environmental factors (which are obviously more controllable) can play a great role to protect against genetic weakness. By minimizing exposure to toxins like aluminum, silicon, neurotoxins (drugs that affect the brain and nervous system), and by maintaining high levels of antioxidants, genetic weakness could be nullified.

Toxic Exposure
One of the main toxic elements associated with Alzheimer's disease is aluminum. Brain cells get tangled and die off; a study has shown that aluminum is a cofactor in the formation of these neurofibrillary tangles. As people get older, their body's ability to detoxify harmful toxins like aluminum decreases, and so concentrations of toxins remain and build up to unhealthy levels. This logically explains why Alzheimer's disease usually occurs in relation to age increases. Also explained is the fact that those with Alzheimer's disease show higher levels of aluminum.

In a study of dialysis patients, they took 13 patients with a positive level of aluminum in their body and compared them to 13 patients with low amounts of aluminum. The whole group was subjected to two memory tests and the results were conclusive. Those with higher levels of aluminum had a moderate to considerable disturbance of mental function. [Frolich L, Reiderer, P. Free radical mechanisms in dementia for the Alzheimer's type and the potential for antioxidative treatment. Drug Research 1995; 45. Pgs. 443-446.]

With the association of aluminum to Alzheimer's disease, the main concern is where this toxic aluminum is coming from. Many of the elderly have digestive difficulties and use antacids. While antacids may seem to help with their digestive condition, antacids are loaded with unhealthy "aluminum." A much better digestive aid would be to take a digestive enzyme supplement like Enzyme Plus.

Aluminum exposure also comes from deodorants; pots, pans, and silverware; food wrapped with aluminum foil; and non-dairy creamer, baking powder, and many brands of table salt. Minimal exposure to these items is crucial in keeping aluminum levels low.

The most alarming aluminum-containing substance is drinking water! Yes, horrifying but true. It is well documented that aluminum is added in the treatment process of over 50 percent of the water supplies in the United States.

Daniel Perl, M.D., director of the neuropathology division at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City says that if the water is purified properly no problems should occur. "But the question is, how much of it is done properly? I'm reluctant to guess," he says. Obviously, those who want to control their health process should not leave water purification a matter of "guesswork."

Nutritional Disorders
Vitamin E | Vitamin B12 | Thiamin | Zinc | Acetyl L-carnitine

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is believed to be a vitamin breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Although the actual research we present here was done regarding the effect Vitamin E has on Stroke Victims (where a stroke has caused damage to brain cells); this stroke research crosses over and has application in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

During a stroke, damaged brain cells release a neurotransmitter called glutamic acid. This glutamic acid causes a chain reaction that destroys more brain cells, releasing even more dangerous glutamic acid. David Schubert, Ph.D., professor of neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego indicates that in their studies exposing brain cells to vitamin E in a laboratory seems to shield the cells from the effects of a stroke. He states "Vitamin E actually has a protective effect on brain cells, limiting the number killed by glutamic acid."

In another study, Dr. Schubert's laboratory showed that bathing brain cells in vitamin E protects them from a toxic protein found in amyloid plaques. Just as soaking a peeled apple in lemon juice prevents oxidation from turning it brown, antioxidants such as vitamin E protect brain cells by neutralizing free radicals.

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is also a key link to Alzheimer's disease. Impaired mental function, which sometimes mimics Alzheimer's Disease in elderly people, is caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency exists in up to 42% of persons aged 65 and over. In fact, as people age, levels of vitamin B12 decrease. It is important to detect B12 deficiency early because it is easy to resolve; but if left untreated it can lead to impaired neurological and cognitive function that may not ever be reversed. [Y. Yao, G Lu-Yao, D. N. Mesches et al. "Decline of serum cobalamin levels with increasing age among geriatric outpatients." Archives of Family Medicine 1994; 3: pgs. 918-922.]

Vitamin B12 supplementation was shown to reverse impaired mental function in a study where 61% of cases with low levels of vitamin B12 had a complete recovery. It was thought that the 39% that did not respond had probably had long-term low levels of vitamin B12. [E. B. Healton et al. "Neurologic Aspects of Cobalamin Deficiency." Medicine 70 (1991): pgs. 229-245.]

This correlation is also true of people with Alzheimer's disease. If Alzheimer's disease patients supplement with vitamin B12 there could be a complete reversal, but people who have had this disease for longer than 6 months will probably only have minimal improvement.

Thiamin
Thiamin takes on a different role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. While Vitamin E helps protect the brain from various acids and plaques, thiamin concentrates on improving the memory. Thiamin has a RDA of 1.5 mg and most people fail to consume this daily allowance, especially the elderly who need it the most. Thiamin is by no means a miracle pill, but it is a step in the right direction, and in research has been shown to slow or even stop the memory decline process. The following will tell you how!

Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter that helps the nerve impulses that carry thoughts to leap across the gaps between brain nerve cells. This acetylcholine is made more available with thiamin supplementation.

Numerous studies have shown the positive effects of Thiamin in Alzheimer's patients. In one study, 18 Alzheimer's patients were treated for five months with mega doses of thiamin ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 mgs a day. The results were not overwhelmingly impressive, but a little improvement in an Alzheimer's patient means a lot. Most of the patients just maintained the same level of memory, but this is incredible considering the disease gets worse every six months. According to Dr. Meador, head of the Section of Behavioral Neurology at the Medical College of Georgia, "In particular, on the bedside exam you can expect a three-point drop almost every four to six months. We didn't see that in these people." [K. J. Meador, M. E. Nichols, P. Franke et al. Evidence for a central cholinergic effect of high dose Thiamin. Annals of Neurology 1993; 34: pgs. 724-726.]

Zinc
Zinc is important for maintaining high mental capacity and a key factor in the enzymes used for DNA replication, repair, and transcription. It is believed that dementia could be the result of long-term effects of malfunctioning DNA-handling enzymes. This makes zinc deficiency a serious problem, and since zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the elderly the problem is even more serious.

To test the benefits of zinc supplementation in Alzheimer's patients, 10 patients were given 27 mg of zinc per day. An amazing 80% showed improvement and one patient was labeled "unbelievable" by both medical staff and family.
[J. Constantinidis. "Treatment of Alzheimer's disease by zinc compounds." Drug Development Research 1992; 27: pgs. 1-14.]

Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) has been shown to benefit Alzheimer's disease patients by acting similar to acetylcholine and as a powerful antioxidant within the brain cells to stabilize cell membranes and improve energy production. The results of studies using ALC are outstanding, and the studies have been well controlled and extremely thorough, which gives a high level of confidence for across-the-board successful results using ALC.[J.W. Pettegrew et al. Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiological Aging 1995; 16: pgs. 1-4.]

One study with 130 patients measured fourteen different areas (assessment scales, cognitive function tests, memory tests, physician evaluations) over a 12-month period. The group taking ALC ranked better in all fourteen areas in comparison to the placebo group. [A. Spagnoli et al. "Long-term aectyl-L-carnitine Treatment in Alzheimer's Disease." Neurology, 41-1991. pgs. 1726-1732.]

In another group study, 1,500 mg of ALC daily resulted in significant improvement in mental function, particularly in memory and in constructional thinking. [C. Cipolli and G. Chiari. "Effects of L-acetylcarnitine on Mental Deterioration in the Aged: Initial Results." Clinical Ter. 132. 1990. pgs 479-510.]

The only drawback to ALC supplementation is the cost. Out of all the potential nutrient options for Alzheimer's alternative nutrition therapy; ALC is the most expensive item that can be incorporated.

Free Radical Damage
Chemically unstable molecules known as free radicals are produced simultaneously when the body burns oxygen to produce energy. Free radicals cause damage to brain cells by taking electrons from the body's healthy molecules to balance themselves. The body can usually handle a small amount of free radicals, but when the number of free radicals becomes excessive, then the danger sets in. A large amount of free radicals leads to even more free radicals, and this excessive free radical formation damages cells and tissues. When this oxidative damage affects your brain the effect sneaks up slowly, and ever so quietly steals away a person's memory and personality, eventually eroding his ability to even take care of himself.

Numerous studies have been conducted to test the role antioxidants have in the development of heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and other diseases linked to excessive oxidation. In one study, Parkinson's disease patients were given doses of vitamin A and C for seven years. Eventually all the patients needed some drug treatment, but the antioxidant nutrients slowed the progression of the disease considerably. [Fahn S. A pilot trial of high-dose alpha-tocopherol and ascorbate in early Parkinson's disease. Annals of Neurology 1992; 32: S128-132.]

Because of these results, scientists decided to try antioxidant nutrients on Alzheimer's disease patients, but there has been only one trial study published so far. In this study, patients with moderately severe Alzheimer's disease were given the monoamine oxidase inhibitor selegiline, vitamin E, a combination of selegiline and vitamin E, or a placebo. Of the four groups, those who were given vitamin E clearly showed the most positive results. Compared to the 39 percent placebo patients who had to be institutionalized, the vitamin E group only had 26 percent.

Related Links
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center - http://www.alzheimers.org/

This site is a service of the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Just because you're getting older doesn't mean that you have to accept memory loss as inevitable. Multiple scientific research studies report that proper nutrition and active stimulation are keys to maintaining a sharp and active memory over your entire lifespan. The brain needs nutrient rich blood to function properly and to create the neurotransmitters that are essential in making sure that your body and mind function and communicate well with each other. Besides nutrition, it is important to combat free radical damage in the body, as free radicals can cause enormous damage to the memory cells.