Podcast Summary
Identifying and addressing insulin resistance to prevent Alzheimer's: Experts recommend getting evaluated with a cognoscopy, addressing insulin resistance, and taking action to prevent Alzheimer's, which affects 45 million Americans and is more impactful than COVID-19.
Alzheimer's disease, which is projected to affect 45 million Americans, is not a hopeless condition as we once believed. According to experts Dale Bredesen and Richard Johnson, there are ways to prevent and even reverse cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's. The first step is getting evaluated with a cognoscopy, a series of tests including blood work that checks for insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and dietary factors. Insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin, is a significant problem linked to Alzheimer's. By addressing these issues, individuals can potentially prevent or slow down cognitive decline. The experts also emphasized that Alzheimer's makes the COVID-19 pandemic seem insignificant in terms of lives affected. So, taking action to prevent Alzheimer's is crucial for those aged 40 to 45 and beyond.
Sugar and Alzheimer's: The Connection: Excessive sugar intake can lead to high glucose levels, inflammation, and energy depletion, increasing the risk for Alzheimer's. Assess risk through blood work (hsCRP, vascular health) and cognitive function.
While it's not necessary to completely eliminate sugar from your diet, excessive consumption of sugar and high fructose corn syrup can contribute to health issues, including an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. These sugars can lead to increased glucose levels in the blood, which in turn can cause various health problems. Obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease are all linked to high glucose levels. The body's response to these high glucose levels includes inflammation and energy depletion, which are key factors in the development of Alzheimer's. To assess an individual's risk for Alzheimer's, it's important to consider both their blood work and cognitive function. Blood work should include tests for high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), which is a marker for inflammation, and indicators of vascular health. A simple online cognitive assessment can also provide valuable information about an individual's memory, executive function, and processing speed, which are often the first functions to be affected in those developing Alzheimer's. In summary, understanding the relationship between sugar consumption, glucose levels, and Alzheimer's risk can help individuals make informed decisions about their diet and overall health.
Identifying Alzheimer's early: memory loss vs planning issues: Early detection of Alzheimer's involves assessing cognitive function and MRI scans, as it presents differently for some with memory loss and others with planning issues. Metabolic problems and inflammation also play a role and can be detected through tests like PET scans and CRP tests.
Alzheimer's disease presents in different ways, with some people experiencing memory loss and confusion early on (amnestic presentation), while others may struggle with planning, calculating, and using new technology (non-amnestic presentation). These differences can be detected early through cognitive assessments and MRI scans with volumetric analysis. It's important to note that Alzheimer's is not just about amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, but also involves metabolic issues and inflammation. Metabolic problems, such as insulin resistance and unhealthy diets, can contribute to Alzheimer's, and can be detected through tests like PET scans measuring glucose utilization. Inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart disease and other conditions, is also linked to Alzheimer's. The CRP test, which measures systemic inflammation, can help identify those at risk for Alzheimer's. By focusing on these early indicators, we may be able to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Identifying Alzheimer's through Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Low Energy Levels: Neurologists use PET scans and blood tests to detect inflammation, insulin resistance, and low energy levels in the brain linked to Alzheimer's. A metabolically flexible diet with healthy fats and moderate protein can help produce ketones and improve energy levels, potentially reducing risk for those with chronic inflammation.
Alzheimer's disease is linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, and low energy levels in the brain. Neurologists can identify these issues through techniques like PET scans and blood tests, which show reduced glucose utilization and potential insulin resistance. The brain's inability to use glucose or ketones as fuel leads to an energy emergency state, exacerbating cognitive decline. Individuals with chronic inflammation, such as those who have experienced skin reactions to touch, may be at risk for Alzheimer's and could benefit from a metabolically flexible diet that includes healthy fats and moderate protein to produce ketones and improve energy levels.
Ketogenic Diet and Uric Acid Levels: While a ketogenic diet can reduce inflammation and prevent gout attacks, it can also increase uric acid levels due to protein intake and ketones blocking excretion. Regular monitoring is important.
While following a ketogenic diet can suppress inflammation and help prevent full-blown gout attacks due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can still lead to high uric acid levels. Uric acid is produced from both sugar and protein, and on a low-carb diet, the lack of glucose means less uric acid generation. However, the ketones produced on the diet can also block uric acid excretion, leading to an increase in uric acid levels. Despite this potential risk, many people consider ketogenic diets to be healthy due to their numerous benefits, such as weight loss and improved blood sugar control. It's important for those following a ketogenic diet to be aware of their uric acid levels and monitor them regularly. Uric acid is a natural substance produced in the body, but high levels can lead to gout, a painful form of arthritis. Humans have a harder time excreting uric acid due to the loss of an enzyme that breaks it down, leading to higher levels in the blood. On a ketogenic diet, uric acid levels can increase due to both the high protein intake and the ketones blocking its excretion. However, over time, these levels tend to come down.
High uric acid levels and inflammation in gout patients: A ketogenic diet can reduce inflammation but may raise uric acid levels. Balance the benefits of ketones with potential risks, and consider a plant-rich ketogenic diet and periodic fasting for optimal brain health.
High uric acid levels, a common condition in gout patients, can lead to systemic inflammation and increased risk for heart disease due to urate crystal deposits in the joints and blood vessels. While a ketogenic diet can help reduce inflammation, it can also raise uric acid levels by blocking its excretion in the kidneys. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of ketones may outweigh the potential risks for some individuals. It's crucial to maintain a balance between the beneficial effects of ketones and the potential drawbacks of high uric acid. A plant-rich ketogenic diet, combined with appropriate periods of fasting, is recommended for optimal brain health. It's essential to remember that every individual's response to dietary changes may vary, and personalized approaches may be necessary for achieving the best health outcomes.
Impact of Diet on Alzheimer's Disease Risk for ApoE4 Gene Carriers: For apoE4 gene carriers, a carnivore diet may increase heart attack, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease risk, while a plant-based diet rich in polyphenols, phytonutrients, and fiber can help reduce Alzheimer's disease risk.
The choice between a carnivore diet and a plant-based diet can have significant implications for inflammation and Alzheimer's disease risk. For those with the apoE4 gene, a carnivore diet may increase LDL particle numbers and triglyceride to HDL ratios, putting them at higher risk for heart attacks, strokes, and Alzheimer's disease. On the other hand, a plant-based diet rich in polyphenols, phytonutrients, and fiber can help reduce Alzheimer's disease risk. It's important to note that our ancestors were all apoE4 homozygous for 96% of hominid evolution, but a specific mutation around 220,000 years ago led to the appearance of less pro-inflammatory apoE3 and apoE2. Today, approximately 75,000,000 Americans carry a single copy of the apoE4 gene, and about 2% have two copies, putting them at high risk for Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, those with the apoE4 gene should be cautious about following a carnivore diet and consider incorporating more plant-based foods into their diets to help mitigate their risk.
Impact of Modern Lifestyle and Diet on Health and Alzheimer's Disease: Modern lifestyle and diet contribute to inflammation, metabolic issues, and Alzheimer's risk. Genetic factors and environmental factors play a role. Fructose and starvation can reduce inflammation and lower Alzheimer's risk. Consider getting a cognoscopy or prenuovo scan for health assessment. Protect personal data from being sold online with DeleteMe.
Our modern lifestyle and diet are contributing to an increased risk of inflammation, metabolic issues, and Alzheimer's disease. The discussion highlighted the impact of genetic factors like APOE 3 or 2, and environmental factors such as mold, mycotoxins, and sugar on our health. Rick's research on fructose and starvation shows that these factors can lead to less inflammation and a lower likelihood of Alzheimer's disease. However, the way we live now, with less plant intake and more carnivory, has changed the game. To assess your current health status, consider getting a cognoscopy or prenuovo scan. Meanwhile, eBay Motors can help keep your car running smoothly, while Shopify can help your business thrive in today's competitive market. Lastly, protecting your personal data from being sold online is crucial, and DeleteMe can help you do that. In summary, understanding the impact of our modern lifestyle and diet on our health and taking proactive steps to mitigate potential risks is essential.
Bears' diet change before hibernation triggers fructose production: Consuming high amounts of fructose from various sources, including fruit, honey, table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and red meats, can lead to health issues. However, the impact on health may be minimal for those following a low-carbohydrate diet.
The behavior of bears before hibernation, where they drastically increase their food intake and gain fat, is a natural survival mechanism. This switch from weight regulation to weight gain is triggered by the consumption of fructose, a sugar found in various foods including fruit, honey, table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and even produced naturally in the body. High carbohydrate diets, salt, and red meats can increase the production of fructose in the body. The increased fructose production can lead to health issues, such as Alzheimer's disease, when consumed in large quantities. However, for individuals following a low-carbohydrate diet, such as a carnivore diet, the impact of red meat and salt on fructose production may be minimal. It's important to note that excessive consumption of these foods, regardless of the diet, can still have negative health effects.
Fructose Consumption and Alzheimer's Risk: Consuming large amounts of fructose, especially from ultra-processed foods and fruits, can lead to insulin and leptin resistance, increased hunger, decreased ATP production, and potential risks for Alzheimer's and mental performance decline. Focusing on diet, lifestyle, and foraging can help reduce risk.
Consuming large amounts of fructose, particularly from ultra-processed foods and fruits, can contribute to insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and increased hunger, leading to decreased ATP production and potential risks for Alzheimer's and mental performance decline. This issue is relevant not only for individuals concerned about Alzheimer's but also for those seeking to improve their daily mental performance and those who have had COVID-19 and experienced brain fog. The parallels between Alzheimer's and COVID-19-related brain issues highlight the importance of addressing these risk factors. Insulin resistance, a common condition linked to metabolic syndrome, is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's, affecting about half of the patients. By focusing on diet, lifestyle, and foraging (searching for nutrient-dense foods), individuals can potentially reduce their risk for Alzheimer's and enhance their overall mental performance.
Fructose consumption and insulin resistance in the brain: Excess fructose consumption can cause inflammation, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial suppression in the brain, contributing to Alzheimer's disease-like conditions.
Fructose consumption can lead to insulin resistance, both in the muscle and the brain. This insulin resistance is an evolutionary response meant to conserve energy during times of food scarcity. However, when fructose is consumed in excess, it can have detrimental effects on the brain, leading to inflammation, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial suppression – the same characteristics associated with Alzheimer's disease. Fructose's unique ability to lower ATP levels in cells and stimulate fructose production in the brain contributes to these effects. Overall, the body's response to fructose consumption is designed to help animals survive during periods of food scarcity, but in today's world of abundant and easily accessible sugar, these responses can lead to negative health consequences.
Our brains are wired for efficiency in food consumption during scarcity: Continuous exposure to high levels of sugar and stressors can lead to negative health consequences, including Alzheimer's disease.
Our brains are wired to efficiently find and consume food during times of scarcity, using visual cues and impulsivity. This evolutionary advantage is helpful in short-term survival situations but can lead to negative health consequences, such as Alzheimer's disease, when left on constantly. The consumption of fructcose, for example, can reduce blood flow and self-control in key brain regions, leading to impaired glucose utilization and insulin resistance. This can be seen as an energy-saving mechanism, but when chronic, it can contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's, which is characterized by hyper-responses to stressors and inflammation in the brain. Essentially, we are pushing our bodies beyond their evolutionary design by constantly exposing ourselves to high levels of sugar and other stressors.
Fructose triggers innate immune response, leading to amyloid production and energy downsizing: Minimizing fructose intake and maintaining a healthy inflammatory response are essential for optimal brain health and memory function.
The body's response to triggering the innate immune system, which can be activated by consuming fructose, results in the production of amyloid. While amyloid has antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties, it also downsizes the network by reducing energy. This occurs as the body makes a choice between fighting invaders and maintaining brain functions such as memory and synapse formation. Polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory effects and support mitochondrial function, can help mitigate these issues by reducing inflammation and preserving energy resources. The body may be under assault from various stressors, including infections, toxins, and concussions, which can stimulate local fructose production and trigger this response. Therefore, minimizing fructose intake and maintaining a healthy inflammatory response are crucial for optimal brain health and memory function.
The body shifts metabolism to a low power mode in response to stressors: The body responds to stressors by reducing energy needs and protecting cells, impacting mitochondria and leading to insulin resistance, inflammation, and potential Alzheimer's risk
The body responds to various stressors, including concussions, toxins, viruses, and high fructose intake, by shifting metabolism into a low power mode. This shift is a survival response aimed at reducing energy needs and protecting cells. The mitochondria, which are responsible for producing most of the cell's energy, play a key role in this response. When the mitochondria are stunned, the body's oxygen needs decrease, and enzymes involved in glucose and fat metabolism are suppressed. This shift can lead to insulin resistance, inflammation, and even Alzheimer's disease. The body may also increase glycolysis, a process that converts glucose into energy without the involvement of mitochondria, as a response to stress. The APOE4 gene, which is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's, may also contribute to this response by suppressing mitochondria. Overall, these responses are converging on a common pathway, and understanding this pathway could lead to new ways to prevent and treat various diseases.
Factors causing Alzheimer's disease: Chronic inflammation, glucose and fructose-related issues, oral hygiene, leaky gut, mold exposure, and toxins can contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Identifying these contributors allows for personalized treatment and prevention strategies.
Alzheimer's disease can be caused by various factors, including chronic inflammation, glucose and fructose-related issues, oral hygiene, leaky gut, mold exposure, and other toxins. These factors can push the body into a low power mode, leading to damage that may not be reversible. However, there is hope as people have shown significant improvements after identifying and addressing these contributors. The medical revolution involves using tools like wearables and continuous glucose monitoring to identify potential issues earlier. Blood tests, such as those for phospho tau, GFAP, and neurofilament light, can also provide valuable insights into brain health. By identifying the specific drivers of Alzheimer's disease, it becomes possible to develop a personalized protocol for treatment and prevention. This may involve addressing inflammation, improving energy levels, and eliminating toxins. The ultimate goal is to catch and treat Alzheimer's disease in its early stages, before significant damage occurs.
Addressing metabolic insults for improved health: Identify and address concussions, pathogens, traumas for metabolic stability. Enhance metabolic flexibility with nattokinase, pycnogenol, omega-three resolvins. Reduce fructose intake for improved metabolic health.
Achieving metabolic stability is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. This involves identifying and addressing various insults to the body, such as concussions, pathogens, and traumas. Once these issues are addressed, the focus shifts to enhancing metabolic flexibility, allowing the body to effectively use both glucose and ketones as energy sources. Key supplements like nattokinase and pycnogenol can help reduce inflammation and prevent microthrombi, while omega-three resolvins aid in resolving ongoing inflammation. By addressing these factors, we can improve overall health, potentially even reversing damage caused by conditions like COVID-19 and Alzheimer's. Additionally, reducing fructose intake is a crucial step in improving metabolic health, as fructose blocks the fat from being broken down to ATP and suppresses glucose metabolism through the mitochondria. Overall, a personalized medicine approach that tackles each area and knocks it down can lead to significant improvements in health and longevity.
Limit Fructose Intake for Liver Health and Balance Sodium: Limit fructose to prevent liver damage, consume vitamin C in 500mg doses twice daily, reduce sugary/processed foods, maintain proper sodium balance, drink enough water to maintain urine color and prevent dehydration, aim for urine pale yellow, and drink water before meals to reduce fructose conversion.
While fruits are good for you due to their vitamin C content and other nutrients, the fructose they contain should be limited as excessive intake can negatively impact the liver. To counteract this, it's recommended to consume vitamin C in doses of 500 milligrams twice a day. Additionally, reducing sugary and processed foods, especially those high in fructose and salt, is important for overall health. Regarding water intake, it's essential to drink enough to maintain proper sodium balance in the body. Contrary to popular advice, our ancient ancestors did not have constant access to large quantities of water, and modern diets high in salt can require more water consumption to prevent dehydration and the resulting health issues. Aim for urine that is a pale yellow color and maintain a serum sodium level between 138 and 140 millimoles per liter. Drinking water before meals can also help reduce the conversion of glucose to fructose.
Proper hydration and hormonal balance for optimal health: Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily, avoid excessive intake to prevent hyponatremia, and maintain hormonal balance, particularly during menopause, to reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease and other health issues
Proper hydration and hormonal balance are crucial for maintaining optimal health and preventing conditions like Alzheimer's disease. For the average person, drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day and producing about 2.5 liters of urine daily is recommended. However, excessive water intake can lead to hyponatremia, a condition where the body's sodium levels become dangerously low, which can result in seizures and other serious health issues. Regarding hormones, they play a significant role in Alzheimer's disease, particularly in women. The precipitous drop in estradiol and progesterone during menopause is thought to contribute to the disease's development. Additionally, hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by andropause or testosterone replacement therapy, can impact various health parameters, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and fructose metabolism. Progesterone, in particular, is essential for detoxification processes in the body. It's important to note that the relationship between hormones and Alzheimer's disease is complex and ongoing research is required to fully understand its implications.
Hormonal changes after menopause increase women's health risks, including gout and Alzheimer's disease: Post-menopause, women face similar health risks as men due to hormonal shifts, resulting in increased uric acid levels and sensitivity, potentially leading to gout and Alzheimer's disease.
Following menopause, women's health risks, including Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease, become more similar to men's due to hormonal changes. Estrogen helps keep uric acid levels low in women before menopause, but these levels increase following menopause, leading to a higher risk for gout and potentially contributing to Alzheimer's disease. Women are also more sensitive to uric acid, meaning they may experience worse effects for the same level compared to men. The loss of the uricase enzyme around 1.2 million years ago, which most animals still possess to break down uric acid, may have played a role in humans' longer lifespans and evolution into the dominant apex predator. However, this loss also means we must process and excrete higher levels of uric acid, which could contribute to health issues later in life.
A mutation during food scarcity allowed our ancestors to survive by producing more fat from fructose: A starvation-induced mutation inhibiting uricase led to more fat production from fructose, an advantage during food scarcity, which modern humans still carry.
The starvation experienced by European apes during a specific period led to a mutation that allowed them to survive and eventually become our ancestors. This mutation involved the inhibition of uricase, which led to the production of more uric acid when consuming fructose. This, in turn, enabled the apes to make more fat from fructose, providing an evolutionary advantage during times of food scarcity. Modern humans carry this mutation, and it explains our heightened sensitivity to fructose. Researchers have recreated this mutation in lab experiments, confirming its impact on fat production. However, if pharmaceutical companies were to develop an inhibitor for this pathway, potential side effects and what we might lose by inhibiting it are important considerations.
Fructose metabolism linked to type 2 diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's: A lack of an enzyme involved in fructose metabolism may protect against type 2 diabetes, obesity, and longevity, but could also increase susceptibility to famine conditions. Research suggests that fructose metabolism may play a role in Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to prevention or reversal if identified early.
A lack of an enzyme associated with fructose metabolism may protect against type 2 diabetes, obesity, and potentially even longevity. However, in a modern context, this could have unintended consequences, such as increased susceptibility to famine conditions. For individuals with Alzheimer's disease, understanding the underlying cause of the condition is crucial, and research suggests that fructose metabolism may play a significant role. The next steps in research include investigating whether this is a common pathway for cognitive decline and exploring it as a potential pharmaceutical target. If identified early, this condition could potentially lead to prevention or even reversal of Alzheimer's symptoms. To learn more about this research, follow Dale Bredesen at doctorbredesen.com, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or read his books "The End of Alzheimer's" and "The First Survivors of Alzheimer's." For information from Rick Johnson, visit doctorrichardjohnson.com, read his book "Nature Wants This to be Fat," and follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Promising results from personalized medicine approaches, but more scientific studies needed: Reduce high glycemic carbs and sugar, limit salt intake, and drink more water to maintain good health and reduce Alzheimer's risk.
Personalized medicine approaches, such as those proposed by Dale, have shown promising results but require further proof through scientific studies. However, there is enough evidence to encourage individuals to prioritize diet and exercise as crucial components of maintaining good health and reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, reducing high glycemic carbs and sugar, limiting salt intake, and drinking more water are recommended practices. Ultimately, personal responsibility for one's health is essential, and subscribing to ongoing discussions on this topic can contribute to a more informed and proactive approach to staying healthy.
