Ten years ago I wrote an article for the Vail Daily suggesting that lifestyle changes could impact Alzheimer’s disease. (Click here for the full article). Despite the fact that Alzheimer’s was discovered one hundred years ago, little research had focused on the relationship between the disease and lifestyle. However, a recent study by UCLA researchers shows that lifestyle changes can reverse Alzheimer’s disease. In this small but important study nine out of ten patients who made the required lifestyle changes reversed their memory loss. The only patient who did not improve was a late stage Alzheimer’s patient. Six patients who had to quit their jobs because of memory loss were able to go back to work.The researchers examined diet, exercise, sleep, brain stimulation, medications and supplements. The approach was personalized to each individual, but an example of the diet and lifestyle changes include:
- Eliminating simple carbohydrates such as white flour, corn and sugars
- Eliminating gluten such as wheat, rye, barley and oats
- Eliminating processed foods nothing in a box or package
- Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables
- Eating only wild caught fish such as salmon, cod, halibut etc.
- Meditating twice a day
- Doing yoga
- Sleeping eight hours a day
- Using a electric toothbrush and waterpik
- Exercising at least 30 minutes six times a week
- Daily supplementation which would change with each individual
- Not eating three hours before bedtime.
If you or a family member is experiencing memory loss, come in for an assessment because there are nutritional and vitamin deficiencies and hormonal issues related to this disease. Each individual is different when it comes to Alzheimer’s.
