Nutrition and Brain Health

Question 1

Alzheimer’s disease

Answer 1

irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills

Question 2

Plaques and Tangles: The Hallmarks of AD

Answer 2

The brains of people with AD have an abundance of two abnormal structures:
* beta-amyloid plaques, which are dense deposits of protein and cellular material that accumulate outside and around nerve
cells
* neurofibrillary tangles, which are twisted fibers that build up inside the nerve cell

Question 3

Beta-amyloid (Aβ) Plaques

Answer 3

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is the
precursor to amyloid plaque
1. APP sticks through the neuron
membrane
2. Enzymes cut the APP into fragments
of protein, including beta-amyloid
3. Beta-amyloid fragments come together
in clumps to form plaques

Question 4

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT AD PATIENTS HAVE PHYSICAL CHANGES IN THE BRAIN

Answer 4

LOSS OF BRAIN CELLS (NEURONS)

DEVELOPMENT OF TANGLES AND PLAQUES

Question 5

Mild AD

Answer 5

Memory loss, language probelms, mood swings, personality changes, diminished judgement

Question 6

Moderate AD

Answer 6

Behavioral, personality changes, unable to learn/recall new info, long term memory affected, wandering, agitation, aggression, confusion

Question 7

Severe AD

Answer 7

Gait, incontinence, motor disturbance, bedridden, unable to perform ADL, placement in long term care needed

Question 8

Goals for the Treatment

Answer 8

*Improve memory
*Improve functional status
*Improve behavioral symptoms
*Slow progression
*Delay or prevent onset

Question 9

AD and nutrition-Primary Antioxidant Therapy

Answer 9

Vitamin C ~ mixed mineral ascorbates
Mixed tocopherols & Tocotrienols
Mixed bioflavonoids

Question 10

AD and nutrition-Essential Fatty Acid Supplements

Answer 10

DHA-rich omega-3-FAs
ALA

Question 11

AD and nutrition-Phytonutrient Therapy

Answer 11

Blueberries
Green tea
Ginkgo biloba
Curcumin
Pomegranate