By Schuyler Corrigan

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June 27, 2024

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What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting approximately 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 and 1 in 3 people over the age of 85. Early onset Alzheimer’s (diagnosed from ages 30 to mid-sixties) is rare, as aging is the most significant risk factor in developing Alzheimer’s. The initial symptoms of Alzheimer’s include poor memory or memory loss, mental fog, cognitive decline, and confusion. Daily examples may include repeating questions, misplacing items, or inability to complete familiar tasks at home or work. The symptoms gradually worsen over time. It is estimated that the progression of Alzheimer’s can take 10 to 20 years of accumulation of amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles inflammation, and synaptic and neuronal loss before symptoms can develop (1). 

 

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

Although there is no known direct cause of Alzheimer’s disease, some common factors associated with the increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s include hypertension, obesity, traumatic brain injury, diabetes, chronic inflammation, poor gut (microbiome) health, PTSD, and aging. Through recent research, we have learned that there are usually several factors leading to the progression of the disease, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, along with health history and previous chronic conditions (2). The slow progression of Alzheimer’s disease makes it challenging to “catch” early. Thus, from a naturopathic perspective, your ND always incorporates healthy aging practices into your care plan, even when working with younger adults lacking signs or symptoms of cognitive decline. 

Naturopathic Approach

If you are currently experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, or you are watching or caring for a loved one experiencing the disease, you know how debilitating and difficult it can be to endure. We carefully assess every individual and approach the health and well-being of each person through a holistic lens. 

The Naturopathic doctors at RNM work to assess your neurological health by actively collaborating with your current physicians. Because many factors together impact your current health, your ND will thoroughly evaluate your family history, epigenetics, viruses, injury, nutrition/diet, environmental exposures, and stress. Each is important and vital to investigate; this provides the best outcome and quality of life for those struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or looking to facilitate prevention earlier in life. 

Dr. Hollon approaches Alzheimer’s disease by taking in the complete health picture of every individual patient, explaining, 

“With Alzheimer’s, it isn’t just one thing; the collective aspects matter. Assessing stress, nutrition, blood sugar, and food intolerances are important. If there is trauma or even emotional hardships, this is also something that can impact the biochemistry of the brain. Different recommendations may be given depending on the severity and stage of the disease. Also, certain drugs are not broken down well by some people which can impact sensitive brain tissue. Thus, undergoing additional pharmacogenomic testing can be useful in those cases. But the diversity of gut flora, mucus and short chain fatty acids serve to be protective, and this can be achieved by exercise or movement and getting a well-rounded diet that includes grains, vegetables, and high-quality protein.”

Read More: Alzheimer’s Disease and the Role of the Microbiome

Some aspects of daily living contribute to neurological dysfunction, from dietary and environmental contaminants to long-term stress, poor sleep, and an overall sedentary lifestyle. These are just a few contributors to the growing epidemic of diminishing brain health and poor overall gut health. Other factors we consider for optimal brain function are underlying or past infections, inflammation, hormone balance, and neurotransmitter balance.

Through this approach, your naturopathic doctor, in collaboration with your current medical care team, can create an individualized plan to enhance your overall health and well-being. Whether with an active Alheizmer’s diagnosis or through a preventive approach. If you need support or have questions regarding Alzheimer’s disease, please contact our office to speak with one of our naturopathic doctors at 804-478-0733. 

 

Resources:

1. Inflammation: the link between comorbidities, genetics, and Alzheimer’s disease. 
2. Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet (CDC)