The Honest Truth About Alzheimer’s Research: JAMA Neurology Study

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that can rob people of the ability to think clearly, perform everyday tasks and ultimately, remember who they even are. Because the disease is so devastating, and since previous treatments failed to come up with a cure, I’m always on the lookout for Alzheimer’s natural treatment options and Alzheimer’s news, scouring the medical journals for for Alzheimer’s breakthroughs.

There are several theories including free radical damage, an inability to use glucose properly, vitamin deficiencies or environmental toxins. This illness affects a third of people over the age of 85 in the U.S. (Source)

The good news is that there are Alzheimer’s natural treatment options that can effectively improve this condition.

In a December 2023 large-scale study published in JAMA Neurology, researchers identified 15 lifestyle and health risk factors associated with early-onset dementia. The study analyzed information from over 356,000 people younger than 65 whose data were in the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database and research initiative in the United Kingdom, between 2006 and 2010.

Alcohol use, higher formal education, and lower physical frailty (higher handgrip strength) were associated with lower risk of incidence of YOD (Young Onset Dementia), whereas increased risk of YOD was associated with low socioeconomic status, apolipoprotein E status, alcohol use disorder, social isolation, vitamin D deficiency, high C-reactive protein levels, hearing impairment, orthostatic hypotension, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

More difficult to tackle is loneliness, termed “social isolation” by the researchers. Participants visiting friends and family less than monthly showed higher young-onset dementia association compared to more frequent visitors.

Best Natural Ways to Treat Dementia: Evidence Based

1. Diet and Alzheimer's

In 2016, scientists found that the Mediterranean diet seems to be protective against Alzheimer’s disease. A 2016 UCLA study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that the Mediterranean diet is one of the main lifestyle factors that seems to keep the brain from developing the toxic plaques and tangles associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Plaque is characterized by deposits of a toxic protein called beta-amyloid in the spaces between nerve cells in the brain. Think of tangles of knotted threads of the tau protein found within brain cells. Both are considered the key indicators of Alzheimer’s.

The new study used PET imaging to study the brain for changes and is the first to demonstrate how lifestyle factors directly influence abnormal proteins in people with subtle memory loss who have not yet been diagnosed with dementia. Healthy lifestyle factors also have been shown to be related to reduced shrinking of the brain and lower rates of atrophy in people with Alzheimer’s. (UCLA Newsroom 2016)

Food staples of the Mediterranean diet include:

• fresh fruits and vegetables (especially leafy greens like spinach and kale and non-starchy veggies like eggplant, cauliflower, artichokes, tomatoes and fennel)
• olive oil
• nuts and seeds (like almonds and sesame seeds used to make tahini)
• legumes and beans (especially lentils and chickpeas used to make hummus)
• herbs and spices (like oregano, rosemary and parsley)
• whole grains
• eating wild-caught fish and seafood at least twice a week
• high-quality, pasture-raised poultry, eggs, cheese, goat milk, and probiotic-rich kefir or yogurt consumed in moderation
• red meat consumed on special occasions or about once weekly
• plenty of fresh water and some coffee or tea
• oftentimes a daily glass of red wine

One study found the MIND diet, a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and DASH diet, specifically designed to help reduce cognitive decline through berries, whole grains, leafy, green vegetables, other vegetables, olive oil, poultry and fish more effectively reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease than the two respective diets did when followed separately. (source)

Similarly, the ketogenic diet appears to help neurological disease like Alzheimer’s. For example, in one study clinical improvement was observed in Alzheimer’s patients fed a keto diet, and this was marked by improved mitochondrial function. (source)

2. Exercise and Alzheimer’s

That same UCLA-led study also produced some robust results surrounding exercise’s brain-protecting properties. Those who were more physically active on a regular basis also had the lowest levels of tangles and plaques on the PET scans, meaning they had a much lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

While any type of exercise is certainly better than sitting around, if you’re time strapped, Burst training, also known as high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a great option. Here are 3 HIIT workouts to help you get started.

Keep in mind, though, that we need more research on how HIIT impacts the brain. We know that it does melt away fat faster than traditional steady state cardio (and a lower BMI lowers your risk of the tangles and plaques associated with Alzheimer’s, according to the latest UCLA study). However, a previous study did find that steady state cardio creates more brain neurons compared to weight training or HIIT. (source)

More research is needed to see if one form of exercise is best to prevent Alzheimer’s. For now, just focus on any physical activity and getting into a healthy BMI range.

3. Avoiding certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs could lower your Alzheimer’s risk

Drugs linked to dementia now include popular sleep and allergy meds. These include things like diphenhydramine (for allergies), dimenhydrinate (for motion sickness/nausea), a combination of ibuprofen and diphenhydramine citrate (for pain and sleep) and doxylamine (for allergies), among others. These pills have anticholinergic properties, something increasingly linking to dementia.

A 2016 study published in JAMA Neurology used MRI and PET scans to show how anticholinergic drugs lower brain metabolism and trigger higher rates of brain atrophy. Taking anticholinergic drugs also led to worse scores on memory tests. (source)

Certain antidepressants, COPD and asthma medications, along with drugs for overactive bladder issues, could also fall in the anticholinergic category. Therefore, if you need these medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if safer alternatives exist.

4. Gut health and Alzheimer’s disease

Your gut is responsible for so much more than digestion. In 2016, University of Chicago researchers found that a long-term dose of antibiotics changed the gut bacteria of mice in a way that seemed to help reduce levels of amyloid-beta proteins in mice brains. (Nature 2016)

This is preliminary research, and we certainly don’t suggest we all start taking antibiotics. But what we like about this breakthrough is that it highlights the fact that our guts — or our microbiome — are very closely tied to our brains and brain-related disease. In fact, many called our guts the “second brain.” 

Top Alzheimer’s Foods to Eat & Avoid

Foods to Eat

Organic, unprocessed foods — Make sure you diet includes plenty of “real foods.” These are foods that don’t have an ingredient listing. Vegetables, clean meats and fruit in moderation are all important foods to consume.

Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E — There may be some connection between free radicals and Alzheimer’s. Antioxidant foods help combat the damage caused by free radicals.  Colorful fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and should be consumed at every meal.

Wild-caught fish — A great source for omega-3 fats, DHA specifically, which are critical for brain health.

Foods high in zinc — Many people with Alzheimer’s are deficient in zinc. Foods high in zinc include pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef and dark chocolate.

Coconut oil — Coconut oil uses include providing the brain with ketones, which serves as brain fuel instead of glucose. Some people have seen significant improvement to memory after adding coconut to their diet.

Foods to Avoid

Any food containing toxins or additives — These foods can possibly be neurotoxic.Be sure to especially avoid the “dirty dozen“: nonorganic fruits and vegetables that are coated with neurotoxic agricultural chemicals. Studies show people with higher levels of organochlorine pesticides in their blood, including DDE, a breakdown compound of DDT, face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. (source)  It’s also best to avoid any processed foods.

Alcohol — Alcohol is a toxin and can cause brain cells to die faster than normal. In fact, there is such a thing as “alcohol-related dementia.” Research shows that the frontal lobes of people diagnosed with alcoholism appear particularly susceptible to damage, with evidence of markedly decreased neuron density, volume shrinkage, and altered glucose metabolism and perfusion. (source)

Tap water — Tap water may contain environmental toxins, including aluminum salts (see below), so be sure test your water if you drink tap water (or get a recent water testing report if you drink municipal water) and filter out contaminants. Environmental Working Group issued a great drinking water filter guide to help you find the best one for your circumstance.

Sugar and refined grains — Alzheimer’s may be caused by insulin resistance, similar to diabetes. Therefore, keeping your insulin low by eliminating sugar and refined grains will be an important component in maintaining brain health.

Foods packaged in aluminum containers — Aluminum is neurotoxic at high levels, so it’s best to avoid it. In fact, research shows aluminum enters neurons similarly to how iron does, leading to aluminum accumulation and neurofibrillary damage linked to Alzheimer’s progression. (PubMed) You should particularly avoid heating food in aluminum; the heat is known to release more toxic compounds.

Top Alzheimer’s Natural Treatment Supplements

A 2023 scientific review published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients discusses the role of micronutrients in neurological disorders specifically, noting that long-term deficiencies may be involved in the cause and subsequent development of neurodegenerative processes and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

As noted in this paper, the primary function of micronutrients is their "catalytic effect in enzyme systems, either as cofactors or as components of metalloenzymes." Other essential roles include antioxidant activity and immune modulation. When you're deficient in micronutrients, especially long term, peripheral nerve damage and/or damage to the central nervous system can result, which in turn can contribute to a variety of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Another 2022 review paper, retrieved a total of 4310 articles and 43 articles to be incorporated in the review. Findings revealed a trend of significant association between low levels of B vitamins (folate and vitamin B12), vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acid, and albumin, and high homocysteine levels in blood with an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment among older adults.

We have compiled a list below together with their reference links. Note that this list is not exhaustive.

Methodology: The selection or short-listing of the list below is based on the available scientific evidence retrieved from scientific database such as PubMed and scientific search engine such as Google Scholar.

Here are the best natural supplements that are supported by research and evidence.

1. B Vitamins
2. Vitamin D3
3. Omega-3 fatty acids
4. Magnesium
5. Ginseng
6. Melatonin
7. Green Tea (EGCG)
8. Lutein (carotenoids)
9. Combined Metabolic Activators (NR, NAC, L-Carnitine and L-Serine)
10. Centrum Silver Multivitamin

Read More: Natural supplements to prevent dementia

The Honest Truth About Alzheimer’s Research

DR. SUZANNE GAZDA, FLCCC SENIOR FELLOW OF NEUROLOGY, DISCUSSES THE RETRACTION OF A LANDMARK ALZHEIMER’S STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE JOURNAL NATURE IN 2006 DUE TO IMAGE MANIPULATION.

What happens when a landmark Alzheimer’s research paper, once a beacon for advancements in Alzheimer’s, is revealed to be a fraud? That’s the question at the heart of this 2024 webinar.

This issue was first brought to FLCCC attention by Dr. Suzanne Gazda, FLCCC’s Senior Fellow of Neurology, who has made a career helping patients improve brain health and stave off conditions like Alzheimer’s.

There’s been a bit of a shake up in the Alzheimer’s research world recently. The leading study linking amyloid plaque in the brain to Alzheimer’s has been retracted. For the last 20 years, this study has been cited 2500 times in research and drug development. Despite nearly $100 billion invested in Alzheimer’s research in the US, no effective therapy has ever been produced.

The hope for a cure has never been higher. Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed once every three seconds. Over $1 billion is spent daily on the healthcare of 6.2 million people living with Alzheimer’s. It is the 7th leading cause of death. COVID injections and Long COVID are accelerating the global increase in both Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments.

The multi-factor causes of Alzheimer’s disease

Before we explore the flawed research further, it’s crucial to understand the multifaceted causes of Alzheimer’s disease. These include:

• Advancing age
• Vascular disease
• Inflammation (leaky gut, poor oral hygiene, poor diet)
• Poor sleep
• Lack of exercise
• Infections (viruses, Lyme disease, P. gingivalis, syphilis)
• Exposure to toxins (glyphosate, air pollution, heavy metals, chemicals, plastic nanoparticles)
• Loss of trophic support (hormones and key nutrients like B12, zinc, Vitamin D)
• Stress & Trauma
• Cellular deficiencies (limited mitochondrial function, reduced Sirt1)
• Genetics (APOE4 gene)

These factors highlight why it’s misleading to suggest a single pathway or biomarker, such as amyloid plaques, could prevent Alzheimer’s or wholly explain its progression. Naturally, addressing the causes of Alzheimer’s directly is one of the ways to treat it.

The Amyloid Hypothesis

For nearly two decades, the amyloid hypothesis has stood as the cornerstone of Alzheimer’s disease research, supported by the Alzheimer’s Association and numerous disease research centers globally. This hypothesis posits that Alzheimer’s disease results from the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, which damage brain cells. However, the retraction of a pivotal 2006 study citing data fabrication has cast a long shadow over this theory, challenging the foundations laid by countless Alzheimer’s and dementia research initiatives.

Dr. Gazda puts it simply, “If we’re going to look for a single molecule to treat complex illness like neurodegenerative disease, we are going to fall short every time.”

Is Amyloid Friend or Foe?

Dr. Gazda’s points out that the story of Amyloid Theory is far from over.

Amyloid-beta, a protein fragment long associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s, has been considered a neurotoxin that leads to nerve cell death. However, promising research suggests amyloid-beta might also play a protective role against infections and heavy metals. Importantly, the presence of brain amyloid does not correlate directly with cognitive decline, highlighting the complex nature of diagnosing and treating forms of dementia.

Though the research on amyloid continues to evolve, we’ve published a guide to Alzheimer’s that is full of tips to help optimize your brain right now. In other words, don’t wait for the science on amyloid to settle before you start taking care of your brain!

Why Does The Flawed Alzheimer’s Research Matter?

There are many downstream difficulties caused by this flawed research:

1. Challenges in Clinical Trials for Alzheimer’s: Despite extensive research funding, 99% of clinical trials for Alzheimer’s have failed to produce significant improvements, underscoring the complex biology of the disease and the limitations of current models focusing solely on amyloid plaques and tau.
2. Economic Impact of Alzheimer’s Research: The Alzheimer’s drug development pipeline is vigorous, with the Mayo Clinic and other disease research centers investigating over 187 clinical trials aimed at new treatments. Yet, the approval of drugs like Lecanemab shows only modest benefits, reflecting the immense challenge and financial stakes involved in finding an effective treatment.
3. Ethical and Scientific Integrity in Research: The retraction of widely cited studies disrupts the Alzheimer’s research community, urging a reassessment of how clinical research is conducted and reported. The involvement of Big Pharma in Alzheimer’s research has often accelerated global investment but also brought scrutiny regarding the influence on clinical trial outcomes and publications.

FLCCC Brain Health Protocol Update

The FLCCC has updated their brain health guide with new info as of June 2024!

Updates include:

Additional section on Alzheimer’s Disease

• Addition of supplements: Uridine Monophosphate, Vinpocetine, Urolithin A, Nattokinase, Serrapeptase, Curcumin, Taurine, TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid), Gotu Kola, Phosphatidyl Choline, Phosphatidyl Serine

Final Thoughts

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, although it’s impacting a growing number of adults.

The crisis in Alzheimer’s research highlights the need for a broadened perspective that encompasses diverse research approaches, including diet and lifestyle choices, early detection, and care and support for caregivers.

Related: Natural supplements to prevent dementia