For the last 7 years I’ve been advocating my belief that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia could be prevented. Now it seems everyone is jumping on the band wagon, and becoming a believer. Even the ultra conservative, “careful about not giving false hope” Alzheimer’s Association, recently posted:
“While research is not yet conclusive, certain lifestyle choices, such as physical activity and diet, may help support brain health and prevent Alzheimer’s.”
Sure it’s a cautious statement from, what I have long felt was, an overly cautious advocacy organization. But it’s a far cry from their usual pessimistic insistence that nothing can “prevent, cure or even slow [Alzheimer’s] disease progression.”
What’s caused them to make this shift? A flood of new research showing that indeed prevention is possible. (See New Hope Rising for a partial review.) Most notably the FINGER study in Norway, which two years ago at their annual conference showed, a reversal of Alzheimer’s symptoms in more than 400 seniors. A four year update will likely be given this July at their annual International Conference on AD in Toronto, showing further progress and maintenance of the previous reversals. This is approaching the 5 year delay which they announced in 2014 could cut AD rates in half. And all this with just a few changes in diet and lifestyle.
Also later this year we expect a new report on Dr. Bredesen’s work at UCLA. We had hoped to include him in our upcoming documentary, but bigger fish prevailed. Our contact there noted he has achieved more amazing results and reversals with his combined lifestyle & supplement approach. Which when presented will provide good evidence of disease reversal. Hard evidence that had previously been lacking.
What does all this mean for you? One of the reasons the medical community has been so reluctant to acknowledge these new advancements is because they do not fit the medical model, which is pharmaceutical centric, i.e. our health model is centered on the concept that drugs are the only way to prevent or mitigate disease. (You may have noticed, however, that few true “cures” have ever been achieved with this approach.)
So to suggest that something as serious as Alzheimer’s can be prevented or mitigated with something as simple as dietary and lifestyle changes, seemed ludicrous, partly because it’s so… un-lucrative for the medical establishment. (For examples of past AMA reluctance with preventive health measures, namely smoking cessation, see Dr. Gregor’s fascinating review of healthy alternatives here – If you are pressed for time watch the first minute then fast forward to minute 55.)
You see you don’t have to be an MD to teach people about the impact and aspects of a healthy lifestyle – diet and physical activity, sleep and stress management – in maintaining a healthy brain. And the fear has been that if the public found out about the true potency of this fountain of youth, in contrast to the impotence and dangers involved in the traditional model for treating dementia, they would leave this drug culture in droves, and flock to their historic rivals, the “less educated” naturopaths, and other health and fitness professionals.
Nevertheless, the reality is science is showing (albeit mostly outside the US system) that brain health is not maintained with drugs and standard medical care. (See Dr. Fortanasce, MD’s statement here.) In fact quite the contrary, as there are now more than 200 drugs found to increase risk for dementia. And standard care is the placebo – because it’s known to have little effect. What is working is what Dr. Fortanasce notes, and you have read about before on this site.
- Improved diet and nutrition
- Moderate Physical activity
- Increased mental activity
- Social interaction
- Stress management
- Getting a good night’s sleep
- Specially designed supplements that promote brain health
The medical community has done a good job of developing a variety of life saving interventions and operations to fix things, and meds to reduce the pain. It’s also done a good job in convincing the public and law makers that they are the ultimate authority on all matters dealing with health.
However this new science is revealing a fatal flaw in their argument and arsenal – nutrition and lifestyle. The typical MD has NO training in nutrition. Since that has not been a course required or emphasized, and often not even offered in medical school. (The one notable exception has been the Loma Linda medical school in San Bernardino, run by the Seventh-day Adventists, who are big into diet and nutrition, and some other medical programs have now introduced course in “alternative” medicine as well.) It’s been noted that the typical medical doctor knows less about nutrition than their nurse. Even doctor Oz admitted he learned most of what he knew about nutrition from his wife, and then later post grad self study.
If you have, or work with, a doctor who is pretty up in this field, like a Functional Medicine physician, unless he went to Loma Linda he likely learned most of what he knows through self-study and continuing ed courses and conferences after graduation. But now you can do the same!
NEW CONTINUING ED OFFERING
If you would like to expand your practice and help your patients or clients avoid dementia you don’t need a special license to do that. All you need is the requisite education. Because you are not “treating” any disease, just promoting brain health – that’s the solution. And any knowledgeable person can do that. You just have to convince them that you know a thing or two in this area, i.e. that you’ve done special training in this field, so they will listen and heed your counsel.
Moreover, because you work with seniors you are in a good position to share that knowledge, and help those most in need and motivated to take action. And right now the American Brain Council is offering 6 to 20 hours of Dementia Prevention ASHA approved continuing education, at a nominal cost – only $135 for 6 hrs of online training at your convenience. Although there is a live 2 hr intro and overview next Friday the 29th that you may want to catch.
If you want to become certified as a Brain Health, or Dementia Prevention Specialist more training on this topic and practice expansion is available. And health care professionals from around the country are taking advantage of this to expand their outreach. If you are not in need of CE credits or not in ASHA you can now take that course, for a limited time, for only $79. And that comes with a detailed manual for How to Maintain A Healthy Brain & Escape From Alzheimer’s.
Simply go to ABCBrain.org and click on the Professionals link to learn more. That is geared to hearing professional, but open to anyone interested. The pay button there however is down. That’s one reason I have delayed sending this, but you can call or email me and I can explain the sign-up procedure.
In 3 weeks a new documentary titled The Truth About Memory Loss, will be coming out featuring doctor Fortanasce and other doctors and researchers from around the world. The initial viewing will be free online. It is anticipated that millions will view this, and many will then need someone to help coach them through the steps of how to develop a brain healthy lifestyle. You can be one of those coaches, and receive referrals to help these people for a decent fee, which could augment your income, and save them untold misery and money.
If you are interested or have questions about that training just give me a call at 801-529-8238 or reply with your questions to ABCBrain7@aol.com
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Prevention Strategies 
