Currently more than 2,000 Americans will suffer a stroke on any given day.[1] If you know anyone who has had a stroke you know they can be devastating, resulting in the loss of a variety of abilities including speech, mobility and memory. Less known is the adverse impact chronically occluded (narrow) arteries, mini-strokes, TIAs and other conditions associated with arterial wall (endothelial) damage and diminished blood flow, can have on memory, hearing, vision and other cognitive abilities. Yet research now suggests this vascular damage may be the most common underlying cause of cognitive decline among aging adults – much more common than “Alzheimer’s disease.” In fact it’s well known that a frequent risk factor for Alzheimer’s is high blood pressure or vascular insufficiency from stiff or occluded arteries. Under these conditions the brain is simply not able to obtain the oxygen and nutrients it needs to create energy, feed and protect itself.
Underlying the hardening and narrowing of arteries and high blood pressure, and aside from age, gender, and genetics, other signs of vascular dysfunction include insulin resistance and high blood sugar,* excessive calcium in the walls of arteries, as well as lipoproteins that carry cholesterol (patch material for arteries). Two of the best biomarkers for monitoring these are homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP), these are two markers of inflammation associated with damage, not only to arteries, but also the delicate blood vessels that feed the brain. These markers of inflammation are also highly correlated with Alzheimer’s, and hearing loss, as well as vascular dementia.
(*Note: Excessive sugar and calcium in the blood are now recognized as being greater contributors to vascular dysfunction than cholesterol. )
These are among the most recognized factors associated with vascular insufficiency, but there are many more. However, the research suggests most of these can now be controlled, or countered with a combination of a healthy diet, a few dietary supplements, physical activity, stress and cortisol control.
Fortunately a particular diet and a handful of select supplements, and a new surgical procedure, have been shown to dramatically improve markers of cardiovascular health and even speed up memory recovery in stroke victims. Here is that diet, some of the agents and the technique that current research supports for this purpose and the simple combination now endorsed by the American Brain Council, as well as new evidence for it’s efficacy.
Mediterranean Diet: Several studies have shown that consuming a Mediterranean diet low in red meat and simple carbs, and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables can curtail excess homocysteine levels in people genetically prone to high homocysteine.[2]
Vitamin B6, B12, and Folic Acid. These simple B-vitamin have been shown to lower homocysteine levels and independently reduce stroke risk. Homocysteine levels can become elevated when serum B12 level are below 400 pmol/L. Analysis of data on 5522 participants in a large trial to assess the role of B-vitamins in stroke risk reduction (the HOPE-2 trial) demonstrated that treatment with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 lowered plasma homocysteine levels and overall stroke incidence.[3]
Curcumin from the spice turmeric is one of the oldest and most effective natural agents ever discovered for reducing inflammation associated with CRP in the body and the brain.[4]
L-carnitine is an essential co-factor in the metabolism of fat molecules into cellular energy. L-carnitine has been shown to be neuroprotective in rat models of ischemic stroke (Wainwright 2003). Laboratory studies on human tissue specimens demonstrate that L-carnitine causes vasodilation. In one laboratory study, L-carnitine selectively inhibited a platelet-activating factor, demonstrating that L-carnitine has a protective effect against thrombosis in ischemic stroke.[5]
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble antioxidant that improves endothelial function. Numerous observational and clinical studies have documented that dietary intake of vitamin C can lower blood pressure and heart rate.[6]
Resveratrol, a flavonoid found in grape skins, is believed to be a primary contributor to the healthy effects of red wine. It has been shown to improve cerebral blood flow by 30% and protected against ischemia-induced brain damage (Lu 2006).[7] It has also been found to help protect against Alzheimer’s.
Rhodiola Rosea approaches these issues from a different angle. It has also been shown to mitigate vascular issues by helping to control insulin resistance and high blood sugar, as well as reducing the resulting cortisol levels, associated with stress.[8]
Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in certain fat sources such as cold-water fish and flaxseed oil (Houston 2010). Studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids also help regulate blood pressure and reduce platelet aggregation, inflammation, LDL-cholesterol, and other atherosclerosis risk factors (AHA 2010).[9]
For those who have had a stroke
Earlier this year the FDA approved a new technique for reversing acute ischemic strokes, due to a blood clot. (Some say they’ve been dragging their feet and should have approved it 8 years ago,[10] when it was first proven effective; but… better late than never. ) The technique involves threading a catheter into a blocked cerebral artery and mechanically removing the clot that is blocking blood flow. The medical term for this is: “Endovascular Thrombectomy.” Once a person has a stroke they typically will have 24 hours wherein this operation can be performed with potential for full recovery – if they are fortunate enough to go to a hospital where they can perform this new treatment.
A reason some stroke victims benefit from thrombectomy as long as 24 hours after acute arterial blockages is a phenomenon known as “collateral circulation.” This enables a portion of the brain to be fed by multiple smaller blood vessels, even though a major cerebral artery is acutely blocked. The likelihood of this will probably be much greater for those who have been taking the above noted supplements as well as exercising regularly.
Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (A-GPC) is an easily absorbed form of choline, the basic building block of memories. It is widely prescribed in Europe, as a drug, to treat neurological disease, as well as speeding recovery time for stroke patients. Fortunately it is available in the United States as a dietary supplement used to protect against age-related memory loss. In 2001 an extensive review was published covering thirteen published clinical trials examining a total of 4,054 patients with various forms of brain disorders including adult-onset cognitive dysfunction, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and transient ischemic attack. The overall consistent finding was that “administration of GPC significantly improved patient clinical condition.”[11] In one Italian study of more than 2,000 stroke victims, 5 months of treatment with GPC resulted in “no cognitive decline” or “forgetfulness” for 71% of patients.[12]
When I was in the 6th grade our favorite teacher had a stroke – during class! Those of us who were there at the time, will never forget the look on her face, as she sat down and then fell to the floor. That was the last day she ever taught school. Had these supplements and procedures been around then, that may not have happened, and if it had, she may have been able to return within months if not days.
Finally, Vinpocetine is a nutrient derived from the leaves of the periwinkle plant. Since its synthesis in the 1960s, vinpocetine has shown both neuroprotective and cerebral blood-flow-enhancing properties. It is widely used in cerebrovascular disease in Japan, Hungary, Poland, Russia, and Germany (Patyar 2011).
Vinpocetine has neuroprotective effects due to its ability to block sodium channels and calcium channels in brain cells, preventing excitotoxicity and death of brain tissue (Bereczki 2008). Animal models reveal a role for vinpocetine in blocking inflammatory processes. This is significant because as noted, chronic inflammation leads to endothelial dysfunction and the increased risk for stroke. In an animal model of ischemic stroke, damage to the hippocampus (our memory center) was reduced from 77% in untreated animals to 37% in animals treated with vinpocetine (Patyar 2013. It has also been shown to help decrease tinnitus, Meniere’s disease and hearing loss.[13]
Yes But, So What?
All of these supplements are available at any good Health Food Store, but who would be willing to take all of these pills? And who could afford them all?
Well fortunately you don’t have to. In 2013, an enterprising team of researchers in Arizona were able to put most of these ingredients (Vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid, curcumin, L-carnitine, vitamin C & E, resveratrol, and rhodiola, plus NAC, PS -PhosphatidylSerine – except fish oil) together in a water soluble form so all you have to do is stir it into water, or shake it up, and drink it down. Unfortunately, however, some people did not like the taste, and it also contained Ginkgo biloba, which created a problem for those on blood thinners, as Ginkgo is also a powerful anticoagulant or blood thinner. So last year that was removed and the taste was improved and now people all over the US and Canada are finding that this product called Memoryze® can really make a difference, especially for those threatened with vascular dementia. Here’s one recent story out of Canada. Learn more at: https://memoryze.com/
When Memoryze came back onto the market in March one of the first person’s to give it a try was a man from Canada who, for privacy purposes, we will call John. As an active professional fisherman John stayed in good shape, even though he was now past middle age. However, in recent month’s his family noticed a significant decline in his memory, social interaction and brain function in general. John seemed well on his way to dementia and losing his livelihood.
Something had happened, but his family did not know what. Fortunately, they had a cousin here in the US, a hearing professional who had attended the American Brain Council course on dementia prevention, and was a recipient of this newsletter. He told them about Memoryze and had a couple of jars sent to him. Within two weeks his family noticed significant improvements in his attention, memory, communication ability, even his personality and sense of humor. As one son noted, it was like they had their dad back. More recently they finally got in to see a specialist and had an CT scan, wherein they discovered John had apparently had a mild stroke. He could remember feeling odd, and actually thought he’d been hit by lightening, but fortunately within just a few short weeks he was able to turn around his decline, and is now performing once again in the “normal” range.
This is a bit unusual, as it works on the roots of memory issues and sometimes takes a couple of months or so for some seniors with cognitive impairment to notice much of a difference, but for those with vascular disorders, especially if they are related to more recent events the response and improvement can be quite dramatic, as in John’s case.
Another woman whose mother has Alzheimer’s, who has struggled with memory issues herself over the years, found her performance scores on Cognifit Personal Brain Trainer improved dramatically (nearly 30%) in less than 2 months on Memoryze®.
A retired management consultant for a major corporation struggled with memory issues his whole life. He tried various things to no avail, but after 3 months on Memoryze he noted he now will “not leave home without it.” Others have noted similar effects. See testimonials at memoryze.com.
But for any who have high blood pressure, or some type of vascular issue, who are not on a blood thinner, my company, Memory Dynamics LLC, is now offering a 30 day supply of Vinpocetin, one of the most versatile and most effective vascular, brain, hearing and memory boosters in the world, at no extra cost, with a discounted trial of Memoryze for just $49 for one (42 ea for 2 or more) ! If you know someone concerned about their risk for a stroke, heart attack, TIA, or who has suffered memory loss, whatever the cause, this simple combo certainly seems worth a try. If you are interested simply send me your request and address to David@ABCBrain.org. If you have any questions regarding this article you may call me David Larsen at 801-529-8238.
References
[1] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm. Accessed May 24, 2018
[2] http://www.lifeextension.com/Protocols/Heart-Circulatory/Stroke-Cerebrovascular-Disease/Page-07
[3] http://www.lifeextension.com/Protocols/Heart-Circulatory/Stroke-Cerebrovascular-Disease/Page-07
[4] http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2017/10/Blood-Glucose-Curcumin-Sugar-And-Coffee/Page-02
[5] http://www.lifeextension.com/Protocols/Heart-Circulatory/Stroke-Cerebrovascular-Disease/Page-07
[6] http://www.lifeextension.com/Protocols/Heart-Circulatory/Stroke-Cerebrovascular-Disease/Page-07
[7] http://www.lifeextension.com/Protocols/Heart-Circulatory/Stroke-Cerebrovascular-Disease/Page-07
[8] http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2011/9/Reducing-the-Risks-of-High-Cortisol/Page-01
[9] http://www.lifeextension.com/Protocols/Heart-Circulatory/Stroke-Cerebrovascular-Disease/Page-07
[10] http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2018/8/As-We-See-It/Page-01
[11] http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2002/9/cover_gpc/Page-01
[12] http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2002/9/cover_gpc/Page-02
[13] http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2015/2/Block-The-Vascular-Origins-Of-Cognitive-Decline/Page-01
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