(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
Alzheimer's disease is a huge burden for the affected and their relatives and entails huge financial expenses for society. Forecasts indicate that the incidence will increase in the world to come. In my book Hope for dementia and Alzheimer's disease (Publisher Lille Moon, 2018) I summarize research on promising measures against the disease. Among other things, it has been shown that diet, lifestyle, infections, chemical pollution and non-ionizing radiation can contribute to the disease. In the book, I point out that some doctors have helped dementia patients to better cognitive function. Some have even become healthy.
As with most chronic conditions and disease states, genetic factors are part of the explanation for Alzheimer's disease: some are more vulnerable to certain diseases than others. Genetic changes in large population groups are taking time, and in recent decades the incidence of Alzheimer's disease has increased sharply. Therefore, logically, environmental factors must be the triggering factors in interaction with genetic vulnerability.
Some doctors have helped dementia patients to better cognitive function. Some have even become healthy.
For decades, researchers have been focusing specifically on two characteristics of the disease: the occurrence of bundles of nerve fibers (inside nerve cells) and plaque (between nerve cells). However, the disease is also characterized by inflammation, insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Against this background, it is easy to see how the big picture of new research results can indicate effective countermeasures. Positive results have been shown by counteracting oxidative stress, such as quitting smoking, increasing the intake of vegetables, berries and nuts and taking supplements of antioxidants. Inflammation can be counteracted by reducing the intake of sugars, gluten, omega-6 fatty acids and artificial trans fatty acids, and by increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and taking various supplements.
insulin resistance
A number of researchers perceive Alzheimer's disease as type 3 diabetes because, like diabetes type 2, the disease is characterized by insulin resistance. In Alzheimer's disease, insulin resistance and insufficient absorption of glucose into the brain cause brain cells to weaken and eventually die. But since brain cells work well on ketones as an alternative fuel, a high fat diet could give life to ailing brain cells. Then the liver converts fatty acids into ketones, which are transported to the brain and replace glucose.
Aluminum, mercury and air pollution from tiny magnetite particles also appear to be part of the causal picture of the disease, partly because such substances contribute to oxidative stress.
Extensive research shows that a variety of infections can contribute to Alzheimer's disease. It is difficult to know if a weakened brain is the breeding ground for various infections, or whether different infections contribute to a weakened brain. Either way, these are infections that should not be present in the brain.
Whoever digs in the professional literature on the causes and contributing factors of Alzheimer's disease will be struck by how much difference is revealed. How can a doctor use this to help their patients? Where to start? What is most important? These are not easy questions, but fortunately there are doctors who have put the knowledge into the system.
measures
American neurologist Dale E. Bredesen has probably developed the world's best treatment program for cognitive failure and Alzheimer's disease. He believes 36 different factors can contribute to the disease process. As a picture of this, he uses a 36-hole roof. If it rains, one must try to seal as many holes as possible – basically all – to get it dry inside the house. Similarly, in Alzheimer's disease, measures should be taken against all factors gang på. It will increase the likelihood of counteracting the disease process. However, it is not appropriate to treat all 36 factors in all patients. First, the individual must be examined on a broad basis, and then, based on the test results, measures must be put in place that can counteract the development of the disease. This means that the treatment protocol will not be the same for all patients, even though they all follow certain basic principles.
We must not forget that physical activity is also central to counteracting disease development. The more physically active a person is, the lower the risk of cognitive failure and the development of Alzheimer's disease.
All this testifies to important professional breakthroughs in understanding the disease and should have been met with cheers and fanfare. Unfortunately, the reality is the opposite.
rejected
Today's Medicine refused to print a chronicle on the theme of fall 2018. The Medical Association's flagship – Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association (TNL) – is Norway's largest specialist journal in medicine. In the fall of 2017, TNL enthusiastically agreed to print a review of Dale Bredesen's book The end of Alzheimer's, but did complete reversal and declined printing. In the fall of 2018, I sent a short subject article to TNL which was rejected. The following was mentioned as specific justification: “After an overall assessment, we have come to the conclusion that we will refuse this manuscript. The main reason is that we find that the manuscript was not written primarily with Norwegian doctors as the target audience. In addition, we find that some statements are not sufficiently well-referenced. ”Had TNL really been interested in a contribution, they would have asked for a revised version, specifying how I could possibly address specific Norwegian doctors and what statements / paragraphs / themes they wanted more and / or better references. My short subject article had 24 references to substantiate statements, and it would be easy to point out where they wanted even better scientific evidence.
Important professional breakthroughs in understanding Alzheimer's
illness should have been met with cheers and fanfare.
At least I hoped that TNL would review my book, but this winter I received the following response: "Unfortunately, this is not a book that is completely relevant to The journal. We have recently limited the number of reviews and are therefore quite selective in terms of. books to review. ”
Does the country's "medical flagship" really want to hide from its readers that there is justified hope for Norwegian patients with cognitive failure and Alzheimer's disease? Doctors and patients here in the country deserve better. The fact that for the first time there is hope of counteracting or stabilizing the development of the disease is, to say the least, medically sensational. The earlier you take action, the better the prognosis. The more deficiencies and imbalances that are counteracted, the better it is. Therefore, it is urgent to get this knowledge out. Maybe leading Norwegian newspapers will soon know their visit time? That there is hope of improvement for many Alzheimer's patients should have been devoted to war types on the newspaper front pages.
