Author: Kate Scott, DipNut, mBANT, rCNHC, mIFM
DNApal co-founder | Nutrition & genetics specialist | BANT registered nutritionist

Why Alzheimer’s is so close to our hearts?

I recently attended an Integrative Healthcare and Applied Nutrition (IHCAN) conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in London. AD is a topic of particular interest to me, having watched two of my grandparents slowly lose themselves and then quickly become lost to us before it was their time to go. It’s a scary disease with a genetic component, so I was eager to learn about new research and treatment protocols showing promising results in being able to prevent and reverse Alzheimer’s Disease in the future.AD is characterised by a progressive loss of cognitive function, including memory, language, judgement, and orientation, due to the loss of nerve cells and tissue, causing shrinkage. Diagnosis is made by assessing the shrinkage of a specific part of the brain called the Medial Temporal Lobe. It is detectable by assessing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). It is recommended to test from age 40.

The genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease

There is a lot of misunderstanding about the genes that increase the risk of developing AD. In particular, APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 are causative genes but are thought to only account for less than 1% of AD cases [a]. The APOE gene is more impactful but only increases predisposition rather than directly causing AD. Those with the APOE4 type (we test for this in our DNApal Gold panel, and I know my personal risk) have an increased risk of developing AD. However, this risk is highly influenced – for better or worse – by lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet [b][c].

The other known component of AD is the build-up of plaque, called beta-amyloid proteins, in the brain, which damage tissue and cut off vital blood flow and nutrients [d]. Most clinical research to date has been focused on testing drugs that target this beta-amyloid plaque and have, unfortunately, not been very promising. One of the latest theories emerging, as a result, is that the beta-amyloid plaque may be just a marker and not a cause of AD [e]. The theory is that plaque may be a mechanism the brain uses to protect itself from damage/infection caused by something else.

There are different types of AD

What we do know is that there are a few different types of AD, some of which have crossover:

1. Inflammatory: infections, leaky gut, autoimmunity etc.
2. Atrophic: wasting away of tissue.
3. Glycotoxic: oxidative stress, particularly from high sugar and insulin resistance.
4. Toxic: infections, mould, chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, pollution etc.
5. Vascular: low blood flow to the brain.
6. Traumatic: physical head injury.

Risk factors and new research

The single common denominator seems to be a state of inflammation which we know is the driver of most chronic diseases today. However, inflammation is a symptom, not a root cause.

Speaking of roots, the first speaker, Pete Williams, founder of Functional Medicine Associates, highlighted the connection between dental health and AD [f]. Specifically, Periodontal Disease (PD) which describes infections and inflammation of the gums and bones surrounding and supporting the teeth. He highlighted, in particular, a bacteria called Porphyromonas Gingivalis (PG) that is known to cause PD and is found in high quantities in AD patients [g][h]. PD is extremely common, and most people don’t even know they have it. There is a significant correlation between oral health and several diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and AD. Our gums are a border and the first line of defence against infections entering the body. Our teeth have a network of nerves that reach up into the brain. Infections drive inflammation. Breaches in the gums lead to violations of other borders. Pete’s phrase from the day I thought painted an excellent picture was: “leaky gums, leaky veins, leaky guts & leaky brains”.

Other considerations regarding dental health are the presence of amalgams (mercury) and root canals (a dead tooth in the mouth is an ideal breeding ground for pathogens).

The second speaker of the day was Patrick Holford. He has recently been championing and conducting research through the non-profit foundation Food for the Brain. The study has focused on combining omega-3 DHA and B vitamins to improve brain health. Specifically, using vitamins B6, 9 and 12 to lower something called homocysteine (hcy), an amino acid (the building blocks of protein) that occurs in the body due to metabolism between methionine and cysteine – two other amino acids. Hcy is a risk marker for AD and also for CVD. High hcy levels (currently thought to be anything >15) have been shown to increase brain atrophy, cognitive decline and cerebral small vessel disease [i]. Their research, backed up by a number of other systematic reviews and meta-analyses, has shown the most significant results in reversing brain shrinkage, regaining cognitive function and improving MCI scores by using combined B vitamins and omega 3 DHA [j] [k] [l][m][n].

The two mechanisms of action here seem to be the natural lowering of hcy through supplementing the key vitamins needed for healthy hcy metabolism and the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of omega 3 DHA. Genetic nuances impact an individual’s need for these B vitamins. The MTHFR gene (found in 1 in 4 people) makes some people less able to convert B9 (folate / folic acid) into the body’s active form. These individuals do better when supplementing the active form of B9, L-MTHF, rather than synthetic folic acid. Similarly, the MTR and MTRR genes impact a person’s ability to use B12 to recycle hcy.

A final major factor that almost all speakers mentioned, including Dr Dale Bredesen, author of The End of Alzheimer’s and creator of The Bredesen Protocol, was metabolic health. Metabolic syndrome (the opposite of healthy metabolism) encompasses obesity, high blood sugar, high LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and high blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome is arguably the real pandemic of our time and is increasing at alarming rates in people all around the world. I’m sure most of us have heard it said that AD might be diabetes of the brain. High HbA1c (a test that measures the amount of glucose attached to your red blood cells) has been linked to many conditions, including diabetes and neuro-inflammation (inflammation in the brain), leading to higher dementia risk, brain shrinkage, poor cognitive function and increased aggressive and violent behaviour [o]. Thankfully, with the correct diet and lifestyle interventions, it is easy to monitor and manage blood glucose.

It’s still relatively early days, but the science and research are heading in the right direction towards being able to prevent and reverse Alzheimer’s Disease through correct diet, lifestyle and supplement interventions.

This aligns perfectly with our philosophy at DNApal: your genes are not your destiny. They are a roadmap to understanding where you may need a bit more (or less) support to tailor your diet, lifestyle and supplements according to your specific needs to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.

Eight pieces of practical advice to follow:

1. Understand your genetic risk factors by testing APOE, MTHFR, TNF-a, BDNF and more and receive personalised diet and supplement recommendations: dnapal.me
2. Make healthy diet choices. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in organic fruit, veg, quality meat, fish and shellfish, healthy fats and slow-release carbs. This diet contains a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, macronutrients and co-factors needed for a healthy body and mind. This diet has been found to be particularly beneficial for APOE4 carriers [p].
3. Selected supplementation: Omega 3 DHA (from wild sources, using small fish), B complex (taking into consideration individual genetic need), combined vitamin D and K2 (also considering an individual’s genetic need), resveratrol, quercetin and CoQ10.
4. Habits to minimise or avoid: smoking, heavy drinking, eating a diet of processed foods and high sugar, poor sleep!
5. Strive to remain physically and mentally active. Physical activity drives blood to the brain, and mental stimulation creates new neural pathways.
6. Dental health. Make regular visits to the dentist and dental hygienist. Practise good oral fitness at home by brushing your teeth twice daily, tongue scraping, and replacing your toothbrush every three months. Speak to a specially trained functional dentist about removing amalgams, which can sometimes cause more harm.
7. Take the Food for the Brain Cognitive Function Test here.
8. Ask your doctor or specialist about testing your hcy and HbA1c levels. The earlier you are aware of imbalances and risk markers, the earlier you can do something about them!

Order our Gold Package DNApal test to determine your risk levels of being predisposed to AD.

Feel free to leave us a comment if you have any further questions.

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