Preventing Alzheimer's

Preventing Alzheimer's Disease: The Cognoscopy Protocol

Alzheimer's disease is a major health concern with over 45 million Americans predicted to die from it, dwarfing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the common belief that Alzheimer's is not reversible and its cause is unknown, a recent trial showed 84% of participants had a reversal of cognitive decline using a specific protocol.
The protocol involves a cognoscopy, which includes a series of blood tests, an online cognitive assessment, and an MRI with volumetrics.
The blood tests evaluate glucose and fructose levels, inflammatory pathways, and metabolic syndrome features, all of which are risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.
The cognoscopy also checks for high sensitivity C-reactive protein, which indicates systemic inflammation, a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
The online cognitive assessment helps identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease, such as problems with new memory or executive function.
The MRI with volumetrics assesses brain regions' size and can detect early shrinkage, which is a sign of Alzheimer's disease.
The cognoscopy protocol aims to prevent Alzheimer's disease by identifying and addressing risk factors early, such as insulin resistance, high glucose, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome.
The protocol also emphasizes the importance of diet, particularly avoiding excessive sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, which are major culprits in Alzheimer's disease.
Sleep apnea is another significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease due to its effects on cerebral blood flow and oxygenation.
The cognoscopy protocol suggests that Alzheimer's disease is becoming optional, and nearly all people could prevent it if they get evaluated and follow active prevention measures.
The cognoscopy protocol provides a comprehensive and preventative approach to Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing early detection and management of risk factors.Insulin Resistance, Energy Status, and Uric Acid in the Brain: Understanding Alzheimer's and Ketogenic Diets
Insulin resistance and low energy levels in the brain are early indicators of Alzheimer's disease.
Neurons in the brain are not taking up glucose efficiently, leading to a low energy state.
The brain also struggles to produce and utilize ketones, leading to an energy emergency state during cognitive decline.
Neural exosomes can be used to measure insulin resistance in the brain through a blood test.
PET scans can reveal reduced glucose utilization in the temporal and parietal regions of the brain, indicating insulin resistance.
Uric acid is a substance found in the blood that can cause inflammation and is associated with gout, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
High levels of uric acid can be caused by a high intake of fructose or protein.
Ketones can block the excretion of uric acid, leading to increased levels in the blood during a ketogenic diet.
However, ketones also have anti-inflammatory properties that can counteract the pro-inflammatory effects of uric acid.
A high protein intake can lead to an increase in uric acid and kick an individual out of ketosis.
A ketogenic diet can help with insulin resistance and low energy levels in the brain, but there is a risk of raised uric acid levels.
Some individuals on a low-carb or ketogenic diet may still experience attacks of gout due to high levels of uric acid.The Switch, Alzheimer's, and Diet: A Discussion with Dr. Dale Bredesen
The distinction between a low carb diet and a plant-rich keto diet is critical for brain health.
The phytonutrients and fiber in plant-based foods are important for brain health and reducing Alzheimer's risk.
A pure carnivorous diet can increase inflammation and the risk of heart disease and stroke, particularly for those with the apoe4 gene.
The apoe4 gene is a common risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, affecting about 75 million people in the US.
The switch refers to a biologic change in which an animal suddenly gains weight, becomes insulin resistant, and develops features of metabolic syndrome.
Fructose is the major trigger for the switch, and it is found in added sugars, high fructose corn syrup, fruit, and honey.
Fructose can also be made in every organ, including the brain, and it is a key factor in Alzheimer's disease.
High carb diets and high glycemic carbs are a significant source of fructose.
Salt and red meat can also trigger the conversion of glucose to fructose, which can increase Alzheimer's risk.
Red meat may not be a problem for those on a low carb or carnivorous diet, as they may not have enough glucose in their system to convert to fructose.
Salted snacks are problematic because the salt helps convert glucose to fructose, leading to increased Alzheimer's risk.
Understanding the switch and the role of fructose in Alzheimer's disease can help inform dietary choices and reduce Alzheimer's risk.The Link Between Fructose, Insulin Resistance, and Alzheimer's
Diabetes increases the risk for Alzheimer's, but controlling blood sugar levels can significantly reduce the risk.
High glucose levels convert to fructose, which can drive Alzheimer's.
Preventing Alzheimer's also leads to improved mental performance.
COVID-19 patients are at increased risk for developing Alzheimer's due to similar mechanisms.
Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's and is common in metabolic syndrome.
Fructose consumption can activate a switch that stimulates hunger, foraging, and blocks satiety.
Fructose lowers ATP levels in cells, stuns mitochondria, and suppresses ATP production, leading to increased fat stores and hunger.
Fructose production increases in the brain when glucose levels rise, causing insulin resistance and inflammation in the same sites as Alzheimer's.
Insulin resistance drops resting energy metabolism, conserving energy for foraging.
Fructose reduces self-control, increasing impulsivity and reducing activity in regions of the brain associated with attention and self-control.
Foraging behavior is common among Alzheimer's patients, who often wander.
Chronic activation of the fructose switch, like chronic stress, can lead to hypertension, neurosis, and other health problems.