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.