5 simple steps to Alzheimer's prevention

Q: It seems like every health-related book, article, and website has a different recommendation for preventing Alzheimers. It's a lot to keep track of. I'm hoping you might be able to break it down for me so into a plan that's easy to follow.

Dr. Wright: There are quite a few natural approaches for keeping your mind sharp well into old-age, and while each of them could very well fill a book all its own, here's a quick outline of the top five recommendations I make to Tahoma Clinic clients who are trying to prevent Alzheimer's disease:

• Eliminate refined sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet -- especially if you have Type II diabetes in your family or if you are insulin resistant.Research has suggested that insulin resistance raises your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
  
• Research has also linked elevated homocysteine levels with an increased risk of Alzheimer's. Keep your homocysteine levels down by taking B-complex vitamins and/or a multiple vitamin containing vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid.
  
• Take 1 Tbsp of fish oil per day. This natural anti-inflammatory contains omega-3 fatty acids that help repair brain cell membranes.
  
• There is ample evidence indicating that adequate levels of estrogen or testosterone could allow you to dramatically reduce your Alzheimer's disease risk. Consider using bio-identical hormones to keep your levels of estrogen or testosterone where they need to be. Refer to the September 2002 issue for more information on bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
  
• Research shows that the mineral lithium has strong potential to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. For more in-depth detail on the topic, see the August 2003 and April 2008 issues of Nutrition & Healing.