Approximately 5 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one of the most common types of dementia, worldwide. A variety of factors can increase the risk of developing other types of dementia and AD, including poor diet and lifestyle habits. Research studies have also shown that treating the body as a whole may help prevent and, in several cases, even reverse cognitive decline. The goal is to start treatment immediately. In the following article, we will ultimately discuss how a functional medicine approach can help improve AD and other types of dementia.
Dementia and Alzheimer�s Disease Overview
Our brain is a complex organ made-up of about 100 billion neurons that are constantly communicating with each other. Also known as brain cells or nerve cells, neurons play a fundamental role in our cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and learning. Neurons are constantly repairing themselves, especially during sleep, but when brain cells or nerve cells can’t repair themselves, due to a variety of factors, it can ultimately affect cognition. Alzheimer’s disease is associated with a build-up of compounds, such as active microglial cells, tau proteins, and beta-amyloid plaques, among several others.
Because the body can’t break down these compounds, they can start to block the synapses where brain cells or nerve cells communicate with each other. This is believed to be one of the most common causes of AD and other types of dementia. Dr. Dale Bredesen, a renowned expert and neurologist, developed a breakthrough, alternative treatment option for dementia and AD that focuses on reducing glial cells, protein, and plaque build-up in the brain. According to Dr. Bredesen’s research studies, a build-up of these compounds can occur due to toxins, infections, inflammatory biomarkers, and genetics.
Bredesen RECODE Protocol� for Dementia and AD
A variety of factors can increase the risk of developing other types of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease because these can affect the neuron’s ability to repair themselves, ultimately causing brain cell or nerve cell death. As previously mentioned above, they may also cause an excessive build-up of compounds, including microglial cells, tau protein, and beta-amyloid plaque in the brain. Cognitive decline plays a critical role in changing the way the brain creates synapses and preserves memory. Fortunately, a functional medicine approach can help improve Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Dr. Bredesen’s RECODE Protocol� is an alternative treatment option that can help prevent and, in several cases, even reverse cognitive decline in people with other types of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the research studies, Dr. Bredesen’s RECODE Protocol� returned many participants to pre-diagnosis levels of cognition. In other participants, the volume of the hippocampus, the main region of the brain which shrinks in AD and dementia, returned to normal on MRI. By following diet and lifestyle modifications with the RECODE Protocol�, the research study participants recovered their quality of life.
Dr. Bredesen�s RECODE Protocol � is an organized, multifactorial approach which shows that prevention and reversal of cognitive decline are possible by:
Addressing several underlying sources simultaneously
Optimizing essential lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and sleep
Designing treatment based on each patient’s personal needs
Dr. Bredesen�s RECODE Protocol � follows a functional medicine treatment approach for AD and other types of dementia. Healthcare practitioners trained through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) are seeing positive results in people with dementia and Alzheimer�s disease. IFM healthcare practitioners use functional medicine treatment approaches to identify and address the underlying source of a variety of health issues. IFM healthcare practitioners may be properly suited to apply, and even expand, Dr. Bredesen�s RECODE Protocol � for AD and other types of dementia, among other health issues.
Furthermore, several diet and lifestyle modifications may ultimately help prevent and, in several cases, even reverse dementia and AD, including:
Eating a whole-food low glycemic diet, made-up of predominately plant-based foods with 10-15 servings of non-starchy vegetables per day. Moreover, eat lean proteins, such as legumes and cold-water, low-mercury fish. Eat healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
Getting plenty of sleep. When you sleep at night, your body can also heal damaged cells and ultimately boost your immune system.
Getting plenty of exercise and physical activity boosts your metabolism, improves mood, promotes better sleep and much more.
Limiting exposure to toxins. Toxins, such as heavy metals, chemicals, mycotoxins, and even some medications, can cause cognitive decline.
Avoiding stress. Chronic stress can cause hormonal and neurotransmitter changes in the body, causing brain degeneration and atrophy.
Avoiding alcohol. Alcohol is a toxin that affects the liver�s ability to metabolize toxins and it is also commonly associated with brain atrophy.
Approximately 5 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one of the most common types of dementia, worldwide. A variety of factors can increase the risk of developing other types of dementia and AD, including poor diet and lifestyle habits. Research studies have also shown that treating the body as a whole may help prevent and, in several cases, even reverse cognitive decline. The goal is to start treatment immediately. In the following article, we will ultimately discuss how a functional medicine approach can help improve AD and other types of dementia. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Approximately 5 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or one of the most common types of dementia. According to researchers, a variety of factors can ultimately increase the risk of developing AD and other types of dementia, including poor diet and lifestyle habits. Research studies demonstrated that treating the body as a whole may prevent and, in several cases, even reverse cognitive decline. The goal is to start treatment early. In the article above, we discussed how a functional medicine approach can help with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.�
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
References:
Parke, Emily. �The Functional Medicine Approach to Cognitive Decline.� Dr. Emily Parke – Arizona Wellness Medicine, LLC, 6 Dec. 2018, www.dremilyparke.com/2018/12/06/functional-medicine-cognitive-decline/.
Litwin, Ken A., et al. �The Bredesen Protocol� & Functional Medicine � A Powerful Combination to Prevent & Treat Cognitive Decline.� Kara Fitzgerald ND Naturopathic Doctor, 29 Mar. 2019, www.drkarafitzgerald.com/2018/06/20/the-bredesen-protocol-functional-medicine-a-powerful-combination-to-prevent-treat-cognitive-decline/.
Carpathia Collaborative Staff. �Preventing and Reversing Cognitive Decline.� Carpathia Collaborative, 29 July 2019, carpathiacollaborative.com/blogposts/cognitivedecline.
Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain
Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention.
Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with a variety of food sensitivities and intolerances. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual�s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient�s specific needs.
Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders.
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Modern Integrated Medicine
The National University of Health Sciences is an institution that offers a variety of rewarding professions to attendees. Students can practice their passion for helping other people achieve overall health and wellness through the institution’s mission. The National University of Health Sciences prepares students to become leaders in the forefront of modern integrated medicine, including chiropractic care. Students have an opportunity to gain unparalleled experience at the National University of Health Sciences to help restore the natural integrity of the patient and define the future of modern integrated medicine.
Alzheimer�s disease (AD) is one of the most common types of dementia among older adults. Research studies have demonstrated that pathological changes in the human brain, whether directly or indirectly, can ultimately cause loss of synaptic function, mitochondrial damage, microglial cell activation, and neuronal cell death. However, the pathogenesis of AD is not yet fully understood and there is currently no definitive treatment for the neurological disease. Research studies have demonstrated that the activation and priming of microglial cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. �
A proinflammatory status of the central nervous system (CNS) can also cause changes in the function of the microglial cells or microglia. Neuroinflammation is closely associated with the activation of microglia and astrocytes which are connected to a variety of neurological diseases by the synthesis and secretion of inflammatory mediators such as iNOS, ROS, and proinflammatory cytokines. According to research studies, microglial priming is also caused by the inflammation of the CNS. �
Therefore, whether microglial priming is the result or the cause of neuroinflammation is still controversial. Microglial cell activation commonly causes an increase of A? and tau proteins as well as a decrease of neurotrophic factors, ultimately leading to the loss of healthy brain cells or neurons and the development of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles which are closely associated with AD. With the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, changes from neuronal dysfunctions which may have no obvious symptoms to memory loss and cognitive impairment may become more noticeable. �
Microglial Priming, Neuroinflammation, and AD
Although the accurate and detailed, fundamental role of the microglial cells continues to be discovered and explained, there is a consensus among many researchers that primed microglia are associated with the inflammatory response of the CNS in AD. It has also been determined that neuroinflammation caused by microglial priming is mainly associated with aging, systemic inflammation, gene regulation, and blood-brain barrier impairment. The purpose of the article below is to discuss how microglial priming and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease can be caused due to a variety of risk factors. �
Aging
Aging is considered to be one of the main risk factors for AD and it is generally followed by chronic, systemic up-regulation of pro-inflammatory factors and a considerable decrease in an anti-inflammatory response. This change from homeostasis to an inflammatory state occurs through age-related elements which cause an imbalance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory systems. Microglia is primed into an activated state which can increase the consistent neuroinflammation and inflammatory reactivity in the aged human brain. Research studies have demonstrated that microglia in the brain of rodents developed an activated phenotype during aging characterized by the increased expression of CD11b, CD11c, and CD68. �
Systemic Inflammation
Recent research studies have determined that the neuroinflammation from primed microglial cells can also cause the pathogenesis of AD. Continuous activation of microglia can promote the synthesis and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and trigger a pro-inflammatory response, ultimately causing neuronal damage. Neuroinflammation is an early symptom in the progression of AD. The microglia can have a tremendous effect on the inflammation of the human brain. �
The inflammation and health issues of the CNS can be associated with systemic inflammation through molecular pathways. One research study demonstrated that ROS development of primed microglia decreases the levels of intracellular glutathione and increases nitric oxide in NADPH oxidase subunit NOX2. Moreover, researchers demonstrated that these simultaneously occurring processes ultimately cause the development of more neurotoxic peroxynitrite. This is demonstrated in rodents with peripheral LPS or proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-?, IL-1?, and IL-6, IL-33. �
The outcome measures of numerous research studies have demonstrated that systemic inflammation can cause microglial activation. The results of the research studies emphasize the variability of the inflammatory response in the human brain associated with AD and the underlying health issues associated with systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation, as shown in Table 1. MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathways regulate mechanisms of the eukaryotic cell and microglial MAPK can also cause an inflammatory response to the aged brain with AD. Furthermore, chronic or continuous systemic inflammation causes neuroinflammation, resulting in the onset and accelerating the progression of AD. �
�
Genetic Regulation
In the aging human brain, gene regulation has ultimately been associated with an innate immune response. Recent preclinical, bioinformatics, and genetic data have demonstrated that the activation of the brain immune system is associated with the pathology of AD and causes the pathogenesis of this neurological disease. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), functional genomics, and even proteomic evaluations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood have demonstrated that dysfunctional immune pathways from genic mutation are risk factors in LOAD, which is the vast majority of AD. �
GWAS have become a fundamental tool in the screening of genes as well as demonstrating several new risk genes associated with AD. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ?4allele is one of the most considerable and well-known risk genes for sporadic AD and this mutation ultimately increases the risk of neurological disease onset by 15 times in homozygous carriers and by three times in heterozygous carriers. Further research studies have demonstrated how microglial cell function can be affected through a variety of rare mutations which have demonstrated to have an increased risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease. �
An extracellular domain mutation of the TREM2 gene has also demonstrated an almost identical extent with APOE?4 in increasing the risk factor of AD. TREM2 is increasingly demonstrated on the surface of microglia and mediates phagocytosis as well as the removal of neuronal debris. Additionally, several other genes, such as PICALM, Bin1, CLU, CR1, MS4A, and CD33 have been demonstrated as risk genes for AD. Most of the risk mutation genes are expressed by microglial cells. �
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Impairment
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized barrier commonly developed between the blood and the brain by tight liner sheets consisting of specific endothelial cells and tight junctions or structures which connects a variety of cells together. The CNS is fundamental for the human body, and the BBB is fundamental for the CNS. The BBB and the blood-nerve barrier develop a defense system to control the communications of cells and soluble factors between blood and neural tissue where it plays a considerable role in maintaining and regulating the homeostasis of the CNS and peripheral nervous system. �
With development, continuous inflammation can also cause damage to the BBB. This damage can ultimately cause loss of hypersensitive neurons, neuroinflammatory regions, and focal white matter impairment following the damage. The compromised BBB also allows more leukocytes to enter into the CNS where an immune response can be aggravated by brain microglia under the condition of peripheral inflammation. These processes may ultimately be under the control of chemokine and cytokine signaling which can also have an effect on brain microglial cells as well as other health issues in AD. �
By way of instance, it has been determined that TNF-?, IL-17A, and IL-1? can reduce the tight junctions and eliminate the BBB. Loss of BBB integrity and abnormal expression of tight junctions are associated with neuroinflammation. Several research studies also demonstrated in an animal model of AD that the vulnerability of BBB to inflammation increases. Current evidence has also demonstrated that the BBB integrity is fundamental while further evidence of the BBB may demonstrate a new treatment approach for AD associated with microglial priming as shown in Figure 2 below. �
�
Conclusion
Microglia play a fundamental role in maintaining and regulating the homeostasis of the CNS’s micro-environment. If the balance of the homeostasis of the human brain is interrupted, the microglial cells can be activated to restore the balance in the CNS by defending against the stimulation and protecting the structure and function of the brain. However, chronic and continuous stimulation can trigger microglia into a state known as microglial priming, which is more sensitive to potentially minor stimulation, causing a variety of health issues, such as central sensitization, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia. �
Microglial priming mainly causes the boost of A?, tau protein as well as neuroinflammation and reduces neurotrophic factors which can cause the loss of healthy brain cells or neurons as well as the development of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Although this �double-edged sword� plays a fundamental role, it can increase the progression of abnormal protein development and aggravate neuronal loss and dysfunction. However, research studies have ultimately demonstrated that aging can cause the progression of AD and there’s not much we can do about it. �
Microglial cells play a fundamental role as the protectors of the brain and they ultimately help maintain as well as regulate the homeostasis of the CNS microenvironment. However, continuous stimulation can cause the microglia to trigger and activate at a much stronger state which is known as microglial priming. Once the microglial cells go into protective mode, however, primed microglia can become much more sensitive to even minor stimulation and they have a much stronger possibility of reacting towards normal cells. Microglial priming has been associated with neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as well as central sensitization and fibromyalgia. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
AD is one of the most common types of dementia among older adults. However, the pathogenesis of AD is misunderstood and there is no definitive treatment for the neurological disease. Research studies have ultimately demonstrated that the activation and priming of microglial cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . �
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �
Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain
Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention. �
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
�
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download �
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
�
�
