Alzheimer’s disease is a challenging condition that affects millions worldwide, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. In the quest for effective treatments, a six-step lifestyle protocol has emerged as a potential solution. But can this protocol truly reverse Alzheimer’s symptoms in patients? Let’s delve into the insights of a trusted doctor to unravel the possibilities and promises of this innovative approach.
Revisiting Alzheimer’s Treatment: The Role of Lifestyle Changes
Recent discussions in the medical community have focused on a California naturopathic doctor’s claims that specific lifestyle changes may partially reverse Alzheimer’s symptoms. Dr. Heather Sandison, a naturopathic doctor, has detailed her findings and recommendations in her controversial book, “Reversing Alzheimer’s: The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health.”
Dr. Sandison’s Six-Step Protocol
Dr. Sandison introduces a six-step protocol that encompasses various aspects of lifestyle adjustments. The elements she emphasizes include diet, exercise, stress management, avoiding toxins, addressing infections, and ensuring proper signaling within the body. According to her, these holistic changes have led to remarkable improvements in several patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Dietary Adjustments
Dr. Sandison highlights the importance of a ketogenic diet, which she believes provides optimal fuel for the brain. This diet restricts carbohydrates and focuses on healthy fats. The brain, consuming 20% of daily calories, benefits from the sustained energy ketones offer. Patients following this diet reported improved mood, attention, and memory.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Consistent exercise is a vital component of Dr. Sandison’s protocol. Regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Activities like walking, yoga, and more vigorous exercises help maintain the body’s structure and ensure effective signaling between different bodily systems.
Stress Management
Managing stress is crucial, as high stress levels increase cortisol, negatively affecting memory and cognition. Dr. Sandison recommends social interaction and physical activity to reduce stress. Engaging in hobbies, meditation, and spending time with loved ones are also suggested to improve overall mental health.
Reducing Toxins
Exposure to toxins, including chemicals in food, water, and heavy metals in dental fillings, can cause inflammation and harm cognitive processes. To minimize toxin exposure, Dr. Sandison advises taking off shoes indoors and ensuring proper ventilation with fresh air. Avoiding high-pesticide areas and consuming organic foods can also help.
Addressing Infections
Certain infections, such as herpes and Lyme disease, can contribute to cognitive decline. Dr. Sandison recommends maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing teeth regularly. Preventing infections and addressing them promptly is key to reducing their impact on brain health.
Ensuring Proper Signaling
The body’s signaling network, involving hormones, proteins, and peptides, is essential for cognitive function. Regular exercise helps maintain effective signaling, pushing the body beyond its usual limits to promote growth and development. This can improve mood stability, memory, and overall cognitive abilities.
Real-Life Success Stories
Dr. Sandison provides several case studies illustrating the potential success of her protocol. One patient, who could only speak in one-word sentences due to severe Alzheimer’s, showed significant improvement after adopting the lifestyle changes. Her MoCA score, a cognitive function assessment tool, improved from 2 to 7 within weeks. Another patient, experiencing mild cognitive impairment, saw her score improve to a perfect 30 after six months of following the program.
Controversy and Skepticism
Despite these promising reports, not all experts agree with Dr. Sandison’s protocol. Critics argue that reversing Alzheimer’s is unrealistic and that more rigorous scientific validation is required. Some advice, such as removing shoes indoors, is seen as unrelated to brain health.
Conclusion: A New Perspective on Alzheimer’s Treatment
While Dr. Sandison’s approach has sparked controversy, it has also opened new conversations about holistic and integrative methods for managing Alzheimer’s. Her six-step protocol offers a comprehensive look at various factors influencing brain health and presents an alternative to conventional pharmaceutical treatments. Though further research is necessary, these initial findings provide hope for patients and caregivers seeking new ways to combat cognitive decline.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk