by Dale E. Bredesen, MD
Book Review by Joan Haynes, NMD
In his new book, The End of Alzheimer’s, Dr. Bredesen makes a bold statement; “No one should die from Alzheimer’s disease”. What’s exciting is that he’s got proof to back up his assertion.
Since the 1980s the “amyloid hypothesis” has been at the forefront of research and treatment. This theory states that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the accumulation in the brain of sticky synapse-destroying plaques made of a protein called amyloid beta. Medication and research focused on these plaques have been a dismal failure.
Dr. Bedesen has another theory – “Alzheimer’s disease is what happens when the brain struggles to defend itself.” He says there are 3 different subtypes of Alzheimer’s that have profound implications for the way we evaluate, prevent, and treat it. His research was first published in 2014 reporting the reversal of cognitive decline in patients.
3 Processes that Lead to Alzheimer’s Disease:
- Inflammation from infection, diet, or other causes
- Shortage of supportive nutrients, hormones, and other brain-supporting molecules
- Toxic substances such as metals or biotoxins (poison produced by microbes such as molds or bacteria)
In Chapter 7, Dr. Bedesen describes what needs to be identified in terms of your vulnerability to the three processes that lead to brain decline. A combination of blood tests, genetic tests, a simple online cognitive assessment, and MRI. What surprised me a little, is how many of these tests we at Boise Natural Health Clinic commonly run on patients and how we’ve been helping prevent Alzheimer’s and didn’t realize it. For example, hormone assessment and optimization, food sensitivity panels, leaky gut assessment, microbiome assessment looking for pathogens, and markers for inflammation such as CRP-hs are all tests we commonly order.
He then goes on to describe his ReCODE program (Reversal of COgnitive DEcline). He helps patients create a personalized treatment plan developed by identifying the cause of imbalances. He talks about diet, exercise, supplements, sleep, reducing stress, reducing inflammation, healing the gut, hormone balancing, etc. (Again, all things we do at BNHC regularly!).
Alzheimer’s disease is preventable and reversible with tools we already have. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!