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How Nutrition, proper specific Hydration, Inflammation and
Body Flora affect Alzheimer’s/Dementia
By Keith David Kantor, PhD
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a specific disease that causes dementia. It is a progressive brain
disease. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior
severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer's gets worse over time,
and it is fatal. It is the most common form of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most frequent cause of dementia, is a form of amyloidosis. It has
been known for a century that dementia, brain atrophy and amyloidosis can be caused by chronic
bacterial infections, namely by Treponema pallidum in the atrophic form of general paresis in
syphilis. Bacteria and viruses are powerful stimulators of inflammation. It was suggested by Alois
Alzheimer and his colleagues a century ago that microorganisms may be contributors in the
generation of senile plaques in AD. (8)
Dementia is an impairment of thinking and memory that interferes with a person's ability to do
things which he or she previously was able to do. Dementia is a symptom much like pain is a
symptom. Many different injuries and illnesses can cause pain - the same is true for dementia.
When you go to the doctor because you hurt, you won't be satisfied if the doctor diagnoses "pain"
and sends you home. You want to know what is causing the pain, and how to treat it. "Dementia"
simply means the symptom of a deterioration of intellectual abilities resulting from an unspecified
disease or disorder of the brain.
Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms
associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's
ability to perform everyday activity. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for 60 to 80 percent of
cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia
type. But there are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including some
that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.
Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as "senility" or "senile dementia," which reflects the
formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging.
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia and that is the main difference between dementia and
Alzheimer's.
Let’s explore additional causes of Alzheimer’s/Dementia.
While scientists know Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves progressive brain cell failure, the reason
cells fail isn't clear. Like other chronic conditions, experts believe that Alzheimer's develops as a
complex result of multiple factors rather than any one overriding cause.
The greatest risk factors for Alzheimer’s are:
AGE
•Older age* and Alzheimer’s: Although Alzheimer's is not a normal part of growing older,
the greatest risk factor for the disease is increasing age. After age 65, the risk of Alzheimer's
doubles every five years. After age 85, the risk reaches nearly 50 percent.
•*Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Younger-onset (also known as early-
onset) Alzheimer's affects people younger than age 65. Up to 5 percent of the more than
5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s have younger-onset.
Many people with early onset are in their 40s and 50s. They have families, careers or are even
caregivers themselves when Alzheimer's disease strikes. In the United States, it is estimated
that approximately 200,000 people have early onset.
•Having a family history of Alzheimer’s and carrying the APOE-e4 gene. (10)
•Mapping family history of the APP (amyloid precursor protein) gene, and the PSEN1 and
PSEN2 (presenilin) genes. MAPT (microtubule associated protein tau) gene and GRN
(progranulin) gene, which have been associated with inherited forms of another illness
involving memory loss called frontotemporal dementia. (9)
The discovery of additional risk factors through research will deepen our understanding of why
Alzheimer's develops in some people and not others.
Inflammation affects brain disorders
Even slight blood sugar elevation raises the binding of glucose to protein. This process, known as
glycation profoundly increases the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body and is the
main reason we check the A1c blood test as it measures this process. (1)
There is a great deal of interest, in the relationship between cognitive decline and vascular
conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure (3), as well as metabolic
conditions such as diabetes (1) and obesity. (4,5)
One large observational study performed at the Institute of Medicine at the University of
Gothenburg (Sweden) pooled more than 353,000 patients with type 2 diabetes who were
monitored for the development of dementia for a span of 4.8 years. The study population was
separated into six groups “according to baseline HbA1c: <6% (n = 118,433); 6% to <7% (n =
117,397); 7% to <8% (n = 49,049); 8% to <9% (n = 23,143); 9% to <10% (n = 9,096); 10% (n = ≥
8,354).” The average age was about 68 years, with over half the patient population being male
and the period of diabetes varying from 4 to 10 years. With the consideration of other variables,
the study found that patients with a HbA1c level of 10.5% or greater were 50 percent more likely
to be diagnosed with dementia in comparison to people with HbA1c levels of 6.5 percent or less.
Likewise, patients who had a history of stroke were 40 percent more likely to have an overall
deterioration in memory and thinking capacities. (1)
What’s even more interesting is newer research indicating a strong relationship between
peripheral inflammation (inflammation outside of the brain) and risk for developing dementia. (6)
An innate immune response facilitating recovery from injury (7) and pathogenic invasion (8), is
positively associated with age-related cognitive decline and may play a role in risk for dementia.
The realization that pathogens can produce slowly progressive chronic diseases has opened new
lines of research into Alzheimer's disease.
Research is increasingly finding that not only are many cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's
and other forms of dementia related to inflammation among brain tissues, but classic mental
diseases such as schizophrenia and depression may also be connected to brain inflammation.
Recent research from Japan's Kyushu University Medical School and Saga University have been
revealing that many mental disorders are produced by inflammation involving the microglia cells
of the brain.
What are microglia?
The microglia are immune cells categorized as macrophages, but they are focused upon the
health of the central nervous system — particularly the brain and spine. Microglia roam the
neurons of these areas in search for toxins, intruders and possible infections.
Particularly at issue in cognitive issues such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease is the buildup
of amyloid plaque among brain cells. The microglia are the immune cells that prevent and clean
up plaque buildup among brain cells. (18)
When the microglia populations are damaged or otherwise altered, the brain and CNS becomes
increasingly susceptible to mental disorders such as dementia, schizophrenia, depression and
mental fatigue.
Neuroinflammation and microglia
Neuroinflammation is the result of damage among brain cells. Healthy microglia populations are
focused upon preventing inflammation among neurons, in turn preventing damage to brain cells.
However, when brain cells are damaged, microglia work harder to repair the damage by
producing a variety of inflammatory factors. The damage to neurons, evidenced by these
inflammatory factors, hamper the brain's function.
Like other types of macrophages, the microglia are formed within the bone marrow. Once they
migrate to the brain, they differentiate into particular responsibilities and different regions. Some
microglia are focused on infections; others are focused upon toxins or damaged cells.
Others stimulate the repair of brain tissues.
Plaque and neuroinflammation
The build-up of plaque among brain cells — connected to dementia — stimulates the microglia
as they work to try to remove the damage. Damage from oxidative stress and glycation
byproducts have been linked to this buildup of plaque among brain cells.
Research by Dr. Akira Monji and associates has connected mental disorders such as
schizophrenia (17), depressive states and cognitive issues to these increases in microglia
inflammatory factors such as nitric oxide and cytokines. When the microglia have rapidly
expanded in the face of damage to brain cells, they produce these inflammatory factors. Dr.
Monji's research has shown that the brain tissues of schizophrenia, depression and dementia
patients have increased levels of these microglia inflammatory factors. (17)
Furthermore, their research has found that one of the central mechanisms of psychiatric drugs is
that they reduce levels of these inflammatory factors — temporarily.
Like most pharmaceuticals, this temporary reduction of inflammatory factors does little to prevent
or reduce the cause of the inflammation. Furthermore, by blocking inflammatory factors, the
drugs work to interfere with the damage repair that is taking place, driven by the microglia
immune cells. This is often the scenario for drugs that are focused upon the symptoms rather
than the causes of a condition.
What causes neuroinflammation?
The cause of neuroinflammation, as shown in numerous dementia studies, relates to oxidative
damage. Oxidation is produced through an imbalance between toxins that form oxidative radicals
and those antioxidants that neutralize those radicals. When the system is not balanced, oxidation
takes place, not only among tissues among the cardiovascular system, but also among brain
tissues.
This of course is why recent research, such as a new French and Finnish INSERM study, has
linked cognitive decline to increased obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
The study, led by Dr. Mika Kivimaki and associates from the French government's investigative
body, INSERM, studied 6,401 adults between 39 and 63 years old. They found that people who
were obese and suffered from metabolic disorder (cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes) had
more than a 22% greater cognitive decline than those who were of normal weight with no
metabolic disorder.
This nutrition plan will help reduce inflammation
It is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, low in processed sugar, gluten free, optimal high quality proteins,
dye free and chemical pure whole foods are recommended as much as possible.
This plan incorporates healthy fats, antioxidants, fiber and optimal macro nutrient breakdowns.
This plan will help optimize gut flora balance, and brain function. Specific foods that can help
fight inflammation include: Hydroxide rich alkaline water (details below), heart healthy nuts, nut
butters and seeds like walnuts, pumpkins seeds.
Heart healthy oils like coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and antioxidant rich produce, including
berries and dark leafy greens.
Lifestyle/Environmental Impact
Certain lifestyle trends and habits may contribute to the increase or decline of Dementia and
Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Poor nutrition, infections, and substance abuse (including cigarette and alcohol use) may be
contributing factors.
Regular exposure to toxins, such as dyes, chemicals, pollution can also affect brain health 2.
Performing daily activities that challenge the brain will also help prevent and ward off the onset of
Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Consuming a balanced diet, rich in nutrients, is essential for preserving the health of one’s brain
and metabolic systems. (12)
We all know that diet and nutrition play an integral part in our health. The plan recommends the
below guidelines.
The seven guidelines to reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease are:
1. Minimize your intake of saturated fats and trans fats. Saturated fat is found primarily
in dairy products, meats, and certain oils (coconut and palm oils). Trans fats are found in
many snack pastries and fried foods and are listed on labels as “partially hydrogenated oils.”
The older population tends to turn to processed convenient pre packaged foods more, as they
are not cooking for large families anymore and their energy levels are not as high as they
used to be.
2. Eat plant-based foods. Vegetables, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), fruits, and whole
gluten free grains like quinoa, steel cut oats should replace large portions of meats and dairy
products as primary staples of the diet.
To control the insulin levels, we like to recommend a ratio of 3 servings of vegetables to every
1 serving of fruit. Yes, fruit is healthy but large quantities can still raise blood sugar levels.
The darker the fruit (berries, grapes, etc. the lower the sugar content).
3. Consume 15 milligrams of vitamin E, from foods, each day. Vitamin E should come
from foods, rather than supplements. Healthful food sources of vitamin E include seeds, nuts,
nut or seed butters, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains.
Note: The RDA for vitamin E is 15 milligrams per day. (11)
4. Take a B12 supplement. A reliable source of B12, such as fortified foods or a
supplement providing at least the recommended daily allowance (2.4 micrograms per day for
adults), should be part of your daily diet.
Note: Have your blood levels of vitamin B12 checked regularly, as many factors, including
age, and poor gut flora balance impair absorption.
5. Avoid vitamins with iron and copper. If using multivitamins, choose those without iron
and copper, and consume iron supplements along with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) only when
directed by your physician.
6. Choose aluminum-free products. While aluminum’s role in Alzheimer’s disease remains
a matter of investigation, those who desire to minimize their exposure can avoid the use of
cookware, antacids, baking powder, deodorant or other cosmetic and cleaning agent products
that contain aluminum.
7. Exercise for 120 minutes each week. Include aerobic exercise in your routine,
equivalent to 40 minutes of brisk walking, three times per week. Exercise promotes healthy
hormone balance. (11)
Other preventive measures, such as getting a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night and
participating in 30 to 40 minutes of mental activity most days of the week, such as completing
crossword puzzles, reading the newspaper, or learning a new language, can only help boost
brain health. (15)
Gut Flora Balance
The recognition of the human microbiome (HM) as a substantial contributor to nutrition, health
and disease is a relatively recent one, and currently, peer reviewed studies linking alterations in
microbiota to the etiopathology of human diseases are few. Emerging studies indicate that the
HM may contribute to the regulation of multiple neuro-chemical and neuro-metabolic pathways
through a complex series of highly interactive and symbiotic host-microbiome signaling systems
that mechanistically interconnect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, skin, liver, and other organs with
the central nervous system (CNS). Experts have concluded that healthy gut has a positive impact
on management of brain related issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Dementia/Alzheimer's are one of several nervous system disorders related to cellular
inflammation. This inflammation is controlled by the immune system. Essentially, you need your
immune system to be in balance for good health.
Here are the top 5 simple steps anyone can use to help rebalance their gut bacteria.
1.) Reduce all processed sugars from your diet. Focus on whole foods and reduce your
intake of all bread based products which are a source of elevated glucose levels in the
blood and may lead to overgrowth of the wrong bacteria.
2.) Include fermented foods in your diet. Traditional choices would be yogurt and sauerkraut,
but try and include more choices such as Kimichi, Tempeh, fermented meats, cultured
condiments and Kefir for a better range of bacteria.
3.) Include foods high in fiber, which are an important pre-biotic that allows for healthy gut
bacteria to proliferate. Garlic, onions, leeks, chicory and Mexican yams are great
examples.
4.) Consider a quality probiotic supplement. Consult a qualified professional to help you
choose an appropriate product.
5.) Get 20 minutes of daily aerobic exercise. This is at least indirectly related to optimizing
brain health. Research shows exercise reduces dementia/Alzheimer's risk and even
supports new brain cell growth.
This plan has implemented these concepts in addition to the anti-inflammation nutrition plans.
Food chemicals are not new, but years ago people were only exposed to them sporadically.
Unfortunately, today’s population is exposed to harmful food chemicals every day resulting in
inflammation and metabolism disruption. (2)
In order to minimize the amount of chemicals you consume, be sure to purchase quality, all-
natural, additive-free beef, poultry, seafood and produce.
As mentioned before, consuming foods that will reduce inflammation including Hydroxide rich
alkaline water* (details below) raw fatty nuts, nut butters and seeds, avocados, dark berries, leafy
greens (16), healthy oils and fatty fish like wild caught salmon.
Foods to include in daily nutrition:
Omega 3 fatty acids from walnuts, wild caught salmon, avocados
Brain boosting healthy fat from coconut oil
Copious amounts of vegetables and some fruit
Foods to Avoid:
Gluten
Sugar
Syrups
Processed meats
Juice
Candy
Pastries
Seasonings that contain harmful chemicals
Proper Hydration through Hydroxide Rich Water for Treating
Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Inflammation
Acidity and inflammation go hand in hand. By chemical definition, acidity is a problem of too much
hydrogen (H+). Too much acidity in the body can stem from diet, disease, exercise, and other life
style factors. It is generally recognized that excess acidity in the body creates inflammation which
leads to other disease conditions. Acidity causes a lack of oxygen and a lower pH condition in
which pathogens flourish.
Hydroxide (OH-) is a natural hydrogen hunter that does not merely buffer the body against excess
hydrogen but eliminates it by combining with it to form harmless water. That water can then be
used for hydration or eliminated through urination. Here is the formula of the elimination reaction:
OH- + H+ = H2O.
Most alkaline waters attempt to help the body buffer acidity by providing alkaline minerals. But
this does not address the underlying problem of excess hydrogen and instead only helps the
body maintain pH balance. Potential hydrogen (pH) balance helps the body but it does not fix the
issue. The main goal of most alkaline waters is pH balance but this misses the point.
A water rich in hydroxide seeks to eliminate acidity by eliminating the excess hydrogen. Most
alkaline waters contain some hydroxide if they claim either to contain negative ions or have gone
through ionization. The problem is most alkaline waters rely more on alkaline minerals to buffer
the excess hydrogen than they use the hydroxide to eliminate hydrogen. This is why it is
imperative to find a hydroxide rich water because elimination is far more effective in restoring
balance to the body than mere buffering.
Benefits of a hydroxide rich water:
•Hydroxide eliminates acidity rather than just buffering the acidity.
•Hydroxide produces no toxic by-products. It produces only water which can be used for
hydration or eliminated through urination.
•By eliminating excess acidity (hydrogen), it frees up the body’s own oxygen to use for
other biological processes.
•Hydroxide restores completely the acid-alkaline balance beyond just pH balance.
•Hydroxide helps reduce inflammation by eliminating acidity and not just buffering it.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Nutrition Plan
MEAL MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
1-2 c stable
hydroxide rich
water
Squash
pancakes* 1
egg
Egg Muffin* Coconut
yogurt parfait*
Banana and
almond
butter*
Protein
coffee
shake*
Toast with
Avocado,
egg and
tomato*
Southwest
egg
scramble*
and fruit
SNACK 1-2 c
stable
hydroxide rich
water
¼ c Almonds
and walnuts
Celery with
almond or
cashew
butter
Coconut
yogurt (none
dairy)
1 serving
Low sugar
fruit- berries,
apple, plum,
grapes
Celery with
almond or
cashew
butter
1 serving
Low sugar
fruit- berries,
apple, plum,
grapes
¼ c Almonds
and walnuts
LUNCH 1-2 c
stable
hydroxide rich
water
Bunless BLT
turkey
burger* and
side salad
Butternut
Squash
Soup* and
gluten free
crackers
Lime chicken
skewers* and
side salad
Stuffed
acorn
squash*
Berry, feta,
spinach and
chicken
tossed
salad*
Turkey
Tacos with
honey
cilantro
slaw*
Egg salad*
and tossed
side salad
SNACK 1-2 c
stable
hydroxide rich
water
1 c grapes
Coconut
dairy free
yogurt
Celery or
apple with nut
butter (no
sunflower)
1 c berries
1 serving
low sugar
fruit
¼ c nuts (no
pine or
sunflower
seeds)
Celery or
apple with
nut butter
(no
sunflower)
DINNER 1-2 c
stable
hydroxide rich
water
Grilled
chicken with
wilted
arugula and
mushrooms
Orange
glazed pork
chops with
sweet potato
hash
Brussel
Sprouts with
balsamic
glazed pecans
*and grilled
chicken breast
Broiled
Grouper
Parmesan
Cherry pan
fried
chicken*
Spinach
Stuffed Pork
chops*
Crock pot
homemade
BBQ
chicken*
*See recipes
References:
1DIABETES CARE, VOLUME 26, NUMBER 4, APRIL 2003.
2Gore AC, Chappell VA, Fenton SE, et al. "Executive Summary to EDC-2: The Endocrine Society's Second
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"Hypertension and diabetes as riskfactorsfor dementia: A secondary post-hoc analysisfrom north-west India."
Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2015 Jan-Mar; 18(1): 63-65.
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2008.
9Carlos Cruchaga, Sumitra Chakraverty, Kevin Mayo, Francesco L. M. Vallania, Robi D. Mitra, Kelley Faber,
Jennifer Williamson, Tom Bird, Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, Tatiana M. Foroud, Bradley F. Boeve, Neill R. Graff-
Radford, Pamela St. Jean, Michael Lawson, Margaret G. Ehm, Richard Mayeux, Alison M. Goate. Rare
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10 Ingmar Skoog, Margda Waern, Paul Duberstein, Kaj Blennow, Henrik Zetterberg, Anne Börjesson-Hanson,
Svante Östling, Xinxin Guo, Jürgen Kern, Deborah Gustafson, Pia Gudmundsson, Thomas Marlow, Silke
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Antioxidants Preventing Brain Cell Death."
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Archives Journals, June 14, 2011.
13 Rush University Medical Center. "High-fat, Copper-rich Diets Associated with Increased Rates of Cognitive
Decline in Older Adults.” August 16, 2006.
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Lopez, James T. Beckere, Owen T. Carmichael, H. Michael Gach, Paul M. Thompson, W.T. Longstreth, Jr.,
Lewis H. Kuller. Longitudinal Relationships between Caloric Expenditure and Gray Matter in the
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mental abilities sharp." ScienceDaily, 30 March 2015.
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Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physicians_Committee_for_Responsible_Medicine
http://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_disease_causes.asp#apoe
http://www.drperlmutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/inflammation-cognitive.pdf
https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/topics/causes
http://www.pcrm.org/health/reports/dietary-guidelines-for-alzheimers-prevention