Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/602310
Page 30 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysHealthAndNutrition.com Testosterone Unlike the sudden drop of female hormones that occurs during menopause, loss of testosterone is gradual in men, with bioavailable levels declining 2-3% annually from approximately 30 years of age. Several studies have linked low testosterone to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in men. In a clinical trial involving 16 male Alzheimer's patients and 22 healthy controls, 24 weeks of testosterone replacement therapy was associated with improved quality of life compared to placebo among those with Alzheimer's disease. CAUTION ! Myomin should be taken in conjunction with any sex hormone usage, including pregnenolone, DHEA, testosterone, estrogens, and progesterone . Myomin is highly suggested to avoid the potential for these hormones to convert to carcinogenic stimulating estrogens! Melatonin Endogenous melatonin not only helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, but is a strong antioxidant. Melatonin secretion within the brain declines with age and lower levels are associated with a higher degree of cognitive impairment. Melatonin concentration is lower in Alzheimer's patients than in healthy people of the same age. In animal studies, melatonin improved cognitive function and reduced oxidative injury and deposition of amyloid beta. Additional studies have confirmed that melatonin protects brain cells from amyloid beta toxicity by impairing amyloid beta generation and slowing the formation of plaque deposits. Melatonin has also been shown to reduce tau tangles and amyloid beta toxicity. Dietary and Lifestyle Management Strategies Analysis of some dietary patterns indicates that dietary nutrient composition may affect the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias in a host of studies. A recent review found a reduced risk of Alzheimer's among those whose dietary pattern included a higher intake of organic fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and legumes, as well as a lower intake of meats, high fat dairy, and sweets. Another recent review of the literature noted a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and mild cognitive impairment, when patients were on a Mediterranean diet. Yet another review found that the Mediterranean diet reduced both the risk of Alzheimer's disease and the rate of progression from pre-dementia syndromes to overt dementia. The researchers pointed out that the Mediterranean diet largely comprises individual foods (e.g., fish, vegetable oils, non-starchy vegetables, low glycemic index fruits, and red wine), independently proposed as potential protective factors against dementia and pre-dementia. In one study, participants who most closely adhered to the Mediterranean diet, showed 28% lower risk of developing cognitive impairment over a 4.5-year period than those who were less adherent. Also, highly adherent participants with some cognitive impairment at the start of the study experienced 48% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease at follow-up (an average of 4.3 years later). The Mediterranean diet also appears to affect the mortality rate in Alzheimer's. For example, Alzheimer's patients whose adherence to the Mediterranean diet