Alzheimer's: An epidemic not to be forgotten
In my opinion, Alzheimer’s disease is arguably the most pressing age-related health concern of our time. According to Stanford Health Care, its prevalence is increasing, with early-onset forms of the disease appearing as early as age 30, and one in three adults over 85 having the disease. Stanford Health Care describes Alzheimer’s as a degenerative disease of the brain that causes degradation of nearly all brain functions, including memory, movement, language, judgment, behavior and abstract thinking over time. Extensive research has been conducted concerning the mechanisms of this degradation, but there is still little consensus as to what sets these mechanisms in motion, and many of the medications being used to treat Alzheimer’s have shown minimal impact in slowing its progression. Regardless, it should be noted that we actually know quite a lot about how to make lifestyle choices that can preemptively keep many of these mechanisms within ideal parameters to reduce the overall risk of Alzheimer’s.
Although it is difficult to gain consensus among medical professionals as to what causes Alzheimer’s, one theory that has gained a lot of traction in recent years is labeling Alzheimer’s as “Type 3 diabetes.” Dr. Guojun Bu, a Mayo Clinic neuroscientist, explains that it is an accepted fact that people with Type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. One possible explanation of this connection is that the damage to blood vessels reduces blood flow to the brain, and thus, the supply of essential nutrients to tissues in the brain. He is also one of many researchers on the cutting edge that discusses certain genetic variants that predispose an individual’s brain cells to an impaired utilization of insulin that can eventually cause brain cells to starve and die. Although the genetic variants that might predispose us to diseases like Alzheimer’s may sound scary and hopeless, there is actually a lot that can be done preemptively to ward off the disease process.
At Vital Health, we use a complete bio-functional analysis to investigate the underlying mechanisms that are causing our patient’s health concerns. During this complete bio-functional analysis, we invest significant time and energy ensuring that our patients have the resources they need to make the right choices to stay on top of the disease mechanisms that often contribute to many conditions, including Alzheimer’s. We address everything from issues with blood sugar regulation and endocrine health to situations caused by toxicity that are often precursors to the many mechanisms that can lead to Alzheimer’s and other chronic disease processes. Our mission is to help people have more fun and live longer, more fulfilling lives. On a daily basis, we are helping people shatter the paradigm that it is normal to begin having memory issues and a slew of other symptoms midway through life. If you are interested in tackling any of your health concerns, give us a call and we will do everything we can to help!
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Jonathan M. Sasser holds a master of science degree in Oriental medicine, is a licensed acupuncturist and is board certified in Oriental medicine by the NCCAOM. He has more than 3,000 hours of training in acupuncture, classical Oriental medicine, herbal medicine and nutrition. Additionally, Jon also holds a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine.
Jon is a “Health Detective,” he looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place. He is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements at Vital Health in Coeur d’Alene.
Visit our website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Jonathan, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Jonathan can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.