Case study Dementia and Parkinson's

Tony is almost 95 years old, has Dementia and Parkinson's.

Symptoms

When Tony is tired his speech is inaudible, he doesn't recognise his home, doesn't understand others speech, is stressed, confused and can become very irritated. He doesn't want to go to bed at night and wonders around the house saying he must get on the train. Tony's hands tremble, he cannot stand straight and cannot lift his legs which causes him to shuffle when he walks, he cannot move his right arm very well. If left to his own devices Tony will go into the kitchen, move things into strange places and mix foods, tea and sugar together, presumably he is trying to make tea but cannot understand how to do it.

Diet

Tony consumed sugary foods and drinks, did not drink any water, ate processed foods and lots of wheat.

We changed his diet giving probiotics to help heal his gut, plenty of fresh veg for nutrients, quality fibre and prebiotic effects. Removed foods that can damage the gut such as gluten, sugar and processed foods and cut down on starchy carbohydrates because they do not contain an abundance of nutrients and they feed bacteria. We slowly introduced more water and changed tea to decaf. Research shows that sugar and too much carbohydrate from starchy foods shrink the hippocampus. The hippocampus is vital for memory. Once the hippocampus shrinks neurons start to decline. Research also shows that excessive cortisol causes hippocampus shrinkage. Caffeine stimulates the adrenals which releases cortisol, this can lead to an overload of cortisol in the body.

Supplements

• Adreno max by nutri advanced. Tony was going through a prolonged, extremely stressful time when his symptoms of dementia started. Adreno max contains nutrients which are used by the adrenals including B vitamins which help the nervous system.

• Magnesium. Often depleted especially when the adrenal glands are over stimulated. Needed for production of energy in the cells, relaxes muscles and can improve cardiovascular function.

• Nadh. Naturally produced by the body. Transports electrons to the mitochondria. (helps energy production within the cells).

• Omega 3. A powerful anti inflammatory, improves structure of neurons and helps production of neurons, (Neurogenesis).

• Vitamin D. Dementia has been associated with vitamin D deficiency.

• Green tea extract, Blueberries. Research has shown that green tea and blueberries promotes neurogenesis.

• Milk thistle. Stimulates the liver which in turn helps the liver to remove toxins from the body. Is also neuroprotective.

• Biokult. 14 strain probiotic. Replaces probiotic bacteria in the gut that is needed for gut health and all round health including the brain.

Tony's symptoms after two and a half months

Tony can now stand and walk in an upright position, he no longer shuffles, he can walk up and down the stairs in a normal way. Tony's right arm moves much better. Cognitive differences are; he no longer speaks inaudible words and can put short sentences together but still forgets many words. He occasionally forgets he is at home and believes he has arranged to meet someone at the train station, but this is only when he is very tired and he soon realises that he is at home, where as before this was a regular and prolonged experience for him. He is generally happier, understands what is going on around him, no longer gets anxious with groups of people and is much calmer in all scenario's. He has regained his sense of humour. Tony no longer needs an alarm on his bed and will call at night when he needs any help. He no longer goes into the kitchen spreading and mixing things together and can make himself a cup of tea. We are no longer worried about his safety in the kitchen. There are other symptoms that have improved but I feel this is more than enough to show a major difference.

After 3 months

Tony has more awareness of other people and appreciates that he is being helped, something that he was not aware of before. He is sleeping less, has stopped saying that he isn't at home, when he is wide awake he can come across very clear, and articulate a short sentence very well.

Each case is different as people present with their own personal problems, diet and health issues which lead up to degenerative conditions and degenerative conditions such as these are not all the same. If you would like some help with a loved one please fill out the contact form on the contact page.

References. This is just a few, there are many studies.

Joseph, J. A., Denisova, N. A., Arendash, G., et al. (June 2003). ''Blueberry supplementation enhanhances signaling and prevents behavioral deficits in an alzheimerdisease model.'' Nutritional neuroscience. 6(3):153-62.

Beltz, B. S., Tlusty, M. F., Benton, J. L., Sandeman, D. C., (2007). ''Omega 3 fatty acids upregulate adult neurogenesis.'' Neuroscience letters

Goepp, J. (April 2008). '' New research on the benefits of green tea.'' Life extension.

Wentz, C. T., Magavi, S. S. (May-June 2009). ''Caffeine alters proliferation of neuronal precursors in the adult hippocampus.'' Neuropharmacology. 56(6-7):994-1000. doi: 10.1016/j. neuropharm. 2009.02.002. PMID: 19217915. Epub 13 Feb 2009.

Disclaimer

This information is not given to replace any treatment or advice given by a doctor.