Attacking Alzheimer's with Red Wine and Marijuana

[marmar]

via AlterNet:



Attacking Alzheimer's with Red Wine and Marijuana

By Tom Jacobs, Miller-McCune.com. Posted December 8, 2008.

Two new studies point to a wonderful way to ward off Alzheimer's disease and other forms of age-related memory loss.



This article first appeared on Miller-McCune.com.

Two new studies suggest that substances usually associated with dulling the mind -- marijuana and red wine -- may help ward off Alzheimer's disease and other forms of age-related memory loss. Their addition comes as another study dethrones folk remedy ginkgo biloba as proof against the disease.

At a November meeting of the Society of Neuroscience in Washington, D.C., researchers from Ohio State University reported that THC, the main psychoactive substance in the cannabis plant, may reduce inflammation in the brain and even stimulate the formation of new brain cells.

Meanwhile, in the Nov. 21 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, neurologist David Teplow of the University of California, Los Angeles reported that polyphenols -- naturally occurring components of red wine -- block the formation of proteins that build the toxic plaques thought to destroy brain cells. In addition, these substances can reduce the toxicity of existing plaques, thus reducing cognitive deterioration.

Together, the studies suggest scientists are gaining a clearer understanding of the mechanics of memory deterioration and discovering some promising approaches to prevention.

Previous research has suggested that polyphenols -- which are found in high concentrations in tea, nuts and berries, as well as cabernets and merlots -- may inhibit or prevent the buildup of toxic fibers in the brain. These fibers, which are primarily composed of two specific proteins, form the plaques that have long been associated with Alzheimer's disease. .......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/110806/attacking_alzheimer%27s_with_red_wine_and_marijuana/

[annabanana]

1. Only if they can figure out a way to profit, apparently

from "a THC-like synthetic drug"

From the last paragraph:

What we are saying is it appears that a safe, legal substance the mimics those important properties of marijuana can work on receptors in the brain to prevent memory impairments in aging.

THAT they "will say", on the record... (a dog whistle to the drup companies, no doubt)

[BelgianMadCow]

2. mmm don't let them lure you with a substitute!

vaporize the Real Thing

I will nevah have Alzheimer Yay!

[sweetpotato]

4. Yet another reason to take profit out of health care.

Take out the profit motivator and then benefits from cheap, naturally occurring things could be explored.

For profit medicine makes me angry every day.

[JohnyCanuck]

3. Coconut oil also has possible benfical effects for Alzheimer's patients

A medical doctor recently reported that coconut oil had a beneficial effect on her Alzheimer's afflicted husband's memory.

After two weeks of taking coconut oil, Steve Newport's results in an early onset Alzheimer's test gradually improved says his wife, Dr. Mary Newport. Before treatment, Steve could barely remember how to draw a clock. Two weeks after adding coconut oil to his diet, his drawing improved. After 37 days, Steve's drawing gained even more clarity. The oil seemed to "lift the fog," his wife says.

SNIP

She began vigorously researching online and uncovered the new medication's patent application. She found an in-depth discussion of its primary ingredient, an oil composed of medium chain triglycerides known as MCT oil.

In Alzheimer's disease, certain brain cells may have difficulty metabolizing glucose, the brain's principal source of energy. Without fuel, these precious neurons may begin to die. But researchers have identified an alternative energy source for brain cells — fats known as ketone bodies, explained Dr. Theodore VanItallie, a medical doctor and professor emeritus at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York City. He has been researching ketones for more than 35 years.

"Ketones are a high-energy fuel that nourish the brain," VanItallie said, explaining that when you are starving, the body produces ketones naturally. When digested, the liver converts MCT oil into ketones. In the first few weeks of life, ketones provide about 25 percent of the energy newborn babies need to survive.

As Dr. Newport continued to read about MCT oil and the new medication, she discovered something surprising: Non-hydrogenated coconut oil is more than 60 percent MCT oil, and this medication derived its MCT oil from this readily available tropical tree.

http://tampabay.com/news/aging/article879333.ece

[Madam Mossfern]

5. Good to know.

I'll start on my preventative therapy right away.

My mom had Alzheimer's, its very very cruel.

[madokie]

6. I've always felt that preventative medicine was the way to stay heathier

been working on this one since '68, cough.

[camera obscura]

7. Well I'm only 22, but it's never too early to start

[old mark]

13. " An ounce of prevention?" I wonder if all the pot I smoked

and all the red wine I drank when I was young will help me now that I'm old and no longer do either of those things?

I'm good on the tea, though - do about 5 or 6 cups a day.

mark

[DeSwiss]

8. Excellent!

- K&R

[chelaque liberal]

9. Too bad that its too late for Boston Legal to use this.

It would have been great if Alan argued this in court to help Denny.

[Le Taz Hot]

10. Damn!

All these years I've been engaging in preventative maintenance. Who knew? :evilgrin:

[MannyGoldstein]

11. Ibuprofen May Work Very, Very Well In Preventing Alzheimer's

A number of studies have shown that people who take ibuprofen often over many years have about a 50% reduction in Alzheimer's disease.

[eShirl]

15. yeah but longterm use is hell on your stomach and joints

otherwise I'd be using it constantly

[MannyGoldstein]

20. Depends

Some people have GI issues, some don't.

I haven't heard of joint problems before.

[pleah]

12. Save your mind,

stay high and pickled! :smoke:

[BR_Parkway]

14. Ha, I've apparently had my own health plan for years now!

[calico1]

16. Thanks for the information.

I had an uncle who died from this disease and I have an aunt (the youngest sibling) who is suffering from it now. She is being cared for by my other aunt (her older sister). I am always looking for information on this disease.

I am currently reading "The Anti-Alzheimer's Prescription." Here are some of the tips from the book:

Eat more fruits and vegetables
* Eat berries daily
* Eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids
* Take a folic acid supplement or eat foods high in folate: green leafy vegetables, asparagus, oranges, eggs, legumes, fortified cereal
* Drink a glass of red wine or purple grape juice with your evening meal
* Follow a Mediterranean-style diet
* Control your blood pressure
* Have strong social support

I am incorporating more fish in my diet, drinking a glass of red wine almost every day and other tips from the book. The author also points out that you need too get good quality sleep and that sleep deprivation can be a contributor to the disease. Also, keeping your weight normal and getting exercise.

An interesting thing I have noted between my two aunts in their lifestyles:

The youngest one with the Alzheimer's -- Lucy always battled with weigh gain. She went up and down several times but always battled it. She led a very sedentary lifestyle, her diet was not the greatest. She also worked as a hairstylist, something I have also read is a risk factor probably because of all the chemicals you are exposed to daily.

The older one-- Maria-- who cares for Lucy eats tons of fruits and veggies, she eats fish at least once a week, always had a cocktail or two before dinner, exercises almost every day and stays very socially active. Not so much now because he is older but this was her normal life for many years.

Dr. Rozien from the "You" books also says that coffee reduces the risk of Alzheimer's which I am glad to hear because I drink it every day.

I am trying to drink green tea every day now too. I have made a point of not staying up late to watch some TV program and just go to bed at around 8:30. I felt amazing last week. Having gotten good sleep every night it was amazing how well and energized I felt during the day. So for that reason alone it's worth not staying up to watch this or that program.

[dysfunctional press]

17. "Follow a Mediterranean-style diet..."

i'm a big proponent of this one- the ancient greeks lived into their 90's- without the benefit of modern medicine.

[mopinko]

18. if true, medicare is saved. the onslaught of demented boomers may not

be as bad as forecast.
not surprised to hear that about ginko.

[progressoid]

19. Damn, I've been doing it wrong.

I've been smoking Ginkgo.