Your dementia prevention plan for patching up a “leaky,” vulnerable brain
The latest research confirms a massive Alzheimer’s risk — one that even your doctor is probably unaware of.
The risk lies in your blood-brain barrier — the complex system of tiny capillaries lined with specialized cells that allow nutrients into the brain, while blocking out pathogens.
Previous research that examined the brains of deceased Alzheimer’s patients found evidence of damage to the blood-brain barrier. To investigate further, scientists at Keck Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) used high-resolution brain imaging to examine 64 volunteers of various ages — some with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and some with healthy cognition.
The investigation conclusively revealed that the blood-brain barrier becomes “leaky” with age, with damage beginning in the hippocampus — the area of the brain where learning and memory occur.
Furthermore, the researchers found that this disruption of the barrier is clearly linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Fortunately, according to Dr. Fred Pescatore, there are steps you can take to both prevent and repair a “leaky” blood-brain barrier.
Strengthening the defenses
As I briefly mentioned, the blood-brain barrier is part of your body’s vast microcirculation. Dr. Pescatore describes it as a “complex system of blood vessels and capillaries responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to all of your body parts.”
And of course, this includes your brain.
Dr. Pescatore elaborates on the USC brain imaging research in his Drug-Free Protocol for Reversing Alzheimer’s and Dementia. He agrees with the researchers who state that the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s may require methods for resealing the damaged blood-brain barrier to keep toxins out of the brain.
“But the fact is,” he adds, “there are already a number of safe, natural ways to do just that.”
In Dr. Pescatore’s view, a perfect place to start is with diet. Specifically, it’s important to cut back on foods that prompt the inflammation that damages microcirculation. And the big three inflammatory culprits are no mystery:
- Simple carbohydrates
- Sugar
- White flour
Instead, Dr. Pescatore says, “Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like organic produce, lean protein, and the healthy monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.”
Bring on the inflammation-fighters
Now that we’ve nailed down the brain-protecting foods you should stock up on, let’s talk about beverages.
Dr. Pescatore suggests just 2 to 3 cups of tea per day can significantly improve microcirculation. And if that’s not really your “cup of tea,” he recommends two supplements:
- Green tea: Take 500 mg daily from a 50:1 extract that contains 60 percent catechins, 30 percent EGCG.
- Black tea: The best dose is 300 to 500 mg per day. One tip: Check the label to make sure the supplement contains theaflavin, a powerful black tea antioxidant.
In addition, Dr. Pescatore recommends another effective supplement to strengthen your brain’s protective barrier: Pycnogenol®, the French maritime pine bark extract.
He explains that the age-related breakdown of collagen and elastin (the building blocks that line your blood vessels and capillaries) leads to leaky capillaries and a weakened blood-brain barrier.
But this excellent supplement strengthens collagen and elastin. He says, “Pycnogenol® helps the body replenish these two critical substances — and keeps your blood vessels and capillaries working the way they’re supposed to in the process. I recommend 100 mg of Pycnogenol® a day.”
Dr. Pescatore has one more critical recommendation for blood brain barrier defense, which you can learn all about in his Drug-Free Protocol for Reversing Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Click here to find out more about this remarkable brain-nurturing protocol, or to enroll today.
SOURCES
news.usc.edu/74051/usc-scientists-find-possible-prevent-of-alzheimers-and-dementia/
Scans detect aging brain issues linked to dementia
USC News
January 21, 2015