MAILBAG: Slow Dementia Down with THIS “Sugar Fix”
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 6, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
My wife has recently begun showing signs of dementia. Her doctor has put her on medicine to try and “slow the progression” but, if anything, she seems like she’s just getting worse. Is there anything we can do?
–Martin from Durham, North Carolina
Hi Martin,
Some medications claim to slow dementia’s progression. But most doctors know that they do little to help in reality.
The most promising research I’ve seen in this area has led to the theory that dementia is a form of brain diabetes. Some experts are even calling dementia “Diabetes, Type III.”
This link is likely why we’ve seen some promising results in studies that have put dementia patients on a ketogenic (keto) diet.
On the keto diet, you drastically reduce the sugar and carbohydrates you eat. Eventually, your body switches to burning ketones instead of glucose (sugar) for fuel.
Low-carb diets have been successfully used to help improve symptoms in folks with brain problems. (For example, kids with seizures often respond very well when placed on a keto diet.)
But the truth is, the keto diet can be challenging to follow for some folks. And, of course, you need a willing participant, which may or may not be the situation in your case.
You can, however, sneak extra ketones into someone’s diet by using medium-chain fatty acids (which are really ketone bodies). A coconut oil supplement or eating the oil directly will do the trick.
But don’t stop there.
There are some other natural interventions that can help support better brain health.:
- Creatine is an amino acid that’s been shown to improve cognition and communication in folks with brain injuries, plus it supports energy production.
- Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid and antioxidant that’s vital for learning and memory in adults.
- CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant and helps to provide energy throughout the body.
- Antioxidants fight free radicals and may reverse some memory loss. Vitamins A and C and phytonutrients like polyphenols and carotenes are natural antioxidants.
- Herbs such as curcumin and bacopa decrease inflammation and act as powerful antioxidants.
P.S. A study found that older folks who regularly ate THESE berries had significant improvements in their memory. Click here for all the details.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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