Notes on Alzheimer’s, dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases; Nutrition: Supplements

By Cat, 2019 and ongoing

Initially, the bulk of the information on this page was from Lee Euler of Awakening From Alzheimer’s, via email. I’ve since added other items not from Lee; if the item doesn’t list a different source, it is from Lee’s email.

The original post, Nutrition: Foods and Supplements, was getting too long, so I’ve broken it down into separate posts (see list, below).

I’ve reorganized this list into categories, each in separate articles: 1. Nutrition: Supplements (this posting); 2. Nutrition: Worst and Best foods Lists; 3. Nutrition: Specific Foods, Herbs and Spices; 4. Diet & Lifestyle; 5. Symptoms & Causes; 6. Testing & Treatment; 7. Related Diseases/Disorders;
See also: Notes on Natural Health and Healing Menu

Supplements with more than one ingredient

(The following are in alphabetic order.)

Advanced Brain Power

“Advanced Brain Power” is a Green Valley supplement (3d) that contains vital nutrients to support brain and memory. Amounts are for 2 capsules (2 caps/day is recommended dosage). [from the supplement facts image which I saved in Health-Nutrition / Docu-series / Awakening fm Alzheimers / Files-Images > AdvancedBrainPower-ingred.pdf].

[Cat’s Note: This supplement is fairly expensive at $50 for 30-days (as of 11/13/22); plus it contains magnesium stearate which can cause gut issues.]

Ingredient list:

BF-7 (Brain Power-7, a silk protein hydrolysate) (200 mg)helps restock acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter;
Sage leaf extract (333 mg): works by stopping acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from breaking down acetylcholine, the brain’s key chemical messenger. See also Notes on Alzheimers, Dementia and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases: Nutrition: Specific Foods, Herbs and Spices
Resveratrol (10 mg): improves insulin sensitivity so brain cells can receive glucose for energy.
Biotin (2000 mcg) & chromium (200 mcg): increase cells’ sensitivity to insulin.
Luteolin (50 mg) and baicalin (scutellaria baicalensis root extract) (70 mg): antioxidant flavonoids that insure bacteria, viruses, toxins and free radicals can’t leak through the blood-brain-barrier.

Here’s an interesting chart from Green Valley Natural Solutions, that indicates the function of each of the herbal ingredients (Filed: Health-Nutrition / Docu-series / Awakening from Alzheimers / Files-Images > AdvanceBrainPower_Ingred-Chart.png)

Anti-Aging Supplement: “Genesis”

“Genesis” is from Green Valley Natural Solutions (3f). Ingredients Lee discusses in his email: TRT Peptide (lengthens telomeres), Telos95, Cycloastraganol, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamins D3 and K2. “The main theory is behind your body’s ability to maintain active telomerase. Telomerase is an enzyme that is in your body, which lengthens your chromosomes to keep you young ad healthy.” (33) See Supplement Police for more about what is in this supplement and how it works.

You can, of course, take the ingredients as separate supplements. I have a food sensitivity to lipoic acid, so cannot take it. Also note that beta lipoic acid is a better form.

There are also excellent food sources for some of these ingredients; for example:

Astragalus is an adaptogen that is the source of cycloastraganol;
Raw milk and brie cheese are excellent sources of Vitamin K2;
Cod liver oil is an excellent source of Vitamin D3

See also Mercola’s article: Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Dementia (5K). “Vitamin D has been reported to increase the expression of LRP-1, a protein that helps clear amyloid beta, a toxic protein linked to Alzheimer’s, from the brain.”

B-Complex Vitamins

See Lee Euler’s sales pitch (3H) for Maximum Memory Support, which is a combo of Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, Mulberry extract, Vitamin D3, and several B-vitamins. It may be, in general, a good combo. However, in my opinion, it has a couple issues:

low amounts of B1, B2 and methylated B12
uses folic acid instead of folate or methyl folate (folic acid does not have the same activity as folate)

so I will continue to use my Lion’s Mane powder and my excellent multi-vitamin/mineral supplement (Mercola) which includes all of the B vitamins at better levels.

See also: Vitamin B-Complex for more about each B-Vitamin in the complex, both essential B-vitamins, and non-essential B-vitamins that may become essential when you age (your body loses its ability to make enough of the ones you need).

Berberine with PQQ

I take this supplement from Mercola, one-week on/off (because if you take it every day, your body will stop using it). For more about this combo, see “Mitochondrial Enhancers” below.

Bluenesse Lemon Balm and Alpha GPC

See my pdf: Bluenesse-alphaGPC2.pdf (saved 1-Docu-Series > Awakening fm Alzheimers > Related Articles > Cat’s Articles / Bluenesse-alphaGPC2.pdf).

See also Choline section below (Single Ingredient Supplements).

This combo was recommended by Dr. Fred Pescatore in his sales pitch for Nulogic Nutritional’s product: Brain Logic (34). Note that not all Lemon Balm has the special activity of the Bluenesse variety.

2 capsules contains 300 mg alpha-GPC and 300 mg Bluenesse. It comes with a warning to monitor blood sugar levels, and should be discontinued 2-weeks before any surgery. It is quite expensive ($98 for 30-days worth) so I found a less expensive option that I’ve added to my supplement list, to take first thing in the morning:

Brain Forza (bluenesse lemon balm) from Amazon (ASIN ) B01DN4KXM4). This comes with a warning: start with just 1 capsule/day to determine if it causes drowsiness; if it does, do not drive or use machinery while taking. Recommended dosage: 500 mg Bluenesse.
Alpha GPC (by Double Wood) from Amazon (ASIN B00XWQSD7G) which contains Mg-stearate, or by NOW from iHerb (code: NOW-03085) which contains soy and Mg-stearate). [I mention Mg-stearate because it can cause biofilms in the intestines, which can lead to problems; and soy because most soy is GMO.] Recommended dosage: 300 mg Alpha GPC.

Cat’s note: I started with Brain Forza (bluenesse) to try, when I get home from lunch (after I’m done driving for the day). I think it helps without making me drowsy, so I’ll try adding Double Wood’s Alpha GPC supplement, taking both first thing in the morning. After 2 orders of each, I saw no noticeable change in my memory, so I only take them off-and-on.

Brain Fog supplement: Fog Cutter

I learned about this supplement from a Dr. Tom O’Brien email. See his sales-pitch for Fog Cutter supplement from Sun Horse Energy). It starts with a 3 minute video, then he provides scientific study links for most of the ingredients (see https://thedr.com/wp-content/PDFs/Scientific-references-for-Fog-Cutter.pdf. It is an expensive supplement, so I will look into making a tincture using his main herbal ingredients in the following list:

Bacopa monniera (aka “water hyssop”)
Ganoderma lucidium (aka “reishi mushroom”
Ashagandha (aka “winter cherry” or “Indian ginseng”)
Tulsi (aka “Holy basil”)
Cordyceps Sinensis (aka “caterpillar fungus”)
Centellia asiatica (aka “Gotu kola”)
Maple syrup, Grade-A extract

The supplement also includes the following herbs: Jiaogulan or southern ginseng; acai palm berries; Peruvian maca or Peruvian ginseng; Schisandra chinensis or magnolia berry or five-flavor-fruit; Panax quinquefolius or American ginseng; Glycyrrhiza uralensis or Chinese licorice root; Catuaba (from trees native to Brazil); Lion’s mane mushroom; Ginkgo biloba or Maidenhair tree; Guarna (from Brazil); Notoginseng or Chinese ginseng. And also Baicalin (a natural chemical).

Flavonoids specific for brain health:

From Gold Leaf Nutritional’s sales pitch (36a). Gold Leaf’s “CogniGold” supplement is a synergistic combination of quercetin glucuronide, chlorogenic acid, petunidin-3-glucoside and malvidin-3-glucoside. These come from whole grape and wild blueberry fruit extracts. Another ingredient is an extract called E-X-A (EnXtra on the label) from the Alpinia galanga plant that, taken with coffee, boosts dopamine levels. Low dopamine may be responsible for low energy levels and sluggish brain activity as you age. See also product website: goldleafnutritionals.com/products/cognigold (36b).

When I have time, I’ll get more info about each of the above listed ingredients.

Lunaflex for Brain, Sleep and Joint Cartilage:

From a sales pitch by Dr Spreen, for LunaFlex PM supplement (pro.northstarorders.net/p/650SLFX180214A/E650UAFV/Full). [I note the LunaFlex PM supplement is Expensive: 1 bottle costs $50 and lasts 30 days at suggested dose of 2/day at dinner.] Contains 3 ingredients:

Valerian root – It is one of the main ingredients in the Lunaflex PM formula. It is a sleeping aid that helps people to fall asleep a factor that is quite essential in people suffering from joint pain. However, some people have sensitivity issues.*
Collagen – It is a fundamental ingredient that supports growth of the cartilage tissue in the joints that aid in better mobility levels, eliminating the pain and above all repairing any damaged tissue
Perluxan Hops Extract – This ingredient assists in regulating body enzymes produced when a person is hurt causing inflammation. Hops block the functionality of these enzymes ensuring* that the inflammation subsides in a short while.

* See Consumer Health Digest for more info and other supplements that may help: consumerhealthdigest.com/joint-pain-product-reviews/lunaflex-pm.html

Lutein & Zeaxanthin:

See:

Carotenoids: Lutein & Zeaxanthin, below
Dr Axe: Lutein, the antioxidant that protects your eyes and skin (35e).

Maximum Memory Support Supplement (Green Valley brand)

12/9/17: See Lee’s sales pitch (3h). I’ve moved the important information about the supplement ingredients to a pdf file: HEALTH-NUTRITION > 1-DOCU-SERIES > AWAKENINGfmALZHEIMERS > RELATED-ARTICLES / MaximumMemmorySupport-benefits.pdf. It contains Vitamins D3, B1, B6 and B12, Lions Mane (mushroom), Mulberry extract, and phosphatidyl serine.

Supplements with only one ingredient

Acetyl L-Carnitine:

See also Linus Pauling Institute at OSU for a good article (16). The following is from Lee Euler’s sales pitch (3g). with a few notes from me.

This is important for recharging your cells’ batteries: the mitochondria. Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid that “escorts” fuels (glucose, and ketone bodies from fats) through the mitochondrial cell wall, so they can be used as fuel. Carnitine can be made in your liver from other amino acids, but as you get older, or if your liver is compromised, you many need to get it from good, clean meats.

There are various issues that can interfere with your ability to absorb or use this important amino acid, such as certain medications or health issues like angina. Also, vegetarian/vegans may not be getting enough of this amino acid because it is not present in any quantity in plant sources.

Plus, the brain makes it hard for carnitine to get inside the brain cells to become available to guide fuels into the mitochondria. However, the Acetyl L-carnitine form readily crosses the blood brain barrier.

Cat’s note: I can’t view the label (of Lee’s product), so do not know what his recommended dosage is, but various online articles advise not exceeding 3,000 mg/day. A 3-ounce beef steak has 81 mg of carnitine (16).

Lee lists several ways that Acetyl L-carnitine helps the brain:

“Revs up energy production in your brain cells – for faster recall and sharper focus.”
“Switches on your brain’s ‘memory maker,’ and protects blood-brain barrier from damage.”
“Fights ‘brain rust’ for a sharp, clear mind,” by fighting free-radicals.
“Cleans up sludge in your brain.” The sludge is amyloid plaque. Cat’s note: Amyloid is an important part of the immune system that helps brain tissue to heal from oxidative damage. It only becomes problematic when there is a lot of oxidative damage, so that it is not removed in timely fashion, and eventually builds up to cause trouble.
“Protects your nerve cells from the inside out…by increasing nerve growth factor (NGF) levels, and help prevent death of nerve cells.

Berberine (from Goldenseal, Golden Thread, and/or Oregon Grape Root)

See also “Mitochondrial Support/Enhancers Supplements,” and “PQQ” sections below, and references for Drs Mercola and Michael Murray (5c, d, e, f; and 14) for more detail.

Use berberine internally to treat a bad bacterial or viral infection, or applied topically to wounds, to help them heal. I take it as a Goldenseal and Oregon grape root tincture from Swan Valley Herbs when I have an infection. See “An Interesting Story about Berberine” below for one example.

In addition to its antibacterial properties, it also has anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antidiarrheal, antineoplastic, antidiabetic and immune-enhancing properties. Many of these have been linked to its ability to activate AMPK enzyme, an enzyme. It is important for regulating metabolism and is often labeled as “metabolic master switch.” Low AMPK has been linked to insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, obesity, neurodegeneration and chronic inflammation — all of which lay the groundwork for a wide variety of serious chronic diseases. (5e)

Other uses (NOTE: it is best to cycle it for these benefits – I do one-week on/off – because if you take it for extended period of time, it will lose its effectiveness as your body becomes resistant to it. From Mercola (5d): “Because it is a potent alkaloid, I believe it needs to be cycled. So, take it for a week, then take a week off. alternatively, you can skip it on the weekends.”

Reducing insulin resistance and Type-2 diabetes:
- In addition to its antibacterial properties, it also has anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antidiarrheal, antineoplastic, antidiabetic and immune-enhancing properties. Many of these have been linked to its ability to activate AMPK enzyme, an enzyme. It is important for regulating metabolism and is often labeled as “metabolic master switch.” Low AMPK has been linked to insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, obesity, neurodegeneration and chronic inflammation — all of which lay the groundwork for a wide variety of serious chronic diseases. (5e)
- From Dr Murray: “Berberine … enhances the effects of oral hypoglycemic drugs used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes through its multitude of anti-diabetic effects. People on oral hypoglycemic drugs should monitor blood glucose levels if taking berberine and adjust their dosage of their medications as needed and under the care of a medical professional.”
- Mercola advises “nearly everyone taking Metformin to switch to berberine as it is far safer.” (5d)
Brain support

Typical dose (internal) is 500 mg, 2 – 3 times daily. It’s best taken right before meals as it also helps improve digestion and will address parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal tract. “It is actually poorly absorbed by your body, and many of its benefits appear to be related to its beneficial impact on the gut microbiome, which we now know plays an important role in metabolism and even insulin sensitivity.” (5c)

“An Interesting Story about Berberine:”

In 2017, I had an issue in the nail bed of one of my fingers, that would swell up into a hard bubble every 2 – 3 weeks, then go away. One day when it was starting to swell, I opened a bag of corn gluten/fertilizer combo, to apply to my lawn. A huge dust cloud came out, and within 12 hours, I had a serious bacterial infection in that swollen finger. That infection was a dark relish purple color, that quickly moved down the finger and into my hand, towards my lower arm during the night. That next morning I went to my local MD, who diagnosed the original swelling as “paronychia,” and the infection as “staph or strep.” She wrote a prescription for an antibiotic, but I also started taking my goldenseal & Oregon grape tincture for the 10 days I took the prescription. Unfortunately, while the progression of the infection down my arm stopped, it didn’t retreat. So after the 10 days, I did a week of Hoxey tincture (a blood cleanser from Swan Valley Herbs), and a twice-daily treatment with a mixture of powdered goldenseal and comfrey salve, and applied it directly to the base of the fingernail. The infection slowly started its retreat back up my hand and finger; after 2 months, it was totally gone, and that paronychia never returned.

Carotenoids: Lutein & Zeaxanthin:

I don’t know of a specific supplement that contains these two ingredients, so I list them here as single ingredient supplements.

These are yellow-orange antioxidant pigments in the carotenoid family. They are abundant in dark green leafy veggies, including the cabbage family, green beans, corn, papayas, and oranges; egg yolks are a non-vegetarian source (35e).

From Mercola, May 3, 2018: “Lifestyle factors linked to Alzheimer’s.” (5h) See article for his references (superscript in the quote). “In two separate yearlong, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials^20,²¹, researchers administering 10 milligrams (mg) of lutein plus 2 mg of zeaxanthin daily, or a placebo, noted significant improvements in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and cognitive function in those receiving the supplements.”

See also Dr Axe: Lutein, the antioxidant that protects your eyes and skin (35e).

Chinese orchid (Gastrodia elate) extract provides all-round brain protection

10/30/17: A supplement by Life Extension, containing the herbal extract is available on iHerb (code LEX–18026). See my 2-page pdf file (1-Docu-Series > Awakening fm Alzheimers > Related Articles / GastrodinHerb_LEuler.pdf) for text from Lee Euler’s email. He includes references to several studies.

Summary of benefits (from pdf):

Rescues brain cells;
Protects the brain, reduces inflammation, and clears debris (from the brain);
Boosts blood flow;
Rebalances neurotransmitters
Improves memory

Choline

See also a great article about choline from Dr. Axe: “What is Choline? Benefits, Sources & Signs of Choline Deficiency” (35a). His recommended adult dosage is 425 – 550 mg/day.

Symptoms of a choline deficiency may possibly include (35):

low energy levels or fatigue
memory loss
cognitive decline
learning disabilities
muscle aches
nerve damage
mood changes or disorders

Sources of choline:

Choline is a natural substance present in lecithin. Most supplemental versions of lecithin come from soy, which is highly likely to be GMO. I take sunflower lecithin (not GMO-yet) which is made of choline and myo-inositol. I also add an egg (high in lecithin) to my daily smoothie.
Or you can get it from supplements such as Bluenesse and Alpha-GPC (above); Alpha-GPC or CDP-choline (citicoline) are precursors of choline, and are also available as supplements [my naturopath recommends CDP-choline].

Cat’s summary of Lee Euler’s 11/26/17 email:

As doctors pushed people to minimize cholesterol in their diet to avoid heart disease, cases of dementia and other neurodegenerative orders began to increase. He postulates that when people gave up high-cholesterol foods like eggs and butter, they also reduced their choline intake because high cholesterol foods are also high in choline (part of lecithin). He recommends a minimum of 250 mg choline per day, supplementally, especially if you want to keep up a low-cholesterol diet.

4/15/18: Cat’s summary of Lee’s sales pitch for his choline product (21):

The demonization of cholesterol (such as in eggs and dairy which are the best sources of choline in the diet) is what has led us to this brain crisis. Also, the quality of eggs and dairy has plummeted with the growth of CAFOs and pasteurization – especially ultra-pasteurization – of milk, has decreased the quality and pureness of these foods (they are contaminated with pesticides hormone and other chemicals), which impacts levels of choline found in them.

We gave up the best source of dietary choline when we gave up dairy and eggs, but choline is critical for brain function: by increasing production of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and of ATP. He recommends 425 mg/day for women and 500 mg/day for men.

He asserts the best form of supplemental choline is cytidine-5 diphosphocholine (his brand name “cognizin”), which can only be made in a lab – it is not a natural form of choline.

From another sales pitch (oops, did not save the link):

Lee states that the nervous system can devour itself (cannibalism). He writes: “Cerebral auto-cannibalism is what happens when your brain isn’t getting enough of one essential brain-fueling nutrient. So, rather than starve, your supplemental and dietary choline can reverse that.”

[Cat’s Notes:

I believe that the best source of choline is whole-food eggs and dairy from pastured animals raised Organically/Regeneratively.
Alpha-GPC is a precursor of choline and crosses blood-brain barrier; it may be a better way to get choline, but it is expensive. See Bluenesse Lemon Balm and Alpha-GPC (above) for more.
Citicoline (also known as CDP-Choline) is the product Lee Euler sells as “cognizin” in above summery. Amazon has several brands including a powdered version I could add to my smoothie; iHerb sells Jarrow’s Citicoline (JRW-18014). Recommended dose: 250 mg 1 – 2x)
Note that lecithin (abundant in eggs) is made in our bodies from choline and myo-inositol, both of which were initially considered vitamins, until it was discovered that we have the ability to make them. However, as we age, our bodies don’t make enough, so supplementation of choline and inositol becomes important.]

Curcumin

This is the active ingredient in Turmeric; see Nutrition: Foods, under ” Turmeric.”

Folate

Folate is also known as vitamin B9. Another form found in many supplements is folic acid, but it does not have the same activity/benefits as folate. In order to be active in the body, folate must be “methylated,” which means it needs to be bound to a methyl group (1 carbon, 3 hydrogens). Our bodies are supposed to provide the methylation, a process that is regulated by the MTHFR gene; but for many people, that gene is turned off. Therefore, the best supplemental form of folate is methyl-folate.

See Dr Axe’s article: Signs of Folate Deficiency & How to Reverse It (35d) for more about this important vitamin.

Ginkgo biloba

2/2/18; from Lee Euler’s email: In the brain, ginkgo can –

Improve blood flow to the brain (10);
Reduce the accumulation of amyloid-B plaque – the problematic protein that builds up during Alzheimer’s disease which can interfere with neurons. Ginkgo can also reduce amyloid-B’s toxicity (6d);
Help mitochondria (energy-producing units in cells) work more efficiently by acting as a potent antioxidant.
Enhance the transmission and communication of signals among the neurons in the brain (6E).

In 2018 I started taking a tincture combo of sage (see above) and ginkgo from Swan Valley Herbs, Bigfork MT. I stopped taking it at some point – may start again.

Glutathione (as Reduced Glutathione) or its building blocks

10/23/17, my summary of Lee Euler’s email: Glutathione is a powerful protection against the onset of dementia as well as many other degenerative diseases.

The active form is Reduced Glutathione, but while that is available supplementally, because it is a peptide/protein, it is mostly broken down into its 3 amino acid constituents in the gut. This means that pills or capsules that you swallow likely won’t improve your glutathione levels. There is a form that dissolves under your tongue, which gives it a greater chance of getting into your bloodstream.

Another alternative is to take its building blocks supplementally, and do all you can to help recycle the oxidized form of glutathione back to the active form (see item #3 below).

Here’s the list of glutathione’s building blocks:

Certain B vitamins: B2, B6, B12, and folate*; and also minerals zinc and selenium are needed for the metabolic processes that produce and maintain good levels of glutathione.*NOTE: folic acid is NOT the same as folate. Unfortunately, many supplements use folic acid instead of folate – especially methyl folate – and does not provide the needed benefits.
Although glutathione is produced by the body itself and the body also recycles it, today our bodies are too overburdened to maintain adequate levels without help. It is made from three amino acids, which are found in the listed foods, or available supplementally
- Glycine: meats, fish, eggs or dairy products; also raw spinach, cabbage, parsley, cauliflower, root vegetables, oranges and wheat flour. For more about this amino acid, see Dr Axe’s article for more: Glycine: The Muscle-Building, Brain-Boosting Amino Acid that Benefits the Entire Body (35b)
- Glutamine: (foods are same as for glycine); supplemental form is L-glutamine. See Dr Axe’s article: L-Glutamine Benefits Leaky Gut & Metabolism (35c).
- Cysteine: eggs, onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower; also nuts and seeds. Supplemental form is N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC).
To help the body recycle glutathione you need:
- anthocyanins from berries,
- resveratrol from red wine (and red grape skins), and
- alpha lipoic acid from red meat, organ meat, spinach and broccoli.

Gotu kola (cenlella asiatica)

This is an oriental herb that boosts memory and calms stress (from Mother Earth Living, March/April 2018 (28a)). Also known as “brahmi,” it is a low-growing member of the carrot family, used as a tonic remedy for memory loss, stress, worry, and foggy thinking in Ayruvedic practices. Natural healers and researchers debate whether gotu kola is a true adaptogen, which is a class of tonic herbs that help balance the body by supporting its ability to deal with physical and emotional stress. Tonic herbs are traditionally taken on a daily basis over a long period of time.

In one 2008 placebo-controlled study, subjects — each approximately 65 years old — who took daily gotu kola capsules for eight weeks showed an increase in alertness and calmness, which in turn improved attention and working memory. In another placebo-controlled study, subjects who ingested a single 12-gram dose of gotu kola had significantly reduced startle responses in just 30 minutes, proving this herb’s anxiety-reducing activity.

Take gotu kola as a tea, as a tincture, or in capsules, and if you’re a culinary creative, try sneaking the herb into broths, vinegars, smoothies, and vegetable juices. However, avoid gotu kola during pregnancy or when trying to conceive.

Lithium Orotate:

(Lee Euler) This was a very long email that was mostly a sales pitch for his favorite brand, so I picked out the important stuff and put it in my own pdf file. You will find remarks in red: “[need reference]” for the many times he quotes specific studies but doesn’t provide the links to the mentioned studies. I’m trying to find those studies/articles. My pdf: HEALTH-NUTRITION > 1-DOCU-SERIES > AWAKENINGfmALZHEIMERS > RELATED-ARTICLES > CAT’s ARTICLES / LithiumLowDose for BrainHealth-2.pdf

You may recognize “Lithium” as a medicine for Bipolar Disorder, but that version is “lithium carbonate,” which is not as well-absorbed as lithium orotate, so the patient has to take large doses (of the carbonate form) to get enough lithium in the blood stream. And that causes problems in the digestive tract, especially constipation.However, the orotate form is much more readily absorbed, so only small doses are needed.

From Larry Cook of Stop Mandatory Vaccination (email):

Dr. Jonathan Wright says taking a minimum of 400mg of Vitamin E oil with mixed tocopherols along with an omega oil, like flax/hemp or fish oil, every day, with the daily dose of lithium orotate to reduce any potential toxic side-effects. He also recommends a tablespoon of flax oil (or equivalent).

Lithium Orotate provides the following benefits

Boosts brain function
Reverses brain aging
Reverses dementia & Alzheimer’s
Stops brain shrinking
Improves mood and wellbeing
Reduces depression and anxiety
Improves brain communication
Removes heavy metals from the brain
Lowers blood sugar levels
Lowers violent tendencies and suicide
Stops alcohol addiction
Reverses fibromyalgia
Stops cluster headaches
Inhibits viral replication

KAL brand Lithium orotate is available as an encapsulated salt (iHerb code CAL-38038), or as a liquid (iHerb code CAL-76898).

Mitochondrial support/enhancers supplements

Pau d’Arco

from Mercola: “This is an herb that is loaded with flavones, quercetin, alkaloids and other nutrients that can increase NAD+ levels,” to support your mitochondria. I take it as a tincture from Swan Valley Herbs (Bigfork MT), on and off.

PQQ

See the following:

Mitochondrial Support/Enhancers above,
References for Drs Mercola and Michael Murray (5c, d, e, f; and 14) for more detail.
Dr Axe: “PQQ Supplement: The Brain-Boosting, Life-Extending Benefits of PQQ” (35f)

Smoothie Recipes to Protect against Dementia/Alzheimer’s

I moved this to Nutrition: Specific Foods, Herbs and Spices.

See sanesolution.com/secure/diabesityebook/99_Brain_Health_Smoothies.pdf. I’ve also saved the pdf: HEALTH-NUTRITION > BRAIN / BrainHealthSmoothie-99Recipes, This e-book is by Jonathan Bailor, and includes a dietary introduction.

Spore-based probiotic:

Most probiotics are simply the cultured microbes in a capsule, and are vulnerable to the warmth; even storing them in the fridge doesn’t protect them. By the time they get from the warehouse to your store, and from there to your fridge, they have lost much of their potency. But spore-forms are protected by a natural wall that only breaks down in your intestines, which is where they are needed (primarily the large intestine).

I have been taking Prescript-Assist Probiotic brand, but in 2018, the formula changed and the original distributor (Enviromedica) discontinued distribution of the product because the of those changes, and because the new version has not been tested. See Chris Kresser’s article for more info: store.chriskresser.com/pages/prescript-assist-announcement

Now I take Mercola’s Spore Restore (iHerb code: MCL-01885), and Terraflora with Humic Acid (Amazon code: ASIN B07G7GK2N1) in a 2-week rotation. I do not know if one is better than the other; they have different bacteria. Terraflora contains essential minerals in humic acid, which I like; so when I take Mercola’s Spore Restore, I add Humic Monolaurain (iHerb code ARG-56720) to my regimen. Terraflora is Enviromedica’s replacement for Prescript-Assist.

Mulberry Leaves:

See PQQ, Berberine and other mitochondrial enhancers, above, and references (5c, 5d, 5e, 5f; and 14) for more detail.

Vitamin B-Complex (Individually or as a group)

See Vitamin B-Complex for more about each B-Vitamin in the complex, both essential B-vitamins, and non-essential B-vitamins that may become essential when you age (your body loses its ability to make enough of the ones you need).

low amounts of B1, B2 and methylated B12
uses folic acid instead of folate or methyl folate (folic acid does not have the same activity as folate)

so I will continue to use my Lion’s Mane powder and my excellent multi-vitamin/mineral supplement (Mercola) which includes all of the B vitamins at better levels.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

11/24/17: Cat’s summary of Lee Euler’s email (I didn’t save his email as a pdf). He makes several points:

“Brain cells latch onto vitamin C like their lives depend it – and they do! That’s why the concentration of vitamin C in the brain’s neurons is 200 times higher than the [that] in your blood. (3)^.… Oxidative stress – an excess of free radicals — [can lead] to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions. As the number of free radicals grows, oxidative stress can kill neurons or make them malfunction.”
He advises to “Up your Vitamin C”. He talks about a study in The Netherlands: “a six-year study in the Netherlands looked at the brain health of more than 5,000 people over the age of 55. The researchers found that folks who consumed vitamin C supplements (as well as vitamin E), ran a much lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease during the research.” (4) Unfortunately, he doesn’t give a recommended daily dosage.

Vitamin D:

From Mercola, May 3, 2018: “Lifestyle factors linked to Alzheimer’s” (5h) for his references (superscript in the quoted text). Not only does sufficient vitamin D help your immune system combat inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s, “research shows seniors with a severe vitamin D deficiency may raise their risk for dementia by 125 percent.²³ Furthermore, a vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantially increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

The optimal vitamin D level (5l, 5m) for general health and disease prevention ranges between 60 to 80 ng per milliliter (even though some blood test results list 30 ng/dL as the reference range). If you are not able to receive regular sun exposure, you will want to take an oral vitamin D3 supplement along with vitamin K2 and magnesium.

NOTE: “ng” is nanograms.

References:

Notes about reference numbers:

References 1 – 37 include Nutrition: Foods and Nutrition: Supplements (from before I separated supplements from the original article;
References beginning with 38 are just for Nutrition: Supplements
“Lee Euler’s references” are described below, followed by “Other references”

Lee Euler’s references:

These reference numbers are prefaced by “LE” in article above; for example, the first in the following list is LE1 (this software doesn’t allow adding letters to reference numbers).

Effect of Mercury Levels and Seafood Intake on Cognitive Function in Middle-aged Adults: todayspractitioner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Mercury-IMCJ113_Masley_32_40.pdf
Avocado studies:

Other References:

(2) American Academy of Neurology:eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-09/aaon-cyb091014.php; and Prevention: prevention.com/health/health-concerns/ab-blood-type-and-memory-problems
(5) businesswire.com/news/home/20171101006063/en/Actor-Chuck-Norris-Wife-Gena-Norris-Announce
Green Valley Natural Solutions:
1. (15) greenvalleynaturalsolutions.com/TJR18/Triple_Joint_Relief-2.php
2. (21) greenvalleynaturalsolutions.com/BVP/bvp-l-2-alt.php
3. (22) greenvalleynaturalsolutions.com/ABP/abp-e-C.php
4. greenvalleynaturalsolutions.com/ABP18/Advanced_Brain_Power-1.php
5. greenvalleynaturalsolutions.com/TheraFlex/TheraFlexACN-A.php
6. greenvalleynaturalsolutions.com/GEN/Genesis-B.php
7. greenvalleynaturalsolutions.com/ALC/BE-ALC.php
8. greenvalleynaturalsolutions.com/MMS/mms-trial-JPredo.php
9. greenvalleynaturalsolutions.com/trial/ABP/abp3.php for Advanced Brain Power chart
(13) Journal of Neuroscience: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4524974/
Mercola:
1. (17) articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/04/12/beets-may-help-prevent-alzheimers.aspx
2. (18) articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/03/08/idiopathic-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus.aspx
3. (19a) articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/04/15/pqq-berberine-mitochondrial-enhancers.aspx;
4. (19b) articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/04/05/berberine-anxiety-depression.aspx;
5. (19c) articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/05/05/extended-youth-extreme-longevity.aspx;
6. (19d) articles.mercola.com/ketogenic-diet.aspx
7. articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/05/24/how-excess-iron-raises-alzheimers-risk.aspx
8. articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/05/03/lifestyle-factors-linked-to-alzheimers.aspx
9. articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/01/24/nutrients-for-brain-health.aspx
10. articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/06/18/green-tea-boosts-heart-brain-health.aspx
11. articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/04/26/vitamin-d-deficiency-linked-to-dementia.aspx
12. articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/05/28/vitamin-d-deficiency-signs-symptoms.aspx
13. articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/07/04/60-ng-ml-vitamin-d-level-for-optimal-health.aspx
NCBI (Pub Med):
1. (3) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10782126/
2. (4) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12076218/
3. (6) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28653860
4. (9) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17167099
5. (10) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15212849
6. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25621434/
7. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926646/
8. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4697050/
9. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314337/
10. Hearing loss and incident dementia (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21320988)
11. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153866/
12. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5928071/
(1) MIND Protocol article: newsmax.com/Health/Headline/MIND-protocol-lifestyle-plan/2015/04/06/id/636763/
(11) Neurology Reviews (mdedge.com/neurologyreviews/article/114150/alzheimers-cognition/glymphatic-system-may-play-key-role-removing
(16) Oregon State: lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/l-carnitine
(8) Research Gate: researchgate.net/publication/283857212_Dose-dependent_hemorheological_effects_and_microcirculatory_modifications_following
_intravenous_administration_of_Ginkgo_biloba_special_extract_EGb_761
(7) Springer Link: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10534-016-9931-7
(14) Stony Brook Medicine: americangeriatrics.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/Helene_Benveniste_MD_PhD.pdf
(12) Stony Brook Newsroom: stonybrook.edu/newsroom/general/150804sleeping.php
(20) superfoodly.com/health-benefits-of-high-pqq-foods-vs-supplement-sources/
The following (15 and on) are new: TTAC (The Truth About Cancer) article links:
1. Otto Warburg – Biographical (nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/1931/warburg-bio.html)
2. Otto Warburg – Award Ceremony Speech (nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/1931/press.html)
3. The Role of Oxygen, Antioxidants and Toxins in the Cancer Process (nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/1931/press.html)
4. A Rational Theory of Cancer (tbyil.com/Rational_Cancer_Theory.htm
TTAC (The Truth About Cancer) general links:
1. thetruthaboutcancer.com/solving-the-alzheimers-puzzle
Neurology: Midlife cardiovascular fitness and dementia
(n.neurology.org/content/early/2018/03/14/WNL.0000000000005290)
Homocysteine imbalance connected to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease (naturalhealth365.com/homocysteine-science-news-2598.html)
Dr Glen Rothfeld on HSV virus and Dementia:
1. video transcript (This Deadly Sleeper Virus Triggers Alzheimers): pro.nutritionandhealing.com/p/NAH171211A/E640U963/Full or pro.nutritionandhealing.com/p/NAH181105A/E640UCCS/Full
2. book: The Complete Guide to Reversing Alzheimer’s; see the purchase site (secure.nutritionandhealing.com/NAH171211A/E640U963/index.htm) or alternate purchase site (secure.nutritionandhealing.com/NAH181105A/E640UCCS/index.htm?pageNumber=2).
3. See also: healthline.com/health-news/evidence-of-link-between-herpes-and-dementia#4); and (sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181019100702.htm)————-Symptoms/Causes references ends at 19C; any I add after this need to be added to Symptoms/Causes if I want all pages to have same list.
Green Med Info (Sayer Ji):
1. greenmedinfo.com/blog/7-proven-ways-keep-your-brain-young
2. greenmedinfo.com/disease/aging-brain
3. greenmedinfo.com/blog/natural-approach-preventing-and-overcoming-dementia
4. foods, spices and the brain: greenmedinfo.com/blog/research-foodsspices-slow-perhaps-reverse-alzheimers
5. greenmedinfo.com/blog/ginger-shows-promise-anti-alzheimers-agent
6. greenmedinfo.com/substance/saffron
7. greenmedinfo.com/blog/canola-oil-increases-memory-loss
8. greenmedinfo.com/blog/brain-regeneration-why-its-real-how-do-it
9. greenmedinfo.com/blog/daily-dose-turmeric-boosts-your-memory-and-improves-mood
10. greenmedinfo.com/blog/how-turmeric-can-save-aging-brain-dementia-and-premature-death
11. greenmedinfo.com/blog/why-walnut-resembles-brain-it-nourishes
Examine on bacopa-monnieri: examine.com/supplements/bacopa-monnieri
Wikipedia:
1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycogen
Scicuious: scicurious.scientopia.org/2012/02/29/whats-fuel-for-the-body-is-fuel-for-the-brain-a-story-of-glycogen
medicinenet.com/phenylketonuria/article.htm
metabolicfactor.com/p/aff/quiz/42362 (or My link-to reference my info)
Science Daily:
1. sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180416101403.htm
2. sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131115111524.htm
frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00487/full
Mother Earth Living article:
1. motherearthliving.com/gardening/plant-profile/healing-gotu-kola-zm0z18mazols includes among its references:
2. (22b) cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/104/review41815.html;
3. (22c) umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/gotu-kola;
4. (22d) search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=141015308096078;res=IELHEA ;
5. (22e) cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/362/review050281-362.html ;
6. (22f)ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=centella+asiatica+startle
Life Extension: lifeextension.com/Magazine/2008/4/New-Research-On-The-Health-Benefits-Of-Green-Tea/Page-01
My food data: myfooddata.com/articles/high-choline-foods.php
Web MD: webmd.com/balance/news/20030828/herb-sage-improves-memory
Natural News:
1. Improve Your Memory and Prevent Alzheimer’s with Sage (naturalnews.com/029693_memory_sage.html)
2. Elderberry Trumps Tamiflu for Flu Remedy (naturalnews.com/026354_elderberry_Tamiflu_immune_system.html
About “Genesis:” supplementpolice.com/genesis-green-valley-natural-solutions/
nulogicnutritionals.com/brainlogic.html
Dr Axe:
1. draxe.com/what-is-choline/
2. draxe.com/glycine/
3. draxe.com/l-glutamine-benefits-side-effects-dosage/
4. draxe.com/folate-deficiency/
5. draxe.com/lutein/
6. draxe.com/pqq-supplement/
Gold Leaf Nutritionals:
1. pro.goldleafnutritionals.com/p/GLN_cognigoldreboot_1018/MGLNUA76/Full
2. goldleafnutritionals.com/products/cognigold/
Alliance for Health: pro.allianceforadvancedhealth.com/p/AAH_alzaccidentfoureight_0618/EAAHV104/Full
Dr. Tom O’Brien:
1. thedr.com/brain-fog-cutter/