Natural Treatments for Dementia and Alzheimer’s with Marilyn Glenville

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In this episode of The Functional Medicine Radio Show, Dr. Carri’s special guest Marilyn Glenville explains natural treatments for dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Marilyn Glenville is the UK’s leading nutritionist, specializing in women’s health. She is an inspiring public speaker – easy to listen to and very practical in her approach. Marilyn is the former President of the Food and Health Forum at The Royal Society of Medicine.

She is the award winning author of fifteen internationally bestselling books including, “Natural Solutions for Dementia and Alzheimer’s”.

Main Questions Asked about Natural Treatments for Dementia and Alzheimer’s:

What did you learn when doing research for your book?
How do you keep your memory so sharp?
What are your thoughts on a healthy ketogenic diet?
Besides diet and nutrients, what else should we do to keep our brains sharp for the long term?
Can we talk about exercise and brain health?
Are there environmental factors that are putting us at risk for dementia?
Are there any tests we should be doing that you think are important?

Key Points Made by Marilyn about Natural Treatments for Dementia and Alzheimer’s:

There hasn’t been a new pharmaceutical drug for dementia in the last 15 years and it doesn’t look like there will be a silver bullet.
Dementia is like a roof with 36 holes in it, finding one drug that deals with every issue is unrealistic.
Alzheimer’s and dementia are the biggest killers of women, killing three times more than breast cancer.
There is a 20 to 30 year gap between the first plaque that forms in your brain and the onset of dementia. You have the opportunity to put preventive steps in place well before the symptoms show up.
The things we do to keep our body healthy will also keep our brain healthy.
If you are in your 50’s and you find memory slipping or your concentration lacking, those are indications that your brain is degenerating.
As soon as you notice that things are becoming more difficult, that is when you need to take steps to help your brain be more healthy.
There is a gene that increases the risk of dementia but it does not cause it. It does seem like family history has an impact on whether or not you will develop dementia and Alzheimer’s but you have control over that. Genes can be switched on and switched off based off your diet, lifestyle, and environment.
Food and nutrition is the foundation for health. The Mediterranean diet is linked to a reduced incidence of cognitive decline.
Keeping your blood glucose in check has a big impact on overall cognitive health.
Your brain can become insulin resistant. Ketones can be used as fuel for the brain.
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, have been shown to help prevent the plaques from forming and has a positive effect on brain health.
Doing a blood test to check your levels and supplementing for the next three months and retesting is a good strategy.
Besides DHA, being deficient in vitamin D has also been linked to negative cognitive effects. Supplementing vitamin D is a good idea because a large number of people are deficient and it’s easy to correct.
Exercise has been linked to a boost in brain function. The intensity of the exercise isn’t very important, it’s the total amount and the variety of activity involved. Even walking or choosing to take the stairs will make a positive difference.
Your brain is a muscle – any activity that uses your brain will help your brain health. Play games, learn an instrument, learn another language, do something you enjoy and it will help long term.
Some over the counter medicines for colds and flus can possibly be contributing to your odds of dementia. Speak to your doctor if you notice any memory changes and ask about alternative medications.
Sleep is a major factor in brain health. Getting good sleep, especially on your side, allows your spine to flush waste chemicals from your brain.
HbA1C is the simplest test you can ask for to learn about your odds of developing dementia and whether you are deficient in certain nutrients.