Blood sugar levels and Alzheimer’s – Shocking New Findings!

July 3, 2013 Senior Health Issues

Scientists are learning revealing new information as to contributing factors and possible causes of Alzheimer’s disease.  Unfortunately, there is little mainstream media and mass exposure of these findings and knowledge of our compromised food supply, available supplements and natural interdiction techniques to help prevent this dreaded disease.

This article explores some of the recent findings and ways to potentially help prevent the onset and even possibly improve quality of life of those already suffering from this terrible condition that so ruthlessly attacks the very core of an individual’s personhood.

Recent clinical studies over the last few years have found an associated relationship between blood sugar levels that are borderline or pre-diabetic and Alzheimer’s disease.  One of the most recent and comprehensive studies come from researchers at the University of Arizona, published in the April 23, 2013, issue of Neurology.  It’s important to note that individuals with only minimally elevated blood sugar levels, not those suffering from full blown diabetes, yet still low enough not to be treated aggressively with simply drugs and insulin, are most at risk for Alzheimer’s.

Given the fact that approximately 30 percent of the American population has elevated blood sugar levels and 50 percent of individuals over the age of 85 have Alzheimer’s disease, we are looking at enormous segments of the population at risk of contracting a disease that destroys an individual’s very core—their brain and memory.  Studies have shown that individuals with elevated blood sugar have a 70 percent increased chance of developing Alzheimer’s.

Scans of the brain using PET equipment have found that Alzheimer’s patients many times have a significant reduction in cerebral metabolic rates for glucose in certain brain regions. In the University of Arizona study researchers examined a total of 124 participants ranging in age from 47 to 68 who had a relative with Alzheimer’s.  All of the study participants did not currently have diabetes and were subjected to PET scans with a specific focus on brain activity related to factors affecting glucose control.

The results of this study are scary as it showed that the participants with a fasting blood glucose level that were considered only elevated—not yet diabetic—had reduced brain metabolism from those with normal blood glucose levels.  This reduced metabolic function in the brain is very similar to that in to patients typically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

This study gives notice to the importance of monitoring fasting or morning rising blood sugar levels for those who have a tendency to have elevated blood glucose.  It appears to indicate that individuals wishing to reduce their odds of contracting this terrible disease should do everything in their power to get their blood glucose levels under control with diet, exercise along with doing their own research on the latest in herbal and nutritional supplementation that may assist in controlling blood glucose levels.

One recent approach being studied for Alzheimer’s mediation is coconut oil.  This tropic oil has previously been thought to have negative rather than beneficial effects on the body, but recent research is proving quite the opposite.  Even though coconut oil is considered a saturated fat, it is not the type of saturated fat that is detrimental to the body such as hydrogenated fats, or fats altered by some modern industrial process.  Coconut oil is considered a medium chain fatty acid and causes the body to produce substances called ketones.  Even though our body naturally produces ketones when added energy and brain fuel is required during times of strenuous exercise or fasting.  The brain normally uses lots of energy and requires fuel, typically in the form of glucose, to perform the regular task of keeping us alive.  The theory is that Ketones act as an alternate form of energy for the brain rather than the brain utilizing the damaging glucose form of fuel for the energy the brain continuously needs to perform its duties.

Just about everyone knows someone with Alzheimer’s nowadays.  This modern fact of life requires a personal responsibility in learning as much as possible about the contributing factors and the latest ways to reduce the likelihood of becoming the next statistic.

Disclaimer: The suggestions above are only to be considered as general health concepts and are not to be considered as medical advice or a replacement for the advice of a personal physician.  Before starting any program where a change in diet and exercise is undertaken, always consult with a physician first.  Every individual and condition is different and specific medical conditions may prevent some individuals from embracing some of the practices detailed above.  Senior Home Locators and its owners are not responsible for the accuracy of the content or the results of any use of the information contained in this posting.