Memory problems associated with early stage of Alzheimer's disease can be overcome with the help of a complex program of lifestyle changes, supplements and hormones, according to a new study.
Dr. Dale Bredesen - a professor of neurology at the University of California, Los Angeles, who developed the program - stated that 9 of the initial 10 treated patients reported improvements in memory within three to six months. The full treatment involved 36 components and is tailored to the individual, Bredesen added.
In particular, the program encompassed diet changes such as eliminating simple carbohydrates and processed foods, regular exercise, stress reduction, better sleeping habits and in some cases hormone therapy. "Each person has a different chemistry," Bredesen said. "And we measure dozens of parameters in each patient."
Bredesen said that the single patient who did not respond to the therapy had advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease. "Obviously, larger studies are warranted," Bredesen said, reports HealthDay.
Health experts not associated with the study said that the findings were promising; however, one needs to be cautioned. "It's way too early to draw any conclusions from this," said Heather Snyder, director of medical and scientific operations for the Alzheimer's Association in Chicago. "It raises a lot of questions that should be explored in larger studies."
On a similar note, Dr. James Galvin - a professor of neurology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City - said, "I'm not knocking the concept. The factors the program targets -- including diet, physical activity and chronic body-wide inflammation -- are scientifically valid.
Experts generally advise against taking supplements without checking with a doctor; however, it is always sensible to have a healthy diet.
The study was published in the journal Aging.
