September 2018 Newsletter Part 1
Dementia Anyone?
Dementia would be at the top of my list of worst case scenarios for old age, yet statistics show it is rapidly on the rise and will triple in the next thirty years. Alzheimer’s is one form. Is there anything you can do to prevent this nightmare?
My concern with this subject was fanned into flames when my own father abruptly developed dementia following two major surgeries. Formerly bright and independent, he ended his days lost and confused and in pain.
Surgeons and anesthesiologists never mention dementia as a potential effect of general anesthesia unless you ask them. But ask anyone at rehab centers about the subject and they’ll be quick to acknowledge it. I have spoken to medical doctors about the side effect of dementia and they are very much aware of it. I think anyone considering major surgery, ie requiring general anesthesia, should be informed about this – especially if they are older or have some cognitive difficulty and are debating whether such surgery is necessary or desirable. To not be so informed should be malpractice.
Along a parallel line, Dr. David Perlmutter, neurosurgeon, nutritionist, 2nd generation medical doctor and lecturer discusses the role of statins and cholesterol on brain health in his book Grain Brain. He cites numerous studies showing that “People with low cholesterol had as many heart attacks and died just as frequently as those with high total cholesterol. And reviews of multiple large studies have routinely failed to find correlation between cholesterol levels and heart disease. Mounting research like this has prompted Dr. George Mann, a researcher with the Framingham Heart Study, to go on record saying: ‘The diet heart hypothesis that suggests that a high intake of fat or cholesterol causes heart disease has repeatedly shown to be wrong, and yet, for complicated reasons of pride, profit and prejudice, the hypothesis continues to be exploited by scientists, fund-raising enterprise, food companies and even government agencies. The public has been deceived by the greatest scam of the century.’”
Dr. Perlmutter goes on to say, “Nothing could be further from the truth than the myth that if we lower our cholesterol levels we might have a greater chance of living longer and healthier lives.” He cites further research studies to support this.
But here is the connection with dementia. People with high cholesterol are more likely to have better cognitive (mental) function than those with normal or low total cholesterol. In other words, added to the other potential adverse effects of statins such as muscle pain and heart and liver complications is the concern that it contributes to dementia. So is cholesterol really the problem or is it a natural and protective response of the body to stress and inflammation?
So what to do on a positive note? We could make a list, but let’s be brief. Control blood sugar through reduction of refined carbohydrates, sugar and gluten and consume healthy fats like fish oil, nuts and seeds.
I would also like to share something else with you. I have found in my office with non-invasive neuromuscular response testing that statins and general anesthetics often weaken my patients. And that Co-enzyme Q10, a natural anti-oxidant that the body produces and is available as a nutritional supplement offers protection.
Currently CoQ10 is used in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions, neuromuscular problems, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, gum and stomach issues, endocrine issues such as hyperthyroidism, aging, cancer – especially melanomas and Parkinson’s Disease. There is some question of whether or not some people are genetically unable to make adequate quantities.
I believe that Co-enzyme Q10 could be a great protector against dementia and I would urge anyone about to undergo anesthesia or who has a history of dementia in the family to consider supplementing their diet with Co-enzyme Q10! At this time Thorne Research has the most effective form of this supplement.
Call our office if you are interested
An Open Letter to New Patients
Welcome to my practice! Here are some things you should know:
1) We are a team. Our success depends on your participation. Not only by following my suggestions to the letter, but by your expressing questions, thoughts and suggestions. I am listening.
2) Chiropractic has many benefits. It involves manipulation of the spine to insure a healthy nervous system. As such you are likely to receive important benefits beyond the complaint that brought you to our office. Your digestion, immune system, energy, sleep and freedom from stress may very well improve. We are not just backs!
3) The recommended frequency of appointments is your prescription for better health. If you must cancel a visit, try to reschedule within the same weekly time period for best results.
Remember to be patient. Whether your symptoms occurred gradually or abruptly, conditions were probably developing over a much longer time. It takes time for real healing too.
4) Holistic care is not insignificant. It is care that will benefit you greatly. For a small additional fee per visit, usually $20, you are able to receive all of the non-chiropractic skills and therapies that I have learned over 40 years. I prefer this to charging a la carte for each service and scheduling extra visits which saves you money as well.
5) Diet, exercise, sleep, attitude and emotions all have a profound effect on health. We live in a time-crunched, mechanistic and sensory oriented society that often fails to nurture us. So give plenty of thought to this.
Your ability to create empowering changes rests on small changes that you maintain. As an example, 15 minutes of extra sleep or taking time to prepare a healthy meal and enjoy it or the attitude you cultivate when you first wake up. The little things truly become the big things.
6) When you reach your health goals, consider what is sometimes called maintenance care, but I prefer to call enhancement. Your care requires maintenance, don’t you? Some level of care is required to maintain high performance. This is usually once per month, but can be as often as once every two weeks or once every three months.
Unlike your car, you can continue to improve. My goal for you, however, is that you still enjoy doing the same things 15 years from now – run, bike, swim and garden – even if not at the same intensity.